Arrival Guide June 2024

LAKE COUNTY

Villagers that explore other active areas of Florida will want to seek out Lake County. It was named for the many lakes contained within its borders, 250 named lakes and 1,735 other bodies of water.

In the 1800s, the two main industries in the area were growing cotton and breeding cattle. In the latter part of the 19th century, people started to grow citrus trees. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, citrus production increased and grew into the area’s leading industry. The December 1989 United States cold wave destroyed most of the citrus groves, dealing an economic blow from which many growers could not recover. Grove owners sold massive amounts of land to developers, resulting in increasing urban sprawl.

Travares Florida is less than an hour by car from the attractions of Orlando, the lakefront city of Tavares is an entirely different taste of Central Florida. Visitors of downtown Tavares will find an entertainment district that has an international assortment of restaurants, pubs and music

venues. You will also enjoy Wooton Park, home of the Tavares Seaplane Base, the children’s Splash Park and more than 16 major community events each year. Enjoy a seaplane ride, take a boat tour, or maybe glimpse long-gone historical figures on the Séance Ghost Tours.

Eustis Florida where you can enjoy a two hour glass bottom guided kayak tour.

Get a 360 degree look at Rock Springs Run on a small-group clear kayak excursion. The leisurely river tour is perfect for nature lovers, families, and photographers. With a completely clear frame, the kayak allows you to see any turtles, fish, or small alligators you pass over. Listen to entertaining commentary on the surrounding flora and fauna along the way.

Mount Dora: is a relaxing lakefront getaway with a bustling downtown, charming bed and breakfasts, and an abundance of parks and green spaces.

Dubbed “Festival City,” Mount Dora hosts more than 30 festivals a year, and its year-round entertainment schedule means there’s always something to do. In addition to the longstanding Mount Dora Arts Festival, the city’s arts and culture scene offers a variety of galleries and museums, including Modernism Museum Mount Dora, where visitors can also dine on contemporary Florida cuisine.

LAKE

COUNTY

DISTANCE: 26.4 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®

TRAVEL TIME: 40 MINUTES BY CAR

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WELCOME Villager

The Arrival Guide leads the way into The Villages® community and into Florida. The guide provides valuable information to arriving Villagers, on businesses, local events, attractions and Florida travel. The Arrival Guide also offers advertising opportunities for businesses intent on reaching new Villagers even ahead of their arrival. The Arrival Guide is available via hardcopy, high-tech digital copy, ArrivalGuide.com, Facebook and Instagram.

The way I envision it, the Arrival Guide blends together two distinct categories of businesses that Villagers rely on for a smooth transition so they can “Get Things Done” and “Go Have Fun”.

Scott

A.

Lepper, Publisher Village of St. Johns Homeowner Scott@ArrivalGuide.com

Scott A. Lepper

Customer Service 352-552-8218

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Get Things Done!

n Find a home

n Secure a mortgage

Go Have Fun!

n Walk the Tampa Riverwalk pg. 12

n Experience St. Pete Pier

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n Make an Arrival Checklist

n Start checking things off

n Join first club: Villagers' Buying Club Cover

n Hire a mover

n Find new chiropractor: Etheredge Chiropractic pg. 10

n Paint garage floor before move-in: Innovative Concrete Coatings pg. 3 & 26

n Complete custom home upgrades: Mastropiece pg. 7

n Enclose your lanai: Custom Windows and Exterior Design pg. 8-9

n Find post office /order your Villager cards: Safe Ship Magnolia Plaza pg. 13 & 24

n Customize cabinets, closets and garages before move-in: Kitchen Wise I Closet Wise pg. 21

n Buy a golf cart Bradley’s Golf Cars pg. 18-19

n Cable, dish or stream?

n Install outlets, lights, fans and TVs: Done Right Electric pg. 13

n Order lamppost sign

n Decide on grocery store

n Get your home security: H & W Alarm pg. 11

n Find new dentist: Village Dental pg. 14-15

n Order blinds and shutters before move-in: Florida Blind Company pg. 25

n Find new dog groomer

n Find new vet

n Design and commission a custom table: Pine Tree Lake Woodshop pg. 24

n Need a Florida estate attorney?

n Need an appellate attorney? Florida Appeals pg. 20 & 27

n Find new favorite restaurant

n Ride Villages Trolley

n Experience Mt. Dora pg. 2

n Ride Lake Sumter electric boat tour

n Purchase an electric bike

n Take a selfie with a Florida gator

n Record first hole-in-one

n Weekend getaway to Florida beach

n Engage Florida sports

n Want to place a bet?

n Relax in your infrared sauna: Clearlight Saunas pg. 23

n Do a cruise

n Do a bus trip

n Swim with the manatees

Get Enclosed!

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• Configurations to maximize airflow

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• Sliding doors and horizontal sliding windows

• Picture and casement windows

• White or bronze aluminum frames

• White, bronze or almond vinyl frames

• Fixed or sliding screens

TAMPA BAY

While The Villages® itself boasts numerous amenities and activities, there’s no denying the allure of exploring the surrounding areas. One such gem is Tampa Bay, located just a short drive away. Here are some exciting things for Villagers to do in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Visit the Beaches: Tampa Bay is home to some stunning Gulf Coast beaches. St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach and Fort De Soto Park offer pristine white sands and crystalclear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation or water sports.

Explore the Arts: Tampa Bay has a vibrant arts scene. The Tampa Museum of Art and The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg are mustvisit spots for art enthusiasts. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts various shows and concerts throughout the year.

Sports Fanatics Rejoice: Tampa Bay is a sports lover’s paradise. Catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers

game at Raymond James Stadium, or cheer for the Tampa Bay Lightning team at Amalie Arena. Baseball fans can watch the Tampa Bay Rays in action at Tropicana Field.

Cruise Adventures: Enjoy a scenic cruise along Tampa Bay or the Hillsborough River. You can choose from dinner cruises, wildlife tours or even pirate-themed adventures. If a cruise ship is what you’re looking for, Tampa Bay is a major cruise port, making it easy for residents to embark on cruises to the Caribbean and other destinations.

Tampa Riverwalk: Take a leisurely stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River. Enjoy beautiful views, public art installations and waterfront dining.

Foodie Paradise: Tampa Bay offers diverse culinary experiences. Try Cuban sandwiches, seafood and craft breweries. Don’t forget to sample some key lime pie for dessert.

Whether it’s soaking up the sun on the beach, indulging in culinary delights or immersing yourself in the local culture, Tampa Bay has something for every Villager.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

DISTANCE:

79.1 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®

TRAVEL TIME: 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES BY CAR

PINELLAS COUNTY

DISTANCE:

101 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®

TRAVEL TIME: 2 HOURS BY CAR

SCAN ME

ORLANDO

Villagers feeling the urge to burst through the bubble and explore Florida should indulge in the abundance of attractions and opportunities to enjoy in nearby Orange County.

Explore Orlando’s Fun Spots: Southeast of The Villages® lies the magical city of Orlando, home to world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. Whether you're seeking exhilarating rides, enchanting characters or aquatic adventures, Orlando offers endless entertainment for all ages.

Discover Natural Beauty: Orange County boasts several picturesque parks and outdoor spaces. The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a serene oasis with hiking trails, wildlife and stunning views. Lake Eola Park, located in downtown Orlando, offers a scenic lake with a walking trail along its perimeter, swan-shaped paddleboats and regular events like farmers markets and concerts.

Shop and Dine: Shopaholics and food enthusiasts must visit The Florida Mall for modish stores and

a food court with a multitude of choices. Or try The Mall at Millenia for upscale shopping featuring renowned fashion brands and luxurious boutiques. For a more eclectic experience, explore Winter Garden, where charming streets are lined with independent shops, trendy restaurants and cozy cafes.

Cultural Immersion: The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts world-class Broadway shows, concerts and ballet performances. The Orlando Museum of Art and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art showcase an impressive collection of visual arts.

Sports: Catch NBA action at the Amway Center, home of the up-andcoming Orlando Magic, led by 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. Hockey enthusiasts should check out the Orlando Solar Bears. Get a kick out of Major League Soccer at Exploria Stadium, where Orlando City SC plays. Football fans have two choices of teams to follow – the Orlando Guardians of the XFL or the Orlando Predators in the Arena League. Golf lovers will find a multitude of challenging courses throughout the county, perfect for honing their skills.

With all that just a hop, skip and jump away, head on out Villagers and enjoy a diverse range of activities and experiences beyond the bubble. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture or entertainment, Orange County offers something for everyone. So, take a day trip or weekend getaway and explore the many treasures of Orange County.

ORANGE COUNTY

DISTANCE: 57.8 MILES FROM THE VILLAGES®

TRAVEL TIME: 1 HOUR BY CAR

CRUISING IN STYLE: Bradley’s Golf Cars located in Wildwood, FL makes every journey an adventure.

Supporting the vibrant community of The Villages. Bradley’s Golf Cars stands as a beacon of leisure and mobility, offering residents an unparalleled experience of exploration and fun. With their fleet of meticulously crafted golf cars, Bradley’s has become synonymous with effortless transportation and boundless enjoyment in this sprawling retirement paradise.

From dawn till dusk, the streets of The Villages buzz with activity, and what better way to navigate this lively scene than from the comfort of a golf car? Whether it’s a leisurely ride to the local market, a scenic journey around the immaculate golf courses, or simply cruising around to soak in the warm Florida sun, Bradley’s Golf Cars provides the perfect mode of transport for every occasion.

What sets Bradley’s apart is not just their exceptional range of golf cars but also their commitment to customer satisfaction. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for service, the team at Bradley’s ensures that each vehicle is meticulously maintained and tailored to meet the unique preferences of their clientele. From sleek and stylish

models to rugged and robust options, there’s a golf car to suit every taste and requirement.

“Everything is more fun in a golf car.”

But Bradley’s isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of freedom and adventure. In The Villages, where the sense of community is palpable and the opportunities for recreation are endless, a golf car isn’t just a means of transportation—it’s a ticket to a world of endless possibilities.

Picture yourself gliding effortlessly along tree-lined avenues, the gentle breeze caressing your face as you explore everything The Villages has to offer. Whether you’re headed to a social gathering at the town square, a round of golf with friends, or simply enjoying a scenic drive around the pristine neighborhoods, Bradley’s Golf Cars ensures that every journey is a memorable one.

And let’s not forget the undeniable truth: everything is more fun in a golf car. From impromptu meet-ups with neighbors to spontaneous adventures to hidden gems tucked away in the community, there’s a sense of excitement that comes with every turn of the wheel.

So, whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to The Villages, why not elevate your experience with Bradley’s Golf Cars? With their unmatched quality, personalized service, and a promise of endless fun, they’re more than just a mode of transport—they’re an essential companion to the ultimate lifestyle of leisure and enjoyment in The Villages.

BRADLEY’S GOLF CARS

419 S MAIN STREET WILDWOOD, FL

COME SEE US TODAY CALL (352) 566-6000 VISIT WWW.BRADLEYSGOLFCARS.COM

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