As you are excitedly planning your vacation in The Villages, many of you ask us "What's your favorite restaurant, golf course, place to go?", so here we wanted to share with you all the things about The Villages that we love. From restaurants, to golf courses, events, and special places, we will constantly update this page with all the wonderful experiences we have in The Villages.
Restaurant: The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grill at Lake Sumter Landing is one of our favorite restaurants. Fantastic fish dishes, gorgeous outdoor seating over Lake Sumter, and the most beautiful sunsets - you can't go wrong with the Lighthouse! Lighthouse Bar & Grill at Lake Sumter Landing
Lake Sumter Boat Tour: If you are looking for a fun short outing, we highly recommend an inexpensive scenic boat tour on Lake Sumter. At $3 per person ( as of Sept. 2024) it is a very entertaining and beautiful way to spend the afternoon or early evening. This cruise runs seven days a week, 4 p.m. to sunset in the spring and summer (April-September) and 1pm – Sunset in the fall and winter (October-March).
Arnold Palmer Legends Championship golf course. While most of The Villages golf courses are beautiful, the Arnold Palmer Legends golf course is one of our favorites. The beauty of nature here is absolutely stunning. There is also a great restaurant at Arnold Palmer Legends where you can sit on the outdoor patio and overlook the driving range. Arnold Palmer Legends Country Club
The Summerhill community pool which is located right across from our "Summer on the Hill" vacation home is one of the most tranquil places to enjoy the sunrise. It is an adult pool, so no "kids" under 30, please!
The World Equestrian Center in Ocala is quite a sight to see if you are into horses. It is the largest equestrian complex in the whole United States and is an amazing setting for horse events and spectators alike. It's about a 45-minute drive from your vacation spot. World Equestrian Center
The Saddlebrook Executive golf course is definitely one of our favorite places because that's where Jan had his first hole-in-one! Only a few minutes by golf cart, this 9-hole course might bring YOU luck as well!
Air Gun 101 class at Rio Grande Air Gun range: My first time firing a gun was so easy with the wonderful instruction of the fabulous volunteers over there. The range is located at 1216 Rio Grande Blvd (just behind the postal center). The schedule for the range can be found in The Villages Recreation and Parks weekly newspaper which is published every Thursday. If you know your way around guns or have taken the Air Gun 101 class like I did, then you can borrow rifles or pistols at the Chula Vista Recreation Center at 1011 Rio Grande Ave.
We are constantly updating and improving our properties. Serene on the Green and Summer on the Hill just received new paver pads in the backyard to create an additional beautiful spot to hang out and relax at
Sunset at Paradise on the Preserve: This never gets old - sunsets at Paradise on the Preserve belong to the most beautiful ones I have seen; the wide open field behind the house creates the perfect canvas for nature's most amazing art show!
Coastal Custom Creations - not in The Villages but just outside of it along US27/441 at Coastal Custom Creations you can book a class and create your own personal coastal-colored resin art item: a tray, a lazy Susan, a clock, or one of many other items to pick from. Make sure to book ahead of time and check which items are made. Here is the link for that: Book a class for resin art
This is something that still excites us: Alligator sighting in Lake Sumter! Not as rare as you might think...
Free nightly entertainment at all 3 town squares: Lake Sumter Landing, Spanish Springs, and Brownwood Paddock square from 5pm to 9pm! Put on your dancing shoes and bring your friends like I did!
When in The Villages do as the Villagers do: Take them up on one of the many opportunities to see a show, a performance, or a concert. There are so many things going on. Check this link to find out what to see:
- At The Sharon: The Sharon
- Studio Theatre at Tierra del Sol: Studio Theatre at Tierra del Sol
- The Savannah Center: The Savannah Center
- The Tracy Performing Arts Center: The Tracy
If you are an early riser, go and take a sunrise stroll on the Lake Sumter Boardwalk - what a way to start a another beautiful day in The Villages!
If you belong to the lucky few who get to spend the snowbird season in The Villages and are here in February, be on the lookout for The Villages Balloon Festival! The balloons are starting right around the corner from you at the local polo fields and are a beautiful and colorful spectacle to watch!
Another fun spot to eat with live music, beautiful views, and the full Villages feeling can be found at RJ Gator's right off the Lake Sumter Boardwalk. RJ Gator's The Villages
Hawkes Bay Executive Golf course which is the house golf course for Summer on the Hill is located right of Country Road 466 and offers beautiful vistas and gorgeous sunsets. Always worth the short golf cart ride over there!