Ocala, Florida, is known for its beautiful vineyards and local breweries. A lot of social events in the area involve drinking alcohol. This can make it difficult to engage in activities if you are in recovery. With autumn coming soon, we want to let you know about fun sober activities to get you in the spirit of the season.
Rainbow River
Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, or tubing, Rainbow River offers various pastimes. Autumn in Florida offers warm weather, great for outdoor adventures. Rainbow River is known for its crystal clear water. This allows you to see all the aquatic flora and fauna. According to local laws, alcohol isn’t permitted on the river, and all coolers are subject to search. You can enjoy the pleasant autumn weather without any pressure to drink.
The Pickin’ Patch
What’s more traditionally autumn than pumpkin patches and corn fields? At the Pickin’ Patch, you can pick pumpkins, gourds, and sunflowers. You can bring or rent a wagon to carry your haul. If you’re going out with any young family members, they offer a kids’ hay maze, fort, and slides. Otherwise, you can enjoy the full-size corn maze, photo ops, live music, and a field full of pumpkins. As the Pickin’ Patch doesn’t permit alcohol or smoking, you can enjoy a substance-free environment.
Scary Train at Kirby Family Farm
If you look forward to the Halloween thrills in autumn, you might consider visiting the Scary Train. This haunted house offers five scare regions, each themed toward different scares. The $16 tickets are reasonably affordable for a haunted house of this size. Between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m., you can laugh, scream, and enjoy the spooky atmosphere. Though they offer snacks and water, they don’t sell alcohol or allow people to bring it in.
Additionally, all the money goes to a good cause. The Kirby Family Farm provides educational assistance for at-risk and disabled children. You can experience something fun while giving back to a good cause.
Horseback Riding
Ocala, Florida, is known as the horse capital of the world. The city is filled with stables. With the accessibility of horses, many treatment facilities offer equine therapy. Stables open to the public often provide horseback riding. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the natural landscape of Ocala. Most places that offer horseback riding only allow you to bring a snack and water. As such, a person doesn’t need to worry about the temptation to consume alcohol.
Autumn is the time for pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and outdoor adventures. Socialization can prove difficult for people in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Luckily, Ocala, Florida, offers many sober autumn activities. You can enjoy all the perks of the beautiful landscape without social pressure to drink. If you need an active AUD program or continued aftercare, The Guest House can assist you. We offer everything from detox to alumni services. We’re only a phone call away. Reach out to The Guest House at (855) 483-7800.