Taking the Plunge - Coming for My First Visit

graciegirl · 11-09-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigEast

I've been reading this forum for about 6 months now and decided to take the plunge and jump in and start a thread as I'm thinking about visiting TV for the first time on the 27th for 3 days. I'll be in Tampa on business and will drive over and arrive in the afternoon. I need some help in making my first visit most productive. I've made a reservation at the Waterfront Inn and although it will be only 3 days that I will be in TV I'd like to immerse myself and get as much of the experience that I can. I am in my late 50s and my significant other will not accompany me as she has little to no interest in retiring in TV as she thinks it is too homogeneous and she has no interest in being in a retirement community at this time in her life. I don't blame her. A retirement community doesn't sound like much fun at all. It has been a bit of a sore spot between us and she feels that I have become obsessed with TV. THAT is very easy to do.She is encouraging me to go by myself to see why I feel the way I do from what I have read on this forum.
I have a a few questions:
1. Since I will not have a guest pass what can I visit and what can I not. I can't think what you'd need a pass for exactly. Please go in a number of different rec centers, They are all different and each is a feast for the eyes. Pause and look around until someone says, Can I help you and then say, I am new here. Do you like The Villages. That's all it takes. Can I go to dine at any of the golf course restaurants like the Havana? Yes, Can I go to Katy Belle's for brunch.No. that is for after the chip is imbedded. Can I visit any of the Community Centers? Can I visit the golf courses? Will I be able to get tickets to the Savannah? Not sure. They sell out fast.
2. Can I go to any activities? Any clubs? Just pop in and say you are new.
3. How often does the trolley make the rounds? Is the trolley a tour of TV? How long is the tour?
4. Do you suggest I rent a golf cart for a day or two or do you not feel it a good idea since I am staying for only 3 days. Not this time. Next time.
5. Are there any places that are must sees that I should visit during my 3 days?
6. Where is the best place to meet locals to talk about the TV lifestyle? At the squares.
7. Are there any restaurants that you would suggest that are best to engage locals to talk.Get in line at Toojays and say to the person in front or behind you, I am new. Is this place for real?..like a popular breakfast or lunch place.
8. Is there any way to golf in TV without a guest pass? Can you golf as a single?
9. Should I keep my rental car while in TV or turn it in until I need to head back to TPA? YES. You need to ride around. It is seventeen miles from stem to stern.
10. I understand that polo does not start until March. Is there anything to see at the Polo Club?
11. Since I like antiques I was thinking about going to Mt. Dora. How far is it and is it worth going to or will it be a distraction from my visit? NO. Next time.
12.Do many TVers still work when they live in TV? My husband does. I sit on the sofa and eat chocolates. When I am finished with all the rest of the stuff.
13. How can I learn about TV activities during the last weekend of the month?

In the future I probably will do a lifestyle visit, and then maybe rent for a month however I tried to make a reservation 2 months ago and it was completely booked for this time. Do last minute openings ever free up. My impression is that having a guest pass makes a significant difference in learning about TV and immersing yourself in the experience.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Next time when you stay longer, try to come to the Crispers get together on the third Friday of the month. A lot of TOTV'rs go there.

Or one of us can get a group together for you.

Your housemate will change her mind and become a blithering idiot about this place just like most of us.. you wait and see.

Welcome. I don't work for the developer and the chip site on my neck is practically healed over.

cromlich · 11-09-2013, 10:36 AM

If you or she are worried about moving down here because it is for "old folks".....don't give it a second thought. This is one of the most active communities you could ever imagine. There are many here in their 50's. Believe me, if you visit, you will not want to leave. My husband didn't want to go for a visit and after we left 9 years ago from our 1st visit he said "I don't want to live anywhere else in the whole wide world". Love this place and will never leave!

graciegirl · 11-09-2013, 10:41 AM

OH for Pete's sake. This is a resurrected thread from 2010.

Wonder what happened to these folks.

I am so embarrassed. I am obsessed with this place.

Look what I wrote above.

I ain't right.

DougB · 11-09-2013, 10:42 AM

You guys know BigEast posted this 3 1/2 years ago?

DougB · 11-09-2013, 10:43 AM

Well, I see Gracie just noticed that. Nevermind

graciegirl · 11-09-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougB

You guys know BigEast posted this 3 1/2 years ago?

I do now.

KathieI · 11-09-2013, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graciegirl

OH for Pete's sake. This is a resurrected thread from 2010.

Wonder what happened to these folks.

I am so embarrassed. I am obsessed with this place.

Look what I wrote above.

I ain't right.

I was wondering when you would all catch on??? Thought I was crazy at first, LOL..

redwitch · 11-09-2013, 10:53 AM

Would be nice to know what happened to the OP -- did he enjoy his visit, is he still with his GF, and so on and so forth. Really kind of rude to get us to invest the time and effort to advise someone and they never even post a thanks and how things went. humph

shcisamax · 12:32 PM

xxx

shcisamax · 11-09-2013, 12:30 PM

xxx

graciegirl · 11-09-2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shcisamax

xxx

Hugs AND kisses to you Shcis.

redwitch · 11-09-2013, 12:58 PM

Just spotted another post by BigEast. Sent him a PM. Really am dying to know what with his GF -- did we get another convert? (Nosy wench, ain't I?)

KathieI · 11-09-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwitch

Just spotted another post by BigEast. Sent him a PM. Really am dying to know what with his GF -- did we get another convert? (Nosy wench, ain't I?)

Don't feel bad, we are all waiting for you to find out...
KathieI (sitting on the edge of my seat)...

JaniceOhio · 11-09-2013, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathieI

I was wondering when you would all catch on??? Thought I was crazy at first, LOL..

Hi Gang: I really learned a lot from this thread. The fact that it's 3 years old doesn't mean it's not valuable.

Already bought my Gilchrist home and will be there in January to close. But every morsel of info and input is wonderful!

I'll be back and forth for awhile and I know better than to listen to anything negative. You make your own party and when you offer friendship to others community evolves. Accept people for who and how they are and the rest comes naturally. I'm single and don't know a soul but can tell that won't last long.

Note to Kitty -- where in Ohio are you? I'm in CBUS.

Taking the Plunge - Coming for My First Visit

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