[cabo35]

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?

[Irish Rover]

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:

[Becky]

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

Becky

[nONIE]

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

[cabo35]

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

[DickY]

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

[rballruss]

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.

[jjdees]

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.

[chuckinca]

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/

[jjdees]

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

[cabo35]

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.

[nONIE]

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:

[chuckinca]

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/

[Reliancepeech]

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.

[JohnN]

This is a great post, thank all.

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