Concerns? Unfounded?

[kofficer]

From what I have been reading, I get the impression that there are very large crowds everywhere, and that there are waits to get on equipment at the wellness centers and/or fitness clubs? Also, how well kept are the neighborhood pools and recreation centers? What is the difference between the wellness clubs and the fitness clubs you join at the rec centers?

Thanks so much for any answers.

We are just starting to look around, and are making a quick trip next weekend, but will probably followup later with a lifestyle trip. We currently live outside Tampa.

KO

[villages07]

KO...

An in person trip, even a quick one, will tell you a lot.

Like most of Florida, it does get busy here in Jan/Feb/Mar... restaurants are crowded, golf times are scarcer. It's really not so bad getting around because we have so many golf carts. I shudder to think what traffic would be like if we couldn't use golf cart paths.

Fitness centers have nice equipment but no personal trainer or other services. Also, you can just pay by the day ($5/day) if you prefer. Wellness center is more expensive but definitely more upscale...have trainers, classes, etc. Again, they are busy in the winter and early mornings.

Neighborhood and rec center pools are very well maintained..... they are cleaned every night and as they age furniture is replaced. I can always see my toes in the water (could not say the same for a hotel pool in Clearwater Beach a couple of weeks ago).

You can learn a lot by reading all the info here on TOTV but nothing replaces an in person visit. You're less than 2 hrs away in Tampa...cmon up for the day.

[Shirleevee]

V07..right on point as usual..........

[graciegirl]

V07 and Shirleevee are so right...

And I'd just be beating my gums to add to what has been said. I will say...you are both going to be so surprised and delighted. I am almost 70 years old and traveled quite a bit and I have to say this is the most delightful place you could ever imagine.:pepper2:

Welcome. I would invite you to our house but we will be gone when you get here.

Someone will arrange a meet and greet I am sure.

[kofficer]

Thank you for the information. We are coming up, next weekend, staying Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel, and have a meeting with someone on Sunday morning to look things over. You saved me some trouble later thought, I was leaning toward the wellness center and know I know. We do the gym thing here 3 days a week with a personal trainer and bowl twice a week also, hoping to do more "fun" exercise when we retire which is still not until 2012. I already have a feeling this is the place we have been looking for. And yes we are used to the crowds during the "season" where we are also. Looking forward to our visit.

Lee and Richard