What to be sure to do on the Lifestyle visit?

[Go-Bucks!]

My daughter and I will be visiting TV in about 5 weeks and want to be sure we see/do activities that will give me a good sampling of what's available for my retirement years.

Neither of us golf, but I'd like to take it up again if I move there. We plan to go to a movie, go to the town squares in the evening, visit the rec centers, shop, eat at a variety of restaurants, use the golf cart, and maybe the bicycles. Also plan to look at homes. I contacted one of the clubs, but was told that only residents can attend their meeting/potluck. :cry:

Any of you have other things that we should plan to see or do? We'll be there for 4 days and 5 nights. Would love ideas from current residents so we won't miss something fun or important. I was told we'll be staying near the Lake Sumter Square. Thanks for your ideas!!

[Fraugoofy]

I would try to take in a show at the Savanah Center if possible!

[obxgal]

Trolley ride, bring your bathing suits and relax at one of the many pools. If your here April 18th catch the old car show at Spanish springs town square. Bowling, pickle ball and I'm sure others will give you more ideas.

[tomwed]

watch this click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIVAJUk73Io)

[pqrstar]

If you do the lifestyle visit, you will be given guest passes to participate in any of the activities at the Rec. centers.

Most clubs welcome guests.

[fred53]

If you do the lifestyle visit, you will be given guest passes to participate in any of the activities at the Rec. centers.

Most clubs welcome guests.

groups that meet and have potluck suppers...guest passes will not get you into them.

[graciegirl]

groups that meet and have potluck suppers...guest passes will not get you into them.

But if you want to visit the Ohio club, be OUR guest. Be sure and stop by our house if you have time.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Ride around with a Realtor and buy a house... they will be more expensive next time.

[tv2016]

Eat lunch outside at the Arnold Palmer Country Club. Visit the Eisenhower rec center to see the decor.

[Go-Bucks!]

But if you want to visit the Ohio club, be OUR guest. Be sure and stop by our house if you have time.

It was the Buckeye club that I contacted, but they said their Apr. 22 meeting was private. Is the Ohio club different? I'd love to meet other Ohioans, esp you guys! We arrive on Apr. 21 and leave on the 26th. Let me know. :wave:

[Go-Bucks!]

These are great suggestions - thanks so much. Anymore??

[Villager Joyce]

Golf Cart everywhere that is feasible. Rather than run around to see everything, pick a few relaxing activities. Eating outside at the country clubs is one of my favorite things to do. We go to Publix in the cart and pick up egg salad and croissants, and then have a picnic at one of the pools or rec centers.

[karostay]

My daughter and I will be visiting TV in about 5 weeks and want to be sure we see/do activities that will give me a good sampling of what's available for my retirement years.

Neither of us golf, but I'd like to take it up again if I move there. We plan to go to a movie, go to the town squares in the evening, visit the rec centers, shop, eat at a variety of restaurants, use the golf cart, and maybe the bicycles. Also plan to look at homes. I contacted one of the clubs, but was told that only residents can attend their meeting/potluck. :cry:

Any of you have other things that we should plan to see or do? We'll be there for 4 days and 5 nights. Would love ideas from current residents so we won't miss something fun or important. I was told we'll be staying near the Lake Sumter Square. Thanks for your ideas!!
Bring 28 hour day

[redwitch]

Honestly, I'd skip the golf cart. You're not going to be here long, it is easy to get lost in a cart here, the cart that come with the lifestyle visits are exceedingly slow. Use the cart in your neighborhood and maybe to go to a square if you're nearby. Otherwise, take your car.

Definitely take a trolley ride. At a minimum, visit Eisenhower Rec Center. Talk to lots of people -- at the squares, in restaurants, anywhere and everywhere. Most importantly, have fun. (As to the clubs, you may have to join -- normally, a $5.00 annual fee -- but you should be able to participate.)

[pqrstar]

groups that meet and have potluck suppers...guest passes will not get you into them.


Well, the clubs I belong to certainly don't mind guest.

Guests can bring a pot-luck dish too.

[Cathy H]

have dinner in one of the very noisy golf club restaurants
read the Sun paper for real estate ads for pre-owned homes that are not sold by The villages agency
get a sunburn in the april solar rays
get a street map to help you navigate (if you are map competent)
ask realtor about the bond debt every house has not included in the asking price

[Go-Bucks!]

Honestly, I'd skip the golf cart. You're not going to be here long, it is easy to get lost in a cart here, the cart that come with the lifestyle visits are exceedingly slow. Use the cart in your neighborhood and maybe to go to a square if you're nearby. Otherwise, take your car.

Unfortunately, we won't have a car. We're flying down and taking the shuttle to/from the Orlando airport. We'll just have to make do! :D

[tomwed]

Bring a camera that shoots video and make sure you both take turns using it. Instead of taking pictures narrate the scene.

Make business cards from vistaprint. Most of us have them. When you make a friend give them a card. You never know who is selling or thinking about selling their house.

Get the GPS App the vendor on TOTV sells. Get a map too. Where ever you are when you open it, Villagers will come to the rescue.

I wouldn't waste time on lines waiting for a table. Sit at the bar and meet people.

if i think of anything else i will add on to this post

[graciegirl]

Stop in several rec centers and see what is going on. Swim at the neighborhood centers and check out the art room at the regional centers and sometimes some of The Villages bands and orchestra's are practicing there in other rooms. Ditto ballet and jazz and tap classes.

People are always stopping by the art studio I go to. There are a LOT of talented residents here and a lot of great teachers too.

[2BNTV]

Honestly, I'd skip the golf cart. You're not going to be here long, it is easy to get lost in a cart here, the cart that come with the lifestyle visits are exceedingly slow. Use the cart in your neighborhood and maybe to go to a square if you're nearby. Otherwise, take your car.

Definitely take a trolley ride. At a minimum, visit Eisenhower Rec Center. Talk to lots of people -- at the squares, in restaurants, anywhere and everywhere. Most importantly, have fun. (As to the clubs, you may have to join -- normally, a $5.00 annual fee -- but you should be able to participate.)

:agree:

Take the rec news home with you and visit the pools. I would buy a couple of map at the sales office. Do the activities that interest you most but don't try to fit everything in as the days will go fast and you'll get crazy which way to head in.

I found just talking to everyone you come into contact with, will give you a good feeling about what TV is all about.

Have fun!!!

[Allegiance]

Most importantly, when visiting the squares, partake in the happy hour and .........................
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQMy9msMx1T24g4CfxDPICjpJPq4e6UG Bk7wC-9xt5uWkRF2gSg

[sunnyatlast]

1. Rent a car so you can go all around TV in less than a half hour from point A to point B. The place is gigantic and the slow golf carts provided will take too much of your limited time.

Use the cart to go to the nearby town square and a few places in the immediate vicinity, but do the rest by car. Navigating this huge place requires ALL your attention when driving, and your time is limited.

2. Definitely take the trolley tour, to get a sense of all the main areas and to learn some history of TV.

3. Spend time at Spanish Springs Town Square. It is beautiful and the neighborhoods there are really nice, a bit different from the newer ones built southward.

4. Look at homes with the TV sales rep assigned to you (they do not pressure at all).

5. Talk with everyone at the town squares. You can learn a lot from Villagers already here and living their lives to the fullest.

6. Stay longer than 5 days, maybe at the Waterfront Hotel. Five days go by in a flash here and you'll wish you had more time. TV can probably get you the residents' or preview discount at the Waterfront.

7. Bring your checkbook.

[hulahips]

Go to the pools and talk to villagers, get to know them and learn from their experience and knowledge

[RickeyD]

Stay away from the lime koolaid, drink cherry instead.

[tomwed]

Yes, rent a car, a convertible, at the airport. Live a little. You won't get lost. The van for 2 without a tip is $180 round trip. Try to arrive in daylight if possible.

Where are you from exactly? In our phone book everyone is broken down to city and state of origin. I'll tell you how many are from your hometown. If I can figure out an easy way to PM you the names we will go from there.

[Go-Bucks!]

1. Rent a car so you can go all around TV in less than a half hour from point A to point B. The place is gigantic and the slow golf carts provided will take too much of your limited time.

I'll check into it.

3. Spend time at Spanish Springs Town Square. It is beautiful and the neighborhoods there are really nice, a bit different from the newer ones built southward.

Is this the nicest or best or most popular square?? I've been watching the webcams and during the evening entertainment it's hard to tell which square looks like the most fun. During the daytime, Spanish Springs looks the busiest.

6. Stay longer than 5 days, maybe at the Waterfront Hotel. Five days go by in a flash here and you'll wish you had more time. TV can probably get you the residents' or preview discount at the Waterfront.

Unfortunately, we can't stay longer - I still work! :ohdear:

7. Bring your checkbook.

Why?? Are there hidden fees or expenses that I wasn't told? Are restaurants and stores expensive? If you're meaning that I might buy a home ---> that isn't possible. First, I have to work for 4 more years and would have to sell my farm before I could buy another house. :D

Thanks for all the great ideas!

[Walt.]

If you like bluegrass music and are here on a Wednesday you might want to drop in on The Bluegrass Performance Club at the Seabreeze Rec Center. They play from 1:00-3:00 and are really talented performers. It's open to anyone and it's free.

[rubicon]

Think!

[tomwed]

click here (http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/app/recnews/index.html)

These are the activities for the month. It's arranged by rec center going from north to south.

[Packer Fan]

Golf Cart everywhere that is feasible. Rather than run around to see everything, pick a few relaxing activities. Eating outside at the country clubs is one of my favorite things to do. We go to Publix in the cart and pick up egg salad and croissants, and then have a picnic at one of the pools or rec centers.

I could not agree more! Eating on the CC patios is awesome - I would highly recommend Evan's Prairie CC. Also, have dinner at Nancy Lopez or Arnold Palmer, very nice.

[Packer Fan]

7. Bring your checkbook.[/QUOTE]

WHY??? Does anyone actually write Checks anymore? Actually, it is amazing how cheap the food and activities are in the Villages - furniture and nicknacks at locals stores are another matter though.

HAVE FUN!:thumbup:

[DougB]

7. Bring your checkbook.

WHY??? Does anyone actually write Checks anymore? Actually, it is amazing how cheap the food and activities are in the Villages - furniture and nicknacks at locals stores are another matter though.

HAVE FUN!:thumbup:[/QUOTE]

The phrase "bring your checkbook" refers to buying a house, not going to restaurants or shopping.

[jblum315]

By all means buy a $5 Villages map at a sales office. Use it for getting around on your visit, and later to review where you've been

[Go-Bucks!]

Thank you, everyone, for the great ideas. I have a nice list to take with me.

I already took a couple people's advice about the shuttle vs. renting a car. I decided to rent a car even though it's costing me $80 more than the shuttle (then gas on top of that), but since we aren't able to stay very long I decided that we would be able to visit more of the area with a car. Plus, the trip to and from Orlando should be quicker with a car. :D