Day Trips

[McP1605]

Hey everyone! I know this has been discussed before, but I am having a terrible time finding any info on the search option. So, I am going to ask again. I would love any advice... or any links you can give me to previous posts. I have company coming into town next week and would like to get some ideas for places to take them outside of The Villages. I know we have a lot to do inside the bubble, but I would like to show them some of Florida too. I appreciate any info you have to offer!

[swrinfla]

The local AAA sponsors many trips. Not able to give you a specific site or phone number, but they'll offer you a good number of options!

SWR
:beer3:

[obxgal]

These should get you started. And you can also do a "search" for beaches.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/what-some-fun-interesting-day-trips-you-can-make-villages-10179/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/things-do-places-go-73176/

Best beach front hotel with balcony in FL - Talk of The Villages (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/travel-forum-119/best-beach-front-hotel-balcony-fl-77867/)

[mrfixit]

.
...open EVERY WEEKEND 9 to 4:45...(EXCEPT.. June 7-8 and June 14-15.)

we take most everyone here....
..1 Mile SOUTH of State Road 40....on EAST side of Marion County Road 35. It is IN the Silver River State Park using this South entrance.

8 Bucks per carload to enter the Park...
and...2 Bucks per person to enter the Air Conditioned Museum.
This is a VERY nice Museum....you will not be disappointed.

On the grounds next to the museum is an 19th Century
"Old Cracker Village" with several buildings.

A VERY Nice Campground is also within this area of the Park.

CLICK HERE>>>>>>

http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/silverrivermuseum.html


Silver River Museum :: Marion County Public Schools (http://www.SilverRiverMuseum.com)


>>>> IN ADDITION <<<< at least from Thursdays thru Mondays...

When finished at Museum and Cracker Village....head back out to C.R. 35
and go 1 mile NORTH to State Road 40. Turn Right (East) and go 1 Block to MAIN Entrance to SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK.
The 8 Bucks you paid to get your vehicle and people into the Park
using the C.R. 35 entrance to Museum ....

..............................WILL ALSO get you into
Silver Springs State Park entrance of the Park on State Road 40.

CLICK HERE >>>> Welcome to Florida State Parks (http://www.floridastateparks.org/silverriver/)

You can ride the GLASS BOTTOM BOATS in the crystal clear waters for 10 Bucks per person.
Starts at 10 AM and Last Sailing at about 5:30 PM..
Casts off every 30 minutes. ( actual on water time about 17 min)
You will see where 850 MILLION Gallons of 74 degree water comes out
of ground EVERY Day.....right below the boat.


IF you go Thursdays thru Mondays ...they also offer 90 minute rides
at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM and 3:00 Pm for...
... 25 Bucks for Adults

... 20 Bucks for Seniors and 17 and under.

... FREE for 5 and Under.

There are also...
.............Canoe and kayak rentals.
..............MANY marked hiking trails.
.................Picnic areas.

When you leave you can go WEST on SR 40 to Outback Steakhouse ...Steak n'Shake and lots more
..there is even a SuperWalmart ..West on SR 40.

PLUS...The Appleton Museum of Art is less than 2 miles West from Silver Spring Park on SR 40.

...ALL of this only about 40 minutes from The Villages Lake Sumter Landing .

[Carla B]

Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon off Highway 41. Went there today and walked some of the nature trails near the head springs. It is absolutely beautiful. It was a former "attraction" in the 1930's and still has some of the infrastructure.

[jojo]

We just did Rainbow Springs State Park. There are waterfalls (man-made) but beautiful. Stumpknockers on the River is close by for lunch or dinner. Can kayak, canoe, or tube. Those are at different entrances. Fee is $2 per person to get into the state park. There is also swimming. The headsprings water reminds me of the Caribbean - beautiful shades of turquoise.

[Indy-Guy]

A good day trip that we enjoy taking people to is Celebration FL and have lunch downtown Celebration. Then a ride around the neighborhoods to see the unique architecture of the homes. Celebration was developed by Disney and is worth the drive to see.

To get to Celebration take the Florida Turnpike south to the 429 toll road and go south on the 429 to I-4 and go east on I-4 and take the first exit to Celebration. The drive is about an hour.

See video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oko7qh7m0fc

Also Mt Dora is a great day trip.

[jebartle]

Go to the website and http://www.virginiatrace.com/ they list ALL day trips....Wonderful site!