We get it — golf is great. But there are only so many rounds you can play before you start wondering what else is out there. Good news: a lot. Here are 15 things to do near The Villages this weekend that have nothing to do with a nine-iron.
1. Explore Downtown Mount Dora
Thirty minutes east of The Villages, Mount Dora is one of the most charming small towns in Florida. Antique shops, art galleries, lakefront parks, and more than 20 restaurants packed into a walkable downtown. It hosts over 30 festivals a year, so there's almost always something happening. Start on Donnelly Street and just wander.
2. Catch Live Music at the Town Squares
Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing, and Brownwood Paddock Square all host free live entertainment — bands, solo artists, dancing — almost every night of the week. Show up around 5pm, grab a drink at one of the surrounding restaurants, and settle in. It's free, it's fun, and it's one of the best things about living here.
3. Hit the Brownwood Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning at Brownwood Paddock Square. Over 70 vendors selling local produce, baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, ready-made meals, and handmade crafts. Open 9am-2pm October through April, 9am-1pm May through September.
4. Kayak or Tube at Rainbow Springs State Park
About 45 minutes west near Dunnellon, Rainbow Springs is one of Florida's most beautiful state parks. Tube down the crystal-clear Rainbow River, explore the gardens and waterfalls, or just find a shady spot and do absolutely nothing. Bring a picnic.
5. Watch Polo at The Villages Polo Club
This isn't something most people expect to find in Central Florida, but The Villages Polo Club draws over 30,000 spectators each year. Matches run Fridays at 3pm and Sundays at 1pm during the spring (March-May) and fall (late September-November) seasons. It's a surprisingly great afternoon out.
6. Visit Renninger's in Mount Dora
Part flea market, part antique center, Renninger's is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am-4pm. Whether you're hunting for vintage finds or just browsing, it's easy to lose a few hours here.
7. Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
Crystal River is one of the only places in the US where you can legally swim with manatees. Peak season is November through March when the manatees gather in the warm spring-fed waters. Even outside of season, the area is worth visiting for Three Sisters Springs, kayaking, and waterfront dining.
8. Hike in Ocala National Forest
The largest sand scrub forest in the world is right in your backyard. Ocala National Forest offers hiking, swimming in natural springs (Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs are standouts), camping, and wildlife watching. It's a completely different side of Florida.
9. Walk the Withlacoochee State Trail
Florida's longest paved recreation trail stretches 46 miles through some of the most scenic parts of the region, passing through Inverness and connecting to parks, waterfront areas, and downtown districts. Walk it, bike it, or just pick a section and enjoy the shade.
10. Explore Downtown Inverness
Historic Courthouse Square, scenic boardwalks along Lake Henderson, and a growing food and drink scene — Inverness is having a moment. Check out the Cove Pub and Grub (you can literally boat up to it), browse the shops, or just enjoy the lakeside parks.
11. Catch a Show at the Savannah Center
The Savannah Center seats just over 800 and hosts concerts, comedy, tribute shows, Broadway-style revues, and speaker series year-round. It's intimate enough that every seat feels close to the stage. Check The Villages Entertainment website for the current schedule.
12. Visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Home to Lu the hippo (yes, a hippo — in Florida), Homosassa Springs is a unique wildlife park where you can see manatees, Florida black bears, bobcats, and native birds in a natural spring setting. The underwater observatory lets you watch fish and manatees from below the surface.
13. Day Trip to Clermont — The South Lake Trail
Clermont's rolling hills (yes, Florida has hills) make it a great spot for cycling and outdoor activities. The South Lake Trail is a paved path with lake views, and downtown Clermont has been growing its restaurant and brewery scene. The Citrus Tower, built in 1956, still offers panoramic views from 226 feet up.
14. Stroll the Ocala Downtown Market
Every Saturday from 9am-2pm under a covered pavilion near City Hall in historic downtown Ocala. Seasonal produce, local meats, seafood, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Combine it with lunch at one of Ocala's excellent downtown restaurants and you've got a solid Saturday.
15. Visit Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum
This one's a sleeper hit. Located on a working farm near The Villages, Paquette's preserves a collection of International Harvester equipment and Farmall tractors in a beautiful Old Florida setting. It's quirky, it's free, and it's the kind of place you'll end up telling people about for weeks.
