86 year old mother is visiting for for December - suggestions on things to do
 

Hello,

My mom is going to visit for the month of December. What are some fun things that we can entertain her with? So far, we have the following planned:

1. Bok Gardens
2. Attend Christmas play at the new Villages High School
3. Eat at Cathy's in Wildwood
4. Eat at Bountiful Farms in Leesburg
5. Eat at Rose Plantation
6. Attend cooking class at Sawgrass

Thanks for your help!

Special Christmas display at Appleton Museum in Ocala. Locally, tour the Baker House. Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford preceded by an authentic German meal at Hollerbach's. Villages groups and area churches special Xmas concerts and shows, model train show at Ike, Music box show at Colony. Various shows at Orange Blossom Opry (a hoot and relatively inexpensive). Drive to/drive thru/walk thru the free special holiday lighted displays in Lady Lake, Mt Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, and Tavares. Morse Museum of American in Winter Park featuring Tiffiny's Stained-glass windows, his artwork, Worlds Fair Display, etc.

Bok Tower is a Wonderful place to visit, especially this time of year. The gardens are extremely beautiful, and every time we visit we are captivated by a different scene.

The mansion is in a very nice location, but we did not enjoy the tour of the inside.

If your mom needs help walking, ask if there is a personal motorized vehicle to assist her.

We buy a yearly pass and we may go next week.

Cape Canaveral any time, although there's a launch scheduled for Dec.24th.
I would drop Rose Plantation. Expensive and vastly overrated in my opinion.

Glass bottom boat ride.

If you do not mind a bit of travel, St Augustine has an award-winning light display. We visit every year. Disney Springs and Stirrups in Ocala is nice too. The Country Clubs or the theatre at Tierra Del Sol may have special Christmas events.

If she enjoys crafts, she can attend any of the clubs if she has an ID. The knitting and crochet clubs I attend always welcome visitors.

By all means, get her a guest pass so she can visit any/everywhere in TV. Happy Hols!

Why not let her decide what she wants to do. She may be more capable than you think she is.

Stetson mansion

The Stetson Mansion - Deland, FL
And
11/24/23 to 12/23/235:00 pm - 9:00 pm
EVENT INFO
This enchanting festival of lights returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the holiday season.

With over one million twinkling lights, World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Wonderland promises to bring merriment and cheer to all. The halls of the WEC Grand Plaza will be decked with spectacular show-stopping features for the season, including a walk-through Christmas tree, lighted carriage, and plenty of splendid holiday décor. Meet the real Santa Claus at this family-friendly event and enjoy festive entertainment on the weekends, including a full rotation of singers, face painters, balloon artists and cheery caricaturists. Many special events are planned throughout the month-long celebration. Don’t miss the heartwarming and ever-popular breakfast with Santa event on the terrace, Tinsel Trot 5K run under the lights, and special holiday performances to get in the spirit of the season! Enjoy the lights every day throughout Winter Wonderland. Weekend entertainment and festivities are planned Friday through Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve.

There is a huge model railroad train show sometime in December, usually at Colony Rec Center.
It's free, fun enough to see, and easy on us seniors.

You could also go into the AAA Travel Buildings and see what trips are planned for December. They are usually on a revolving stand just inside the door.

Tuba Christmas
 

Tuba Christmas Saturday December 16 at New Life Christian Church Route 462 Wildwood. Doors open at 3:30 Performance at 4:00. Free will offering.
This is all tubas, euphoniums and baritones. A fun concert. Singalong too. Guarantee you will enjoy.

Native Tours
 

We took my in-laws of similar age on a pontoon boat tour of the Dora Canal. Native Tours, Captain Ray. He takes only your party of up to six people, so there's no worry about being rushed or over crowded. They really enjoyed it. Highly recommend. captainraysnativetours.com|dora canal tours

Golf, pickleball.

how do you know what she thinks? and capable? thats pretty insulting...

Boat ride on Dora Canal. DELIGHTFUL!!!

things to do for 86 year old mom
 

The Orange Blossom Opry
Christmas shows

Also have 2 Tickets for sale
Sunday Dec. 10th 7 pm show @ the Opry for the
Buzzcat Holly Jolly Christmas Show
Great Seats will sacrifice tickets for half their price. 2/$40.

If anyone else reading and wants please respond asap.

The themed Christmas trees at Waterfront Inn. Donated by many local organizations and you can even submit a bid if you want to buy one. All donations go to a charity.

We recently did the glass bottom boat tours in Silver Springs State park, we loved it. Over the weekend they offer a 90 min tour for $20 and also a 30 min tour all days for $12. It is a very calm ride with a large viewing window. We saw manatees, gators, turtles and lots of different birds. The captain of the boat was full of interesting info and we were surprised by how many movie had been filmed in the park.
We will be back for another sail another time with friends!

You can book ahead online through the park website.

Things to Do
 

Stetson Mansion in Deland, nice around the holidays. Also, the glass bottom boat ride in Ocala. The art museum in Ocala also. Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. You have found most of the best restaurants.

Stetson mansion is great but be sure she can climb steep stairs up to second floor.

My husband is a member of the model train club, and their annual 4-day Christmas themed train show is held at Colony Cottage, not Eisenhower (Ike). Dec 7-10. It’s a great event for all ages!

Bok Tower Gardens
 

I lived near there and went many times.She has to be able to walk .I suggest watching the video and visiting the museum before heading into the gardens.

Asking for ideas
 

I don't understand what you are saying and why you are saying such a negative comment. The person is asking for ideas. How do you know the writer isn't making a list and will let her choose from the list. When people have visitors in town many times they ask for interesting things to see and do. My mom is the same age. I like to offer her things to do and see what she wants. However, if you are not familiar with what is going on in the area this is the perfect forum to ask for ideas. That is why I love this site.

My husband is a member of this club, and yes this is their biggest event of the year. They take over Colony Cottage rec center for 4 days, 12/7-12/10. Thurs, Fri, Sat are 9-4, and Sunday is 10-3. Santa will be there too. Fun for ALL ages! 😊

Things to do
 

When my mom first came to visit she was 82. I was more interested in showing her what The Villages has to offer. I’d suggest Eisenhower Rec Ctr and First Responders Rec Ctr. You have 3 squares…. Pick a square and visit late afternoon, have dinner and then enjoy the live entertainment. Take chairs and spend an afternoon at Edna’s On The Green. Maybe a movie your mom would enjoy. Lunch on the patio at the country clubs, they all have heaters. I took my mom for golf cart rides to see the views, visit stores, etc. I think it’s a good idea to show visitors our lifestyle!

Your Mom & Activities
 

Well after your mom does all that eating, maybe she would like to dance it off.
Does she still play any sports, enjoy aerobic classes? find out what kind of music she likes & take her to the square where that is playing {4 Squares of music} Just listening to all the music will make it fun! Does she golf?:::

Dec 2: Lady Lake Christmas Parade, 10 am near library on Guava Street. Bring some folding chairs & arrive early to stake out a viewing spot. Always a lot of fun.

Dec 28: Film Noir Series, 1:30 pm in Scarlet O'Hara Theater at Savannah Center. 'Call Northside 777', with short talk before & afterwards by our resident film noir expert. Always very well presented. Free with Villages ID or guest pass.

You can try one of our very nice putting courses. All grass and well maintained. Equipment can be checked out to play. I'm also sure you've considered billiards, darts, shuffleboard, etc, at the rec centers.

If she's a bridge player, Google The Villages Duplicate Bridge Club's website for a game schedule/locations & help finding a partner, if necessary. It's a nice club & very welcoming. You can also find lots of relaxed & friendly nonsanctioned games on The Villages activity calendar - many of the games are party bridge format, so no partner required.

It's really 'old Florida', but I've always enjoyed Gatorland. Does require some walking, but you don't have to go far into the park to see hundreds of gators. Where else can you feed the alligators & not get into trouble?

If your mom is up to it I suggest taking a trip to Mount Dora. They have a lot of fun festivities during the month of December including a parade. They also have a lot of nice restaurants. The only issue can be parking, and possibly a long walk. Some people that live there will let you park in their driveway for $5 or $10. Here is a link to December events in Mt. Dora

Events

I second this. It is very relaxing and pretty.

Wine tasting
 

If she drinks wine, perhaps a visit to Lakeridge Winery for a tour and tasting.

Might also try a Paint and Sip at the Nancy Lopez country club. They will give you non alcohol beverage if you prefer. It’s fun and easy and the appetizer plate they served when I went was delicious.

Enjoy your visit with her!

Things to do at Christmas time
 

Stetson Mansion in DeLand.
Built by the creator of the Stetson hat currently owned by two guys from Miami. Always decorated for the season.

My mother-in-law loved to go for a golf cart ride. Even if the golf cart only went to pick up the mail. She also enjoyed listening to the music at the square, talking to people she met there and eating out. She has passed away and I miss her.

I took both my parents, similar in age to your mom, on the Silver Springs glass bottom boat ride and they thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm envious! Would love if my mom/.dad were still here! ❤️ Lots of good ideas on here. Also, if not already done I would record some conversations with her about her/your childhoods etc for family history, take lots of photos, and do some fun basics like cards puzzles checkers etc. - either at home or at the many wonderful Villages locations - like the outdoor porch overlooking the lake at Okahumpka Rec Center.

I went last year in the winter and it was a cold, windy day so it was t very enjoyable. I’d take weather into account for any outdoor excursions with a woman of that age.

I love this, what a good idea. I wish I would have done that with my dad. A friend of mine received a sweet gift. Someone copied and enlarged two of her mom's favorite family recipes that her mom had written down and put them in two pretty little frames. My friend kept them on a small table in the dining area. To me there is something special about looking at our loved ones handwriting. But I'm sentimental about this stuff.

Christmas lights at Mt.Dora. Dinner at Columbia restaurant. Order her a Mojito drink. Dress warmly….Take the “railroad” ride in open carriages to see the lights. Lots of historic things to do…The Flagler Museum is great (warm in there too!)