The Villages Guides

Explore our curated The Villages guides -- the best places, tips, news, and stories that define life in your city.

A green building with a large "MARKET" sign, featuring striped awnings, potted plants, and benches outside, under a clear blue sky.
Florida’s Best Small Towns: 10 Hidden Gems to Visit
While millions flock to Florida's theme parks and major beaches each year, a growing number of travelers are discovering something different… the state's authentic small-town charm. In 2024, Florida welcomed…
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A serene river scene with overhanging trees and foliage, casting reflections on the water under a partly cloudy sky.
Best Florida State Parks: Camping, Fees & Manatee Viewing Guide
Florida has way more to offer than just theme parks and retirement communities. With 175 state parks scattered across 815,000 acres, you're basically guaranteed to find a slice of natural…
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A welcoming front porch features a wooden door with a glass panel, flanked by two windows, white columns, and a wooden floor, creating a warm and inviting entrance.
Florida Housing Costs: Smart Ways to Save $5000+ in 2025
Living in Florida feels like paradise until you open your monthly bills. Between hurricane insurance that costs more than your mortgage, property taxes that seem to climb faster than a…
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A person holding a smartphone with a calculator app displaying the number 978,912, next to tax documents, a pen, and a computer keyboard on a wooden desk.
The Different Types of Taxes in Florida: What You’ll Actually Pay
Florida's tax system is like that friend who seems perfect until you realize they're secretly charging you for every soda they grab from your fridge. Sure, there's no state income…
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Four people clink large mugs of beer together in a celebratory toast at a wooden table in a dimly lit bar.
Florida’s Top Breweries & Distilleries: Complete Travel Guide
Florida's craft beverage scene has gone from zero to sixty faster than a tourist trying to merge onto I-95. What started as a handful of pioneers has exploded into nearly…
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Outdoor seating with colorful wooden chairs and tables made from barrels, set against a rustic brick wall with potted plants.
9 Historic Florida Restaurants Still Serving Since 1905
Florida demolishes history faster than a hurricane takes down palm trees, yet somehow these restaurants keep standing. From a 1905 Cuban sandwich counter that outlived five generations to a cash-only…
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A croissant sandwich filled with sliced turkey, fresh spinach, and a spread, placed on parchment paper over a wooden board.
Stacked: 8 Must-Try Sandwich and Sub Spots in The Villages
Nothing hits the spot like a fresh, well-crafted sandwich—especially when you have so many excellent local options to choose from. This part of Central Florida is home to specialty delis,…
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A wooden boathouse with a covered upper deck stands over a calm river, surrounded by lush trees and a clear blue sky.
15 Hidden Florida Destinations With No Crowds 2025 Guide
Want to know something wild? While 17 million people squeeze into Magic Kingdom each year, there's a state park near Tampa that welcomed exactly 381 visitors last year. That's not…
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A vibrant assortment of potted plants and flowers, including orchids, begonias, and ferns, is displayed in a garden shop with decorative pottery and a sun-shaped wall ornament.
The Villages’s Top Plant Nurseries: (More Than) Worth a Trip
Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard oasis, searching for the perfect orchid, or just looking to spruce up your landscaping, you’ll find plenty of unique plant nurseries around The Villages.…
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Aerial view of a coastal landscape featuring a pier extending into the ocean, with waves gently hitting the sandy beach and a road lined with parked cars and greenery.
Florida Cities by Season: Where to Go & When for Perfect Weather
Florida welcomes 143 million visitors annually, but here's the thing most travel guides won't tell you: timing your visit wrong can turn paradise into a sweaty, overpriced nightmare. The difference…
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A juicy cheeseburger with lettuce, onion, and crispy bacon is served on a plate with fries, accompanied by a glass of cola, on a wooden table in a restaurant setting.
Where to Find the Best Burgers in The Villages
Burger cravings hit hard in The Villages, and locals know the best spots serve up more than just a great patty. Whether you want a classic cheeseburger at a lively…
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A narrow thrift store aisle lined with racks of colorful clothing on both sides, leading to a mirror at the back, with shelves of shoes on the right.
10 The Villages Thrift Stores Perfect for Weekend Treasure Hunting
Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or just looking to stretch your dollars, the Villages area offers an impressive variety of thrift stores packed with unique finds. From sprawling antique…
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A wooden flight board holds four glasses of beer in different colors—red, yellow, dark brown, and amber—on a wooden table in a warmly lit bar setting.
6 The Villages Area Breweries Worth Checking Out This Summer
Whether you’re searching for a cold craft pint after a sunny round of golf or a lively spot to catch up with friends, the brewery scene in and around The…
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A colorful playground features slides, climbing structures, and a tic-tac-toe panel, set against a backdrop of trees and a clear sky.
Beat the Boredom: The Villages’ Coolest Spots for Active Kiddos
Looking for fun ways to keep kids entertained near The Villages? From high-energy go-karts and splashy outdoor parks to crafty theater camps and mind-bending escape rooms, the local area is…
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A vintage store interior filled with eclectic items including bags, hats, plants, and decorative objects displayed on wooden tables and shelves, with framed art and mirrors on the walls.
Home Decor Refresh: 11 The Villages Stores Worth a Visit
If changing up your home’s style is on your mind, you’re in the right spot. The Villages is surrounded by shops that range from plush, high-end showrooms to quirky boutiques,…
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A wooden boardwalk with a railing winds through a lush, green forest, surrounded by trees and foliage, under a clear sky.
A Local’s Guide to Hiking Trails & Walking Paths Near The Villages
Ready to trade golf carts for hiking boots? The Villages is surrounded by scenic trails where old oaks, prairie views, and waterfront boardwalks offer a quieter side of the area—no…
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A white, modern waterfront house surrounded by lush palm trees sits beside a wooden dock on a sunny day, with clear blue skies and calm green water.
Florida Architecture Guide: Home Styles, Costs & Insurance
Ever wonder why some Florida homes look like they belong in a Spanish fairy tale while others seem designed by someone who really, really liked boats? Turns out there's method…
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A "Welcome to Florida, The Sunshine State" sign stands against a backdrop of tall palm trees and a partly cloudy blue sky.
Florida’s Official State Symbols: Birds, Trees, Gems & More
Ever wonder why Florida chose a butterfly that eats pollen or a gem that doesn't even exist in the state? Florida's collection of over 44 official symbols tells the wildest…
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Two iced coffee drinks with black straws sit on a table in a modern café with a blurred background of the counter and seating area.
6 Exceptional Coffee Shops Around The Villages
For anyone craving a great cup of coffee and a cozy place to relax, The Villages is full of hidden gems ready to become your new favorites. From book-filled lounges…
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A yoga instructor leads a diverse group of people in a seated meditation pose on mats in a bright studio with large windows and plants.
A Deep Dive into The Villages’s Best Yoga Studios
If you’re searching for a perfect spot to stretch, breathe, and find your flow around The Villages, you’re in luck. This area offers a surprising variety of yoga studios, each…
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