Spanish Springs happy hour

[tophcfa]

Everyone enjoy the 5-7 happy hour at Spanish Springs for the next few evenings. Starting June 1st happy hour will be cut short at 6:00. First they took away the Spanish Springs farmers market, now they are chopping the happy hour time in half. Bummer : (

[anothersteve]

That sux! Lake Sumter has had a 1 hour Happy Hour for some time.
BYOB
:beer3:

Steve

[eweissenbach]

I am sorry to hear that! I have always assumed that the 2 hour happy hour at SS was to incentivize people to come to that square rather than the two newer ones. I know that has been a factor for us when deciding to go to one of the squares when the entertainment didn't particularly favor one over the other. I am closer to, and prefer Sumter Landing, but the two hour happy hour has often been the difference in deciding to go to SS. Probably will affect the attendance at Spanish Springs, I know it will for me.

[justjim]

Maybe “the numbers” show that they can make more $$$ by cutting back an hour on Happy Time. I would be surprised that it will cut back on the drinking at the Square...

[rustyp]

SS happy hour - Katie Belles - Church On The Square- Deferral Rate - Parades - Golf Course Conditions - Championshipship golf rate/ seasonable schedule change - Closing Country Club Restaurants. You are beginning to get my attention. WWHD (what would Harold do) ?

[vintageogauge]

SS happy hour - Katie Belles - Church On The Square- Deferral Rate - Parades - Golf Course Conditions - Championshipship golf rate/ seasonable schedule change - Closing Country Club Restaurants. You are beginning to get my attention. WWHD (what would Harold do) ?

If he finds somewhere better he moves on, otherwise he accepts what is and stays. Life is short, enjoy what we have.

[rustyp]

If he finds somewhere better he moves on, otherwise he accepts what is and stays. Life is short, enjoy what we have.

FYI - Harold has moved on

[vintageogauge]

FYI - Harold has moved on

So you meant "what would Harold have done" not "what would he do"

[anothersteve]

So you meant "what would Harold have done" not "what would he do"

Semantics
Steve

[pauld315]

With all the new villas they built on 42, SS square has become much more crowded than it used to be in the evenings. There is also a considerable amount of people there from surrounding communities. They might actually be trying to lower the attendance at that square. Doesn't matter to me, I can't remember the last time I bought a happy hour drink at any of the squares.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So you meant "what would Harold have done" not "what would he do"

"What would he do" works fine. "What would he do...if he were alive today?" "Would" in the above sentence is an expression of a conditional mood.

[BobnBev]

Simple solution, drink faster, go to bed earlier.:bigbow:

[rustyp]

WWHD ?
Construction of the square was another matter.

"We couldn't get any banks to finance it. They said, 'What would we do with it if we had to repossess it?' " Morse said of the one-acre park.

In stepped Harold Schwartz, founder of the development, who donated $1 million to build the square.*

*From the Orlando Sentinel many moons ago.

A few of my neighbors were friends with Harold. They have told me stories of how Harold loved music and parties. He built the first town square on the historic side where El Ranchito is today. When Orange Blossom Gardens incorporated into The Villages, building of an Old Fashioned Spanish Town started across Rt 441. An architectural firm from Canada was hired to design the entire town but first the family had to sit down and write a fictitious story of the town's history. The story starts with a town square was built around the fountain of youth discovered by Ponce De Leon. I have a copy of that entire story building by building, family by family that was generated. FYI the names painted on the buildings in SS are from the story.

Also my neighbors have told me of a story when lightning struck the oak tree by the drink shack near the movie theater. Again Harold stepped in and had a mature live oak put in it's place out of his own personnel monies.

My guess is Harold would not be tinkering with the happy hour.

[karostay]

Our side is built out..
Nickle and Dime show starts Guess they need more money for Fenney

[dewilson58]

Wow. Cutting back one hour and the natives are getting restless???




You can throw a rock in any direction and probably find a cheap drink.


:icon_wink:

[Serenoa]

Sound like a great opportunity to begin enjoying the Town Squares, and LIFE....sans alcohol. JMHO

[dhan88]

Byob

[Bogie Shooter]

Harold. A different time and place...….no comparison makes any sense.

[graciegirl]

Harold. A different time and place...….no comparison makes any sense.

harold schwartz the villages - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=harold+schwartz+the+villages&FORM=HDRSC2)

[collie1228]

I've never liked the "greedy developer" argument, but lately I've found myself sometimes coming to that conclusion. The recent increase in championship golf rates got my attention, but even though I don't like it, I can live with it. This one seems like nickel and diming, which will only anger people, with not a lot of return. I seldom use the squares, so the drink prices don't bother me personally, but I can understand how others don't like it. Apparently someone in the developer's circle is putting on pressure for more profits. I'd love to be a fly on the wall during their financial meetings.

[karostay]

Legalize recreational marijuana you won't need bar huts
The new Happy Hour or two

[rustyp]

Personally the price of the drinks is not my number one objective. I truly wish it was just about the drinks. I'm more concerned with there being any truth in the old adage about family businesses:

“The first generation starts a business. The second generation runs it. The third generation ruins it.

[karostay]

Personally the price of the drinks is not my number one objective. I truly wish it was just about the drinks. I'm more concerned with there being any truth in the old adage about family businesses:

“The first generation starts a business. The second generation runs it. The third generation ruins it.

:bigbow::bigbow:

[Bogie Shooter]

I've never liked the "greedy developer" argument, but lately I've found myself sometimes coming to that conclusion. The recent increase in championship golf rates got my attention, but even though I don't like it, I can live with it. This one seems like nickel and diming, which will only anger people, with not a lot of return. I seldom use the squares, so the drink prices don't bother me personally, but I can understand how others don't like it. Apparently someone in the developer's circle is putting on pressure for more profits. I'd love to be a fly on the wall during their financial meetings.

Your join date 2008. Don't you remember championship rates going up every year?

[ColdNoMore]

I've never liked the "greedy developer" argument, but lately I've found myself sometimes coming to that conclusion. The recent increase in championship golf rates got my attention, but even though I don't like it, I can live with it. This one seems like nickel and diming, which will only anger people, with not a lot of return. I seldom use the squares, so the drink prices don't bother me personally, but I can understand how others don't like it. Apparently someone in the developer's circle is putting on pressure for more profits. I'd love to be a fly on the wall during their financial meetings.

Yep...:agree:

I hardly drink either, but can see how those who have become used to the longer HH...might be upset.

My personal observation/opinion that Da Family is growing, has ever more hands out, therefore needs more ways of squeezing the rock...is not being swayed otherwise by recent changes. :shrug:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Wow. Cutting back one hour and the natives are getting restless???




You can throw a rock in any direction and probably find a cheap drink.


:icon_wink:

Neighborhood where the residents are out IN their neighborhood on a regular basis + blender + ice + fruit + rum = cheaper social hour than you'll find at any licensed establishment in TV. Do recommend.

Also I'm not concerned about the duration of the happy hour at all. Why not, you might (or not) ask? Because it's called happy HOUR, not happy HOURS. A singular hour is implied. They've been giving you a bonus all this time, and now they're reverting to its original meaning. If cheap booze is that important to you, I recommend following the advice in my first paragraph of this post regarding a blender.

[tophcfa]

Neighborhood where the residents are out IN their neighborhood on a regular basis + blender + ice + fruit + rum = cheaper social hour than you'll find at any licensed establishment in TV. Do recommend.

Also I'm not concerned about the duration of the happy hour at all. Why not, you might (or not) ask? Because it's called happy HOUR, not happy HOURS. A singular hour is implied. They've been giving you a bonus all this time, and now they're reverting to its original meaning. If cheap booze is that important to you, I recommend following the advice in my first paragraph of this post regarding a blender.

It's not about cheap booze, it's about bait and switch. People who committed their retirement savings to buy into the Villages bought into a lifestyle that is being changed in many subtle ways. Good dinning at the country clubs is not what it used to be. The quality of the golf courses has noticeably dropped off. The Farmers Market and 5-7 happy hour in Spanish Springs are a thing of the past. I am sure people who have been in the Villages longer than us can significantly add to the list of changes.

[Polar Bear]

It's not about cheap booze, it's about bait and switch. People who committed their retirement savings to buy into the Villages bought into a lifestyle that is being changed in many subtle ways. Good dinning at the country clubs is not what it used to be. The quality of the golf courses has noticeably dropped off. The Farmers Market and 5-7 happy hour in Spanish Springs are a thing of the past. I am sure people who have been in the Villages longer than us can significantly add to the list of changes.
Wow, what a radical concept. Things change over time. :shocked:

[graciegirl]

I don't drink. It isn't that I never drank, I just never did it well.

There is some good data somewhere on people who still have a good time and not drink.

Cuts back on automobile accidents, dancing on tables, unexpected marriages and surprise pregnancies.

I am happy. Little kids, old men and drunks still love me.

[Bogie Shooter]

It's not about cheap booze, it's about bait and switch. People who committed their retirement savings to buy into the Villages bought into a lifestyle that is being changed in many subtle ways. Good dinning at the country clubs is not what it used to be. The quality of the golf courses has noticeably dropped off. The Farmers Market and 5-7 happy hour in Spanish Springs are a thing of the past. I am sure people who have been in the Villages longer than us can significantly add to the list of changes.

Go back to your home town......and tell me it hasn't changed.

[coffeebean]

It's not about cheap booze, it's about bait and switch. People who committed their retirement savings to buy into the Villages bought into a lifestyle that is being changed in many subtle ways. Good dinning at the country clubs is not what it used to be. The quality of the golf courses has noticeably dropped off. The Farmers Market and 5-7 happy hour in Spanish Springs are a thing of the past. I am sure people who have been in the Villages longer than us can significantly add to the list of changes.

Funny......I read about "nickel and diming" and how "things have changed and not for the better" on cruise forums.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's not about cheap booze, it's about bait and switch. People who committed their retirement savings to buy into the Villages bought into a lifestyle that is being changed in many subtle ways. Good dinning at the country clubs is not what it used to be. The quality of the golf courses has noticeably dropped off. The Farmers Market and 5-7 happy hour in Spanish Springs are a thing of the past. I am sure people who have been in the Villages longer than us can significantly add to the list of changes.

Happy hour still exists. And it's an hour. Which is why it's called Happy Hour. If they took happy hour away, it'd be sad. It's really not a battle I'd choose to fight, but I'd definitely understand the disappointment.

If you're really upset about this, why not ask at the bar-huts why they made the change? If they shrug and tell you "management" then maybe go to the Villages offices and enquire there, and find out the actual reason why.

It could be that so many people were abusing the privilege they were losing money and had to cut back. That's happened in some places up north. Some places got rid of happy hour entirely, or require that food be provided along with the reduced prices on drinks. In this way, they reduced the number of drunks during the rush hour (since rush hour and happy hour tend to coincide). Takes longer to get drunk if you're also eating, afterall.

Maybe they saw too many drunk drivers coming from the square and decided letting people get in line over and over and over again for two drinks each time for two hours in a row was a bad idea.

You just don't know, til you ask someone who has the data and authority to answer.

[fw102807]

Funny......I read about "nickel and diming" and how "things have changed and not for the better" on cruise forums.

I was actually thinking the same thing.

[BobnBev]

Wow. Cutting back one hour and the natives are getting restless???




You can throw a rock in any direction and probably find a cheap drink.


:icon_wink:

Also a cheap drunk.:popcorn:

[Marathon Man]

It's not about cheap booze, it's about bait and switch. People who committed their retirement savings to buy into the Villages bought into a lifestyle that is being changed in many subtle ways. Good dinning at the country clubs is not what it used to be. The quality of the golf courses has noticeably dropped off. The Farmers Market and 5-7 happy hour in Spanish Springs are a thing of the past. I am sure people who have been in the Villages longer than us can significantly add to the list of changes.

Oh paaaaleeezzze!!

[NotGolfer]

What else can we complain about?? I suspect folks can still have a good time without having to drink...or maybe they can actually go to a bar if it's so important or do it at home, where it's free or cheaper.

I've not been one who needs alcohol to have fun but maybe that's just me.

[anothersteve]

Everyone enjoy the 5-7 happy hour at Spanish Springs for the next few evenings. Starting June 1st happy hour will be cut short at 6:00. First they took away the Spanish Springs farmers market, now they are chopping the happy hour time in half. Bummer : (

Just wondering where you heard this. Is it the written word somewhere?
Steve

[anothersteve]

Just wondering where you heard this. Is it the written word somewhere?
Steve
Never mind....found it.
Steve

[tophcfa]

Just wondering where you heard this. Is it the written word somewhere?
Steve

Look in the daily sun under the lifestyle section and check out the town square entertainment page, under the Spanish Springs entertainment, it says it right there, happy hour will be 5-6 starting June 1. We rarely go to the town squares and when we do it is often after happy hour is over (and don't tell anyone but I bring my own cold Mich. Ultra in the golf cart anyways) so cutting happy hour in half is not a big deal for us. The bigger deal is just another subtle change to the lifestyle that we bought into.

[tophcfa]

Go back to your home town......and tell me it hasn't changed.

The home town has changed soooooo much, we decided to buy a place in the Villages. Because we don't like change! Oh well, I guess no matter where you go your can't hide from change.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Go back to your home town......and tell me it hasn't changed.


If you go to any major city or even small town, to a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license,
you will find that practically all of them have more than a one-hour happy hour, if they have a happy hour at all.

That's a fact and those who have commented aren't talking about other changes.
They are specifically talking about HAPPY HOUR and they are NOT happy!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Look in the daily sun under the lifestyle section and check out the town square entertainment page, under the Spanish Springs entertainment, it says it right there, happy hour will be 5-6 starting June 1. We rarely go to the town squares and when we do it is often after happy hour is over (and don't tell anyone but I bring my own cold Mich. Ultra in the golf cart anyways) so cutting happy hour in half is not a big deal for us. The bigger deal is just another subtle change to the lifestyle that we bought into.

If by "lifestyle" you mean "more drunken old people in one place than you'll see of any age in any bar anywhere else in the country, every night of the week" then allow me to be the first to say "huzzah."

I like my pina coladas. I'm glad to have reasonably priced ones in Spanish Springs for an hour. But I don't like running into drunks every time I want to listen to music. I especially don't like watching them staggering to their golf carts with key in hand.

If it's just an hour, it's not only no loss, it's everyone's gain.

[ColdNoMore]

So exactly what are we talking about, price wise, between drinks during happy hour(s)...and non-HH?

A few different drink examples appreciated.

In addition, how do the non-HH prices compare to other bars/restaurants in 'Da Bubble'... and outside of it?

:confused:

[Polar Bear]

Oh paaaaleeezzze!!
Couldn’t have said it better. :)

[jeriteri]

I guess we aren't buying enough drinks to keep it open for that 2nd hour. It's our own fault!

[Chatbrat]

Maybe the developer was getting complaints from his tenants, besides paying the developer rent , they should not have to compete with him for selling the same product--if I owned a watering hole and my landlord opened up a bar next door and sold what I was selling cheaper--I would move--

stopped go to the squares when the novelty of them wore off

[Two Bills]

So that means 6-7pm will in future be known as Unhappy Hour.

[asianthree]

Maybe the developer was getting complaints from his tenants, besides paying the developer rent , they should not have to compete with him for selling the same product--if I owned a watering hole and my landlord opened up a bar next door and sold what I was selling cheaper--I would move--

stopped go to the squares when the novelty of them wore off

Best answer yet. I think we have bought a drink from the shack once or twice. We prefer going to one of the restaurants adding food with what we may drink. Our buying multiple drinks because they are cheap ended in our 20s

[rustyp]

Not only has HH been cut back to one hour it is rumored that it will only be for residents . You must present a valid Villages ID to get the discount.

[Two Bills]

Not only has HH been cut back to one hour it is rumored that it will only be for residents . You must present a valid Villages ID to get the discount.

My plumbers girlfriends aunt heard that not only would you have to be a resident, but you would also have to be accompanied by both your parents!

[ColdNoMore]

Maybe the developer was getting complaints from his tenants, besides paying the developer rent , they should not have to compete with him for selling the same product--if I owned a watering hole and my landlord opened up a bar next door and sold what I was selling cheaper--I would move--

stopped go to the squares when the novelty of them wore off

Yep... nailed it. :agree:

[ColdNoMore]

If by "lifestyle" you mean "more drunken old people in one place than you'll see of any age in any bar anywhere else in the country, every night of the week" then allow me to be the first to say "huzzah."

I like my pina coladas. I'm glad to have reasonably priced ones in Spanish Springs for an hour. But I don't like running into drunks every time I want to listen to music. I especially don't like watching them staggering to their golf carts with key in hand.

If it's just an hour, it's not only no loss, it's everyone's gain.

:bigbow:

[rcpds]

I'd like to know the individual (or individuals) that had the final say in reducing the happy hour time period.
:grumpy:

[Chi-Town]

Two call doubles at happy hour are $15.00 including a nice tip. Two of the same after happy hour are $20.00. I liked the two hour time limit at Spanish Springs but only go there for a really good band or show or to have dinner, so it's not that big of a deal.

BTW, people who bring a cooler or outside drinks to the Squares look cheap to me. They cheat on the nature of what the intent of the kiosks and revenue stream are.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Velvet]

Or they could be worried about how clean everything is or the quality of the drinks... just sayin.

[anothersteve]

Two call doubles at happy hour are $15.00 including a nice tip. Two of the same after happy hour are $20.00. I liked the two hour time limit at Spanish Springs but only go there for a really good band or show or to have dinner, so it's not that big of a deal.

BTW, people who bring a cooler or outside drinks to the Squares look cheap to me. They cheat on the nature of what the intent of the kiosks and revenue stream are.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Call me cheap.
And you would never know if I bring outside libations anyway.
Steve

[anothersteve]

Or they could be worried about how clean everything is or the quality of the drinks... just sayin.

The pre made margaritas, now there is a money maker....if you know what I mean. If I wanted a NAB, I would ask for one.
Steve

[JoMar]

Call me cheap.
And you would never know if I bring outside libations anyway.
Steve

OK...you're cheap. At least you recognize it...lol

[anothersteve]

OK...you're cheap. At least you recognize it...lol
Let's just say if I'm paying for alcohol, I want alcohol, not the premixed margaritas that have none. Talk about "drinking the koolaide" with those.
Steve