Fun Places outside the Villages
 

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.

The Freezer Box.

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 has descriptions and reviews for most of the restaurants in the area.

Eaton’s Beach east on
42 near Weirsdale is a fun and different place you might try.

Homosassa
 

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.

Eaton's Beach is very close and it has a restaurant/bar/beach/water crafts to rent.

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.

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.

Mount Dora
 

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

I agree on Mt. Dora, the city, plus the Dora Canal ride. It is probably 30-45 minutes away, but well worth it.

Always that one, just should have not answered....

Ski beach on 44, and the freezer for shrimp.

Rather harsh, condescending.

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

Debbie Downer. :(

Downtown Orlando
 

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.

Some people just can't help themselves, no matter how rude.

Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park offers Pontoon Boat rides and Kayaking. Fees and hours of operation available on line.

Cat 2 person boat
 

My wife and I and family did this. It was Awesome. Well worth it.

Oops. That's Beech
 

Sez 614 miles and NC. Oops. Beech Mt. is with two e's. . .

In Leesburg Stavros, Ramshakle and the Irish Pub have good food and prices. Turners is supposed to be very good as well.

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.

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.

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.

can't handle the truth?

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

sorry i forgot no one in TV likes honesty

I spelled it right you however didn't get it. it's Ski BEACH it's in Leesburg.

Yes about 15 minutes west of it.

SILVER SPRINGS GLASS BOTTOM BOATS , they’ve been around since my Mom was a kid …

Villages Florida Day Trips & One Tank Trips 100 Miles Or Less

Day trips from The Villages

dining ideas
 

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

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

Check out the village’s gourmet club for restaurants

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.

There are alligators in the water at Eaton’s Beach. I would not recommend swimming there.

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.