Taking the Plunge - Coming for My First Visit

[BigEast]

I've been reading this forum for about 6 months now and decided to take the plunge and jump in and start a thread as I'm thinking about visiting TV for the first time on the 27th for 3 days. I'll be in Tampa on business and will drive over and arrive in the afternoon. I need some help in making my first visit most productive. I've made a reservation at the Waterfront Inn and although it will be only 3 days that I will be in TV I'd like to immerse myself and get as much of the experience that I can. I am in my late 50s and my significant other will not accompany me as she has little to no interest in retiring in TV as she thinks it is too homogeneous and she has no interest in being in a retirement community at this time in her life. It has been a bit of a sore spot between us and she feels that I have become obsessed with TV. She is encouraging me to go by myself to see why I feel the way I do from what I have read on this forum.
I have a a few questions:
1. Since I will not have a guest pass what can I visit and what can I not. Can I go to dine at any of the golf course restaurants like the Havana? Can I go to Katy Belle's for brunch. Can I visit any of the Community Centers? Can I visit the golf courses? Will I be able to get tickets to the Savannah?
2. Can I go to any activities? Any clubs?
3. How often does the trolley make the rounds? Is the trolley a tour of TV? How long is the tour?
4. Do you suggest I rent a golf cart for a day or two or do you not feel it a good idea since I am staying for only 3 days.
5. Are there any places that are must sees that I should visit during my 3 days?
6. Where is the best place to meet locals to talk about the TV lifestyle?
7. Are there any restaurants that you would suggest that are best to engage locals to talk...like a popular breakfast or lunch place.
8. Is there any way to golf in TV without a guest pass? Can you golf as a single?
9. Should I keep my rental car while in TV or turn it in until I need to head back to TPA?
10. I understand that polo does not start until March. Is there anything to see at the Polo Club?
11. Since I like antiques I was thinking about going to Mt. Dora. How far is it and is it worth going to or will it be a distraction from my visit?
12.Do many TVers still work when they live in TV?
13. How can I learn about TV activities during the last weekend of the month?

In the future I probably will do a lifestyle visit, and then maybe rent for a month however I tried to make a reservation 2 months ago and it was completely booked for this time. Do last minute openings ever free up. My impression is that having a guest pass makes a significant difference in learning about TV and immersing yourself in the experience.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[skip0358]

Contact a sales associate and try and get a guest pass. Go to the square at night for dancing and cocktails, check out Urban Flats, Red Sauce, Cody's, The Light House Rest. for any of your meals. Anybody and everbody will talk to you. There is no reason your other half wouldn't like this place as there's nothing not to like regardless of your age. As far as I know there's nothing going on at the Polo grounds, I'd suggest renting a golf cart as that is the mode of transportation.I think if you have a camera you should take lots of pictures for your wife or call her when your at the square with the music blarring so she hears what she's missing. On the 27th you should go to RJ Gators at night for the Kareoke starting at 8PM. Have A Ball!!

[Allen]

Our only experience so far was a week long Lifestyle Preview, so I will answer the questions I can and leave the rest to others who have had a lot more experience. First of all, it is my opinion that you must find a way to get your wife there at some point. She will not be able to truly evaluate TV unless she actually visits the place. In our case, my wife was initially very dubious, but we tacked on the Lifestyle Preview visit at the end of a Disney vacation. Perhaps she will go for something like that idea. We found when it was over that we actually enjoyed The Villages more than Disney (if you can believe that... and my wife loves Disney)! Needless to say, she can not wait now to get back to TV. Show her this post if you think it will help. It's possible that if you both go, you might mutually decide it's not for you, or you may decide that it is... either way, at least it will be a decision made together.

As to the homogeneous question... judging from the extremely vast array of clubs and activities, the place is anything but homogeneous.

O.K. this part is none of my business (and you didn't actually pose this question), but feel the need to try to reinforce this point anyway... If you go, and come back LOVING the place, but she has had not seen it... will that help in your decision making process, or might it just make it more difficult to come to consensus? It seems to me that it is most important for the most dubious of the two of you to see it first hand. If you already like what you see from looking online, it won't take much to convince you.

Now for the answers to the questions I feel qualified to address.

"3. How often does the trolley make the rounds? Is the trolley a tour of TV? How long is the tour?"

The trolley is a tour and it takes about an hour. It basically gives you a "lay of the land". It is best to do early as they point out where things are. Take a map with you so you can see where you are as they drive you around.

"4. Do you suggest I rent a golf cart for a day or two or do you not feel it a good idea since I am staying for only 3 days."

A golf cart will give you easier access to places. Your car will serve you well if you want to get outside of TV to check out the surrounding area. I suggest you have both available. We did and it was worth it, but we were there for a full week. You will have a hard time seeing everything in three days.

"5. Are there any places that are must sees that I should visit during my 3 days?"

Others will give you better information regarding the activities, I suggest you try to at least look at some homes while you are there as well.

"6. Where is the best place to meet locals to talk about the TV lifestyle?"

We found people very helpful... even people walking down the street or shopping in the stores. We could not find anyone who didn't love the place. Just tell people (anyone, anywhere) why you are there and ask them a question or two. I think you will find the answers you are looking for without any difficulty.

"9. Should I keep my rental car while in TV or turn it in until I need to head back to TPA?"

We kept our car for the week. It didn't make sense to take the time to turn it in and you will be wishing you had more time to look around. I think the cost was about the same either way, but it gave us more flexibility.

"12.Do many TVers still work when they live in TV?"

Based on what I have seen on this board, a fair number do and they are happy to do it if they have to in order to be there. Just be aware wages are lower in Florida than what you may be used to up north. Check this board for the topic and you will see what I mean. See this thread as one source:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27219

"13. How can I learn about TV activities during the last weekend of the month?"

The Villages website has a link to activities schedules...

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/content/current/sections/recnews.pdf

If you go to the information center at Sumter Landing you will no doubt be able to talk to people who may be more helpful.

Don't be afraid to contact a realtor from TV. We are very happy with the person we are working with. There was absolutely no pressure, but she was very helpful regarding many things beyond showing us the models. By the way, you can not get into the model homes without a realtor. Send me a Private Message if you want her name.

[graciegirl]

Welcome to you.

At a restaurant or on the square or any place where there is a person, just say "I am new here. How do you like this place?" People are eager to share their happiness.

It is six in the morning and I am in Ohio right now and I haven't had my coffee yet, or I would type a novel about how and why I love The Villages.

You are gonna love it and so will she.

[villages07]

A guest pass will certainly enhance your experience. Do you know anyone who lives here? Even if you don't stay with them, they can get a guest pass for you. The guest pass will allow you to use the rec centers and family/adult pools and pay guest fees on the exec and champ golf courses.

The champ golf courses are open to the public but you can only get same-day phone in tee times (so, only the very earliest or latest or perhaps a cancellation spot) and pay top dollar.

The country club restaurants are open to the public.

You can walk around and visit a lot of the facilities but not "use" them (i.e you can walk thru Bacall rec center but not play billiards there).

Shows at the Savannah center are open to the public at a higher ticket price.

Allen offers some sage advice.... it's best to get your wife down here with you and experience it together. Lifestyle previews will open up after April.

Good luck...if you like what you read on this board, you will enjoy the real thing even more.

[ceejay]

[QUOTE=BigEast;248500]my significant other will not accompany me as she has little to no interest in retiring in TV as she thinks it is too homogeneous and she has no interest in being in a retirement community at this time in her life. "

I was having the same feelings...until I came for a visit!

I thought "retirement communities" were only for "OLD" people...until I actually experienced life in The Villages. I am only 52 (my SO is 59), still work...but these Villagers actually run circles around me! I swear, they are the most active group of people I have ever seen! And Party???? They put me (in my early 20's) to shame!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, that I am so blessed to have the opportunity to live here in the Villages...it was the BEST move and the smartest decision that we have ever made. Honestly, if she would like to contact me with any questions or trepiditions (sp?) please feel free to have her PM me! I will give her nothing but truthful answers :smiley:

[Russ_Boston]

I am in my late 50s and my significant other will not accompany me as she has little to no interest in retiring in TV as she thinks it is too homogeneous and she has no interest in being in a retirement community at this time in her life. It has been a bit of a sore spot between us and she feels that I have become obsessed with TV. She is encouraging me to go by myself to see why I feel the way I do from what I have read on this forum.

My wife was not too far different than yours before our first visit 4 years ago when I was 'only' 48.

BUT

After the first visit she said "We should visit again some time"
After the second visit she said "I think this would work for us"
After the third visit she said "It's going to be a lot fun living here"
Now she's bugging me to get our plan rolling so we can buy a house and get this thing started.

You're not going to have any issues convincing yourself so why not schedule a Lifestyle visit for April for the both of you. Tell her it's a great vacation spot - don't emphasize retirement. After all it is a great vacation deal. The LSV is inexpensive and they give you some golf, cheap eats, a golf cart for the week (I think) etc. etc.

Then take some time to prepare what you'll do during the LSV. For example my wife is a swimmer so we went to the sports pools to do morning laps. She likes tennis so we took some pickleball lessons to see how similar it was to tennis (She loves it and can't wait to be in a league).

Rent a couple of bikes (available right in LSL) and use all the golf cart trails to see how easy it is to be active right from your door.

If she likes dancing take her to one of the squares any night from 5-9 to see what band is playing.

Bottom line: she isn't going to be convinced because you are. Take the week-long LSV and let The Villages convince her.

Russ

[BigEast]

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my original thread. I agree that it would be preferable to visit with my significant other who is my girlfriend of many years. However she is adament that she does not want to visit at this times and she has said that even if she did visit she would not view this as a vacation of choice. I have even tried to convince her to spend a few days tagged on to someplace else. However there is hope as she relunctantly has spoken to one or two people at my assistance but she was turned off I believe because they were older and trying to rent out their units. She has also called the TV office to try to get a reservation for a lifestyle visit but nothing has been available for the past 3 months.

Since I will be in Tampa for a conference she is encouraging me to go to TV to derive my own opinion indicating that if I still want she will "relunctantly" visit at a future day. I think her reservations about TV stem from three things: 1. she is 49 years old and feels that everyone is older 2. she lives and works in Manhattan and she likes diversity 3. her opinion to date has been that TV is homogeneous and reminds her of the Stepford Wives as everything seems so perfect on the surface. I am 57 and original from NYC and now live and work in CT.

Have any of you moved from a large city to TV? Has anyone done this in their 50s. As I previously posted for the next few years I would only be a part time TV resident for one or two months trying to experience the lifestyle firsthand and in more depth. I would continue to work as my work allows me to work from any location as I am a financial advisor.

So it appears that I relunctantly will be the advance party and want to make the most of it. I do not know anyone who lives in TV that can help with guest passes so I will take your suggestions and call the TV office and see if they can offer some assistance in this area.

I really appreciate the excitment and the passion that you all have for TV. I believe that is fueling me and making me more interested. I view this as an adventure and a process and I look forward to everyone's comments and suggestions as I they have been helpful as I plan my trip.

[Allen]

I think her reservations about TV stem from three things: 1. she is 49 years old and feels that everyone is older 2. she lives and works in Manhattan and she likes diversity 3. her opinion to date has been that TV is homogeneous and reminds her of the Stepford Wives as everything seems so perfect on the surface.

TV is definitely NOT Manhattan... which is fine by me. I personally don't care for the city. There are many pluses in an urban environment, but they are offset by too many negatives as far as I am concerned. Reversing the situation, I can understand how she feels as I would not be overly enthused about moving to NYC. Also, I can not say that I would have been ready for TV at 49 either.

So, it seems that you are on the right track. Check it out for yourself... if you like it, see if she is willing to visit with an open mind. Just be sure to do the Lifestyle Preview for about a week. You really can't get a feel for it in less time than that, and you may even need a few trips to be sure (one way or the other).

I don't think the homogeneous objection will remain a factor after she is there for a while... that's just my opinion.

[graciegirl]

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my original thread. I agree that it would be preferable to visit with my significant other who is my girlfriend of many years. However she is adament that she does not want to visit at this times and she has said that even if she did visit she would not view this as a vacation of choice. I have even tried to convince her to spend a few days tagged on to someplace else. However there is hope as she relunctantly has spoken to one or two people at my assistance but she was turned off I believe because they were older and trying to rent out their units. She has also called the TV office to try to get a reservation for a lifestyle visit but nothing has been available for the past 3 months.

Since I will be in Tampa for a conference she is encouraging me to go to TV to derive my own opinion indicating that if I still want she will "relunctantly" visit at a future day. I think her reservations about TV stem from three things: 1. she is 49 years old and feels that everyone is older 2. she lives and works in Manhattan and she likes diversity 3. her opinion to date has been that TV is homogeneous and reminds her of the Stepford Wives as everything seems so perfect on the surface. I am 57 and original from NYC and now live and work in CT.

Have any of you moved from a large city to TV? Has anyone done this in their 50s. As I previously posted for the next few years I would only be a part time TV resident for one or two months trying to experience the lifestyle firsthand and in more depth. I would continue to work as my work allows me to work from any location as I am a financial advisor.

So it appears that I relunctantly will be the advance party and want to make the most of it. I do not know anyone who lives in TV that can help with guest passes so I will take your suggestions and call the TV office and see if they can offer some assistance in this area.

I really appreciate the excitment and the passion that you all have for TV. I believe that is fueling me and making me more interested. I view this as an adventure and a process and I look forward to everyone's comments and suggestions as I they have been helpful as I plan my trip.

OH MY!

There are a lot of us from large cities! There are 80,000 people in The Villages. There are many, many people from "the" city on this Forum. And from Chicago, LA and London.

I can't imagine anyone not liking it here. I don't like Florida and I love TV. But I echo the sentiments of Allen and think that at 49 she may have other fish to fry. One thing I know is that in six or seven years she will be a little older....and possibly more open to a new adventure.

[redwitch]

I'm a city gal through and through. I love the arts, the crowded sidewalks, the rushing to get from here to there. I lived in the suburbs because I had a child and felt it was better to raise her in a suburban atmosphere with easy access to a city. I'm also under 60 (barely but not 60 yet).

That being said, I love The Villages. There is a variety of people here. Not just in age but in experience. Their commonality seems to be a love of TV and a willingness to share of themselves. There is so much to do and so many choices to be made.

I can't say we get great performers here, but we do get some good amateurs and an occasional treat of someone truly remarkable. Even so, the shows are fun. I wish we had a good museum but we do have some good art shows and some good talent. I do believe there is way too much line dancing at the Squares but the line dancers do have fun and they aren't all "old" and they definitely ain't "fogeys."

Okay, all of that being said, I would not suggest to your SO to come here and think of it as a vacation. Instead, see if you can get her here as a gift to you with the proviso she come with an open mind (TV will more than likely open her heart without even trying).

BTW -- I would not rent a golf cart for a 3-day visit. One, odds are you'll be renting from The Villages and their carts are way too slow and will just frustrate you in trying to get to places. Two, a lot of what you'll want to experience (LSL, trolley ride, talking to people) is within an easy walk of The Waterfront. Three, getting lost when you have lots of time is fun. Getting lost when your time is limited is no fun.

Definitely talk to a sales agent and see if you can get a guest pass of some sort. Do take the trolley tour. Do visit at least one Square. Do talk to as many people as you can (and not just necessarily Villagers, include visitors, locals, etc.). Main thing is have fun and don't try to do it all in 3 days.

Mt. Dora is definitely worth seeing but you're basically taking a day away from learning about The Villages to do so. Leave it to when you have more time.

So, have fun and enjoy your visit. Give a shout out when you have some spare time and I'm sure some of the TOTVers will be happy to meet up with.

[Pturner]

I'm a city gal through and through. I love the arts, the crowded sidewalks, the rushing to get from here to there. I lived in the suburbs because I had a child and felt it was better to raise her in a suburban atmosphere with easy access to a city. I'm also under 60 (barely but not 60 yet).

That being said, I love The Villages. There is a variety of people here. Not just in age but in experience. Their commonality seems to be a love of TV and a willingness to share of themselves. There is so much to do and so many choices to be made.

I can't say we get great performers here, but we do get some good amateurs and an occasional treat of someone truly remarkable. Even so, the shows are fun. I wish we had a good museum but we do have some good art shows and some good talent. I do believe there is way too much line dancing at the Squares but the line dancers do have fun and they aren't all "old" and they definitely ain't "fogeys."

Okay, all of that being said, I would not suggest to your SO to come here and think of it as a vacation. Instead, see if you can get her here as a gift to you with the proviso she come with an open mind (TV will more than likely open her heart without even trying).

BTW -- I would not rent a golf cart for a 3-day visit. One, odds are you'll be renting from The Villages and their carts are way too slow and will just frustrate you in trying to get to places. Two, a lot of what you'll want to experience (LSL, trolley ride, talking to people) is within an easy walk of The Waterfront. Three, getting lost when you have lots of time is fun. Getting lost when your time is limited is no fun.

Definitely talk to a sales agent and see if you can get a guest pass of some sort. Do take the trolley tour. Do visit at least one Square. Do talk to as many people as you can (and not just necessarily Villagers, include visitors, locals, etc.). Main thing is have fun and don't try to do it all in 3 days.

Mt. Dora is definitely worth seeing but you're basically taking a day away from learning about The Villages to do so. Leave it to when you have more time.

So, have fun and enjoy your visit. Give a shout out when you have some spare time and I'm sure some of the TOTVers will be happy to meet up with.

Red, you always amaze me. Great advice, as usual!

[Russ_Boston]

When I gave my advice I didn't realize that she was 49 and from 'the city'.

I agree with Red that it might not be her idea of vacation but she could visit and I'll bet as the years progress she'll see it as a possibility. Especially if you only intend to be limited snowbirds.

[bledwards630]

My husband and I made two short visits to TV and loved it. We're 52 and 51 and just bought a house and plan to move here permanently. There are definitely "younger" people in the Villages. We plan to work part time and also enjoy ourselves while we are still young enough to do so...we've met all kinds of people who have many varied interests...I'm sure you and your signigicant other will too.

[Nancy C Jacobs]

I visited TV one day without my husband when he was on business in Orlando. He had no interest whatsoever. After my visit I finally got him to do the Lifestyle preview at a time when we were coming down from MD to visit family in FL anyway.

We golfed Palmer one day and went into Clubhouse for drinks afterward. We sat at the bar. People were extremely friendly and happy to answer questions. Bottom line was we ended up looking at homes just to see what was out there. Husband was in one and said to agent "we want this one." We bought a rancher in Ashland in 2006. In June of 2013 we bought a designer in Hadley on Havana golf course. Unfortunately, we are now down as much as we would like to be. I am in politics in MD and will be retiring in Dec of 2014.

Bottom line....my husband was the skeptical one and he was won over after visiting. We have more friends here that we golf and socialize with than in MD. We love TV and once your wife has a chance to experience TV for herself hopefully she will have a change of heart.

[graciegirl]

I've been reading this forum for about 6 months now and decided to take the plunge and jump in and start a thread as I'm thinking about visiting TV for the first time on the 27th for 3 days. I'll be in Tampa on business and will drive over and arrive in the afternoon. I need some help in making my first visit most productive. I've made a reservation at the Waterfront Inn and although it will be only 3 days that I will be in TV I'd like to immerse myself and get as much of the experience that I can. I am in my late 50s and my significant other will not accompany me as she has little to no interest in retiring in TV as she thinks it is too homogeneous and she has no interest in being in a retirement community at this time in her life. I don't blame her. A retirement community doesn't sound like much fun at all. It has been a bit of a sore spot between us and she feels that I have become obsessed with TV. THAT is very easy to do.She is encouraging me to go by myself to see why I feel the way I do from what I have read on this forum.
I have a a few questions:
1. Since I will not have a guest pass what can I visit and what can I not. I can't think what you'd need a pass for exactly. Please go in a number of different rec centers, They are all different and each is a feast for the eyes. Pause and look around until someone says, Can I help you and then say, I am new here. Do you like The Villages. That's all it takes. Can I go to dine at any of the golf course restaurants like the Havana? Yes, Can I go to Katy Belle's for brunch.No. that is for after the chip is imbedded. Can I visit any of the Community Centers? Can I visit the golf courses? Will I be able to get tickets to the Savannah? Not sure. They sell out fast.
2. Can I go to any activities? Any clubs? Just pop in and say you are new.
3. How often does the trolley make the rounds? Is the trolley a tour of TV? How long is the tour?
4. Do you suggest I rent a golf cart for a day or two or do you not feel it a good idea since I am staying for only 3 days. Not this time. Next time.
5. Are there any places that are must sees that I should visit during my 3 days?
6. Where is the best place to meet locals to talk about the TV lifestyle? At the squares.
7. Are there any restaurants that you would suggest that are best to engage locals to talk.Get in line at Toojays and say to the person in front or behind you, I am new. Is this place for real?..like a popular breakfast or lunch place.
8. Is there any way to golf in TV without a guest pass? Can you golf as a single?
9. Should I keep my rental car while in TV or turn it in until I need to head back to TPA? YES. You need to ride around. It is seventeen miles from stem to stern.
10. I understand that polo does not start until March. Is there anything to see at the Polo Club?
11. Since I like antiques I was thinking about going to Mt. Dora. How far is it and is it worth going to or will it be a distraction from my visit? NO. Next time.
12.Do many TVers still work when they live in TV? My husband does. I sit on the sofa and eat chocolates. When I am finished with all the rest of the stuff.
13. How can I learn about TV activities during the last weekend of the month?

In the future I probably will do a lifestyle visit, and then maybe rent for a month however I tried to make a reservation 2 months ago and it was completely booked for this time. Do last minute openings ever free up. My impression is that having a guest pass makes a significant difference in learning about TV and immersing yourself in the experience.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Next time when you stay longer, try to come to the Crispers get together on the third Friday of the month. A lot of TOTV'rs go there.

Or one of us can get a group together for you.

Your housemate will change her mind and become a blithering idiot about this place just like most of us.. you wait and see.

Welcome. I don't work for the developer and the chip site on my neck is practically healed over.

[cromlich]

If you or she are worried about moving down here because it is for "old folks".....don't give it a second thought. This is one of the most active communities you could ever imagine. There are many here in their 50's. Believe me, if you visit, you will not want to leave. My husband didn't want to go for a visit and after we left 9 years ago from our 1st visit he said "I don't want to live anywhere else in the whole wide world". Love this place and will never leave!

[graciegirl]

OH for Pete's sake. This is a resurrected thread from 2010.

Wonder what happened to these folks.

I am so embarrassed. I am obsessed with this place.

Look what I wrote above.

I ain't right.

[DougB]

You guys know BigEast posted this 3 1/2 years ago?

[DougB]

Well, I see Gracie just noticed that. Nevermind

[graciegirl]

You guys know BigEast posted this 3 1/2 years ago?


I do now.:grumpy:

[KathieI]

OH for Pete's sake. This is a resurrected thread from 2010.

Wonder what happened to these folks.

I am so embarrassed. I am obsessed with this place.

Look what I wrote above.

I ain't right.

I was wondering when you would all catch on??? Thought I was crazy at first, LOL.. :D

[redwitch]

Would be nice to know what happened to the OP -- did he enjoy his visit, is he still with his GF, and so on and so forth. Really kind of rude to get us to invest the time and effort to advise someone and they never even post a thanks and how things went. humph

[shcisamax]

xxx

[shcisamax]

xxx

[graciegirl]

xxx


Hugs AND kisses to you Shcis.:BigApplause:

[redwitch]

Just spotted another post by BigEast. Sent him a PM. Really am dying to know what with his GF -- did we get another convert? (Nosy wench, ain't I?)

[KathieI]

Just spotted another post by BigEast. Sent him a PM. Really am dying to know what with his GF -- did we get another convert? (Nosy wench, ain't I?)

Don't feel bad, we are all waiting for you to find out...
KathieI (sitting on the edge of my seat)...

[JaniceOhio]

I was wondering when you would all catch on??? Thought I was crazy at first, LOL.. :D


Hi Gang: I really learned a lot from this thread. The fact that it's 3 years old doesn't mean it's not valuable.

Already bought my Gilchrist home and will be there in January to close. But every morsel of info and input is wonderful!

I'll be back and forth for awhile and I know better than to listen to anything negative. You make your own party and when you offer friendship to others community evolves. Accept people for who and how they are and the rest comes naturally. I'm single and don't know a soul but can tell that won't last long.

Note to Kitty -- where in Ohio are you? I'm in CBUS.