Originally Posted by Pamela1130 (Post 2170724)

Hi Villagers!!

What's the nearest good quality gym for my husband.

I like the pool, husband does not.

Thank you in advance for any advice and comments.

Pam

Originally Posted by Pamela1130 (Post 2170801)

Hi!! My husband isn't an introvert, but just the opposite. He is hesitant because he's the type who hates change and likes where we live. It's nice of course with the best hospital care and schools in the country but the winters are really awful and I would like to have a place there to come and go when I want and we or me could go back and forth depending on how I feel. I wouldn't want to retire there permanently, at least that isn't the plan right now. I do like Florida but really haven't spent that much time there. I would have to see. Thanks so much for taking the time to get back to me. I really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Heytubes (Post 2170958)

I’d suggest paying 8 bucks for The Villages GPS. It has car and cart directions to the rec centers as well as about every facility in TV. The free app is ok but isn’t as good as the one you pay for. Enjoy your visit and welcome.

Originally Posted by Veracity (Post 2170937)

Hi Pam...FYI...The Brownwood Hotel and Spa has a gym and a spa for their guests....Enjoy your visit....I'm glad that your dog is doing better! Amenities | Brownwood Hotel and Spa

Originally Posted by MrChip72 (Post 2170840)

I think you really need to have a car and a golf cart to get the full feel for things. You'll want the car to check out what's available in the other parts not in Brownwood like LSL, Spanish Springs/Lady Lake, and you may also want to check out the vast amount of newer areas South of 44 which would take a LONG time to explore just by golf cart.

Before my first visit less than a year ago I thought I totally understood the layout of the Villages as I'm usually great with studying maps. The reality is that Lady Lake (Spanish Springs) looks like it's 10 mins away from Brownwood on a map but it's much further apart. Similarly, some places that seemed like a reasonable golf cart trip on a map were closer to 30-60 mins. The Villages is just massive and the size in incomprehensible until you've seen it in person. Having been here for awhile, I now know which trips are for the golf cart and which ones are car trips. We almost always prefer the golf cart for the most part.

Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2170835)

Only addressing your concern for golf cart and or Car. Others may have different views but at least consider the following.

At this time of year and short amount of time, I would strongly recommend a car. On your first visit, you might want to see as much as possible including possible living areas, shopping, dining, entertainment.

The Villages is huge, over 20 miles from north to south, and more by golf cart. Brownwood to Lake Sumter about 7 miles and another 5 or 6 to Spanish Springs and then you have to return. Sunset at your time of visit around 6PM and temperatures average high 70 and low 50. Rental carts normally have no weather enclosures. Golf carts can't go everywhere so you would eliminate options for exploring shopping and dining. Many rental golf carts are speed limited.

If your goal was to just experience the lifestyle and golf, exercise, dance at one square, explore a limited area perhaps OK.

Otherwise, do yourself a favor and have access to auto transport. It might be quaint to think golf cart only, but it is not practical unless you are staying with friends or relatives.