Suggestions on where to take my guest
 

Being new to The Villages I'm needing suggestions on where and what to show my guest coming in next weekend.

Besides the Squares what are some good places to show my guest? I live in Hemingway so Truman and Seabreeze are on my list.

Someone suggested the Polo Club but I haven't made it there yet.

Eisenhower rec center is nice.
Mt. Dora is a nice place to spend an afternoon.
Cat boat rides in Mt. Dora
The Market at Marion (on weekends)
Tour the Villages on their trolley
$5.00 burgers at World of Beer on Mondays

Lots of small things that make The Villages unique.

I love to take guests to these places;

On the trolley ride ...to show them just how big this place is. Some think they will be visiting a little dinky place with a fancy nursing home.

To a couple of regional rec centers and my choice would be Laurel Manor where I craft and paint with daughter Helene and Eisenhower because most of my guests would love the patriotism that lives there.

On a boat ride at Lake Sumter, but first tongue in cheek, build up the fact we have a lighthouse that keeps ocean going vessels on their course. Followed by a nice lunch at TooJays.

Invite a few friends and neighbors to a little gathering so they can continue to yammer about how much everybody loves this place.

I like to take them on a little ride in the golf carts. We like to show them Harmeswood with it's HUGE lots and different home styles, swing into the Polo Club area, just to show off how "posh" we are....and then stop by Arnold Palmer for their delicious burger.

By then they will suspect we get paid for selling the place, but we don't. We love it here.

The nature trail at the Fenney Rec. Center. If into walking the trails at Marsh Bend.

If walking is ok for them Hog Eye and the Sharon Morse nature preserve.

Believe the trolleys are not operating now due to the virus.

Edna's outdoor bar and food trucks
Music 3pm most days, schedule online

What will impress them the most is a golf cart ride. Every time we have a guest, I'll rent a cart - either another 2 place or a 4 place cart for the day. And after a day zipping along the MMP's, going through the town squares, going by one or more golf courses, etc. it will take a least a week for them to loose the smile on their face. I think being able to get to everywhere on a golf cart is what really makes this community unique.

If the weather is nice lunch at Belle Glade CC for perhaps the nicest golf course view in The Villages.

As mentioned before the Eisenhower Rec Center is great for military history. Rohan Recreation Center for a history of the growth of The Villages. Everglades Recreation Center dedicated to our National Parks.

Of course find the perfect fit for your guests choice of entertainment on a town square at 5:00 for entertainment.

Do you include the bridge over 441? They will go "WEEEEEEEEE" and make sure they put their hands up in the air. I know I did the one and only time I went over that bridge.

That's exactly what my 89-year-old dad did when I took him over the bridge 2 months ago, when he and mom came for a visit. Couldn't pay mom to go over it though, she's afraid of heights and is claustrophobic. Dad absolutely loved it though. We went over JUST so he could do that, turned around and came right back.

If the OP is more southward, I'd say maybe go over one of the bridges down there. If they have time/interest in horses, definitely check the schedule at the Grand Oaks Resort, and see if there's an exhibition going on when they're around. Admission is free, they have a little luncheonette there, nothing worth writing home about but it's something to eat between shows.

The trolleys are -not- running, and haven't been since the start of the pandemic.

Nature trails either on foot or on the MMPs with the golf cart - or both. Take the golf cart to the nature trails, park, and then walk the trails. Bring a cooler with wine, cheese, pears, and bread, and have a picnic.

Whispering Oaks Vineyard, only 6 miles away and very reasonably priced, and the wine is really good.

OrangeBlossom....the OP said they live in Hemingway

Wild Bill's Airboat. One hour ride. Only 20 minutes from here.

If they like to try local wine, I suggest you try Lakeridge Winery near Claremont. Welcome to Lakeridge Winery

I'd like to know things to do when it's raining and you can't do much outdoors. Have guests coming in and we are new as well.