The Villages is a retirement community in Florida, located about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando. Originally, the area was utilized as part of a program where people could buy land through mail-order. This eventually became an illegal practice, and area had to pivot. It then grew as a park for mobile home owners. But eventually those were replaced with several neighborhoods and public spaces that make up a thriving and successful retirement community for those 55 and up. With a general population of 122,000, it’s actually one of the quickest growing areas in America. And for good reason. It boasts a thriving array of restaurants, parks, golf courses, stores, and more. Plus it offers residents 238 days of sun every year, combined with only 50 days of rain. Even in the winter, the lowest temps you’ll get are around 46, and in the summer it’s a balmy 92. These amenities and this climate make it an ideal place for retirees to settle down in.
But amazingly enough, it’s also a place that attracts plenty of visitors. Sometimes it’s relatives of people living in the Villages who are coming for a visit and a vacation. Other times it’s people who are in the middle of a fun Florida vacation and are checking out the ample things to do in the Villages. And other times it’s used as a jumping off point, since there are a ton of great day trips you can take in the area. So join Viewcation, as we present: Best Things to Do in the Villages, Florida
Hit up Lake Sumter Landing Market Square and Spanish Springs Town Square
Two great areas to start off your visit to The Villages are Spanish Springs Town Square and Lake Sumter Landing Market Square. Spanish Springs Town Square is somewhat like traditional town squares in that it’s a hub of great shops, restaurants and more. But it also has quite a different overall look and vibe than many town squares you might have seen before. It’s done up in a Southwest theme, so you might suddenly think you’ve been transported to New Mexico. But the stores there are decidedly Floridian, and offer so many of the great souvenirs, novelties and goodies that you’d expect from a Florida town square. You’ll also have luck if you’re looking to be entertained, since Spanish Springs Town Square has a theater as well as a performing arts center. And you don’t even have to buy tickets for shows in either of these spots if you aren’t inclined, since there is free, public entertainment often going on in the middle of the square itself!
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square doesn’t have that same Southwestern vibe, but it offers its own distinct look and vibe. Its stores, architecture and design are done up to make it reminiscent of an old timey lakeside village. And with good reason, since the square is very close to the water. You’ll find great food and shopping options, and similar to Spanish Sprins Town Square, you’ll be able to catch free, live entertainment right inside the square on most days of the year!
Take in a movie at The Old Mill Playhouse or the Barnstorm Theater
There’s no better feeling than heading inside to an air conditioned movie theater during a hot day and enjoying a flick. And when you’re in The Villages, there are two great spots to do that. The first is the Old Mill Playhouse. It is an old building that was converted into a theater, but retained it’s historic look. And from the look of it, you might expect that it would be more like to be showing Casablanca than the latest hit blockbuster. But the Old Mill stays current, so you can find the most popular movies of the day up on its screens.
The other great option is the Barnstorm Theater. Speaking of older films, this is the place to go if you’re looking to get the theater experience from days of your youth. You might be surprised when you first take a look at the theater, since it looks like it’s literally a farmyard barn. But it’s a great movie theater that often plays indie features you won’t find in other spots, as well as some reels from days of Old Hollywood. If you’re there with an retirees who are hard of hearing or visually impaired, the theater has plenty of devices to help.
Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve
There are a total of 11 nature preserves in the Villages, and you’ll likely want to head to the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve, since it’s the largest of them all. It’s an excellent place to spend an afternoon, taking in the incredible Floridian flora and fauna. It’s 624 acres big, so you won’t have any trouble finding a spot to sit. And you’ll be able to take a gander at more than a million varieties of native plants. Plus there’s great wildlife in the preserve, including a highly regarded gopher tortoise preserve. The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve is a great place for a picnic, or just a stroll when you want some peace and quiet in Florida sun.
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Grab some fantastic grub
The Villages has you covered for great meals at any time of day. We recommend you start the day off right with a hearty breakfast from the Metro Diner. It won’t be a bad idea to get your fill of fun carbs in the morning to keep your energy up all day. And The Metro Diner has a menu full of great breakfast options like cinnamon roll pancakes, Belgian waffles, and eggs benedict. Guy Fieri once visited this spot and said that other diners around the country should try to copy what the Metro Diner is doing. Not too shabby!
For lunch, head to Giovanni’s. It’s a classic Italian spot, where they’ll make you feel like you’re in the old country as you dine on their delicious pizzas, pastas, and calzones. We highly recommend the garlic knots to start, and you can never go wrong with some mozzarella sticks either. Giovanni’s gives you healthy portions and a fun atmosphere, ensuring your lunch will be a memorable one.
Finally, you should end the day with a dinner at the Bluefin Grill & Bar. It’s a seafood lovers paradise, as the name suggests. You’ll have your pick of great dishes like mussels, ahi tuna pepper steak, lemon butter baked cod, and more. The restaurant is a great mix of elegance and down home coziness. They offer great cocktails, if you’re looking to make dinner a little more festive. And they also have great non-seafood options like steak and pasta, for anyone who prefers to go that route.
Hone Your Golf Skills
Florida is often filled with residents and visitors alike who love to golf. And if you’re one of them, you’re in luck The Villages Golf Academy is the perfect place to step your game up to the next level. You can go for a private lesson or join a group lesson and work on your swing with the PGA and LPGA certified instructors there. And it’s for golfers of all levels, including kids with no experience. There are also a bunch of driving ranges available, in case you’re just looking for a place to hit a bunch of balls.
Enjoy Fitness Time at Lake Miona Fitness Trail and Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center
If you’re looking to burn some calories while you’re in The Villages, the Lake Miona Fitness Trail is a perfect spot. You can walk or job around the trail, all the while enjoying the stunning scenery. It’s a great blend of manicured grass, gorgeous trees and flowers, and a serene lake in the middle. You can also make use of several stations of public outdoor fitness equipment, to take your jog to the next level. And when you’re feeling a little worn out from the exercise, you can rest on one of the many benches available along the route.
Another awesome spot to burn some carloies and have fun is the Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center. It’s the biggest recreation spot in the area, and you have a huge selection of activities to choose from. You can swim in their indoor and outdoor pools, or play one of many indoor and outdoor sports offered. There are also some cool arts and crafts opportunities offered, as well as live entertainment. Plus there’s a restaurant lounge for when you work up an apetite!
The Villages is an amazing place to settle down when you’ve hit the 55 and over range. But as you can see, it’s also a really fun and interesting place to visit. So whether you have a loved one living there already, or you’re just looking for a new place to try out on your next Florida vacation, consider giving The Villages a try! You’ll be able to jam in a ton of fun activities while checking out the incredible nature and gorgeous scenery all around the area.
Now it’s time to hear from you. Have you ever been to The Villages in Florida? Do you plan to go? Let us know in the comments section below. And before you go, make sure to give this video a like, and subscribe to Viewcation if you haven’t already. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.