Hello peg! Welcome to TOTV! I am a long time wannabee, hopefully will buy in The Villages someday. During your visit, I would recommend you take the trolley tour, which lasts for about an hour. It doesn't cover all of The Villages, but you will get a flavor of what The Villages is like. If you call the Sales Office, you can get details of the Trolley Tour, as to where it leaves from and the times of the tours.
Visit the 3 squares (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood). Every night from 5 to 9 there is free entertainment in each square. Ask Villagers questions during your visit. Most are happy to tell you about their life in TV. And connect with one of the singles groups while you are visiting; the singles groups seem to be pretty active.
If you like to check out open houses, they are held daily in The Villages. If you buy a copy of local newspaper, The Daily Sun, the open houses are prominently advertised. The developer also lists open houses on The Villages official web site.
I am also visiting in September, and I believe this is my first visit to TV during September. I have been told it's still the rainy season during September, so you may get a late afternoon shower. When I have rented in TV during July and August, I learned to carry a small umbrella with me just in case.
I have found most Villagers to be helpful, friendly and welcoming. I hope you have a fantastic visit!
