[Bpduffey]

Originally Posted by Duke7777

Hello--Fun couple coming in from Irvine, CA. First timers to the villages. Arriving on October 17 for a two-week home rental. With so many options for entertainment, activities, where do we start? Any meet and greets near Lake Sumter Landing?

We moved to the Villages last year. We visited the pool in our village and talked to people. We instantly found a group of friends. Also learned what is going on and places to go in and around the Villages.

[jerryss]

We moved from Huntington Beach a year ago ( just up the street from Irvine)

go to classes, meet the neighbors, get 2 real estate agents ( VLS and MLS). You’ll find that 2 weeks goes by quickly.

I think that there is a “California club”, you might try that group

[hosegooseman]

Originally Posted by Duke7777

Hello--Fun couple coming in from Irvine, CA. First timers to the villages. Arriving on October 17 for a two-week home rental. With so many options for entertainment, activities, where do we start? Any meet and greets near Lake Sumter Landing?

First congrats on taking time exploring this great place. Get out, specially in the golf cart, as much as you can. My suggestion is to get the Villages GPS app (about $7 one time fee). Navigation features are better and easier in my opinion than the free one.

With the free Villages app, explore as many activities as possible, based on your interest. Just by going to a line dancing class, you’ll start meeting people. The info and contact is on every activity.

As mentioned, go to the squares and talk with people there. Saturdays is the Farmers Market at Brownwood 9am to 1pm.

Good luck!!!

[Bay Kid]

Originally Posted by Duke7777

Hello--Fun couple coming in from Irvine, CA. First timers to the villages. Arriving on October 17 for a two-week home rental. With so many options for entertainment, activities, where do we start? Any meet and greets near Lake Sumter Landing?

Start by learning which area of The Villages you like. Then start looking for a home or new rental.
Take it from me 2 weeks here will make you not want to leave!

[sallyg]

Pick up a recreation guide at your nearest rec center. It will have all the activities for the week - comes out on Thursdays. If you are renting a home and have a RESIDENT ID card (guest IDs do not give you access to much) you can go to any of the activities that residents attend. There are about 3000 "clubs"!! So aside from the very popular golf and pickleball you will surely find many things that interest you. Have fun.

[Mhoey]

Hi,
I can imagine how excited you are. It reminds me of us when we came for the first time. I would love to show you around.

[Dofranp]

Join us on October 28, Laurel Manor, doors open 1 pm for a free performance by Forever Young. You must have a guest pass from the Villages, or a residence pass.

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by sallyg

Pick up a recreation guide at your nearest rec center. It will have all the activities for the week - comes out on Thursdays. If you are renting a home and have a RESIDENT ID card (guest IDs do not give you access to much) you can go to any of the activities that residents attend. There are about 3000 "clubs"!! So aside from the very popular golf and pickleball you will surely find many things that interest you. Have fun.

Besides "Sports Pools" what can a person with a RESIDENT I.D. do that a person with a GUEST I.D. can't? TIA

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Originally Posted by Duke7777

Hello--Fun couple coming in from Irvine, CA. First timers to the villages. Arriving on October 17 for a two-week home rental. With so many options for entertainment, activities, where do we start? Any meet and greets near Lake Sumter Landing?

Download a list of the 3,000+ Villages clubs to see a very broad list of available activities. Take in a much as you may like and are able to do so.

[Gulfcoast]

We are visiting TV in January for a day or two. Not long enough, I know, but this is what I'm working with.

I plan to hit all of the squares and get a feel for the surrounding neighborhoods, especially those within walking distance to the squares. IF we have time, and I don't know that we will, we will take the trolley tour around The Villages. We will not have time to talk real estate agents.

If we were staying for multiple days, I would definitely hope to get a guest pass to check out the amenities. That'll happen on our next trip.

This first trip is designed to get a rough lay of the land and hopefully figure out which area we gravitate to. That'll help determine where we book a longer stay.

[sallyg]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Under 19 can't use the adult pools. And the sports pools (with I believe one singular exception) are for residents only - no guests, with or without an ID.

Correct.

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by sallyg

Correct.

No it's not!


Q: What is the Resident Academy?
A: The Resident Academy is an interactive program for residents who are interested in
learning about their local government. Our ultimate goal for the Resident Academy is to
alleviate the confusion, questions, or mis-information that exists throughout the
community regarding the responsibilities and functions of the Community Development
Districts. During this program, participants will receive an in-depth look at the various
District Departments and how they work together to make this the best community to
live, work and play. Department Directors will also be available to answer questions or
make appointments for those seeking additional information.

[chriskarst]

If you are looking for things to do, my guests all enjoyed the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. It's a huge complex with a Las Vegas style hotel - really jaw-dropping for Ocala. Be sure to drive through the rear of the complex for stadium and other venues. They have restaurants also. It's not just for horse people. Finally, there is a golf cart rental booth right by the entrance if you or your guests can't do a lot of walking. Have a fun day!

[RedBaron]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

Duke...go to districtgov.org for all information related to the villages. If you have a golf cart, be aware that you will probably get lost travelling around.

You should download The Villages app. Lots of information there along with directions to lots of places here on The Villages. Enjoy your stay. We’re from Huntington Beach. Been here 7 yrs now and love it.

[subsailor]

Originally Posted by Gulfcoast

We are visiting TV in January for a day or two. Not long enough, I know, but this is what I'm working with.

I plan to hit all of the squares and get a feel for the surrounding neighborhoods, especially those within walking distance to the squares. IF we have time, and I don't know that we will, we will take the trolley tour around The Villages. We will not have time to talk real estate agents.

If we were staying for multiple days, I would definitely hope to get a guest pass to check out the amenities. That'll happen on our next trip.

This first trip is designed to get a rough lay of the land and hopefully figure out which area we gravitate to. That'll help determine where we book a longer stay.

You're right, a day or two will not be long enough. Take a ride on a Villages Trolly from lake Sumter Landing. The trolley guides have a good overall knowledge of TV. As you ride and take in the scenery you'll be able to get a lot of information and questions answered. In my opinion, the best tennis & golf is north of 446 but they are also the older neighborhoods. The best shopping and services are along 446 but that is slowly changing. The "future" of The Villages is south however the residential areas are booming and the commercial support is very slowly following. If you are younger south of 44 might be the place but there are pros & cons to that area. I've had 3 homes in The Villages all north of 446. I would consider south however not for a few years till services and shopping catch up.