View Full Version : Fun Places outside the Villages
portferraro
07-24-2023, 08:58 AM
We are looking for recommendations of beaches, restaurants, and other entertainment venues within 20 miles +/- of the Villages.
Thank you
pikeselectric
07-24-2023, 09:18 AM
We are looking for recommendations of beaches, restaurants, and other entertainment venues within 20 miles +/- of the Villages.
Thank you
Hi there! Unfortunately any beach/coast is going to be within an hour drive or more from The Villages. Crystal River is a beautiful place on the gulf side for restaurants and scenery. Crystal River is actually the ONLY town in the nation that it is legal to swim with the manatees on a professional tour, fun fact. It would be about a 45 minute drive to get to the area though. Downtown Ocala (within 30 minutes) offers great eats and bars as well. They recently renovated the area. Hope you or someone else finds this info helpful :thumbup: Have a great week! - Casandra with Pike's Electric 352-748-6251
Kelevision
07-24-2023, 09:38 AM
We are looking for recommendations of beaches, restaurants, and other entertainment venues within 20 miles +/- of the Villages.
Thank you
It would also depend on what area of the villages. I’m by Sawgrass Grove and from me to Orange Blossom CC in the northern Villages is about 15 miles.
dewilson58
07-24-2023, 09:39 AM
The Freezer Box.
Bill14564
07-24-2023, 09:42 AM
Downtown Leesburg has a number of restaurants of varying styles. Big Bass Grill and Catfish Johnnie's on Lake Panasofkee are worth looking into. Tavares, Mt Dora, and Ocala each have restaurants that are worth trying.
The Villages Gourmet Club (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/) has descriptions and reviews for most of the restaurants in the area.
justjim
07-24-2023, 09:55 AM
Eaton’s Beach east on
42 near Weirsdale is a fun and different place you might try.
Normal
07-24-2023, 01:46 PM
If you live south of 44, Homosassa State Park followed by a stop at the Freezer in Homosassa for an excellent bucket of steamed Cajun Shrimp and a pitcher of beer is fun. Tom and Jerry’s Air Boat rides is a good time too just outside of Coleman. If you can make it up north on a a Friday or Saturday morning, a stop at Marion Market can be exciting. Lakeridge winery is a nice stop too and it’s less than 15 minutes from Meggison and 470.
La lamy
07-25-2023, 05:22 AM
Eaton's Beach is very close and it has a restaurant/bar/beach/water crafts to rent.
La lamy
07-25-2023, 05:24 AM
Dora canal has pontoon rides in an incredibly enchanting setting. Totally recommend it.
daca55
07-25-2023, 06:06 AM
Dora canal has pontoon rides in an incredibly enchanting setting. Totally recommend it.
Hi, I take it that Dory Canal is near Mount Dora? Sounds like fun.
midiwiz
07-25-2023, 06:12 AM
We are looking for recommendations of beaches, restaurants, and other entertainment venues within 20 miles +/- of the Villages.
Thank you
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
Blackbird45
07-25-2023, 06:39 AM
I don't know if there still around but if so, there was a two-hour tour. On Craig Cat 2-Person Boat. First you follow them across the lake and through the canals and then on the way back you open them up and fly across the lake. Lots of fun. Plus, there are many restaurants in Mount Dora.
I did find a site: Plan a trip | CatBoat Adventures (https://www.catboattour.com/plan.html)
garykoca427@gmail.com
07-25-2023, 06:46 AM
I agree on Mt. Dora, the city, plus the Dora Canal ride. It is probably 30-45 minutes away, but well worth it.
Cobullymom
07-25-2023, 06:56 AM
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
Always that one, just should have not answered....
wbilbrey99@gmail.com
07-25-2023, 07:11 AM
Ski beach on 44, and the freezer for shrimp.
Bogie Shooter
07-25-2023, 07:24 AM
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
Rather harsh, condescending.
coffeebean
07-25-2023, 08:06 AM
We are looking for recommendations of beaches, restaurants, and other entertainment venues within 20 miles +/- of the Villages.
Thank you
Presidents Hall of Fame in Clermont. It is old and musty but, IMHO, a must see. I won't post a link which contains photos. You must see it in person and be surprised.
The Miniature White House - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miniature_White_House)
coffeebean
07-25-2023, 08:09 AM
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
Debbie Downer. :(
MatchPoint
07-25-2023, 08:23 AM
I go to Orlando all the time to fly out for business, but I don't spend any time there. But lately, I have been taking some time there to explore downtown Orlando. Nice restaurants and scenery, give it a try.
Annie66
07-25-2023, 08:41 AM
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
Some people just can't help themselves, no matter how rude.
Tavernierlady
07-25-2023, 10:11 AM
Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park offers Pontoon Boat rides and Kayaking. Fees and hours of operation available on line.
bsouthworth47@yahoo.com
07-25-2023, 10:30 AM
My wife and I and family did this. It was Awesome. Well worth it.
mntlblok
07-25-2023, 10:55 AM
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
Sez 614 miles and NC. Oops. Beech Mt. is with two e's. . .
Pwanderson
07-25-2023, 11:17 AM
In Leesburg Stavros, Ramshakle and the Irish Pub have good food and prices. Turners is supposed to be very good as well.
SIRE1
07-25-2023, 12:31 PM
If you are looking for some interesting / fun restaurants outside the bubble, here are a few that we enjoy: Crump's Landing on the river in Homosassa (and go to the Homosassa Springs State Park to see the manatee), Harry's in downtown Ocala, Stumpknockers Restaurant on the river in Dunnellon (there is also one in downtown Inverness), Charley's Fish House or Cracker's on the river in Crystal River, Duncan's on the Gulf in Cedar Key, and Aunt Catfish's on the River in Daytona/Port Orange.
Some other interesting off the beaten path places you might find interesting are the town of Micanopy, Tarpon Springs, Silver Springs State Park for the glass bottom boat ride of the 1960's, and the Marjorie Rawlings Historic State Park (author of the book "The Yearling" in Gainsville/Cross Creek.
Carlsondm
07-25-2023, 01:42 PM
Depends on where you are. We are in the south and it takes 30 minutes to get to many north Villages places. Give yourself an hour and you will get better suggestions.
SIRE1
07-25-2023, 01:53 PM
If you are looking for some interesting / fun restaurants outside the bubble, here are a few that we enjoy: Crump's Landing on the river in Homosassa (and go to the Homosassa Springs State Park to see the manatee), Harry's in downtown Ocala, Stumpknockers Restaurant on the river in Dunnellon (there is also one in downtown Inverness), Charley's Fish House or Cracker's on the river in Crystal River, Duncan's on the Gulf in Cedar Key, and Aunt Catfish's on the River in Daytona/Port Orange.
Some other interesting off the beaten path places you might find interesting are the town of Micanopy, Tarpon Springs, Silver Springs State Park for the glass bottom boat ride of the 1960's, and the Marjorie Rawlings Historic State Park (author of the book "The Yearling" in Gainsville/Cross Creek.
Sorry, I missed your original post line of "within 20 miles +/- of the Villages" We enjoy going further away from The Bubble and exploring the "real" Florida. But if you ever get adventuresome and want a day trip, these would be good to try.
midiwiz
07-26-2023, 04:37 AM
Always that one, just should have not answered....
can't handle the truth?
midiwiz
07-26-2023, 04:41 AM
Rather harsh, condescending.
Hey some of the asks here and on other social are best found by using a search engine as I tend to watch so many people never answer the question directly. by the time you're a page in the subject changed. Yet the truth is this is what it is and yes this is the middle of nothing. It's fabricated etc. That's the truth, it's not even the friendliest as it claims. I was honest, go look for what you want, don't bother asking as the answers eventually become off topic and ridiculous, and by all means quit expecting whatever you were sold to exist. Just like I see the NYers wonder where their deli is etc. Sorry this is Florida not like anywhere else the reality is you aren't getting what you used to have. I got over it after years of searching and that goes the same for every one else moving here.
Sorry you guys don't like reality, but I get it if you don't live in it you don't like it
midiwiz
07-26-2023, 04:43 AM
Debbie Downer. :(
sorry i forgot no one in TV likes honesty
midiwiz
07-26-2023, 04:44 AM
Sez 614 miles and NC. Oops. Beech Mt. is with two e's. . .
I spelled it right you however didn't get it. it's Ski BEACH it's in Leesburg.
La lamy
07-26-2023, 05:24 AM
Hi, I take it that Dory Canal is near Mount Dora? Sounds like fun.
Yes about 15 minutes west of it.
RICH1
07-26-2023, 05:45 AM
SILVER SPRINGS GLASS BOTTOM BOATS , they’ve been around since my Mom was a kid …
JodyBraga
07-26-2023, 05:59 AM
Villages Florida Day Trips & One Tank Trips 100 Miles Or Less (https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-villages-florida-day-trips.html)
Day trips from The Villages (https://withinhours.com/day-trips-near-the-villages-fl)
Minoletti
07-26-2023, 06:03 AM
heading west on 44, half hour or so
the cove pub n grub
nice size clean good food decent prices tons of beer taps
coaches pub inverness
nice large tip: sit at the bar for a reduced size n cost menu
pine street pub
small cool little place has about 4-5 hundred different tap handles hanging from the ceiling
crumps
neat, can sit on the water large very organized good food
big bass grill
outdoor ambiance on the water decent food band thur thru sat
Marsha11
07-26-2023, 08:17 AM
Outside of Eatons Beach I've never seen one. I think that it Is the alligator issue. No beaches. Even homes don't have them
kendi
07-26-2023, 08:21 AM
We are looking for recommendations of beaches, restaurants, and other entertainment venues within 20 miles +/- of the Villages.
Thank you
Check out the village’s gourmet club for restaurants
RUCdaze
07-26-2023, 03:21 PM
I have two great suggestions for you. To the north, go to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala - 300 acres, horses, stables, shows, food, all terrific. To the south, visit the Yahala Bakery for lunch and goodies; you'll love it.
Red Rose
07-26-2023, 09:03 PM
Eaton's Beach is very close and it has a restaurant/bar/beach/water crafts to rent.
There are alligators in the water at Eaton’s Beach. I would not recommend swimming there.
margaretmattson
07-27-2023, 12:25 AM
Hey some of the asks here and on other social are best found by using a search engine as I tend to watch so many people never answer the question directly. by the time you're a page in the subject changed. Yet the truth is this is what it is and yes this is the middle of nothing. It's fabricated etc. That's the truth, it's not even the friendliest as it claims. I was honest, go look for what you want, don't bother asking as the answers eventually become off topic and ridiculous, and by all means quit expecting whatever you were sold to exist. Just like I see the NYers wonder where their deli is etc. Sorry this is Florida not like anywhere else the reality is you aren't getting what you used to have. I got over it after years of searching and that goes the same for every one else moving here.
Sorry you guys don't like reality, but I get it if you don't live in it you don't like it
Wow! I have been here for 20+ years and still find new, fun, and interesting things to do. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
We try everything at least once. Pick a direction, stay on that path and explore. You will find something of interest. Let yourself go and open yourself up to new adventures. As far as I am concrned, there is something fun on every corner.
Ladidi
07-29-2023, 05:25 PM
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
You sound like a real jerk!
coffeebean
07-29-2023, 07:09 PM
sorry i forgot no one in TV likes honesty
I honestly think The Villages is a great place to live.......so much to do, beautifully kept landscape and infrastructure for for golf carting just about everywhere in The Villages, Oh, did I mention there is so much to do?
Bogie Shooter
07-29-2023, 07:24 PM
I'll just throw in Ski Beach, but your request is extremely limiting as it's been already said - NOTHING. Perhaps you should do some google searches for what you are particularly looking for before you ask us? Maybe you didn't do your research before you moved here?
Whichever it is, you moved to the middle of nothing, just a bubble that looks like something... that's it.
Again which part of The Villages do you live in?
kkingston57
07-29-2023, 09:16 PM
The Freezer Box.
Agree, but I would not write home about the ambiance.
kkingston57
07-29-2023, 09:18 PM
World Equestrian Center in Ocala.
Smalley
07-30-2023, 05:22 PM
I have two great suggestions for you. To the north, go to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala - 300 acres, horses, stables, shows, food, all terrific. To the south, visit the Yahala Bakery for lunch and goodies; you'll love it.
Agree that those are two great suggestions! The WEC is expensive so be prepared and maybe save it for a special occasion. There is a french coffee shop/bakery called Emma's that is wonderful for a coffe and a treat without a huge bill. I miss the Yahala Bakery. It has atmosphere and delicious food.
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