Itinerary for one day visit

[Gulfcoast]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?

[Stu from NYC]

Not enough time but what are you looking to accomplish?

[Rainger99]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?

Go to at least 2 Town Squares and be sure one of them is in the evening for the entertainment. Drive Morse and Buena Vista, go to a couple of the large Rec centers such as Everglades and Ezell and go to 3 or 4 open houses to get a feel for what is out there and what it costs. I would not play pickleball or golf - I assume that people have done that outside The Villages.

[Gulfcoast]

Not enough time but what are you looking to accomplish?

I know it's not nearly enough time. This is more of a check it out, see what is there and then plan a longer visit. I know TV is huge. I'm just trying to narrow down the must sees. We won't be getting guest passes to the rec centers and whatnot. We're not even staying overnight. It'll be a daytrip.

[ThirdOfFive]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?
Take a trolley tour. It's a sales pitch but gives you an idea of what TV looks like. They leave at specified intervals from Brownwood.

[villagetinker]

If you are serious about moving to the villages, contact the sales office for an agent, explain to the agent what you want to do and let them to the driving and explaining. We did this about 3 or 4 years before we actually bought. The sales agent from the initial contact was the one we used for the purchase. As noted above you cannot do TV in a day, it is around 70 square MILES. The website can give you some information and from there you may be able to narrow down your search to a more specific area. We are in the Brownwood area, which is now near the center of the villages, it was the southern end when we built, but we really like the area. There are currently 3 houses for sale in this area.

[rjm1cc]

Drive around and see if you like the landscaping, easy of getting to stores, etc. You are trying to decide if you want to make a return trip or not. I can see a stop at the sales office for a couple of hours as a must. You are not so much interested in the different homes but what the life style will be and the sales person should be able to give you an over view.

[Aces4]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?

I’d spend the day trying to book a week. You need at least that for a good review of The Villages.

[Gulfcoast]

Thank you all for the information and ideas. This trip is more to get the lay of the land and familiarize ourselves with TV as best we can in a day. I like the idea of fitting in at least two of the town squares. My thought is we will hit either Spanish Springs or Sumter Landing on the way in and stop for breakfast and do some browsing. From there we'll travel towards Brownwood and see about a trolley tour. Is there anything much to see in the sales office, itself? Once we take the trolley tour we'll check out Brownwood Square and maybe drive through some of the surrounding neighborhoods and shopping areas.

I don't think we'll have time to go through any houses. We aren't going there intending to buy now, this is more to get a feel for where we'll be looking.

What restaurant would you recommend for a late lunch/early dinner? Thank you all again!

[Gulfcoast]

Drive around and see if you like the landscaping, easy of getting to stores, etc. You are trying to decide if you want to make a return trip or not. I can see a stop at the sales office for a couple of hours as a must. You are not so much interested in the different homes but what the life style will be and the sales person should be able to give you an over view.

We have dogs so I know we'll want a fenced in yard. That will limit the models for us.

[Rainger99]

We won't be getting guest passes to the rec centers and whatnot.

I think you can visit the rec centers without a guest pass. You can’t swim or play pickleball without a pass but if you walked in and just wanted to look around, it shouldn’t be a problem. If there is a problem, tell them you are thinking about moving to TV.

[Gulfcoast]

I think you can visit the rec centers without a guest pass. You can’t swim or play pickleball without a pass but if you walked in and just wanted to look around, it shouldn’t be a problem. If there is a problem, tell them you are thinking about moving to TV.

That would be perfect! We'll definitely check to see if we can get a look inside a rec center or two.

[Rainger99]

That would be perfect! We'll definitely check to see if we can get a look inside a rec center or two.

Make sure you visit the regional recreation centers.

Recreation Center Locations (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/centerlocation.aspx)

[Gulfcoast]

Make sure you visit the regional recreation centers.

Recreation Center Locations (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/centerlocation.aspx)

These are the country run rec centers as opposed to the private rec centers in TV?

Which regional rec center would be close to Brownwood Square?

[JMintzer]

These are the country run rec centers as opposed to the private rec centers in TV?

Which regional rec center would be close to Brownwood Square?

No, that list is of The Villages rec centers...

The closest Regional (larger) rec center to Brownwood is Eisenhower. There might be some smaller ones nearby as well...

[Gulfcoast]

No, that list is of The Villages rec centers...

The closest Regional (larger) rec center to Brownwood is Eisenhower. There might be some smaller ones nearby as well...

O.k. thank you! We'll probably check out Eisenhower and possibly one of the other big rec centers.

Are the country clubs open for visitors to see?

[JMintzer]

O.k. thank you! We'll probably check out Eisenhower and possibly one of the other big rec centers.

Are the country clubs open for visitors to see?

Rohan is another Regional rec center. It's on the NE corner of 44 and Morse...

And yes, the Country Clubs (and before certain people chime in to tell you, yes, they are really just restaurants attached to the Championship Golf Courses) are open to all...

They will also have a Pro Shop attached, as well...

[Papa_lecki]

Let me tell you, you are in for a disappointment if you are only there for a day.

The allure of The Villages isn’t the flowers, the squares, the country clubs - its the lifestyle, the experience, the fun, the laughter.

You need to spend a few days (MINIMUM) to even start to understand.

If I only drive through and spent a day, I would probably not have gone back to rent ad buy. Just my opinion.

[Gulfcoast]

Rohan is another Regional rec center. It's on the NE corner of 44 and Morse...

And yes, the Country Clubs (and before certain people chime in to tell you, yes, they are really just restaurants attached to the Championship Golf Courses) are open to all...

They will also have a Pro Shop attached, as well...

Awesome. I think we have a game plan now.

[Gulfcoast]

Let me tell you, you are in for a disappointment if you are only there for a day.

The allure of The Villages isn’t the flowers, the squares, the country clubs - its the lifestyle, the experience, the fun, the laughter.

You need to spend a few days (MINIMUM) to even start to understand.

If I only drive through and spent a day, I would probably not have gone back to rent ad buy. Just my opinion.

Thank you for your perspective and I think you are right - the lifestyle and getting a taste of living in TV would be ideal. Unfortunately, we have limited time to do this at this point so we're going to have to try to see what we can see in just one day.

We've been to some other over 55 communities and, while they were quite nice, they seemed too... constrained (not sure if that's the right word)... and actually kind of boring. I don't think TV will be boring. I think we will see that there is a ton to do there.

[Rainger99]

If you only have a day, you only have a day. Sounds like you will be seeing a fair amount of it.

My first visit to Europe I only had one day to see Paris. People told me that one day wasn’t long enough - which is true. But I was sure glad I spent that day in Paris rather than not seeing it. It made me want to come back to Paris - which I did and you will almost certainly come back to The Villages and see it properly.

[Gulfcoast]

If you only have a day, you only have a day. Sounds like you will be seeing a fair amount of it.

My first visit to Europe I only had one day to see Paris. People told me that one day wasn’t long enough - which is true. But I was sure glad I spent that day in Paris rather than not seeing it. It made me want to come back to Paris - which I did and you will almost certainly come back to The Villages and see it properly.

We were doing back to back college tours with our kids not that long ago so I guess we're used to covering a lot of ground fast.

One day won't be enough but I do think that'll give us lots of reasons to come back. Thanks again for all the information. It's much appreciated!

[Aviator1211]

If you connect with a Villages sales agent, be sure to ask them to show you Katie Belles and the Hacienda country club.

[Worldseries27]

take a trolley tour. It's a sales pitch but gives you an idea of what tv looks like. They leave at specified intervals from brownwood.
ditto
breakfast spanish springs,
lunch brownwood,
dinner & party lake sumpter landing

[asianthree]

If you connect with a Villages sales agent, be sure to ask them to show you Katie Belles and the Hacienda country club.

Really, OP has one day, and you want them to spend it finding something that no longer exists. How sad, and hope OP doesn’t waste their time with your thoughts, when they could be getting important questions answered.

[asianthree]

OP sent you a PM ( private message to your inbox)

Our oldest dragging his wife for her first visit in 2021 for Just one Day.

He had visited us for 10 days every year since 2010. She is not fully on board, but she agreed to a lifestyle visit in 2022 for a week. He has been sold since day one, wife after lifestyle, her views are changing, but not on board yet.

Both are Doctors, early 50’s, enjoy the lifestyle, but she is not a fan of heat like me. So as he said “baby steps,” is always a good thing if one is not sure. His statement is “houses are built everyday,” and there will be something available if and when she Changes her mind, because he is very optimistic.

[JeanC]

I know it's not nearly enough time. This is more of a check it out, see what is there and then plan a longer visit. I know TV is huge. I'm just trying to narrow down the must sees. We won't be getting guest passes to the rec centers and whatnot. We're not even staying overnight. It'll be a daytrip.

Guest passes are not needed to visit a Rec center and check it out. Enjoy.

[Papa_lecki]

How is THIS?

Breakfast at flying bisquit - LSL
Drive to lake miona rec center - walk around
Drive north to Lopez Champ Golf - check it out
Drive to Spanish Springs - walk around
Drive to Virginia Trace, park at pool, and walk neighboorhood
Lunch at either Edna’s food trucks or Citrus Grove - walk around after lunch
Fit in (go see) one or two things you’re interested - softball, archery, etc.
Go to the other place (above)
Park and walk around a neighboorhood somewhere along Marsh Bend Tr or Warm Springs
Drive to Eisnehaurer Rec Center (especially if you’re a Veteran) or Rohan - walk in the rec center
Walk around Brownwood - dinner at Brownwood, listen to band

Adjust as needed -
You like golf, visit another champ course
You Like pickle/tennis, spend time at those courts at the rec centers or visit another rec center

[La lamy]

Thank you all for the information and ideas. This trip is more to get the lay of the land and familiarize ourselves with TV as best we can in a day. I like the idea of fitting in at least two of the town squares. My thought is we will hit either Spanish Springs or Sumter Landing on the way in and stop for breakfast and do some browsing. From there we'll travel towards Brownwood and see about a trolley tour. Is there anything much to see in the sales office, itself? Once we take the trolley tour we'll check out Brownwood Square and maybe drive through some of the surrounding neighborhoods and shopping areas.

I don't think we'll have time to go through any houses. We aren't going there intending to buy now, this is more to get a feel for where we'll be looking.

What restaurant would you recommend for a late lunch/early dinner? Thank you all again!

I would recommend eating at Sumter Landing. Gators on the patio for lunch, or Lighthouse on the patio for a great view of the water and sundown.

[Lyarham]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?

I would suggest staying around the Lake Sumter area. Then you can get to Brownwood or Spanish springs easily

[bowlingal]

just drive around....in a car......and stop when you see something interesting to you. One day is not enough time to see many things.

[bowlingal]

Worldseries27.... PLEASE....there is no P in Lake Sumter!

[photo1902]

Worldseries27.... PLEASE....there is no P in Lake Sumter!

I believe you pass Lake Sumpter when driving on Morris Boulevard while heading to Finney :)

[msilagy]

And be sure from the get go it's SUMTER, not Sumpter. Enjoy the day, relax and take in as much of what the villages has to offer. Pick Eisenhower rec center as it's fascinating, Seabreeze is a totally different look, a country club and all 3 squares, even Sawgrass too. As for restaurants I can't say as I'm not in real favor of any. Maybe outside at the Chop house for lunch.

[Sunny923!]

Thank you all for the information and ideas. This trip is more to get the lay of the land and familiarize ourselves with TV as best we can in a day. I like the idea of fitting in at least two of the town squares. My thought is we will hit either Spanish Springs or Sumter Landing on the way in and stop for breakfast and do some browsing. From there we'll travel towards Brownwood and see about a trolley tour. Is there anything much to see in the sales office, itself? Once we take the trolley tour we'll check out Brownwood Square and maybe drive through some of the surrounding neighborhoods and shopping areas.

I don't think we'll have time to go through any houses. We aren't going there intending to buy now, this is more to get a feel for where we'll be looking.

What restaurant would you recommend for a late lunch/early dinner? Thank you all again!
After your trolly tour visit Brownwood and eat a great meal at TooJays right there at Brownwood.

[Hank’s mom]

Get a cart, Start the early morning watching sunrise over the lake while walking the boardwalk, Then have an outside breakfast at Flying Biscuit. Drive through Spanish Springs and then down to Brownwood stopping at Rec centers on the way. Lunch at Brownwood. A walk at Fenny. Relax at a pool. Nap. Go dancing at a square.

[geobar]

Go to "Lake Sumter Town Square". Plan a visit when "Rocky and The Rollers" are playing in the square.
Talk to people as far as how they like "The Villages" now especially as "The Morse Clan" refuses to stop selling more homes which definitely is making "The Villages" way overcrowded North of CR-44 making it more difficult to go to a restaurant for dinner.



What would be a good sample itinerary for a one-day visit to The Villages?

[sowilts]

Go to at least 2 Town Squares and be sure one of them is in the evening for the entertainment. Drive Morse and Buena Vista, go to a couple of the large Rec centers such as Everglades and Ezell and go to 3 or 4 open houses to get a feel for what is out there and what it costs. I would not play pickleball or golf - I assume that people have done that outside The Villages.
Excellent advice. 😎

[Kasolnic]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?
Breakfast at Panera in Spanish Springs. Walk around the square. Lunch at the Lighthouse in Sumter Landing. Again, walk around the square. You can check out a trolley tour from there. End with dinner at Harvest in Brownwood and stay for the entertainment on the square. You can pop into Eisenhower Rec. Enter while driving from Sumter Landing to Brownwood. It will be an action-packed day. Enjoy!

[Rodneysblue]

I know it's not nearly enough time. This is more of a check it out, see what is there and then plan a longer visit. I know TV is huge. I'm just trying to narrow down the must sees. We won't be getting guest passes to the rec centers and whatnot. We're not even staying overnight. It'll be a daytrip.
What Rainger99 said.

[ThirdOfFive]

I believe you pass Lake Sumpter when driving on Morris Boulevard while heading to Finney :)
Don't forget that left turn from El Camino Royal onto Bonus Aires...

[ThirdOfFive]

I would recommend eating at Sumter Landing. Gators on the patio for lunch, or Lighthouse on the patio for a great view of the water and sundown.
Agree. LSL is beautiful in the early evening. If you have the time, take in the lakewalk also.

Be aware though that the bands start playing at 5:00 PM so I'd advise getting there at least a half-hour before that. Parking becomes kinda chancy if you get there any later. Good place to park (assuming a car?) is the lot adjacent to Barnes & Noble. It is close to the restaurants and the square.

[DiandJay]

We have dogs so I know we'll want a fenced in yard. That will limit the models for us.
Our neighbors have a large dog but use invisible fencing on their designer. Seems to work great.

[Altavia]

Many good recommendations here.

If not already mentioned, Country Clubs are open to the public and are essentially restaurants with a pro shop adjacent to a golf course. Good option for lunch.

If new is an option, suggest spending half the day South of 44.

Options:
Everglades Rec Center,
Edna's (for a beer or glass of wine),
Fenny Grill (lunch, nice short nature trail there),
Lake Okahumpka Rec Center, Sawgrass,

Drive down Warm Springs to 470 to see what's in progress. If coming from the east, you can see this on your way in or out.

[mikemalloy]

"I don't think we'll have time to go through any houses. We aren't going there intending to buy now, this is more to get a feel for where we'll be looking."
That's what many of us said....and then the hook was set!

[Regorp]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?
One day sounds like stress and migraine. You need a few days with one day booked with a sales agent to point the way to the top features. Eisenhower and Everglades are a must.

[Dburesh]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?

I recommend taking the trolleys all over the Villages as you will be able to see the whole area. You really need more than 1 day to check it out so you could participate in some of the amenities & see the Rec Centers & facilities. Give me a call @ 513-222-2981 & I will be happy to help you in several ways.

[nstommel]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?

Are there any options for a 1 week rental in The Villages? I would like to spend a week there to explore the area for potential purchase.

[rogerk]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?
Absolutely START your day with a Trolley Tour. They have 4 tours a day leaving from Brownwood Sales & Information Center. It is NOT a sales pitch; it is a one hour overview that will give you the information you need to plan the rest of your day. Then you can decide what you want to explore. The tour is free but reservations are needed this time of year. Call 352-408-7721.

The Villages is not your typical Over-55 community!

[JSR22]

After your trolly tour visit Brownwood and eat a great meal at TooJays right there at Brownwood.

Much better food at BlueFin, Harvest or Prima.

[rustyp]

Are there any options for a 1 week rental in The Villages? I would like to spend a week there to explore the area for potential purchase.

Try Airbnb. I just did a query for March 5 - 12 and found 363 homes available.

[pattik]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?

I’d be happy to show you around. I’ve lived here for 10 years and love it! I usually only show our families around when they come to visit but I’d be happy to help out.

[GCMartin]

I feel like I always have to show my guests the Eisenhower and Sea Breeze Rec Ctrs. They are amazing!!

[rjm1cc]

Where ever you end up try renting for as long as you can before buying.

[Smalley]

Eisenhower is a beautiful regional rec center to visit. It honors the military and especially the WWII soldiers. Most of the regional rec centers have a theme and it is artfully carried out. Lake Miona has a boating theme and you will be close to it when you visit Lake Sumter Landing. Enjoy your visit.

[PugMom]

I know it's not nearly enough time. This is more of a check it out, see what is there and then plan a longer visit. I know TV is huge. I'm just trying to narrow down the must sees. We won't be getting guest passes to the rec centers and whatnot. We're not even staying overnight. It'll be a daytrip.

imo only, Sumter Landing is the place to be & see. it;s the most-inclusive square, with many food choices, the boardwalk & boat rides begin around 4pm. every square has music begin @ 5 to 9pm, so no matter where you go there will be a band playing. arrive early to get decent parking, especially on market night or the car shows.

[PugMom]

We have dogs so I know we'll want a fenced in yard. That will limit the models for us.

not so much anymore. the newer homes going up nearby us have an iron fenced in yard. be sure to NEVER leave your dogs unattended-too many predators of all sizes

[Gulfcoast]

Eisenhower is a beautiful regional rec center to visit. It honors the military and especially the WWII soldiers. Most of the regional rec centers have a theme and it is artfully carried out. Lake Miona has a boating theme and you will be close to it when you visit Lake Sumter Landing. Enjoy your visit.

The Eisenhower sounds like it would be right up my husband's alley, in particular. He's a military brat and a history buff. Lake Sumter Landing sounds really pretty.

This should be a fun visit!

[Gulfcoast]

Thank you all for all of the ideas. I'm writing them all down and busy doing some research on them.

Do any of the rec centers have a solid free weight area in addition to the machines?

[Gulfcoast]

not so much anymore. the newer homes going up nearby us have an iron fenced in yard. be sure to NEVER leave your dogs unattended-too many predators of all sizes

I am interested to see the iron fence on the new homes. That might open up some possibilities in terms of house styles for us.

[Sedlecky]

I suggest when you get in any Rec Center to pick up the The Villages Recreation and Parks magazine that contains Clubs, Lifestyle Events, and Recreation Activity Schedule.
It will give you an overview of what is available for THAT week!
Take it home with you to peruse at your leisure.

[GJohn]

Not sure if its been suggested yet, but there are, or was several apps for the villages you can download for GPS. I use the version you pay for ($7) which lists all the places you'd need to navigate the villages entities. VillagesGPS

[JMintzer]

Go to "Lake Sumter Town Square". Plan a visit when "Rocky and The Rollers" are playing in the square.
Talk to people as far as how they like "The Villages" now especially as "The Morse Clan" refuses to stop selling more homes which definitely is making "The Villages" way overcrowded North of CR-44 making it more difficult to go to a restaurant for dinner.

Trust, me... You won't find those people among those out and about, having fun...

They'll be home, complaining on ToTV...

[JMintzer]

Thank you all for all of the ideas. I'm writing them all down and busy doing some research on them.

Do any of the rec centers have a solid free weight area in addition to the machines?

The Regional (larger) rec centers have an attached gym. Every one I've been to has free weights... Not "Golds Gym" quality/quantity, but they have them...

There is an additional fee to use them (daily/weekly/monthly/yearly...)

[JMintzer]

Not sure if its been suggested yet, but there are, or was several apps for the villages you can download for GPS. I use the version you pay for ($7) which lists all the places you'd need to navigate the villages entities. VillagesGPS

Great tip. But i'd get the free one ("The Villages", a green tile with a big "V"), for now... It has enough info for a short visit. I used the free one at first, but now prefer the $7 one...

[Papa_lecki]

Thank you all for all of the ideas. I'm writing them all down and busy doing some research on them.

Do any of the rec centers have a solid free weight area in addition to the machines?

Here’s a map of the rec centers
https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/images/RecMap.pdf?v=20220624

A few have weights, i think 3 or 4.
There is a decent private gym in Brownwood and Spanish Springs (I think).

[Carlsondm]

There may be trolleys leaving from the Squares of Brownwood, Lake Sumter, and Spanish Springs. They can give you a little history and a view of each area. Go to a couple of open houses in different price ranges. What are your interests? Do you golf, play cards, bike, dance, tinker, or do you like driving a golf cart around? We contacted a realtor with The Villages and Peggy showed us some new homes in our price range. She should have asked us what our sq ft range was. No basements here and closets are tiny. She suggested a lifestyle visit and we came back for a week and did more “homework”.

It is easy to get lost in The Villages. I think they design it that way. Get or take a tour so you can ask questions and don’t get lost.

If you are just bumming around, go to one of the Squares in the evening or for happy hour. Sawgrass Grove near Ezzell Rec Center is a neat experience and eatery in the new development area in the south. Hospitals are primarily in Spanish Springs(N) and Leesburg(S).

[ShaSha]

My plan for you.
Have breakfast at Flying Biscuit in Lake Sumter Landing. Eat outside and PEOPLE WATCH. Walk around and enjoy the shops and scenery. Then drive around LSL and view the water.
Grab a table at Lighthouse for a drink and light lunch. Head south to Brownwood Paddock Square. Enjoy the sights . Music starts at 5. Grab a drink special and people watch. Get up and dance!!! Plan on dinner at Prima. Sit outside. Enjoy all the music. This is a full day.
You should check out Eisenhower Rec center. Very interesting. Just tell them you are looking to buy in the future.
Peak in at some of the classes.
Good luck. You will not be bored here . Only you can make it boring! There are 3000 special clubs and classes…
Good luck😊

[Nana2Teddy]

Take a trolley tour. It's a sales pitch but gives you an idea of what TV looks like. They leave at specified intervals from Brownwood.
The trolley only travels south of 44 now. I wouldn’t waste time with it on a one day trip.

[Nana2Teddy]

I recommend taking the trolleys all over the Villages as you will be able to see the whole area. You really need more than 1 day to check it out so you could participate in some of the amenities & see the Rec Centers & facilities. Give me a call @ 513-222-2981 & I will be happy to help you in several ways.
The trolley only travels to south of 44 now to see the new areas. No other trolleys run.

[Nana2Teddy]

There may be trolleys leaving from the Squares of Brownwood, Lake Sumter, and Spanish Springs. They can give you a little history and a view of each area. Go to a couple of open houses in different price ranges. What are your interests? Do you golf, play cards, bike, dance, tinker, or do you like driving a golf cart around? We contacted a realtor with The Villages and Peggy showed us some new homes in our price range. She should have asked us what our sq ft range was. No basements here and closets are tiny. She suggested a lifestyle visit and we came back for a week and did more “homework”.

It is easy to get lost in The Villages. I think they design it that way. Get or take a tour so you can ask questions and don’t get lost.

If you are just bumming around, go to one of the Squares in the evening or for happy hour. Sawgrass Grove near Ezzell Rec Center is a neat experience and eatery in the new development area in the south. Hospitals are primarily in Spanish Springs(N) and Leesburg(S).
The trolley only runs out of Brownwood now to tour south of 44. No other trolleys came back after Covid.

[jimjamuser]

What would be a good sample itinerary for a one day visit to The Villages?
Go to the nearest swimming pool and check out all the beautiful people there. Then walk around one or two squares at supper time and later........because with ONLY ONE day there is no point watching a softball game ( unless you are INSANELY devoted to softball). Same with tennis or pickleball or ANYTHING that you also have at home. Not much point in going to a restaurant or a bar, which you also have at home. You could get a map at a recreational center and a schedule of sports, activities, and clubs just to read at home. You could drive around a little bit also.

[jimjamuser]

Drive around and see if you like the landscaping, easy of getting to stores, etc. You are trying to decide if you want to make a return trip or not. I can see a stop at the sales office for a couple of hours as a must. You are not so much interested in the different homes but what the life style will be and the sales person should be able to give you an over view.
I would stay clear of all salespeople. Just a waste of precious time. Contact them by mail or phone IF.....IF you like the place when you look around. And read this Forum for at least 6 months.

[Gulfcoast]

Update: We did our day visit and we have decided that we need to do a lifestyle visit in the future. We were able to drive through Spanish Springs and Sumter Landing - we liked what we saw! We visited Eisenhower Rec Center - beautiful and well done. We popped into another rec center (can't think of the name) but it was a regional and had a nice gym area. We parked in Brownwood Square, explored a bit and had the chance to grab a cup of coffee at Scooples before we took a Trolley tour out to the newest section. We saw the Sawgrass area. Afterwards, we dropped by another rec center, saw some of the model homes and walked around a bit. Then it was time to get on the road. TV is beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do and the people all seemed relaxed and very nice. It was a great first impression. We saw a fair amount but there is a lot more to see so we will need to plan that lifestyle visit. Thank you all again for the tips and the advice. Can't wait to come back!

[JMintzer]

Update: We did our day visit and we have decided that we need to do a lifestyle visit in the future. We were able to drive through Spanish Springs and Sumter Landing - we liked what we saw! We visited Eisenhower Rec Center - beautiful and well done. We popped into another rec center (can't think of the name) but it was a regional and had a nice gym area. We parked in Brownwood Square, explored a bit and had the chance to grab a cup of coffee at Scooples before we took a Trolley tour out to the newest section. We saw the Sawgrass area. Afterwards, we dropped by another rec center, saw some of the model homes and walked around a bit. Then it was time to get on the road. TV is beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do and the people all seemed relaxed and very nice. It was a great first impression. We saw a fair amount but there is a lot more to see so we will need to plan that lifestyle visit. Thank you all again for the tips and the advice. Can't wait to come back!

The hook has been set... Time to reel them in! :p:p:p

[MrFlorida]

Take a trolley tour.

[JMintzer]

Take a trolley tour.

"We parked in Brownwood Square, explored a bit and had the chance to grab a cup of coffee at Scooples before we took a Trolley tour out to the newest section..."

[PugMom]

how exciting! am so glad you were pleased & hope to see you soon!:thumbup:

[Altavia]

Great news your visit went well!

Starting in a year or two, the new areas around Eastport will be a very desirable location.

Best wishes for the future and thanks for letting us know!

Continuing The Dream: Volume 3 (https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol3/index.php#/p/8)