Suggestions on where to take my guest

[steve3860]

Being new to The Villages I'm needing suggestions on where and what to show my guest coming in next weekend.

Besides the Squares what are some good places to show my guest? I live in Hemingway so Truman and Seabreeze are on my list.

Someone suggested the Polo Club but I haven't made it there yet.

[Joe C.]

Eisenhower rec center is nice.
Mt. Dora is a nice place to spend an afternoon.
Cat boat rides in Mt. Dora
The Market at Marion (on weekends)
Tour the Villages on their trolley
$5.00 burgers at World of Beer on Mondays

Lots of small things that make The Villages unique.

[graciegirl]

Being new to The Villages I'm needing suggestions on where and what to show my guest coming in next weekend.

Besides the Squares what are some good places to show my guest? I live in Hemingway so Truman and Seabreeze are on my list.

Someone suggested the Polo Club but I haven't made it there yet.

I love to take guests to these places;

On the trolley ride ...to show them just how big this place is. Some think they will be visiting a little dinky place with a fancy nursing home.

To a couple of regional rec centers and my choice would be Laurel Manor where I craft and paint with daughter Helene and Eisenhower because most of my guests would love the patriotism that lives there.

On a boat ride at Lake Sumter, but first tongue in cheek, build up the fact we have a lighthouse that keeps ocean going vessels on their course. Followed by a nice lunch at TooJays.

Invite a few friends and neighbors to a little gathering so they can continue to yammer about how much everybody loves this place.

I like to take them on a little ride in the golf carts. We like to show them Harmeswood with it's HUGE lots and different home styles, swing into the Polo Club area, just to show off how "posh" we are....and then stop by Arnold Palmer for their delicious burger.

By then they will suspect we get paid for selling the place, but we don't. We love it here.

[vintageogauge]

The nature trail at the Fenney Rec. Center. If into walking the trails at Marsh Bend.

[Stu from NYC]

If walking is ok for them Hog Eye and the Sharon Morse nature preserve.

Believe the trolleys are not operating now due to the virus.

[Decadeofdave]

Edna's outdoor bar and food trucks
Music 3pm most days, schedule online

[SIRE1]

What will impress them the most is a golf cart ride. Every time we have a guest, I'll rent a cart - either another 2 place or a 4 place cart for the day. And after a day zipping along the MMP's, going through the town squares, going by one or more golf courses, etc. it will take a least a week for them to loose the smile on their face. I think being able to get to everywhere on a golf cart is what really makes this community unique.

[Indy-Guy]

If the weather is nice lunch at Belle Glade CC for perhaps the nicest golf course view in The Villages.

As mentioned before the Eisenhower Rec Center is great for military history. Rohan Recreation Center for a history of the growth of The Villages. Everglades Recreation Center dedicated to our National Parks.

Of course find the perfect fit for your guests choice of entertainment on a town square at 5:00 for entertainment.

[coffeebean]

What will impress them the most is a golf cart ride. Every time we have a guest, I'll rent a cart - either another 2 place or a 4 place cart for the day. And after a day zipping along the MMP's, going through the town squares, going by one or more golf courses, etc. it will take a least a week for them to loose the smile on their face. I think being able to get to everywhere on a golf cart is what really makes this community unique.

Do you include the bridge over 441? They will go "WEEEEEEEEE" and make sure they put their hands up in the air. I know I did the one and only time I went over that bridge.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Do you include the bridge over 441? They will go "WEEEEEEEEE" and make sure they put their hands up in the air. I know I did the one and only time I went over that bridge.

That's exactly what my 89-year-old dad did when I took him over the bridge 2 months ago, when he and mom came for a visit. Couldn't pay mom to go over it though, she's afraid of heights and is claustrophobic. Dad absolutely loved it though. We went over JUST so he could do that, turned around and came right back.

If the OP is more southward, I'd say maybe go over one of the bridges down there. If they have time/interest in horses, definitely check the schedule at the Grand Oaks Resort, and see if there's an exhibition going on when they're around. Admission is free, they have a little luncheonette there, nothing worth writing home about but it's something to eat between shows.

The trolleys are -not- running, and haven't been since the start of the pandemic.

Nature trails either on foot or on the MMPs with the golf cart - or both. Take the golf cart to the nature trails, park, and then walk the trails. Bring a cooler with wine, cheese, pears, and bread, and have a picnic.

[Catalina36]

Whispering Oaks Vineyard, only 6 miles away and very reasonably priced, and the wine is really good.

[bowlingal]

OrangeBlossom....the OP said they live in Hemingway

[Mardarlowe]

Wild Bill's Airboat. One hour ride. Only 20 minutes from here.

[Astron]

If they like to try local wine, I suggest you try Lakeridge Winery near Claremont. Welcome to Lakeridge Winery (https://www.lakeridgewinery.com/)

[Emkay56]

I'd like to know things to do when it's raining and you can't do much outdoors. Have guests coming in and we are new as well.

[Freeda]

For indoor activities as someone requested, LazyMacs in Sumter Landing has live entertainment 3-5 several afternoons and has a comedy club on Tues and Wed nights at 8 - for that get tickets in advance, as it’s been selling out. Plus the movies have reopened there.

CityFire Brownwood is one of our fav venues for music/dancing with live entertainment most nights and a larger dance floor than some other places; another fav is Sip on Main Street in Leesburg with entertainment Wed-Sat; also Brick and Barrel restaurant on Main Street in Leesburg has entertainment several nights (even late night Friday and Saturday) each week.

Also we love to go to Lake Square Mall in Leesburg during rainy or hot/humid weather. It’s only a medium size mall but is great for walking and has AMC movies with recliner seating, and also has a larger entertainment complex with bowling, indoor go carts, arcade, sports bar/cafe, etc, and has Belk, a large book store and pet supplies store, and more.

The larger Paddock Mall in Ocala is also nice.

Exploring the regional rec centers, with their diverse themes and decor, is another good way to pass time indoors during bad weather.

[sallyg]

If they are active, guests can play golf, bocce, pétanque, shuffleboard, adult pool, etc.
Sumter landing is fun for people watching and shopping. Not sure if the golf cart drill team is still practicing, but that can be fun to watch too. There may be classes and activities that allow guests. Check the Recreation News and get them registered as your guest. Have fun!

[zendog3]

Whatever their interest in life or potential interest in retirement is, take them to that club: quilting, zoomba, cards, writing, water aerobics. Whatever it is, get them a visitor's card and take them to a meeting. Send them the recreation news before they come and let them pick. Remember that covid has shut down a lot.

[Marty94]

Depending on how long they are here, you can expand your visit outside TV. As suggested, Mt Dora is fun to visit. They have tons of little stores. I like going there to get a good Cuban sandwich. Other interesting eateries include Plant Street Market in Winter Garden, Miz Kathy’s in Wildwood, or the Yalaha Bakery. For a fun activity, I like taking my guests kayaking or canoeing at Silver Springs; they also have tour boats. My younger and older guests like mini golf at Tree Tops on Rolling Acres. The health food store in the same building has wonderful smoothies and healthy sandwiches. My parents greatly enjoyed Paquette’s Farm Tractor tour, walking around the Wildwood Antique Market and they always like a trip to Russell Stover. A stop at Mystic Ice Cream is a must if only to look at all the lava lamps. I’ve never had a guest disappointed stopping there for a treat.

If your guests like walking, the loop around Edna’s is pleasant; bathrooms are available, as are food trucks for lunch or dinner, and music. As my parents will soon be visiting, I plan on taking them on a cart ride down to Edna’s and across both of the new bridges, making a big loop. I will be looking for upcoming entertainment at the Sharon or Savannah Center as well. I usually take them for brunch at Belle Glade and sit on the back porch as the views are stunning. As I’m fairly close to the water driving range near Colony, my dad enjoys sitting in the cart and watching golfers try to reach the floating pins. He also enjoys watching the remote control small boat regattas.

I guess the best thing is that there is plenty to do in TV and outside the Bubble. Orlando and Tampa are both so close that you have plenty from which to choose. I usually check the papers for daily events and then offer up a few options. It all depends on how mobile and athletic are my guests. Some just simply want to hang out by the neighborhood pool. That’s fine too; just remember to get them a guest pass, easily available at the rec centers.

[sshepard03]

Edna's outdoor bar and food trucks
Music 3pm most days, schedule online
We just finished our third lifestyle visit (with mission to pick a neighborhood for our soon-to-be-purchased TV home). What a great day ! : Marsh View Pitch and Putt, followed by Edna's adult beverages, sit outside under the Spanish Moss-filled trees, hit the food trucks for lunch...somewhat crowded with Villagers having a great time...ON A MONDAY AFTERNOON.
We cannot be more excited about moving to TV and joining the fun. :coolsmiley:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OrangeBlossom....the OP said they live in Hemingway

Then they're in reasonable proximity to all the bridges, and the Grand Oaks resort. It's maybe 15-25 minutes from each. You can't get to the resort by golf cart though.

[stebooo]

2 woodshops. The sharon in spanish springs.

[stebooo]

2 woodshops. The sharon in spanish springs.orange blossom opry

[Curtisbwp]

Take your guest to the very same places that woowd you when you first came to the villages.

[virtualcynthia]

Go to The Villages web site and find the calendar. It will show the activities for the week. Tai Chi, Pickle Ball. Ceramics, Civil Discourse, etc. call the coordinator to see if they are having in person activities. Most will let guests observe or sometimes participate. Call. Villages Lifestyle program and see if they have suggestions. Good luck, have fun.

[Barborv]

All of the above mentioned, and look for a show at the Sharon and Savannah. Unfortunately, NO KATIE BELLES! We always brought our guests to see the Donna and Dunning dinner show. I heard they are still around, not sure where they are performing. Look at the schedules for the town squares and go when its market night. Not sure if the Trollies are back up yet. But that is a good one. Go on all 3.