[pdlore]

go to AAA ON 441 near perkins.they have a slew of trips out of the caboose area in ss.try it out.also have casino trips to tampa!

[Avista]

There's a tractor museum in Leesburg.
Home - International Farmall Tractors

[chili557]

A trip to Tarpon Springs can't be beat Give yourself all day to see the shops and try all the Great Greek food. A trip out to the sponge sites and watch the divers is another great thing to do. Tarpon Springs is on US 19 about an hour or more from the Villages.

[SanFranDianne]

[QUOTE=Bogie Shooter;579590][QUOTE=Dr Winston O Boogie jr;579577]We went to Silver Springs yesterday and I had very mixed feelings about this place. When I first got there I was very disappointed. The park is very old and run down. I like the feelings of old places as long as they are maintained and this place is not. There were very few patrons which may be why the place is so run down.

I just checked the Silver Springs website and found this update:
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PLANNING YOUR VISIT:
Dear valued guests, please note that Silver Springs nature park is being turned over to the State of Florida as of September 30th, 2013. In preparation for that, Silver Springs is undergoing significant renovations in order to bring it into a more natural state which emphasizes nature over rides and attractions. Accordingly, when you visit, you will find most if not all of our rides and attractions have been closed (and some may be in a state of deconstruction). However, the world-famous Glass Bottom Boats will continue to operate, so that guests may continue to experience the stunning wonders of these natural springs and the wildlife therein. The famous and wildly popular concert series is in full swing with an array of top talent, so attend as many as you can this season! This is your last chance to visit the park before it gets turned over to the State of Florida. Thank you for your patronage, and enjoy your visit!

[SanFranDianne]

[QUOTE=kagney123;679968]Pasco County Florida Giraffe Farm

Here's the website: Giraffe Ranch Farm Tours

I have not been, but will probably check it out with grandkids.

[rirlam]

[quote=SanFranDianne;693459]

Originally Posted by kagney123

Pasco County Florida Giraffe Farm

Here's the website: Giraffe Ranch Farm Tours

I have not been, but will probably check it out with grandkids.

We just came back from the Giraffe Ranch and had a wonderful time. Sort of a up close and personal mini wild animal park. Some extras are camel rides, behind the scenes tours and feeding the lemurs. I would recommend feeding the lemurs. It costs and extra twenty dollars per person, but it is well worth it. All the animals seem to be well treated and respond kindly to visitors. They normally only answer their phones between 08:30 and 09:30.

[delima2000]

We just took a trip to fantasy of flight in Polk city. Great time. It is about 1 1/2 hours from the villages only open on Thursday,Friday,Saturday,and Sundays from 10:00 to 5:00. They have a nice restaurant on site good food.

[LeeM]

When we visited the Villages recently we ended the trip with 2 days at Disney.
During our stay at Disney we saw the Cirque Du Soleil which was awesome. Definitely worth the trip to see the show. Though I would recommend searching for discount tickets. We paid full freight and it was to much.

We also ate at Raglands and watched the Irish dancers and music. The meal was amazing and the entertainment great. And we had a fantastic dinner at the bar area of the Flying Fish Cafe.

I was talking to the person next to me at the Flying Fish and mentioned our visit to the fabulous Villages and the couple near him overheard us. They were Village residents celebrating their anniversary!

[benj]

Here's one. My girl and i went crabbing near Tampa. We were the mates. We pulled traps, re baited them and reset them. We got a pile of crabs. Then you go back and get fresh cooked crabs, including soft shell, and eat till you cant. I think the web site is crabby joes. Or its on How to do Florida website. You will get dirty.

[bubblehead1026]

Float the Rainbow River at Dunellon. They rent tubes at the Rainbow River State Park and drop you at the starting point in a tram. A wonderful hot day lazy river experience, and a beautiful nature trip. Take several couples and do it together. $11 per person to rent tubes and get taken to the put in point. Safe parking as well. Takes a couple of hours.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by bubblehead1026

Float the Rainbow River at Dunellon. They rent tubes at the Rainbow River State Park and drop you at the starting point in a tram. A wonderful hot day lazy river experience, and a beautiful nature trip. Take several couples and do it together. $11 per person to rent tubes and get taken to the put in point. Safe parking as well. Takes a couple of hours.

Don't forget to take a walk through the park. Quiet, tranquil, waterfalls, gazebos, birds, butterflies.

[e-flyer]

Originally Posted by juneroses

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.
Butterfly Exhibits :: Florida Museum of Natural History

Also, if in Gainesville around sunset, ask around for directions to the bat house near the University. We went just before dusk a few years ago, parked and walked over to the bat house and waited about 20 mins. Truly an unbelievable experience to see the bats leave the house at dusk. I was in awe at the shear number of bats (thousands) in the air just a few feet over your head as they fly out for their evening dinner of bugs. Perhaps not for the squeamish, but a very unique experience that one should see.

[Gabbi1393]

Great ideas. I have so many things to put on my to do list. Thank you

[JBarracks]

Originally Posted by delima2000

We just took a trip to fantasy of flight in Polk city. Great time. It is about 1 1/2 hours from the villages only open on Thursday,Friday,Saturday,and Sundays from 10:00 to 5:00. They have a nice restaurant on site good food.

Can't say enough good things about Fantasy of Flight. Outstanding!!

[Avista]

There is a farm equipment museum in Leesburg. Any retired farmers would love this: Www.stewsihstuff.com