Brownwood Reviews?

[Saxprof]

Okay, the big Day is here! Brownwood opened (sort of)... What's your opinion? What features will be sure to please? What are we going to need time to warm up to?

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I liked that they handed out chairs. The bleachers are ok I guess. I love the western look/ decor

[Golfingnut]

We went over and walked around yesterday. I liked what they are doing just fine.

[cquick]

we missed it yesterday, but we are going to try it out tonight.

[keithwand]

Went to a movie there yesterday and the theater and seating are great.
The town is very nice and will be even better when complete.
Going back this AM for the farmers market; this time in our cart.

[jccampana]

Went last night and loved it. The stage is great because noone has to sit behind the band and everyone can see then great. Also I think the sound system is a great improvement, maybe because all the sound goes forward and there is a back to the stage. Can't wait for more stores to open.

[graciegirl]

Listened to friends who were here when LSL opened. They said that it started out with one street at the beginning. I bet much more will be added to Brownwood. No real restaurants are open yet.

Now we have our Southern Square, our Middle Square and our Northeast Square.

We're stylin'!!!!

[Pturner]

Decor: Excellent. Well-themed, friendly, down home, cowboy.

Seating: The combination of stadium and floor seating works well and looks nice. It's easier to maneuver in the stadium seats than one might imagine. A big improvement/ lessons learned was using folding chairs and handing them out as people enter. No getting there early and locking up all the good seating for the evening. Though plastic and light weight, the folding seats are also surprisingly comfortable!

Bars: Although it looks like "only two" bars, there is room behind the two counters for at least six bartenders. Barriers form one orderly winding line for customers that is efficient and moves quickly.

Stage: Everyone sits in front of or to the side of the stage, rather than the 360 degree seating at the other squares. The sound system is excellent.

Movie Theater: A real highlight. Excellent seating, fun decor in lobby area, well laid out, well staffed.

Restaurants: The only ones open yet (in temporary trailers near the stage and theater) are City Fire and Bobalous BBQ, both quite good. City Fire's permanent location is well along and fabulously located adjacent to the theater and across the street from the stage. If their great food and service continues, it should be a huge success. Looking forward to more restaurants.

Shops: Not much open yet. A new player, the Logo Shop has Villages logo attire and collectibles.

Sales Office: No surprise that it's beautiful. An interesting addition is a bar/lounge.

Parking: Plentiful but not as close to the entertainment. There will be more street parking when there are more streets open.

Crowd: There was much speculation that Paddock Square would cater more to the young crowd outside TV. Remains to be seen, but crowd at the "soft opening" Friday appeared to be all Villagers in great spirits.

[George and Ethell]

I love the fact Wildwood Police Officers are there at Brownwood, very professional and CUTE :)

[Mimivillager]

Decor: Excellent. Well-themed, friendly, down home, cowboy.

Seating: The combination of stadium and floor seating works well and looks nice. It's easier to maneuver in the stadium seats than one might imagine. A big improvement/ lessons learned was using folding chairs and handing them our as people enter. No getting there early and locking up all the good seating for the evening. Though plastic and light weight, the folding seats are also surprisingly comfortable!

Bars: Although it looks like "only two" bars, there is room behind the two counters for at least six bartenders. Barriers form one orderly winding line for customers that is efficient and moves quickly.

Stage: Everyone sits in front of or to the side of the stage, rather than the 360 degree seating at the other squares. The sound system is excellent.

Movie Theater: A real highlight. Excellent seating, fun decor in lobby area, well laid out, well staffed.

Restaurants: The only ones open yet (in temporary trailers near the stage and theater) are City Fire and Bobalous BBQ, both quite good. City Fire's permanent location is well along and fabulously located adjacent to the theater and across the street from the stage. If their great food and service continues, it should be a huge success. Looking forward to more restaurants.

Shops: Not much open yet. A new player, the Logo Shop has Villages logo attire and collectibles.

Sales Office: No surprise that it's beautiful. An interesting addition is a bar/lounge.

Parking: Plentiful but not as close to the entertainment. There will be more street parking when there are more streets open.

Crowd: There was much speculation that Paddock Square would cater more to the young crowd outside TV. Remains to be seen, but crowd at the "soft opening" Friday appeared to be all Villagers in great spirits.

I agree with everything she said! The waiting area at the bars is a wonderful idea with winding "stalls" to control the line. The bartenders loved it so they could talk to everyone and tell us what drinks are not on special if anyone wanted to go ahead of the 5 o'clock "happy hourers".

The entertainment was fantastic. Country to start off the theme of the square. Much patriotic music with twirlers and cheerleaders. It was so inspiring. It appeared everyone was having a great time. I know we did.

It was a little confusing which cart paths to follow or which tunnels to enter to get there.

[BobKat1]

We went to Brownwood yesterday afternoon and it was packed. I agree with others that it is very well done, as expected. Also agree with Pturner that the stadium seating is easier to navigate than expected. Seat cushions would help if you plan to spend some time.

I wonder if we passed any TOTV'ers in the crowd??

On our way out of town tomorrow morning (heading back to Il) we're going back to take a few pictures of the entrance (forgot the camera yesterday).

[pooh]

Just returned from the square, very nice. The Farmers' Market will be there each week.... :)
Have a few pictures, though not the greatest, took while walking with the masses...and there were lots of happy people walking around....I'll post them.

First is taken inside the movie theater....as is the second one....very happy Villagers resting and enjoying the view.
The third is looking towards the Farmers' Market. If you notice the concrete is made to look like a dried dirt path. There are doggie prints and hoof prints in the concrete, too. The fourth is the stadium seating. Actually, looks quite nice and should allow good views for people seated in the area. The bench is almost even with the floor level of the row behind. No slipping under the bench, just be careful walking up the steps.
Last picture was taken inside the sales office. It's quite grand. All working in the theater and sales office were enjoying showing the newest addition to our beautiful community. There were lots of people but not so many that you weren't able to get to where you wanted to be.
ENJOY!

[under55]

Place looks like it is going to be lots of fun. Agree with all the things said so far. I was parked sitting in my golf cart right next to the stage drinking a beer. I stopped 2 Wildwood police officers and asked them what their policy on that was going to be. They said there was no problem with sitting in the golf cart drinking they aren't going to be writing any open container tickets.
They did say if your driving your golf cart drunk going all over the place they would find issue with that. But as far as they were concerned you can walk all around with an open container you can enjoy it in your cart also.

[Debfrommaine]

Just returned from trip to Brownwood and very impressed, first class all the way. Town was packed, farmer's market booming and lots of smiles. `17 minutes from Tamarind Grove so feel we have the best of both "squares" between Brownwood and LSL. We're happy!

[shcisamax]

Took a spin down and noticed as you drive in first is the Citizen's Bank. Then the Closing Office. Then the Sales Office. Then the Logo Store. Where are the non village enterprises and when will they open? Are they going to be building more on the side pieces of property? It is nice but felt cramped. Not because of people but because there seemed to be alot of little buildings in a small area. Just my impression. Looking forward to seeing it in its entirety. I have to think it will be at least as much of a destination than LS.

[nkrifats]

Went to the Market today. Very nice and more than the usual vendors. Let's support these vendors on Sat. Growers Market. Nice to see the all of the people out and about. Will be even nicer as the non village owned stores open. All in All; Nice place.

[kb8tpw]

A quick trip to check things out and do farmers market just completed and I echo what has been said. Very nice and as I mosied around I tried to envision things a year down the road. This will be qute the destination I believe but just as anything else, it will take a little time. Smart tio open it at this stage I think and I sm looking forward to watching it grow since it is the closest center to us. I like all things western, and even though this is Florida legacy driven a wonderful job was done. If you came by cart and missed the entreance off of SR 44 you missed the best part. The rider and cattle are a site to behold. I anticipate that the Saturday market will getr the afoementioned support.

[maryh]

My husband & I checked out the new town square and farmer's market via golf ****. Another great town square and so happy that we have a farmer's market, I'm thinking it will be a huge success. The sales office and theatre were exceptionally well done.

[Bogie Shooter]

Took a spin down and noticed as you drive in first is the Citizen's Bank. Then the Closing Office. Then the Sales Office. Then the Logo Store. Where are the non village enterprises and when will they open? Are they going to be building more on the side pieces of property? It is nice but felt cramped. Not because of people but because there seemed to be alot of little buildings in a small area. Just my impression. Looking forward to seeing it in its entirety. I have to think it will be at least as much of a destination than LS.

Patience grasshopper.

[Mudder]

37 minutes by golf cart from the Dunkin Donuts in Spanish Springs Square. Not bad. Agree with all the good things that have been said !

[golf2140]

Patience grasshopper.

:bigbow:

[shcisamax]

Grasshopper ? Patience I get... In fact I get that a lot of the time. :). But grasshopper? Translation?

[Pturner]

Took a spin down and noticed as you drive in first is the Citizen's Bank. Then the Closing Office. Then the Sales Office. Then the Logo Store. Where are the non village enterprises and when will they open? Are they going to be building more on the side pieces of property? It is nice but felt cramped. Not because of people but because there seemed to be alot of little buildings in a small area. Just my impression. Looking forward to seeing it in its entirety. I have to think it will be at least as much of a destination than LS.

Hi Shciasamax,
You are right, though let's put it in perspective. It took seven years to build SS Town Square. LSL Market Square was opened just two years after construction began. It took but a single year to open BW.

The progress was and is amazing. It'll take time before the third square is completed; but having it already open for entertainment is quite a feat! It'll be fun to watch it grow and to continually look forward to what's next.

[Bogie Shooter]

Grasshopper ? Patience I get... In fact I get that a lot of the time. :). But grasshopper? Translation?

From the 1970's tv show Kung Fu.

[shcisamax]

Ohhhh. No wonder I didn't get it. That is so way before my time :)

[bargee]

As usual in TV first class all the way and I'm sure as its evolves it will continue in that regard.The farmers market is a great addition,lets all support it.

[RedChariot]

No back support? Won't your back give out in 10 minutes? Is this what you sit in to listen to the music?

[Pturner]

No back support? Won't your back give out in 10 minutes? Is this what you sit in to listen to the music?

Stadium seating and chairs with backs are both available.

[Skybo]

If you came by cart and missed the entreance off of SR 44 you missed the best part. The rider and cattle are a site to behold.

Even if you come by cart the statues are within walking distance, and I agree...they are awesome.

[mitchbr47]

Grasshopper ? Patience I get... In fact I get that a lot of the time. :). But grasshopper? Translation?
The phrase is from Kung Fu Tv show in the 80s
Many think it was from The Karate Kid in 84. Not so.

[pooh]

Even if you come by cart the statues are within walking distance, and I agree...they are awesome.

Thank you so much for posting the cattle drive.....it is beautiful!

[Patty55]

Even if you come by cart the statues are within walking distance, and I agree...they are awesome.

Those photos are amazing, wonder how many people will jam on their brakes afraid to hit the cows.

[Schaumburger]

Went to Brownwood this morning for the farmer's market -- quite a nice one. The sales office is gorgeous; obviously The Villages spared no expense to make it look very rustic and authentic. According to one of the ladies in the sales office City Fire will be opening in mid-November.

[Skybo]

I loved how they put the hoof prints in the concrete.

[Skybo]

One more photo that I forgot to include.

[Patty55]

Is there anywhere to get a decent cup of coffee?

[Arubagirl2000]

How far is it by cart from Sumter Landing?

Is it golf cart accessable all the way?

[Skybo]

How far is it by cart from Sumter Landing?

Is it golf cart accessable all the way?

From LSL, it's appoximately 25-30 mintues. And yes, it's golf cart accessable all the way.

[mrfixit]

Is there anywhere to get a decent cup of coffee?

:a20:

Try the Sales Office...??

[sandybill2]

How far is it by cart from Sumter Landing?

Is it golf cart accessable all the way?


We live in Village of Belvedere---went by golf cart today--Club Car Electric
(19 MPH Top Speed) and it took us around 45 minutes.

[graciegirl]

It is straight south on Buena Vista until it dead ends.

Not 45 minutes in a car. Maybe 15 from LSL?

[Bryan]

I went yesterday and was quite impressed. I suspect the Farmers Market will be a big success. I do hope they get a web cam in operation soon so I can monitor activities from home as I now do with SS and LSL.

[Madelaine Amee]

Congratulations - Looks like another home run for the family ...................

Say what you will, when they do something they do it right with no expense spared. This can only be good for all of us living in TV.

[Jim 9922]

Even if you come by cart the statues are within walking distance, and I agree...they are awesome.
And I thought "Yard Art" South of Hy 466 was taboo.

[graciegirl]

And I thought "Yard Art" South of Hy 466 was taboo.


Now that there is funny. Those cast bronze(?) cattle must be worth bigum bucks.

[Shimpy]

Speaking of shops to open, I like to look but not interested in boutique shops, dress shops, etc. I'd really like to see some eating places, especially where you can get a good breakfast. Hopefully something along the lines of Athens or Katie Bells will open there eventually. Speaking about Katie's, I would think it would be a better fit in Brownwood with the western/saloon theme than in a Spanish theme where it is now.

[shcisamax]

The bronze cattle and horse with rider are amazing. I almost had an accident because I couldn't take my eyes off of them. :)

[Bogie Shooter]

They are much needed there in Wildwood, where Brownwood sits.

Now why is that??

[Bogie Shooter]

I visited Brownwood today, walked around the square and surrounding streets and with all the hype by the developer I was very disappointed as to what it looked like. The Sales office, and developer businesses were booming, but saw nothing that would attract me to go there again for a while. I did go into the Theater, it was big, but not impressed with the decor, even used the restroom, and thought I was at summer camp when I was a Boy Scout. Comparing it to Spanish Springs Town Square, or even Sumter Landing, it can't compare....... As a realtor might describe it...... "It has NO curb appeal"

Quite different than the previous 48 posts. Do you think there just might be more stores restaurants in the future?

[NotGolfer]

We took a quick drive-through on our way home, today. It looked busy! In response to some of the more negative comments....it's not done yet! The Developer has a system of how they finish things and with this development being about 20-ish years old, I think they might know what they're doing. Not everyone is going to be attracted to everything in The Villages...I certainly am not. But we all came for our own reasons so "something" was an attraction.

Brownwood is honoring of the "cowboys of Old Florida"....the square is a compilation of that era. A year from now I think we'll all be amazed at how it will look in comparison to today! I can't wait til we take the time to go, park the cart and mozey around to check things out!

Even with a quick look...kudos to the Morse family, once again!!

:bigbow:

[Virtual Geezer]

I wonder how long the cattle will last and will they get the same faith as the buffalo. I sure hope not. But all I can think about is how long will it take before some grand pa wants to get a picture of the grand kids riding one of the statues, and the kid falls off look out. You do know there will be at least one in every crowd that will try it.

Having not seen the statues in person yet I don't know how tall they are but I hope one or two people don't ruin it for the thousands of others.

VG

[Pturner]

Is there anywhere to get a decent cup of coffee?

The theater sells a "decent" cup of coffee. Not great, not even "very good," but decent.:mornincoffee: I suspect there will be a coffee shop before too long.

[buggyone]

I wonder how long the cattle will last and will they get the same faith as the buffalo. I sure hope not. But all I can think about is how long will it take before some grand pa wants to get a picture of the grand kids riding one of the statues, and the kid falls off look out. You do know there will be at least one in every crowd that will try it.

Having not seen the statues in person yet I don't know how tall they are but I hope one or two people don't ruin it for the thousands of others.

VG

Geezer, I was having almost the same conversation with my wife about the bronze cattle statues. I was saying that Grandpa or Grandma (but probably Grandpa) will put little Bobby on one of the bronze cows during the summer and the bronze cow will have a surface temperature of around 160 degrees and little Bobby is going to have a very severely burned butt and legs. They probably will try and sue the Developer saying there was not a fence around the statues to prohibit stupid behavior.

[justjim]

We live in Village of Belvedere---went by golf cart today--Club Car Electric
(19 MPH Top Speed) and it took us around 45 minutes.

Four golf carts left Sanibel about 11:00am Friday for the "soft" opening of Brownwood. 15 minutes. We spent about 2 hours looking things over. All eight of us were Impressed. The attention to detail to make Brownwood appear to be an old Florida Cattle Town was very impressive. Obviously its not done yet----completion will be closely watched and we can't wait to see other things open as construction continues. TV keeps getting better and better IMHO.

[lovinflorida]

I visited Brownwood last night. It looks like it will be a fun place! But ladies wearing heels--watch out for large cracks in the sidewalks and dance area!!

[graciegirl]

I visited Brownwood last night. It looks like it will be a fun place! But ladies wearing heels--watch out for large cracks in the sidewalks and dance area!!

Ah yes. Ladies wearing heels. That soons goes away here in relaxed central.

[bonrich]

We came via golf cart from Sanibel using Pinellas. Nice ride for sure. Would like to see a little more helpful signage once you getting close to the Square, especially coming in and out of the tunnels. Like the roundabout for golf carts, a first. But, as all, the new will eventually become easier to navigate. Also, I felt the streets were not as wide as our other Squares. Can't wait for the myriad of changes that will come. Imagine the other Squares and all that is there. So much more to go........

[mulligan]

It's a business, folks. When the leases get signed, the buildings will go up. The market will respond to demand, for sure.

[Bogie Shooter]

In my opinion it lacks the "Home Town" atmosphere.

What changes would make the atmosphere "home town".

[shcisamax]

Depends what home town you are from. Actually, it is a lot like food I imagine. If you are used to a particular version of pizza, that is what you find authentic. I think Brownwood will develop its own great personality, different from SS and LS but it will be just as home town to some.

[buzzy]

What changes would make the atmosphere "home town".

How about some panhandlers?

[graciegirl]

Depends what home town you are from. Actually, it is a lot like food I imagine. If you are used to a particular version of pizza, that is what you find authentic. I think Brownwood will develop its own great personality, different from SS and LS but it will be just as home town to some.


There you are! I agree.

Who among us lived in an old Florida cattle town in the 1880s? Certainly not the young-old among us OR the old old.

This is in the spirit of fantasy and well done too. It has the feel of a sepia photograph. Do I look for realism? Not on your tintype! But atmosphere, by the wooden bucket full. I was looking to avoid the horse manure.

[BarryRX]

My wife and I took the ride from Pennecamp yesterday. The ride took about 20 minutes. I like the way the square is set up so the grandstand seats are facing east. That means the sun will be setting behind us and we will have plenty of shade, something that is missing from LSL. My wife and I thought the square was much smaller than LSL. This is because it is not "theater-in-the-round" like SS and LSL so there is no square behind the stage. We loved the sculptures of the cattle and cowboy and saw grandparents putting the grandkids on the statues for pictures. The lobby of the movie theater was great. Line dance girl was there yesterday, so I guess it is now official. Plenty of Wildwood police were visible and they were friendly and helpful.

[ajbrown]

We took the cart around for a quickie last night, just drove around, did not stop. Not enough time to soak it all in; there will plenty of time for that. We look forward to checking it out much much more... I am confident we will be impressed....

My first reaction was that there are not as many parking spots for carts on the square compared to other squares. There are many nights, we just pull in and watch/listen from the cart. Not a huge negative, just a first reaction for me....

[mmac321]

We didn't think much of LSL when it first opened and we now consider it our downtown. It will take just a little time for everything to get finished and it will grow on you.

[Arubagirl2000]

How do you get there by cart from LSL?

[Bogie Shooter]

How do you get there by cart from LSL?
Here is a great cart path map.
CTV-Home (http://cartingthevillages.com/index.php)

[swrinfla]

Uncharacteristically (because I'm not a frequenter of any of the squares), I ventured to Brownwood on Saturday.

28 minutes by electric golf cart from my home in Sunset Pointe. LSL is closer to 6 minutes, max!

But, I was somewhat surprised, because various trips down Buena Vista by car seemed to take forever! I think the absence of homes for most of the way makes it seem longer!

It was definitely crowded, what with the Farmer's Market and the new status of the square, but not overly so. I was, as expected, overwhelmed by the attention to detail everywhere - something Tracey Matthews has become well-known for.

I will undoubtedly be back, especially once other shops/restaurants open!

SWR
:beer3:

[travelguy]

I visited Brownwood today, walked around the square and surrounding streets and with all the hype by the developer I was very disappointed as to what it looked like. The Sales office, and developer businesses were booming, but saw nothing that would attract me to go there again for a while. I did go into the Theater, it was big, but not impressed with the decor, even used the restroom, and thought I was at summer camp when I was a Boy Scout. Comparing it to Spanish Springs Town Square, or even Sumter Landing, it can't compare....... As a realtor might describe it...... "It has NO curb appeal"

mostly a big disappointment. the sales office cannot compare to LSL which has class. this new one has cow-hide panels on the walls which everyone was touching...umm...sweaty and sticky hands...how do you clean the panels? i do know why it is called brownwood as everything is various dark shades of brown. i was expecting the sales agents to be lined up in various dance-hall get-up.........was Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke a 'madam'? and the 'leaded' glass panels in the ceiling looked like cheap plastic.
the villages logostore had no atmosphere...could have been in a strip mall anywhere. and with the lack of lighting along the golf cart paths I am thinking that it is not too safe for single women at night. am glad that LSL is only 10 minutes away on the golf cart!

:024:

[BarryRX]

How do you get there by cart from LSL?
I would take canal to stillwater to buena vista all the way to Brownwood.

[rubicon]

I hope people really take to Brownwood. Town Squares are the life blood of The Villages. A gathering place for place for family, friends and neighbors. Critical to the financial health of The villages. A place to dance, drink eat and be merry. A place to have political rallies, marching bands, ethnic parades and watching the sunset. Shopping for clothes, knck knacks and other sundries and just plain crusing so you can display your suped up golf cart

[Shimpy]

We went today in golfcart. 20 minutes and 6 miles from Fish Hawk rec center. I was suprised how small it was but I guess it will be growing. Right now it is really only one street and not much open. I think the opening was a little premature. We did go into the Villages Logo store. Wife saw a pair of walk shorts she liked until she read the price tag....$119.00.

[Bogie Shooter]

We went today in golfcart. 20 minutes and 6 miles from Fish Hawk rec center. I was suprised how small it was but I guess it will be growing. Right now it is really only one street and not much open. I think the opening was a little premature. We did go into the Villages Logo store. Wife saw a pair of walk shorts she liked until she read the price tag....$119.00.

Can you imagine the uproar if the opening was delayed until every store, restaurant,etc was completely finished. LSL opening was done the same way, a soft opening of the major locations and we all got to see it grow.

[ROCKETMAN]

The only problem i see is with the bleachers. They are quite steep and after a few drinks, i can see someone falling. Also when are they going to publish the entertainment schedule for brownwood. Uncle bobs rock shop holloween is for sure.

[rubicon]

Brownwood was slated to be 3 times the size of Lake Sumter Landing so I am confused. Either it isn't finished or origintors changed plans.

Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs are too small. The dance areas are both over-run with line dancers who dominate an already small dance space, all night long. So I hope Brownwood is much larger with a larger dancing area

[tghoul]

The only problem i see is with the bleachers. They are quite steep and after a few drinks, i can see someone falling. Also when are they going to publish the entertainment schedule for brownwood. Uncle bobs rock shop holloween is for sure.

see link for Oct. schedule
The Villages - Lifestyle (http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/eventlisting.asp?venue=7#top)

[Bogie Shooter]

///

[ROCKETMAN]

okay, the big day is here! Brownwood opened (sort of)... What's your opinion? What features will be sure to please? What are we going to need time to warm up to?

they finally put the entertainment schedule in the paper. Yesterdaze, rocky and the rollers, and empire in the next couple days.

[Bogie Shooter]

Brownwood was slated to be 3 times the size of Lake Sumter Landing so I am confused. Either it isn't finished or origintors changed plans.

Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs are too small. The dance areas are both over-run with line dancers who dominate an already small dance space, all night long. So I hope Brownwood is much larger with a larger dancing area

Where did the 3 times the size of LSL come from?

[Tiger Lady]

I visited Brownwood today, walked around the square and surrounding streets and with all the hype by the developer I was very disappointed as to what it looked like. The Sales office, and developer businesses were booming, but saw nothing that would attract me to go there again for a while. I did go into the Theater, it was big, but not impressed with the decor, even used the restroom, and thought I was at summer camp when I was a Boy Scout. Comparing it to Spanish Springs Town Square, or even Sumter Landing, it can't compare....... As a realtor might describe it...... "It has NO curb appeal"

I take it you are a city slicker. The decor definitely appeals to us country girls.

[Happinow]

Went to check out Brownwood today and thought it was well done. Looked at the sales center, movie theater and the square. Maybe it's me but I thought it was pretty small. I was a bit disappointed with the amount of stores and potential restaurants. Perhaps it will look bigger once the tenants move into the buildings. At this point, I prefer Sumter. Anyone else think it looks smaller and are they going to expand?? Hopefully they will put some stores and restaurants in that aren't in Sumter, otherwise why make the trip only to frequent the same venues??

[Penguin]

Went to check out Brownwood today and thought it was well done. Looked at the sales center, movie theater and the square. Maybe it's me but I thought it was pretty small. I was a bit disappointed with the amount of stores and potential restaurants. Perhaps it will look bigger once the tenants move into the buildings. At this point, I prefer Sumter. Anyone else think it looks smaller and are they going to expand?? Hopefully they will put some stores and restaurants in that aren't in Sumter, otherwise why make the trip only to frequent the same venues??

I dont think its close to being done. Seems to me they have a lot of building to do yet. When I was there I saw all the area around the square that needed to be built. I think its going to be a while until the whole Brownwood project is completed.

[Bogie Shooter]

I, I, I, I,...............................me, me, me,...........................

[graciegirl]

I, I, I, I,...............................me, me, me,...........................

Practicing your scale, Bogie? ;)

[shcisamax]

Oddly, what struck me is the lack of color. It feels.... drab. Of course, that authenticates the theme which was generally kind of ....brown wood. I just like "color" but likely the activity and offerings will be so stimulating the lack of visual excitement won't make a hoot of difference.

[Golfingnut]

I take it you are a city slicker. The decor definitely appeals to us country girls.

Ditto, being a farm boy at heart, I found the new Square very nice and familiar.

[bkcunningham1]

Does anyone know what the little private seating area on the upper back side of the bleachers is all about?

[paulandjean]

I, I, I, I,...............................me, me, me,...........................

You cannot please all the "bubble complainers"!!!!!

[senior citizen]

Just returned from the square, very nice. The Farmers' Market will be there each week.... :)
Have a few pictures, though not the greatest, took while walking with the masses...and there were lots of happy people walking around....I'll post them.

First is taken inside the movie theater....as is the second one....very happy Villagers resting and enjoying the view.
The third is looking towards the Farmers' Market. If you notice the concrete is made to look like a dried dirt path. There are doggie prints and hoof prints in the concrete, too. The fourth is the stadium seating. Actually, looks quite nice and should allow good views for people seated in the area. The bench is almost even with the floor level of the row behind. No slipping under the bench, just be careful walking up the steps.
Last picture was taken inside the sales office. It's quite grand. All working in the theater and sales office were enjoying showing the newest addition to our beautiful community. There were lots of people but not so many that you weren't able to get to where you wanted to be.
ENJOY!

That was very very thoughtful of you to post those photos of Brownwood.
Thankyou.

[senior citizen]

I take it you are a city slicker. The decor definitely appeals to us country girls.

And I'm sure the cowgirls like our daughter in law, raised on a ranch, would also love it.........anyone from out west.
.
I'll bet our various grandchildren would also enjoy Brownwood.

We've been both......city slickers for the first 25 years and then "country folk" for the past 43 years.........

Noticed Pooh posted a pic with a John Deere tractor in the background.
See a lot of those in Vermont. WE may not have rodeos but we sure have a lot of farms, cows and horses, not to mention llamas, etc. and chickens.
Plus barns, dirt roads and covered bridges.

No matter where one lives, "country is in". None of our N.J. cousins quite "get it" or "get living in a predominately rural state" but I can't think of anyone who would not enjoy the change of pace that Brownwood would offer..........

Having enjoyed both city life , suburban life and then all these years of small town rural life...........I think that a change of scenary is always nice to experience.

Brownwood will be a good change. Out in Colorado, everything is "western" from the food to the clothing , etc. Rodeos in Wyoming, etc.
Oregon is a big horse state, fishing state, etc...........lots of forest land.
People from Utah should love it as well...................
Not to mention those from the Dakotas........Keystone, S.D. had a definite COWBOY western theme which we enjoyed.
Ditto for Nebraska......all of the western states' folks will feel right at home............or anyone who has gone to the jamboree and barbecues at Disney World.

Even Vermont and Maine can appreciate what the western theme offers.

[vj1213]

I had the opportunity yesterday to take my guests to each of the town squares and I enjoyed the uniqueness & beauty of each. My opinion of Brownwood, I feel the Morse family did a great job. I was not disappointed at all. I especially like the trolley room at the sales center which is like an old saloon. Maybe if everyone would quit believing every rumor they hear, they wouldn't be so disappointed when they see the finished product. The fact is that this is phase one & the initial phase was to consist of the movie theater, the sales office, the bank & closing office with stores and restaurants to come. If you don't like the atmosphere you have 2 other squares.... so be happy, enjoy and don't sweat the dog poop. :icon_wink:

[Tweety Bird]

Is there anywhere to get a decent cup of coffee?

LOL - bring a thermos for now :icon_wink:

[Taltarzac725]

Was I seeing things or did anyone else notice what looked like deliberate brown stains in some areas on the concrete which would be what an authentic cowboy town would look like with dog and horse pooh here and there? Probably pig and chicken too.

Been to Virginian City, Nevada quite often when I lived in Reno through the Seventies as some of the 1980s so I am familiar with what a tourist town built on top of a real Western town looks like.

I did notice the horse hoof and dog prints.

[duffysmom]

Will there be more buildings? It seem quite small to me me me me as it stands now.
I I I I I'm not complaining just sincerely askin'.

Tal, will all those steer rambling around no wonder there's brown spots on the ground.:ho:

[sbcin]

What stores and restaurants would you like to see in Brownwood??

[sbcin]

A GOOD Steak house, Aldi and Target.

[sbcin]

Okay, the big Day is here! Brownwood opened (sort of)... What's your opinion? What features will be sure to please? What are we going to need time to warm up to?

A GOOD Steak house, Aldi and Target.

[sbcin]

Bass Pro Shops

[sbcin]

RCC western apparel shop.

[Sunshine Mary]

would like to see a Home Goods store here

[sbcin]

Fresh Bakery Shop. :0)

[mulligan]

How about a really big auto recycling yard, where we all can buy used parts ??

[graciegirl]

How about a really big auto recycling yard, where we all can buy used parts ??

Now there's a thought. You really think outside the box Mulligan. I bet Stonecrest would be so jealous! ;)

[Patty55]

I want to check out the food trucks, other than that I'm just waiting for Macy's and the Coach store.

[Bogie Shooter]

How about a really big auto recycling yard, where we all can buy used parts ??

:laugh::laugh: Makes about as much sense as the other suggestions. I just hope it would have one of those high painted chain link fences!

[Patty55]

:laugh::laugh: Makes about as much sense as the other suggestions. I just hope it would have one of those high painted chain link fences!

And a big snarling dog chained to the gate.

[mak44070]

And a big snarling dog chained to the gate.

Oh no - another 'poop' thread! :evil6:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I'm stayin' outta this one................ :D

:popcorn:

Bill :)

[Judith Ann]

Love...love...love the idea of the Saturday Farmer's Market!

[mulligan]

haricots-verts and a used power steering pump......perfect fit !!!!!!

[cbg150]

I would love to see a gastro-pub with a good, rotating selection of craft beers!

[sbcin]

We need Segways in the Villages :0)

[janmcn]

Hopefully the new Publix opens before Christmas, along with the new Bell's Outlet.

[Pturner]

Now there's a thought. You really think outside the box Mulligan. I bet Stonecrest would be so jealous! ;)

GG, you crack me up! :1rotfl:

[sbcin]

One convenince store. We DO cater to alot of amazed tourist. Suntan lotion, Post Cards, Toiletries & Sunpass? OFF in Brownwood , Just saying? :0) All in a good way.
I really truly LOVE the Villages. But Brownwood at sunset IS a mosquito haven.

[sbcin]

Just trying to let someone know. West Nile Virus: Elderly at Risk

[sbcin]

3 Bands, 365 day of the year. :0) Events EVERY Week on one of the squares. I'm STAYING!! :0)

[buggyone]

Just trying to let someone know. West Nile Virus: Elderly at Risk

Where have you seen mosquitoes in The Villages? I have been here for 3 years and not seen any mosquitoes!

[Saxprof]

Have not heard any reviews of Brownwood in a while? Anything of note to offer those of us not in the happy climes of TV (just yet)? Ambiance setting in? Any news of stores moving in? How's it shaping up for TVers? Frankly, anything would be nice to warm our hearts up here in the north... dreaming of the day...

[shcisamax]

Yes, where is the new stuff??? We need more stuff to replace all the stuff we got rid of coming down. :)

[coffeebean]

... Line dance girl was there yesterday, so I guess it is now official.....

Funny you should mention "Line dance girl". Just curious...not that is matters but, is "line dance girl" a villager? Anyone know?