What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

I'm not sure if this topic has been posted before. I know that the theme parks are a natural, but, perhaps narrow it down a little like, "going to Jimmy Buffett's for lunch." We park at Portofino, walk through the village, get on a free launch, cruise over to City Walk, no admission fee and go to Jimmy Buffett's.

We were pleasantly surprised at a recent visit to the Austin Carriage Museum in Weirsdale, just a short distance from the Villages. We've heard some things about river cruises in Sanford. Has anyone done them?

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Cabo - here are a couple of options that work for Judy and I. Try Homossasa State Park with your wife or guests. It's a great park with a boat cruise (short but informative) and a great Manatee center as well as bird preserve and wild animal park. I rate it very high for visitors. The other place we like to go is a restaurant called Stumpknockers on the Withlacoochee (?spelling) River. It's near Ocala but a pleasant drive. There is a boat ride there also on the Withlacoochee with Captain Dave. The ride can be one hour or two - your option. Price is right.
Both of these options are fun times. You can get directions for both on the internet or maybe someone can add to this post. I'll be there in Jan/Feb and plan to do both again with a few couples. You are welcome to join us. Reservations are wise for Stumpknockers and the boat ride. If you have trouble with directions, I'll dig out the info and forward it. Have fun. :bigthumbsup:

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Great question! ;D Also does anyone know where the casino trips go? How long, ect? Thanks!

Becky

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

good question Becky, I would be interested also in the casino trips, anyone know anything about them ???

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Thanks Irish...haven't tried either but we definitely will. I hope we get a few more leads like yours.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

I was looking at the Virginia Trace Web site http://virginiatrace.com/ and under AAA Day Trips the calendar has several casino trips.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

A trip to Silver Springs, which is only 30 minutes away, is well worth your day. We were very pleasantly surprised!!!!

As for the Casino trips, we went on one out of Cape Canaveral. It was OK. I don't think I'll make that trip again as I much prefer the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

A few years back, friends from Valley Verde took us to a nearby site that had a large pontoon boat. The boat ride toured a couple of local lakes and then went up a nearby river or inlet and it was like entering the rain jungle. Lots of wildlife and really tropical and a memorable experience. Don't know if it's still there. On another occasion, these same wonderful friends took us to somewhere near Ocala in horse country and we took a tour of the area which had a bunch of horse farms with training tracks. The tour was by horse drawn carriage. It was great. And they served us champaign during the tour. Can't beat that.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Don Garlits Drag Racing and Auto Museum is about a 20 minute drive North from the new Wal-Mart in Buffalo Grove Center - If you like cars, this is the place. He has one of Ike's cars there with a built in 45 RPM player.

http://www.garlits.com/

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

I've always passed Garlits on the way in to the Village. I'll have to check it out.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Amazing, we have been staying in the Villages for four years and owned here the past two. You guys have given us a list of adventures we were not aware of. Thanks. Keep 'em coming.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Dicky,

Thankyou so much for the GREAT VIRGINIA TRACE website listing day trips and activities. I found so much more Im interested in on that site. Much appreciated! :bigthumbsup:

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Ringling Bros Circus Museum in Sarasota is about a two hour drive each way.
http://www.ringling.org/circus_museum.asp

Baseball Spring Training Games in many not so far central fla cities

Mt Dora old town shopping district is about 45 minutes South

Blue Springs State Park in Orange City to see Manatees up close about 1 hr East
http://www.planetdeland.com/bluesprings/

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Cabo, a great post…. :bigthumbsup:

Crystal River (swim with the manatees)
Buccaneers game (AAARRRGGHH)
Shop Mount Dora (quaint country town an hour east of TV, scenic railway)
Garlits’ museum big thumbs up, close by, interesting
Red Sox at Tropicana Field (more reasonable than Fenway)

A Villages-visitor friend from Cocoa Beach told me “The best thing about the Villages….you never have to leave. The worst thing about the Villages….you never have to leave.” The cozy Villages lifestyle routine seems to develop rather quickly upon moving in.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

This is a great post, thank all.

swim with manatees?? sounds like swim with alligators!!!!!

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Great ideas!!! Where are some of those Spring training cities. I know my wife's Yankees are in Tampa but tickets were impossible to get. Any others closer or easier to get tickets for?

Never gave a thought to Ringling Bros. Sounds like a neat day trip.

I think John's Pass is in Madeira Beach. A lot of shops and restaurants on the inlet to the gulf. Relaxing day.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

One of the Baseball Spring Training Website:

http://www.visitflorida.com/cms/e/boys_of_spring.php

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Great information! We need to keep this topic open. Thanks :bigthumbsup:

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

:agree: :) ;D :clap2:
one of the best bits of info i have found here!
Larry

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Thanks for the great day trip ideas. We're doing internet follow-up and have several trips planned already. Great information.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Isn't there a travel club within TV? If not there should be.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Hi,

Wonderful set of ideas. We have only toured the West Coast of Florida and found there was one attraction after another. I do not mean amusement parks.

Since we are having a line up of guest visiting us, before we even close on the house, we are looking into what the options are for our potential visitors. Since we are all travellers, and have travelled together, I know there interest and what to search for.

The info on this site will add to my list of "Things to do" while they are visiting us.

Wanted to put down washing windows, floors, ironing etc, but I do not think this will go over to well. ;D

Hyacinth Bucket

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Busch Gardens Africa (Tampa): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busch_Gardens_Africa

Cypress Gardens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypress_Gardens

St. Augustine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine%2C_Florida

St. Petersburg: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Petersburg%2C_Florida

Suwannee River: http://www.suwanneevalley.org/home.php3

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Don't pass up a chance to see The World Golf Hall of Fame in St Augustine. The largest and most expansive pro shop in the world. The Hall of Fame and Museum are a must see. A fantastic large screen theater is also a must see. The local golf course has been the site of many senior events in the past. I played it once and absolutely loved it. Lots of shopping and restaurants there too. If you stay overnight to better enjoy the area, there is St Augustine itself and the large factory outlets nearby. :#1:

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Salvatore Dali Museum in St. Pete is fab...worth the trip.
Just don't travel to/from normal rush hour.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

This looks like fun weekend. Nov. 10 and 11
The area’s 19th-century past will return for a fun-filled weekend at the Ocali Country Days festival Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11 at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, festival attendees will experience life as it was in 1800’s Marion County through a wide variety of displays and activities. Historical re-enactors will give guests a taste of life on a farmstead from the area, and traditional craft demonstrations will showcase blacksmithing, sugarcane syrup making, woodworking, quilting and spinning, among other period pursuits.

The event will also feature storytellers, folk art, old-time music, food and hard-to-find books from Pineapple Press and University Press of Florida. Guests will have the chance to tour a Civil War encampment, ride a jeep tram through the Silver River State Park and learn about Native American culture from members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. A live auction will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is part of the Marion County Public School System and includes a variety of displays and hands-on learning opportunities. The museum is found inside Silver River State Park near Silver Springs. Festival guests should enter the park from Baseline Road (County Road 35), which lies one mile south of State Road 40.

IF YOU GO:

WHEN: November 10-11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: The Silver River Museum is located within the Silver River State Park near Silver Springs. Enter the park from Baseline Road (CR 35) one-mile south SR 40. Map Link

ADMISSION: Festival admission is $4 per person with children five and under admitted free. State Park admission and parking are free. All proceeds from the festival will benefit the Silver River Museum’s educational programs.

INFORMATION:More information about the event is available by calling 352-236-5401 or visiting www.SilverRiverMuseum.com.

http://www.silverrivermuseum.com

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Central FL has a lot to offer, and many of the events require a "google" to check the dates. Examples of my favorites:

1. Florida's Annual Vietnam and All-Vet's Reunion. Held in Melbourne, FL each year (next is April 24-27, 2008), it's one of the largest (if not THE largest) in the nation.

2. Florida Strawberry Festival. Held in Plant City, FL each year (next is Feb 28 - March 9, 2008)

3. Zellwood Corn Festival. Held in Zellwood, FL each year (usually in the month of May).

4. Mount Dora Art Festival. Held just down the road in Mount Dora (usually in the month of February). One of the best in the country.

5. Winter Park Art Festival. Held in Winter Park, FL which is one of the communities forming Metro Orlando (next is March 14-16, 2008), rivals Mount Dora's event.

6. Biketoberfest. Held in Daytona Beach each year (yep, in October!). Even if you're not into the Biker world, the machines themselves can be works of art - and the people there may actually surprise you!

7. Gasparilla Pirate Events. Held in Tampa, FL (middle-end of January), the event is too complex to describe, but a lot of fun.

8. Blue Spring State Park. Located in Orange City, FL and open year-round. It's one of my favorite manatee-viewing areas and swimming locations (water is always 70-degrees).

9. Crystal River Preserve State Park. Located in Crystal River, FL and open year-round, my other favorite manatee-viewing and swimming locations.

10. 12 hours of Sebring. Auto racing at its best! Sebring, FL is south of Orlando and this internationally acclaimed grand prix event next occurs during march 12,15, 2008.

That's my top ten!

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

I agree this is a great post to help identify day trips, I wonder if Jan can make this a sticky?

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

I just got a November newsletter from Silver Springs (by Ocala) that has information about their annual pass that costs $55 for seniors. You get free entrance to the park all year and free entrance to all concerts for the year.

Concerts by Willie Nelson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Brenda Lee, Wayne Newton, America, Tony Orlando, Kenny Rogers, Beach Boys and more. ALL FOR $55 ! ! !

check out this link:


http://www.silversprings.com/tickets.html

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Good to know Chuckinca. Thanks. Here's a link to the Silver Springs calendar-- http://www.silversprings.com/calendar.html

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

:agree: : ;D GREAT INFO HER PLEASE KEEP THIS ONE GOING--THANKS

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

I wanted to see the highest point in Peninsula FL--Sugarloaf Mountain-- but it looks like a land developer is going to put-- what else-- a golf course with some homes on it.

Only in FL would you see a 312 foot "mountain"? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarlo..._%28Florida%29

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

BUMP

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

I just found this post ... Thanks Chuck :bigthumbsup: Great information - it sounds like an AMAZING deal. Definitely going to get me a pass!!

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Ur Welcome!


Lucky you - I still have to work all next year before I can hang em up.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Lakeridge Winery is off the Turnpike - probably 30 minutes from TV. Wine tastings, tours (free) sometimes they have festivals there. I think they also have lunch/plays different times of the year.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

The Butterfly Rain Forest in Gainesville is a large screened tropical garden that contains many beautiful butterflies. It is a treat not only for those who want to see butterflies but also for those who enjoy gardens and gardening.

Large colorful cards are available at the door as you enter that ID the butterflies. Knowledgeable and pleasant staff are also strolling along the pathways eager to assist in an ID, point out a hidden feature, and answer questions.

Although a relatively small area, the paths wind back and forth giving the illusion of a much larger space. There are benches tucked here and there inviting you to just sit and watch. It is a very meditative and peaceful place.

There is an admission fee.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies/exhibits.htm

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Thanks Juneroses. Love butterflies. Will go for sure.

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

We just did a day trip to MGM-Disney. We had never been there at Christmas time and wanted to see two new attractions. We were not disappointed.

The Osborne family Spectacle of Lights in the "New York" section was amazing. At nightfall, they turn on 3 million lights covering every building and overhead. Dazzling. The lights than pulsate to Christmas music and they have a snow machine, that makes you feel like your in a light flurry. I believe its really chilled soap flakes, but, its as close as you can get to the real thing in Florida. No lines, just be there.

Lights, Motors, Action was awesome. It's a new stunt show set in a French Village using fast cars, motorcycles, jet skis and stunt people. In our opinion, it is one of the best attractions we have seen in Disney. The ampitheater fills quickly, suggest you get there a little early (30 Minutes). Definately worth it.

The Indiana Jones stunt show is still very good, noisy and action packed.

The Backlot Tour was good.

Lots of activity including parades, street entertainers, music. One of our best Disney experiences overall. There were a lot of other attractions we just did not have time to see. We were there from 10 to 7 and back in the Villages before 8:30.

We would like to go back to see the Epcot fireworks and Animal Kingdom (haven't been there). Any suggestions ???

Re: What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?
 

Fort DeSoto , south of Tampa / St. Pete is really interesting if you like old forts and beaches.