We live in Michigan. Years ago while renting cottages "Up north" as the northern part of the state is referred to, we stayed at a place in Central Lake and another on Torch Lake. We used to go to this tourist place called Brownwood Acres where they made cherry butter along with various jams, mustards, etc. There were a few gift shops, a schoolhouse that had fallen thru the icy waters of Torch Lake while being moved and a great restaurant. We eventually bought a cottage up there and enjoyed it for many years. One day while at Brownwood someone said something about a man from the area starting a retirement community in central Florida where you could golf free for life. It was called The Villages. Then we started to see the ads on TV and wondered if it was the same place that people "up north" were talking about. We were visiting family in Winter Haven and decided to check out TV and came for the day and took the trolley ride. Then we did the LSV in Sept 2009 followed by a month rental in April 2010, another week over the 4th of July last year and a week over Labor Day last year, staying in different villages, different types of villas, homes. We looked at many places and found our little pre-owned home. Closed last October. Hope this isn't to long but I just viewed the latest update to the newest town square. You will find it along with videos of Brownwood in the latest edition of the villages magazine on line. Just brought back some amazing memories. Sitting up here in Michigan with a foot of snow on my patio. Hope to be down there as a part time resident next year after retirement!
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