[VApeople]

Originally Posted by mrfixit

ORMAND BEACH area is
way, way nicer than Daytona Beach.

We went to Ormand Beach a couple weeks ago and we thought it was the worst beach we have ever seen.

While we in the area, we went to Tomako State Park and thought it was wonderful. A beautiful park with some great walking trails.

[John_W]

I went to New Smyrna Beach a couple of years ago to visit relatives and you can also drive on their beach. Although judging by the news, it seems NSB has more shark attacks than anywhere else. I like the Gulf Beaches, of course I biased since I grew up in the St. Petersburg - Clearwater area.

New Smyrna Beach



Downtown St. Petersburg, that ball diamond on the left is Al Lang Field. The Mets and the Cardinals spring trained there in the 60's when I was hanging out, there was no malls back then. Got autographs from everybody from Brooks Robinson to Roger Maris, they all came through town. That's Tropicana Field in the distance.



Clearwater Beach, you would have to go to the islands to find water this blue.

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Thank you for writing something nice, hard to explain but was somehow nice to read someone did such a normal thing was just calming these days when we see few in the neighborhood, many never outside, if you take a walk people don't say "hi" like they used to and many times will get off the sidewalk and go far into the street... which, I understand, I do not wear a mask on my daily long walks and I tried and just can't do it, walks were a chore and not longer pleasant, so walk without a mask and understand when people cross the street completely, or walk far in the street if no cars, and then come back on sidewalk when I am far past, etc. It is just all so sad, once such a happy friendly place and fear now rules. Thank you for sharing a nice, "normal" thing.

I havent experienced any of that. People say hi all the time. I dont walk with a mask either. No one crosses the street. They step to the social distance to walk around and most times share a few words. Most of them arent wearing masks either so we respect the space needed betw us.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

I don’t know if it is the closest but we took our dog to New Smyrna dog beach.
It is not on the ocean but on Ponce inlet as far north as you can get on New Smyrna. There is parking that Costs like $5 a day if memory serves and a little walk from the parking to the beach. They have a shower and a hose to wash you and the pups and restrooms are adjacent to parking. Dogs have to be on a leash but they can swim

[JanaR]

Next time try The Dancing Avocado. It’s on the Main Street right before you cross the bridge. We love it❤️

[La lamy]

Originally Posted by John_W

I went to New Smyrna Beach a couple of years ago to visit relatives and you can also drive on their beach. Although judging by the news, it seems NSB has more shark attacks than anywhere else. I like the Gulf Beaches, of course I biased since I grew up in the St. Petersburg - Clearwater area.

New Smyrna Beach



Downtown St. Petersburg, that ball diamond on the left is Al Lang Field. The Mets and the Cardinals spring trained there in the 60's when I was hanging out, there was no malls back then. Got autographs from everybody from Brooks Robinson to Roger Maris, they all came through town. That's Tropicana Field in the distance.



Clearwater Beach, you would have to go to the islands to find water this blue.

The sand quality is beautiful on the west coast of Florida, and of course the sundowns!! It was where I meant to retire until I found TV. No beach but so much more! But I would like to visit the east coast beaches too one day.

[Pammcnamara]

Any other recommendations for day times from The Villages. I know some tour companies offer some, yet we don’t feel comfortable being so close to others yet till everyone receives the vaccine. Any suggestions, going east or west are welcome. Thanks

[airdale2]

Thru Deland, straight shot to Daytona.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

Flagler Beach is dog friendly, but the dog must be on a leash. However, we had a long enough line that our dog could go bashing through waves after a tennis ball, and nobody minded.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Pammcnamara

Any other recommendations for day times from The Villages. I know some tour companies offer some, yet we don’t feel comfortable being so close to others yet till everyone receives the vaccine. Any suggestions, going east or west are welcome. Thanks

West........The Freezer in Homosassa for lunch. Not a beach, but you can sit on the water and enjoy great food.

[Susan Garbarino]

That's where I am right now. Beautiful sunrise - ready for my first beach walk when I catch up with my email!

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Girlcopper

I havent experienced any of that. People say hi all the time. I dont walk with a mask either. No one crosses the street. They step to the social distance to walk around and most times share a few words. Most of them arent wearing masks either so we respect the space needed betw us.

I don't wear a mask while walking. I cross the street if passing by someone, out of respect for their health. I've never had anyone but some guy on a bike not say Hi to me. And I think he was concentrating.

[mikeritz53]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

Not sure on Ocean side, but on the Gulf Honeymoon Island State Park has a Dog Friendly Beach.

[JoeinFL]

Originally Posted by Bjeanj

It’s 48 years, dear.

Keep messing up the years and ya may not make it to 49!!
😎

[Mleeja]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

where is the closest beach that is dog friendly?

At Ft. De Soto State Park in St. Petersburg there is a specific dog beach. Your dog can be off leash to play in the ocean. There is a fenced grassy dog park with showers to clean your pup after a day in the ocean. The park is at the very southern tip of St. Petersburg making it about a two hour trip from The Villages. But well worth it.