Visiting end of January and have a few questions

[Pamela1130]

Hi Villagers!!

We had a lifestyle visit scheduled in December but had to cancel as our elderly dog was sick and we couldn't leave him. He is now doing better and his trusted sitter will be able to watch him and we are coming to the Villages January 23, - Jan. 28. Not that long and of course lifestyle visits were booked and that was okay and we got a room at the Brownwood Hotel. I do have some questions if anyone knows. I know about the restaurants and the music in the squares.

Is it possible to rent a golf cart for such a short period and where would I go? If I get a golf cart would I still need a car?

What's the nearest good quality gym for my husband.

I read something about Trolley tours?

For such a short period what do you suggest we do? I am interested in pickle ball and I realize you have to take a class first etc., and wondering if it's too short of a visit to play? - The lifestyle person said they would get us some passes for things we are interested in.

We don't golf.

I like the pool, husband does not. He loves the music.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I am so excited to visit the Villages and I have seen so many you tube videos that I really feel I am going to love it there. My husband doesn't seem convinced and is comfortable living in freezing New England so it will be interesting, though I feel he will love it also. We will see.

Thank you in advance for any advice and comments.

Pam

[CoachKandSportsguy]

LOL!
We live in Worcester, and are figuring ways to quit our jobs and move down, so just go with an open mind. . . If your husband is an introvert, just drive around with your car first, and park near brownwood at about 4 pm, and walk around all the streets with retail buildings. . . there's a gym there, maybe have a drink at one of the establishments, and them maybe dinner, listen the the nightly entertainment, just look around or sit and watch. .

Definitely visit Lake Sumter Landing, (LSL) and do the same thing. .. Same with Spanish springs. .

and then drive around. . you know your husband best, however, I would also vacation in other parts of the country, in warmer retirement locations as TV is not for everyone,

[Cupcake57]

Hi Villagers!!

We had a lifestyle visit scheduled in December but had to cancel as our elderly dog was sick and we couldn't leave him. He is now doing better and his trusted sitter will be able to watch him and we are coming to the Villages January 23, - Jan. 28. Not that long and of course lifestyle visits were booked and that was okay and we got a room at the Brownwood Hotel. I do have some questions if anyone knows. I know about the restaurants and the music in the squares.

Is it possible to rent a golf cart for such a short period and where would I go? If I get a golf cart would I still need a car?

What's the nearest good quality gym for my husband.

I read something about Trolley tours?

For such a short period what do you suggest we do? I am interested in pickle ball and I realize you have to take a class first etc., and wondering if it's too short of a visit to play? - The lifestyle person said they would get us some passes for things we are interested in.

We don't golf.

I like the pool, husband does not. He loves the music.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I am so excited to visit the Villages and I have seen so many you tube videos that I really feel I am going to love it there. My husband doesn't seem convinced and is comfortable living in freezing New England so it will be interesting, though I feel he will love it also. We will see.

Thank you in advance for any advice and comments.

Pam

You are going to have a lot of fun. The Brownwood hotel is very nice. Has a nice pool. Could walk to Brownwood for shops/restaurants/music but you will definitely need a golf cart; car not needed for short visit. I have used JJ Golf Carts for rentals and they deliver and pick up from where you want; the Villages Golf carts makes you come pick it up and return it yourself, so you could do that if you didn't mind walking over to the square (prolly a little less than a mile) but would have to return during business hours and you might have an early flight. Unfortunately I don't think you can use the rec centers/pickleball courts as you are not on a lifestyle visit; you can walk thru and check them out, though. If there is a softball game going on at Everglades, your fitness hubby may enjoy having a beer and a hotdog while watching them play. There is a very nice Genesis Health Club gym in Brownwood that is not part of the Villages; not sure if they have guest rates but I bet the hotel could hook you up. I would just plan on getting (lost) in the golf cart and having fun looking at the squares and the new areas south of 44; nature trails at Fenney, Okahumpka, Ezell, etc have beautiful paths for nature walks. Enjoy and welcome.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Rather than even attempt to play pickleball during this short stay, find out where the courts are, compared to where some homes you might be interested in are located. Then go and watch them play for a half hour, as part of your tour of that rec center's facilities.

My hubby is also an introvert, but he loves golf. He also likes watching the entertainment at the squares. So when we go, I do the dancing, he does the sitting. Works out great!

I'm also from New England and will -always- consider it home - even though I no longer have a home there and live in The Villages full time. You could tell him - if he has to be anywhere other than New England for retirement, even if he's not fond of Florida, The Villages is awesome. That's my take on the Villages. Of all 50 states (and I've been to 48 of them), Florida is one of my least liked. I wish the Villages was in New Mexico instead of Florida. That would be perfect, for me. But it's not in NM - so I put up with Florida, and enjoy my retirement at the Villages. Lots to do, OR nothing to do if you prefer - you get to set your own pace here.

[Pamela1130]

LOL!
We live in Worcester, and are figuring ways to quit our jobs and move down, so just go with an open mind. . . If your husband is an introvert, just drive around with your car first, and park near brownwood at about 4 pm, and walk around all the streets with retail buildings. . . there's a gym there, maybe have a drink at one of the establishments, and them maybe dinner, listen the the nightly entertainment, just look around or sit and watch. .

Definitely visit Lake Sumter Landing, (LSL) and do the same thing. .. Same with Spanish springs. .

and then drive around. . you know your husband best, however, I would also vacation in other parts of the country, in warmer retirement locations as TV is not for everyone,

Hi!! I live in Milford, MA lol. We are so lucky to live in that west of 495 twilight zone for the snow storms!! My husband is the opposite of an introvert. We both could talk to a rock so we are extremely outgoing. So if I get a golf cart would I still need a car also? That sounds great though, going over about 4. I would like to get a second house there actually but of course would have to really try it out first. I don't think I could do the summers, but I'll never say never. Thanks so much for your advise.

[Pamela1130]

You are going to have a lot of fun. The Brownwood hotel is very nice. Has a nice pool. Could walk to Brownwood for shops/restaurants/music but you will definitely need a golf cart; car not needed for short visit. I have used JJ Golf Carts for rentals and they deliver and pick up from where you want; the Villages Golf carts makes you come pick it up and return it yourself, so you could do that if you didn't mind walking over to the square (prolly a little less than a mile) but would have to return during business hours and you might have an early flight. Unfortunately I don't think you can use the rec centers/pickleball courts as you are not on a lifestyle visit; you can walk thru and check them out, though. If there is a softball game going on at Everglades, your fitness hubby may enjoy having a beer and a hotdog while watching them play. There is a very nice Genesis Health Club gym in Brownwood that is not part of the Villages; not sure if they have guest rates but I bet the hotel could hook you up. I would just plan on getting (lost) in the golf cart and having fun looking at the squares and the new areas south of 44; nature trails at Fenney, Okahumpka, Ezell, etc have beautiful paths for nature walks. Enjoy and welcome.

Actually the Lifestyle person said she could get me passes for anything I would want to go to but not sure what to do, lol. That's a very doable walk. We could drop off the cart the day before as we are getting picked up by a car for the airport. I am so excited to see the squares and also the new area also. I have seen all the videos of the squares and the new area with the trails and it all looks so nice! I am very glad to hear the Genesis Health Club is in Brownwood as that will be very convenient. I'll get in touch with JJ's and hope that I can get one. Thank you so very much for all your helpful ideas. It is very appreciated as no videos can take the place of being there so I am so excited to finally see the Villages.

[Pamela1130]

Rather than even attempt to play pickleball during this short stay, find out where the courts are, compared to where some homes you might be interested in are located. Then go and watch them play for a half hour, as part of your tour of that rec center's facilities.

My hubby is also an introvert, but he loves golf. He also likes watching the entertainment at the squares. So when we go, I do the dancing, he does the sitting. Works out great!

I'm also from New England and will -always- consider it home - even though I no longer have a home there and live in The Villages full time. You could tell him - if he has to be anywhere other than New England for retirement, even if he's not fond of Florida, The Villages is awesome. That's my take on the Villages. Of all 50 states (and I've been to 48 of them), Florida is one of my least liked. I wish the Villages was in New Mexico instead of Florida. That would be perfect, for me. But it's not in NM - so I put up with Florida, and enjoy my retirement at the Villages. Lots to do, OR nothing to do if you prefer - you get to set your own pace here.

Hi!! My husband isn't an introvert, but just the opposite. He is hesitant because he's the type who hates change and likes where we live. It's nice of course with the best hospital care and schools in the country but the winters are really awful and I would like to have a place there to come and go when I want and we or me could go back and forth depending on how I feel. I wouldn't want to retire there permanently, at least that isn't the plan right now. I do like Florida but really haven't spent that much time there. I would have to see. Thanks so much for taking the time to get back to me. I really appreciate it.

[mtdjed]

Only addressing your concern for golf cart and or Car. Others may have different views but at least consider the following.

At this time of year and short amount of time, I would strongly recommend a car. On your first visit, you might want to see as much as possible including possible living areas, shopping, dining, entertainment.

The Villages is huge, over 20 miles from north to south, and more by golf cart. Brownwood to Lake Sumter about 7 miles and another 5 or 6 to Spanish Springs and then you have to return. Sunset at your time of visit around 6PM and temperatures average high 70 and low 50. Rental carts normally have no weather enclosures. Golf carts can't go everywhere so you would eliminate options for exploring shopping and dining. Many rental golf carts are speed limited.

If your goal was to just experience the lifestyle and golf, exercise, dance at one square, explore a limited area perhaps OK.

Otherwise, do yourself a favor and have access to auto transport. It might be quaint to think golf cart only, but it is not practical unless you are staying with friends or relatives.

[MrChip72]

I think you really need to have a car and a golf cart to get the full feel for things. You'll want the car to check out what's available in the other parts not in Brownwood like LSL, Spanish Springs/Lady Lake, and you may also want to check out the vast amount of newer areas South of 44 which would take a LONG time to explore just by golf cart.

Before my first visit less than a year ago I thought I totally understood the layout of the Villages as I'm usually great with studying maps. The reality is that Lady Lake (Spanish Springs) looks like it's 10 mins away from Brownwood on a map but it's much further apart. Similarly, some places that seemed like a reasonable golf cart trip on a map were closer to 30-60 mins. The Villages is just massive and the size in incomprehensible until you've seen it in person. Having been here for awhile, I now know which trips are for the golf cart and which ones are car trips. We almost always prefer the golf cart for the most part.

[mkjelenbaas]

Hi Villagers!!

We had a lifestyle visit scheduled in December but had to cancel as our elderly dog was sick and we couldn't leave him. He is now doing better and his trusted sitter will be able to watch him and we are coming to the Villages January 23, - Jan. 28. Not that long and of course lifestyle visits were booked and that was okay and we got a room at the Brownwood Hotel. I do have some questions if anyone knows. I know about the restaurants and the music in the squares.

Is it possible to rent a golf cart for such a short period and where would I go? If I get a golf cart would I still need a car?

What's the nearest good quality gym for my husband.

I read something about Trolley tours?

For such a short period what do you suggest we do? I am interested in pickle ball and I realize you have to take a class first etc., and wondering if it's too short of a visit to play? - The lifestyle person said they would get us some passes for things we are interested in.

We don't golf.

I like the pool, husband does not. He loves the music.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I am so excited to visit the Villages and I have seen so many you tube videos that I really feel I am going to love it there. My husband doesn't seem convinced and is comfortable living in freezing New England so it will be interesting, though I feel he will love it also. We will see.

Thank you in advance for any advice and comments.

Pam
There are three trolly tours of about 1-2 hours each - take all three and learn about and see The Villages!!

[Nana2Teddy]

There are three trolly tours of about 1-2 hours each - take all three and learn about and see The Villages!!
Actually no there aren’t three trolley tours anymore. They only started one back up after Covid, and it is boarded at Brownwood Sales office and only goes south of 44 where the new homes are being built.

[Pamela1130]

Only addressing your concern for golf cart and or Car. Others may have different views but at least consider the following.

At this time of year and short amount of time, I would strongly recommend a car. On your first visit, you might want to see as much as possible including possible living areas, shopping, dining, entertainment.

The Villages is huge, over 20 miles from north to south, and more by golf cart. Brownwood to Lake Sumter about 7 miles and another 5 or 6 to Spanish Springs and then you have to return. Sunset at your time of visit around 6PM and temperatures average high 70 and low 50. Rental carts normally have no weather enclosures. Golf carts can't go everywhere so you would eliminate options for exploring shopping and dining. Many rental golf carts are speed limited.

If your goal was to just experience the lifestyle and golf, exercise, dance at one square, explore a limited area perhaps OK.

Otherwise, do yourself a favor and have access to auto transport. It might be quaint to think golf cart only, but it is not practical unless you are staying with friends or relatives.

Thank you so much for your answer. I have read it intently and you are absolutely right!! I do realize it is a huge place and the weather won't be that that warm and I do want to explore but also get some groceries for the room. Plus neither of us has ever driven a golf cart and I have seen it could be complicated with the rotaries and tunnels. I see there is a rental car place in Brownwood so I am going to contact them today. I was going to rent a car at the airport but decided against that and hiring a professional car service to take us there. Thank you again!!

[Pamela1130]

There are three trolly tours of about 1-2 hours each - take all three and learn about and see The Villages!!

Thank you!! That sounds amazing!! Can't wait. It will definitely be on the list.

[Pamela1130]

Actually no there aren’t three trolley tours anymore. They only started one back up after Covid, and it is boarded at Brownwood Sales office and only goes south of 44 where the new homes are being built.

Oh, good to know then. Brownwood is the area we will be staying at it will be convenient to be able to check out that area of the Villages without having to drive there. Thank you!!

[coconutmama]

Only addressing your concern for golf cart and or Car. Others may have different views but at least consider the following.

At this time of year and short amount of time, I would strongly recommend a car. On your first visit, you might want to see as much as possible including possible living areas, shopping, dining, entertainment.

The Villages is huge, over 20 miles from north to south, and more by golf cart. Brownwood to Lake Sumter about 7 miles and another 5 or 6 to Spanish Springs and then you have to return. Sunset at your time of visit around 6PM and temperatures average high 70 and low 50. Rental carts normally have no weather enclosures. Golf carts can't go everywhere so you would eliminate options for exploring shopping and dining. Many rental golf carts are speed limited.

If your goal was to just experience the lifestyle and golf, exercise, dance at one square, explore a limited area perhaps OK.

Otherwise, do yourself a favor and have access to auto transport. It might be quaint to think golf cart only, but it is not practical unless you are staying with friends or relatives.

Good advice. Especially the bit about not every street/location being golf cart assessable. It is very dangerous, and expensive if you get pulled over, to drive a golf cart on a road here not designed for them. Unfortunately visitors don’t usually understand where to drive them in TV & cart rental places don’t bother to explain well, or at all. That being said, it is the most fun way to get around. Oh, and don’t forget to park your cart 2, staggered, in a car parking spot. Just notice how that is done.

We can tell newbies by the smiles on their faces. Enjoy your visit!

[Veracity]

Hi Villagers!!

What's the nearest good quality gym for my husband.

I like the pool, husband does not.

Thank you in advance for any advice and comments.

Pam

Hi Pam...FYI...The Brownwood Hotel and Spa has a gym and a spa for their guests....Enjoy your visit....I'm glad that your dog is doing better! Amenities | Brownwood Hotel and Spa (https://www.brownwoodhotelandspa.com/amenities)

[Heytubes]

I’d suggest paying 8 bucks for The Villages GPS. It has car and cart directions to the rec centers as well as about every facility in TV. The free app is ok but isn’t as good as the one you pay for. Enjoy your visit and welcome.

[DrHitch]

Welcome to your first lifestyle trip to The Villages.

You might want to check out the various pages on The Villages 101 The Villages 101 (http://www.thevillages101.com)

There's a lot of information there and a lot of references and links to other official websites... There's so much information on The Villages it's almost overwhelming.

[DrHitch]

Welcome to your first lifestyle trip to The Villages.

You might want to check out the various pages on The Villages 101 The Villages 101 (http://www.thevillages101.com)

There's a lot of information there and a lot of references and links to other official websites... There's so much information on The Villages it's almost overwhelming.

[vinnytalk]

Aren't you coming down to look at properties, if so you will not have time to play sports.

[Papa_lecki]

I strongly suggest getting your hands on a golf cart. Stop by Village Golf Carts in Brownwood your first morning (they dont take reservations anymore).
Part of the allure of TV is driving around in the golf cart - and you will be mad at yourself seeing all the golf carts and missing out.

You will get lost and be confused the first 2 days, but you will figure it out - just be patient.

[PugMom]

Hi!! My husband isn't an introvert, but just the opposite. He is hesitant because he's the type who hates change and likes where we live. It's nice of course with the best hospital care and schools in the country but the winters are really awful and I would like to have a place there to come and go when I want and we or me could go back and forth depending on how I feel. I wouldn't want to retire there permanently, at least that isn't the plan right now. I do like Florida but really haven't spent that much time there. I would have to see. Thanks so much for taking the time to get back to me. I really appreciate it.

once you are here, neither of you will regret it; you'd need to come down & take a look. all the things you spoke of needing are readily available, & if it's not, theVillages can help you get it. i still kept my car, some of the routes would take a longer time by cart, but it can be done. Welcome!! :wave:

[stevecmo]

If it's not too late you might look into an Air BnB or (hmm....can't think of the other one) that has a golf cart included. That's what we did our first trip here and it worked out great. There are lots of short term (even nightly) rentals here. Pricing per night is usually cheaper than a hotel and you have a furnished Villa (usually) with a kitchen.

Just a suggestion. Enjoy your trip!

[Marathon Man]

I believe that a lifestyle visit includes a pickleball lesson for those who ask. I have seen them being given at one of the rec centers by rec center staff.

[asiebel]

I am not sure you can take a golf cart to the Brownwood Hotel. You should call to find out! It may be difficult to find a rental at this time of year!

[Altavia]

I’d suggest paying 8 bucks for The Villages GPS. It has car and cart directions to the rec centers as well as about every facility in TV. The free app is ok but isn’t as good as the one you pay for. Enjoy your visit and welcome.

OP - The commercial app is buggy, especially in the new areas or when cell signal is sketchy. Some of this is due to the time it takes to release new map data publically.

The free navigation in the Villages app has been more reliable and up to date for me.

[Pamela1130]

Hi Pam...FYI...The Brownwood Hotel and Spa has a gym and a spa for their guests....Enjoy your visit....I'm glad that your dog is doing better! Amenities | Brownwood Hotel and Spa (https://www.brownwoodhotelandspa.com/amenities)

Thank you very much for the link! Yes he is doing better but getting very old so we don't like to leave him too long and there is no way we could drive him down to Florida. We need to keep him as comfortable as possible. Thank you for asking.

[MrChip72]

Honestly, your stay would be 10x less complicated and stressful if you could find a lifestyle visit at a later date. Much more straightforward and less stressful than staying at an offsite hotel and having to rent things.

[Pamela1130]

I think you really need to have a car and a golf cart to get the full feel for things. You'll want the car to check out what's available in the other parts not in Brownwood like LSL, Spanish Springs/Lady Lake, and you may also want to check out the vast amount of newer areas South of 44 which would take a LONG time to explore just by golf cart.

Before my first visit less than a year ago I thought I totally understood the layout of the Villages as I'm usually great with studying maps. The reality is that Lady Lake (Spanish Springs) looks like it's 10 mins away from Brownwood on a map but it's much further apart. Similarly, some places that seemed like a reasonable golf cart trip on a map were closer to 30-60 mins. The Villages is just massive and the size in incomprehensible until you've seen it in person. Having been here for awhile, I now know which trips are for the golf cart and which ones are car trips. We almost always prefer the golf cart for the most part.

Thank you. Yes I am seeing from people that the place is huge and I am starting to see that in the videos I watch.

[Pamela1130]

Only addressing your concern for golf cart and or Car. Others may have different views but at least consider the following.

At this time of year and short amount of time, I would strongly recommend a car. On your first visit, you might want to see as much as possible including possible living areas, shopping, dining, entertainment.

The Villages is huge, over 20 miles from north to south, and more by golf cart. Brownwood to Lake Sumter about 7 miles and another 5 or 6 to Spanish Springs and then you have to return. Sunset at your time of visit around 6PM and temperatures average high 70 and low 50. Rental carts normally have no weather enclosures. Golf carts can't go everywhere so you would eliminate options for exploring shopping and dining. Many rental golf carts are speed limited.

If your goal was to just experience the lifestyle and golf, exercise, dance at one square, explore a limited area perhaps OK.

Otherwise, do yourself a favor and have access to auto transport. It might be quaint to think golf cart only, but it is not practical unless you are staying with friends or relatives.

This makes sense. The car is now the first priority because I can go everywhere with a car in the Villages but not with the golf club unless I want to drive for a long time. If I get a golf cart, fine, but the car has to come first.

[Pamela1130]

Hi Pam...FYI...The Brownwood Hotel and Spa has a gym and a spa for their guests....Enjoy your visit....I'm glad that your dog is doing better! Amenities | Brownwood Hotel and Spa (https://www.brownwoodhotelandspa.com/amenities)

Thank you. I see the gym at Brownwood Hotel won't cut it but the Genesis Health club in Brownwood is perfect for what he likes.

[Pamela1130]

Actually no there aren’t three trolley tours anymore. They only started one back up after Covid, and it is boarded at Brownwood Sales office and only goes south of 44 where the new homes are being built.

Well that will be good as I would like to see that area actually. Thank you so much!!

[Pamela1130]

I’d suggest paying 8 bucks for The Villages GPS. It has car and cart directions to the rec centers as well as about every facility in TV. The free app is ok but isn’t as good as the one you pay for. Enjoy your visit and welcome.

Thanks for the information about the GPS App because the host lady said I didn't need the paid one, but for 8 bucks not worth even not getting it.

[mtdjed]

Thank you. I see the gym at Brownwood Hotel won't cut it but the Genesis Health club in Brownwood is perfect for what he likes.

A lot of health insurance programs now allow free membership to health clubs. Perhaps limited to Medicare supplement/ Advantage programs. Also, some health clubs have mutual use agreements. Might be good to call Genesis in Brownwood to explore options that might be available especially if they know you are perhaps going to be a new resident.

[Dani & Bill]

Hi Pam,
I sent you a private message regarding your trip :)
~Dani

[Pairadocs]

Only addressing your concern for golf cart and or Car. Others may have different views but at least consider the following.

At this time of year and short amount of time, I would strongly recommend a car. On your first visit, you might want to see as much as possible including possible living areas, shopping, dining, entertainment.

The Villages is huge, over 20 miles from north to south, and more by golf cart. Brownwood to Lake Sumter about 7 miles and another 5 or 6 to Spanish Springs and then you have to return. Sunset at your time of visit around 6PM and temperatures average high 70 and low 50. Rental carts normally have no weather enclosures. Golf carts can't go everywhere so you would eliminate options for exploring shopping and dining. Many rental golf carts are speed limited.

If your goal was to just experience the lifestyle and golf, exercise, dance at one square, explore a limited area perhaps OK.

Otherwise, do yourself a favor and have access to auto transport. It might be quaint to think golf cart only, but it is not practical unless you are staying with friends or relatives.

As long time residents, agree this is very good advice (auto vrs. golf cart due to limited time). Only thing I'd add is definitely go to sales office first (before trying to drive all three sections/areas) and take the troll tour... if nothing else, it will give you an idea of this HUGE Villages area. Then you can set out to explore in your auto, stop to see what interests you most, etc.

[Pamela1130]

A lot of health insurance programs now allow free membership to health clubs. Perhaps limited to Medicare supplement/ Advantage programs. Also, some health clubs have mutual use agreements. Might be good to call Genesis in Brownwood to explore options that might be available especially if they know you are perhaps going to be a new resident.

That's a great idea!! Thank you!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I am not sure you can take a golf cart to the Brownwood Hotel. You should call to find out! It may be difficult to find a rental at this time of year!

Yes you can. They have conventions and health fairs and such there. Many of us go there by golf cart to attend them.

[Nana2Teddy]

As long time residents, agree this is very good advice (auto vrs. golf cart due to limited time). Only thing I'd add is definitely go to sales office first (before trying to drive all three sections/areas) and take the troll tour... if nothing else, it will give you an idea of this HUGE Villages area. Then you can set out to explore in your auto, stop to see what interests you most, etc.
The trolley tour only goes south of 44 now. They show visitors the new areas where they’re still building homes. It leaves from Brownwood Sales office.