are you counting down the days

Definitely buy the $5 map of The Villages. I bought the map from Banner Merchantile. Their stores at located at Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood.

Great info! Thanks

The Trolley is worth the ride (free) and you will pickup some good information and begin to get a feel for TV. The weather should be great---dry and not hot. As a matter of fact, bring a jacket. Talk with people---you will find out "more than you want to know"----well, you get the picture. All you have to say, "we just got here and can you tell me........". The map is a must----lay it out on the kitchen table and look at it often and within a week or two you will have a good idea of the main routes to take as you travel about TV. Drive down to the south end of TV (south of 466A) and look at all the construction going on---you will be amazed. Mostly, just relax and enjoy.

Guest passes: Once you have your ID, you can get them for your friends at the larger rec centers -- just fill out the form and they'll print them right up for you. Being high season, be prepared to wait in line to get them.

Ask your sales rep (assigned to you when you get your ID) for the $5.00 map -- sometimes they'll get it for you for free.

Do get lost -- it's half the fun of the golf cart both for those who are lost and those who stop to help. Great way to meet new folks and chat a bit about TV.

Remember to take time to just relax. It is easy to get so busy that you forget you need to rest, too.

oh yes counting the days.....all ready spent hours this forum and others....crisis now though.....great grandma fell and broke her hip the other day.....hope this does not destroy our plans....time will tell

I know it sounds crazy...But i cant wait to get lost!.....many posts say that the busiest time in the villages is jan-march....and getting lost will give us the chance to see if there are some villages that are a little quieter.....we were raised in chicagoland and retired to rural michigan on a lake and crowds are a definite deal breaker..............
we plan on visiting open houses in different neighborhoods to get ideas for the future
curious about other rentals ..... we used Vacation home rental to find this years home but wondered if there were better methods.......thanks for any help

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I just liked you on Facebook for future reference, thanks for the post

What part of rural Michigan? What lake? You may well find this area to be a deal breaker in the winter if you are used to, say, somewhere in the UP--the Snows, for instance, or even some of the Bear Lakes (there are many) over toward the east. Their summer population doesn't rival TV's winter population. Rural MI and TV... two entirely different kettle of fish.

But we did it--Michigan lakes to here--and love it. So I hope you find it to your liking.

we are from sturgis mi. area on lake templene.......i have read many posts on totv and they say the busy time is jan-march as i expected.....but wondered of the are some of villages are more quiet than others.....or is it just the cart paths and roads and town centers that are more crowded?.......we are early risers and golf cart rides without crowds is my dream.......is this possible jan-mar???.........cant wait to get there.....you full timers sound like the lucky ones!!

we have found dec and jan to be not so bad for the winter months...of course we eat late so resturants are not as crowded and play golf early..remember it can be a warm perfect day or cold so bring warm clothes also

That sounds like us back nearly seven years ago. We had previously rented in Bonnybrook, Amelia and Palo Alto. First, go to Banner Mercantile Store in Spanish Springs and get a map. Take the trolley ride as you'll find it well worth it. The Villages is huge and don't be afraid to ask directions. You'll find lots of people to help. We were fortunate as when we first got off the trolley, a new resident had approached my wife and said 'I know you." This couple was most gracious in showing us around and by the second year, we were pros on getting around ha,ha,ha. We're still learning short cuts but half the fun is getting there. Enjoy your December and January stay. There really isn't another place like TV.

thanks for all the feedback....do we need to go for line dance lessons before we get to the villages?.................

I sent you a personal message.

No,you can go with my neighbor and me when you get here! Thursday morning, I believe. I promised her I would try it with her. We need more newbies so our klutziness might be better hidden!