Time magazine's new list, World's Greatest Places of 2024, includes an Ocala entry

Time magazine has placed the World Equestrian Center in Ocala on an exclusive list: The World's Greatest Places of 2024.

The WEC is one of 100 "extraordinary destinations to explore worldwide," according to the magazine feature, which went live Thursday. The list includes 50 places to stay (including the WEC) and 50 places to visit.

How did Time compile the list?

According to its website , Time "solicited nominations of places — including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more — from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as through an application process, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences."

What does Time have to say about the World Equestrian Center?

When taking in the full breadth of the WEC, "Florida’s surprisingly pastoral interior begins to feel pretty lively," the magazine says.

Time points to the newly opened Riding Academy Hotel as well as the original Equestrian Hotel, plus the high-end shopping and dining, the 29 indoor and outdoor competition arenas, and the world-class equestrian events.

From the Ocala Star Banner archives: More World Equestrian Center stories and photos

How difficult was it to make Time's list?

According to a news release from a PR company that represents the WEC's hotels, the WEC is the only Florida resort on Time's list and one of only 13 in the United States.

jross@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Time magazine's new list, World's Greatest Places of 2024, includes an Ocala entry