[villager]

We have some friends coming for a few days and we'd like to do some day trips from The Villages. Max travel time of 2 hours one way, but prefer less. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. And, if you're suggesting a place, knowing what to do at that place would be a bonus. We aren't looking for any hiking or strenuous activity. But we don't want to drive and just have lunch, either. Thanks for your help!

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by villager

We have some friends coming for a few days and we'd like to do some day trips from The Villages. Max travel time of 2 hours one way, but prefer less. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. And, if you're suggesting a place, knowing what to do at that place would be a bonus. We aren't looking for any hiking or strenuous activity. But we don't want to drive and just have lunch, either. Thanks for your help!

Gaylord Hotel in Orlando. Look it up on line. Very nice and air conditioned. Beautiful walk. Then go to lunch at Bahama Breeze.

[janmcn]

Tarpon Springs, FL. Walk around the sponge docks, eat Greek food, and take boat rides. Check out the town's web site.

[ddan32162]

WonderWorks museum in Orlando. Phenomenal hands-on museum - great for kids - just as great for adults. Near the convention center. Check it out on their website.

Also, Gatorland near Kissimmee if you want animal action!

Homossasa Springs (north of Tarpon Springs) is a great State Park to visit and see the manatees.

All of these venues are reasonably priced also.

[jojo]

Winter Park - The Tiffany Museum and boat ride on the lake--part rain forest-like and with views of beautiful homes and mansions. Great restaurants and shopping.

[tracy1j]

I second the Winter Park suggestion. Also, New Smyra Beach is fun to walk along.

[bkcunningham1]

I have no idea what sorts of things you are interested in doing. So here are a few destinations and websites that I hope will help. Daytona Beach Daytona Beach Attractions - Things to Do in Daytona Beach, Florida, Tampa Things to Do in Tampa - Attractions | Tampa Bay & Company, Orlando Things to do in Orlando: Check out 255 Orlando Attractions - TripAdvisor, Mt. Dora The Online Guide for What To Do In Mount Dora, Florida, The Bay Street Players in Eustice is a fun thing to see Home Page, The Carriage House Museum The Grand Oaks Resort | America's Equestrian Resort...

If you could give a few more specifics it would help to give better suggestions.

[asianthree]

there is a thread about day trips lots of info

[LAshby50]

The one we enjoyed the most was swimming with the manatees by Homosassa. Would do it again.

[villager]

All great ideas! Thanks everyone. BK, I will check each link out. We only have time for two day trips, so I'm sure we'll find something with all these suggestions. As for more specifics, I don't what else to tell you. I will be recently out of rotator cuff surgery, so nothing strenuous and none of us want a long car ride. The men of the group don't want to shop all day but would probably give in for a little while, unless they can go to a local pub for a beer while we shop. We all like interesting places, places where we can learn something and of course, places where we can just "go with the flow". If I could pin point more info to share, maybe I would be able to come up with some good ideas myself. I'm needing inspiration.

[Bogie Shooter]

Try this thread.
What are some fun, interesting day trips you can make from the Villages?

[Bruiser1]

Originally Posted by janmcn

Tarpon Springs, FL. Walk around the sponge docks, eat Greek food, and take boat rides. Check out the town's web site.

We took a day excursion to Tarpon Springs. A lot of culture regarding the Sponge industry and Greek influence. We took the tour with an authentic sponge boat and diver. The owner was 84 years young and told about making the movie "Beyond the 12 mile reef". Staring Gilbert Roland, Terry Moore and a very young Robert Wagner.

The writers were working on a TV show and asked if any one would be suitable for the underwater role. His employee "Lloyd Bridges" said he'd give it a go.

AAA travel has bus trips so "you can leave the driving to us-Gus"

All I can say is " OPA!"

[villager]

Bogie Shooter, Thanks! That was a great thread and it has been bookmarked for future reference. At least now I have a good place to start researching a little more. I knew TOTV wouldn't let me down!

[USSGompers]

My absolute favorite place to take a trip is the Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Unfortunately it is a one hour and 50 min trip up US 27 but well worth it. Growing up in Florida, my parents and I would go there at least every 2-3 yrs. The beautiful music coming from the tower is breath-taking.

Please check the internet for pictures and info about the tower. Fabulous!!

[JeffAVEWS]

Fort Island is a citrus county park. On the drive out to it you will see what the mud flats looked like before any development. It is a nice short trip and you should not run into any crowds. Ft. Island Gulf Beach