The nearby metro areas in Central Florida probably have much if not more to offer than many other states' in the way of culture. You just have to drive a ways.

[cashman]

One bit of my culture requirements which is missing in TV is a good draft micro beer.

I go to Sarasota Brewing Co for that.

[jmitchell]

cashman,

You have a great idea -- how about you start a Villages Mico Brew Restaurant and Pub! Or maybe TV commercial real estate can convince Gordon Biersch to open a restaurant. I think their beer is pretty good!

[SABRMnLgs]

Anyone remember "Our Gang" and the shows they had in their back yards with sheets and orange crates? Kinda like that here. The Savannah Center is an okay place for small doings but a true professional company such as "Circus Sioliel" (sp?) would not be caught dead in such a place.
As long as you have a second rate facility, you will not draw squat. That is why I cannot understand why the PALMS is constantly on almost everyone's back burner.
If you want a true state-of-the-art performing arts center such as the Performing Arts Center of Lake-Marion -Sumter counties we have to work at it. Only when it is finally built will we have music, dance, acting and the like
at the highest level.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

Not free, but check out Sirius or XM Satellite Radio.
3 Classical stations for your enjoyment, half a dozen country stations for mine.
I have it in my car and they just played some Hank Snow on the Roadhouse station.

I'm trying to resist paid radio. I've got lots of classical and rock and other music I like on my iPhone I can even plug it into the car and listen through the car speakers. From TV, Orlando, Tampa and other cities are less than two hours away.

On the other hand, the people, lifestyle and amenities in TV are nowhere else to be found!

[bkcunningham1]

You can see Cirque du Soleil at Disney. It's not that far away. How much do you suppose a venue has to pay for "true professional" performers? I read the Palms would cost about $10.9 million to construct and furnish (2009 figures).

[SABRMnLgs]

It worth be worth every penny.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by SABRMnLgs

It worth sustain be worth every penny.

Cirque du Soleil that would be a stretch.

[Tweety Bird]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Okay, I was one of those who had season tickets to ACT, the symphony and ballet in San Francisco. I went to museums and art galleries almost weekly. When I moved to TV, I knew I would be giving this up. Do I miss these things? Of course I do. I also miss San Francisco sourdough bread, Gallo salame, camping every August in Yosemite; riding my bike up Mt. Diablo.

In exchange, I get enough activities to choose from to keep me occupied from 7-9 daily; some of the best neighbors I've ever had; a chance to meet some of the most wonderful people in the world; and I SMILE every day!

Pick your needs. Decide what you truly cannot live without, what you are willing to give up to live here. If the cost (both emotional and financial) is right, then TV may be right for you even with the "lack of culture."

Extremely well stated!!! And yes...sourdough bread!!!! Although, I must say, Fresh Market gets pretty close to that! Also, Panera Bread!!!

[swrinfla]

If you really want the "culture" you left when you moved away from your previous metropolitan area, then why did you move to rural Central Florida?

Yes, yes! Available New York City Broadway or Lincoln Center presentations aren't going to happen here in The Villages! And, may I ask, "Why in Heaven's Name should you expect them?"

In my five years here, I've seen many productions that exceeded my expectations in every respect! True, there have also been a few (very few) who shouldn't have even tried!

Please try to remember that this is a community occupied by folks who hope they're having fun, and don't really care about anything else!

SWR

[l2ridehd]

Certain things you just are going to have to go someplace else to get. I really like to ski. Try to get to Tahoe every few years. And so far I can't find any snow in TV. Looked everywhere and still have not found any. Museums, shows, symphony, arts and entertainment. If what you have here is not what you want, do as I do. Jump on a plane every once in a while and go to where it is. Unless someone has found that ski slope covered with snow and I missed it. No place has everything, so pick a place that has most of what you want, then travel a bit for the rest.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by Yoda

Please excuse this lower type for asking but,

What is CULTURE & why is it.

Yoda

After reading all if these posts I ask the same thing.

What is culture? Are we talking entertainment or are we referring to a bunch of stuffed shirts? I have been to a few "culture" events and I was not impressed with the people. I had tickets with reserved seats to plays in NYC and as soon as the doors opened it was push and shove to be the first one in. I was happier at the local Pax Amicus play theater in Byram, NJ.

According to Wikipedia:

the word "culture" is most commonly used in three basic senses:

1. Excellence of taste in the fine arts and humanities, also known as high culture

2. An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning

3. The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group

In these posts, it seems that culture is associated with expensive plays, ballets and orchestra presentations. Then I hear that classical music stations are needed. I am waiting to read one about the lack of chess playing. I put that with definition 1.

Folks - culture is what you make it. You are all talking about entertainment and you apparently do not think that the "hicks" down here can provide that level of entrainment. Well they can. Just take the time to enjoy the plays and concerts that they have in the Villages and central Florida. If you don't like that, travel to Jacksonville to see some great shows.

As for classical music stations, there are not enough supporters to make any of the classical stations a go. Use your satellite radio or buy DVDS to satisfy your desires.


As for the term 'hicks", I need no response. I was raised in Jacksonville Florida and I know that is what you usually think of us southerners.

Z

[Yoda]

Well said Z, well said

Yoda

[Pturner]

I'm a Southerner. People can just hear my accent and think I'm an uncultured hick. But gee, to call people who have a taste for the fine arts and humanities stiff shirts-- isn't that doing the same thing in reverse. Sure, some people are pretentious about it and fit the mold. Others have a genuine appreciation and love for fine arts and humanities.

I'm not knowledgeable about the fine arts, but I've heard symphonies and seen master works of art that moved me to tears. We probably all have. On the other hand, "I love rock and roll, put another dime in the jukebox baby." Does this make me an uncultured, stiff-shirted hick? Oh wait, maybe it does.

Anyway, my real point is, must we be so quick to judge harshly people whose tastes and interests are different from our own.

[N'awlins Lady]

Originally Posted by l2ridehd

... No place has everything, so pick a place that has most of what you want, then travel a bit for the rest.

And what better place to be than TV with four major cruise ports nearby!!!

Trudy