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Dining

48 Hours in Fort Myers

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Located about three and a half hours south of the Villages of Citrus Hills, Fort Myers offers everything a traveler could want from a South Florida town along the Gulf Coast.

Between the local wildlife, outstanding food, and history that is unique to the area, there is more than enough to keep you busy over a weekend trip to Fort Myers.

If you’re looking to plan your next 48-hour getaway, these are a few ideas we would recommend for exploring Fort Myers.

Day One - Burgers, Boats, Southern Food, and Ghosts

Assuming that you are going to be hungry when you first arrive in Fort Myers, our first stop is going to be Fat Katz for a delicious lunch. This fun and friendly gastropub goes all out to class up the typical sports bar favorites like burgers, cheesesteaks, and salads. Don’t skip the hummus dip!

Once we have our bellies full, the next stop on our Fort Myers getaway will be the History and Eco River Cruise from Pure Florida Fort Myers. This 90-minute cruise will get you out on the Caloosahatchee River where you can see tons of local wildlife, as well as unique views of all of the most popular Fort Myers attractions.

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For dinner on our first night in Fort Myers, we are heading to Fancy’s Southern Cafe for one of the best southern-style meals you will find anywhere. This amazing restaurant plays all of the southern hits like Fried Okra, Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken-N-Waffles, and Country Fried Steak in an upscale, white-tablecloth atmosphere.

After dinner, the plan is to head back out into the city to participate in the Haunted History of Fort Myers Walking Tours. These 90-minute tours leave at 8 pm on most evenings and take guests past some of the most famously haunted spots in Fort Myers.

Day Two - Wildlife, Crab, History, and Steak

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After staying out late with the ghosts on our first night in Fort Myers, we are going to kick off day two by getting back out in nature at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. You can spend as long as you want exploring the trails that lead off of the 1.5-mile raised boardwalk here, and you can expect to see a wide range of South Florida wildlife as you venture through the preserve.

Now that we’ve worked up an appetite at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, we’re heading to Trap House Krab and Seafood for a unique lunch that will blow your mind with flavor. You pick your combination of seafood here, and everything is served in similar aluminum take-out pans topped with the most amazing garlic butter sauce you’ve ever tasted.

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You can’t come to Fort Myers for the first time without visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, so that is where we are heading next. This gorgeous campus offers a collection of historic buildings surrounded by award-winning gardens, which is what makes this one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fort Myers.

Our second dinner in Fort Myers is going to take us to El Gaucho Inca, which serves Peruvian and Argentinian style dishes that will completely blow your mind. Definitely start with the Trio Ceviche, and then just order whatever meats and sides look most appealing to you from there. You will not be disappointed!

If you are looking for a nightcap following the meal, you can take a quick ride up to The 86 Room in the River District for a craft cocktail with a classic speakeasy-style vibe. The drink menu is always changing here, but feel free to ask for your favorite!

Day Three - IMAG, Crave, and Shopping

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The IMAG History and Science Center is the first stop on our last day in Fort Myers, and you definitely don’t have to be a kid to enjoy everything that this place has to offer. With 60 different exhibits, live shows, a massive aquarium, and 3-D movies, there really is something for everyone to enjoy here.

We like to finish up our 48-hour getaways with a fantastic brunch option, and one of the most popular places for breakfast and brunch in Fort Myers is Crave. There are plenty of options to choose from on their locally sourced menu, but the best place to start is always going to be their selection of twists on Eggs Benedict.

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Before heading back home, we are going to make one last stop in Estero to check out the shopping at Coconut Point. There are more than 100 unique shops to explore in this open-air mall, so you can grab plenty of souvenirs to remember your 48-hours in Fort Myers.

After spending 48 hours taking in all that Fort Myers has to offer, you will have just barely scratched the surface of what is possible in this fun South Florida town. So don’t think twice about planning what will surely be the first of many quick getaways to Fort Myers!

January Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

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It’s a brand new year here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, and our friends at the Activity Center are already planning to make sure that 2020 is the best one yet for all of our residents.

Whether you are looking for exciting shows, fun social events, fantastic learning opportunities, some serious competition, or just a great meal, there is something for everyone happening around our community this month.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the activities and events you are going to want to put on your personal calendar in January of 2020.

Big Show Series

The Big Show Series will be rocking and rolling into 2020 starting with “Shadow of the 60s” performing at the Activity Center Auditorium on Thursday, January 16. This tribute to the Motown super groups will feature some of your all-time favorite classic tunes from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

Thursday, January 30 will be a night to celebrate the music of Linda Ronstadt when “Love is a Rose” hits this stage for the second Big Show Series performance of the month. This one will feature Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz singing all of Linda’s greatest hits.

Social Events

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The social events for January will kick off with a trip to Winter Springs for the Scottish Highlands Games on Saturday, January 18. In addition to some pretty wild competition, this event will also feature beer, wine, and whiskey tastings, as well as highland dancing and plenty of food vendors, so it will make for a great way to spend an afternoon with friends.

Tasty Trivia Tuesday will be celebrating its 15-year anniversary in the Hampton Room on January 21. The appropriate theme for this month’s questions will be “Fifteen,” and the dinner menu will feature Boursin-Stuffed Chicken Breast and Sliced Sirloin in Mushroom Sauce.

On Thursday, January 23, the Hampton Room will be hosting a Disco Fever Dance Party. Break out your best bell-bottom pants and prepare to get funky with Groove 41 performing live disco hits throughout the entire evening.

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There will be a group trip to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City on Friday, January 24 that will leave at 9:45 am and return around 3:30 pm. This will be a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a number of giraffes in a safari-meets-zoo environment. The trip will also include a stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch.

Another trip that you won’t want to miss out on this month will be Publix Aprons Cooking School in Tampa on Tuesday, January 28. This month’s menu will include Grilled Chicken with Apples, Bacon, and Gorgonzola along with Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and a Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Gelato.

Art & Education

This month’s educational opportunities will feature a six-week Internet for Dummies course that kicks off on Sunday, January 12. The first class is free to attend, which is a perfect reason to stop by the Activity Center and check it out.

Doc Talk will be back in the Activity Center Auditorium on Tuesday, January 14 at 1 pm. This month’s speaker will be Dr. Shalesh Kaushal, and the topic will be retinal disease and overall eye health.

Our friend Gayle Cohen will be back in the Garden Room for another Lunch & Learn session where she discusses the healing power of music on Friday, January 17 starting at 10:30 am. This month’s menu will feature a Grilled Chicken Wrap with Potato Salad and a Warm Apple Crisp Dessert.

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The Activity Center Auditorium will be hosting a Travel Seminar called “Explore South Dakota” on Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 pm. This free seminar will break down everything you need to know about an upcoming 7-night trip to the Black Hills that is currently being planned for October of 2020.

On Saturday, January 25 there will be an AARP Smart Driver Course teaching defensive driving tactics at the Activity Center. Participating in this course could earn you a discount on your car insurance and save you a lot more than the price of admission.

Golf & Tennis

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Our local golfers are going to be out in full force throughout the month of January with the Men’s Ringer Tournament Major Event happening at Skyview on January 13 and 14. Then the Citrus Hills courses will be hosting the New Year’s Open on January 4, the Ladies’ Winter Invitational on January 10, and the Ladies’ Citrus Cup Championship on January 17.

Anyone looking to start off 2020 by improving their golf game should make a point to attend the Free Golf Seminars with PGA/LPGA Teaching Professional Mary Slinkard. She will be working with beginner golfers this month on January 6, 7, and 8. Then she will be back to work with intermediate golfers on January 13, 14, and 15.

Skyview Tennis Center will be hosting its monthly Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, January 14 at 11:30 am. This is always a great way to introduce yourself to the local tennis community and meet neighbors that you can play with on a regular basis.

Dinner Specials

Skyview Restaurant will be pulling out all the stops to kick off 2020 with a Steak & Lobster Fest Dinner on January 4, a Soft-Shell Crabaganza on January 18, and an Asian Buffet Night on January 23.

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Then their biggest event of the month will be the Taste of Rome Wine Dinner on Tuesday, January 14 that will feature five different courses of food and wine pairings.

The big event at the Tiki Bar this month will be their Karaoke Night, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 7 from 6 pm to 9 pm.

BellaVita Spa and Fitness

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If you happen to find any quiet time for yourself in between all of the action happening around our community this month, make sure you don’t forget to make an appointment at Bella Vita Spa. They will be featuring an Aromatherapy Facial and a Luxurious Jelly Pedicure throughout the entire month of January.

With all of these exciting activities and events happening all over the community this month, there is no reason not to get out and enjoy everything that the Villages of Citrus Hills has to offer. Make sure that you put all of your favorite events on your calendar so that you don’t miss out on the fun!

48 Hours in Orlando: Holiday Shopping Edition

Millenia Mall

Millenia Mall

The holiday shopping season has officially arrived, and there may be no better place in all of Florida to get started than Orlando. Whether you are shopping for friends or family, there is something for just about everyone on your list at one of the many retail destinations around the City Beautiful.

There is so much great shopping in Orlando that a simple day trip may not be enough, even though it is only about 90 minutes from the Villages of Citrus Hills. And, since shopping in Orlando is such a great place for a weekend getaway anyway, here is how we recommend spending 48 hours in Orlando for holiday shopping.

Day One: Disney Springs and Local Flavors

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

There is no sense in kicking off a weekend of shopping on an empty stomach, so our first stop after arriving in Orlando is going to be Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. This monument to southern style food is best known for their fried chicken sandwich, which makes it a perfect spot to fill up before diving into the holiday fun.

Not only is Homecomin’ a fantastic place for lunch, but it is also located right in the middle of Disney Springs, which just happens to be filled with more than 100 retail shops to explore. So, once you have a little southern fuel in your belly, the next stop is a little bit of Disney-style retail therapy.

For dinner on the first night of our Orlando-based shopping spree, we are heading to Whisper Creek: The Kitchen, which is located inside the JW Marriot in Grande Lakes. Conventional wisdom would suggest that taking a longer ride to a hotel restaurant is a waste of time, but that is definitely not going to be the case here. The menu is simple, but every item on it will be memorable.

The Stubborn Mule

The Stubborn Mule

If you want a second dinner option or just a great place for a cocktail after dinner, The Stubborn Mule is fantastic. Whether you are looking for mules, martinis, or manhattans, this spot has a specialty cocktail for every palate.

Day Two: Mall Shopping, Lobster Rolls, and Tapas Spots

We might have done more eating than shopping on day one, so let’s start day two off on the right foot by heading to The Mall at Millenia. With more than 150 luxury retailers, this might be the best place in all of Florida to find those high-end gifts to spoil just about everyone in your family.

After two (or maybe three) excellent meals on your first day in Orlando, you might be looking for something a little bit lighter for lunch on day two, so we are going to hit up Bar Harbor Seafood for one of their traditional lobster rolls and a cup of clam chowder.

The Florida Mall

The Florida Mall

We’re going right back to the mall scene after lunch, but this time it will be The Florida Mall, which is an outdoor shopping destination that features more than 250 different retailers just minutes from all of the popular Disney destinations. If you can’t find a perfect gift or two here, you simply aren’t trying hard enough.

There are few things that work up an appetite quite like shopping, so when you are ready to treat yourself to a fabulous meal, Delaney’s Tavern is the first option on the list for day two. This fun and friendly “Cheers-style” tavern has one of the most exciting menus you will find in Florida, and there are plenty of great shareable small plate dishes.

If you are looking for an after-dinner cocktail or more delicious small plates, Santiago’s Bodega is another spot that will keep you interested with both the food and the drinks. With house-made sangrias and a huge tapas menu, don’t be surprised if you find yourself staying here a little longer than expected.

Day Three: Brunch Before the Outlets

The Diner

The Diner

We always start off day three of these 48-hour getaways with a brunch option, and the best place to do that is at The Diner. The Huevos Rancheros are fantastic, and everyone loves the Eggs Benedict, but don’t let yourself come here for the first time and not order those Chicken and Waffle Sliders.

It’s nearly impossible to spend two days in Orlando and not cross off most of your holiday shopping list, but if you have anything at all left to buy, the Orlando International Premium Outlets is going to be your best bet for getting the job done on this trip. This location has more than 180 retailers featuring every major name brand you might be looking for.

With everything from Disney merchandise to designer fashions, there is nothing that you can’t find at one of the many shopping destinations in and around Orlando.

So, when you are ready to get into the holiday spirit, this 48-hour trip is definitely going to be the best way to get started!

 

 

48 Hours on Amelia Island

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If a relaxing beach getaway is something that your body is craving, then Amelia Island is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Between the gorgeous beaches, dolphin sightings, first-class golf courses, and the nice touch of history, this popular destination is one of the best options in all of Florida for a quick getaway.

And when you add in the fantastic collection of local restaurants to choose from, it’s actually hard to avoid having a Wonderful experience during a quick 48 hours on Amelia Island.

If you are thinking about planning your own getaway weekend to Amelia Island, this itinerary for a 48-hour adventure is one of the best ways to get to know this paradise by the sea.

Day One - Seafood, History, and Cucina South

Timoti’s Seafood Shak

Timoti’s Seafood Shak

Assuming that you are going to be hungry following your travel to Amelia Island, our first stop is going to be lunch at Timoti’s Seafood Shak. They are best-known for their seafood baskets, which come grilled, blackened, or fried. Then there are the other equally-delicious options like fresh fish tacos or a poke bowl.

Our lunch at Timoti’s is going to have us situated right in the heart of Amelia Island’s Historic District, so our first activity in town is going to be exploring that area a bit more. It’s hard not to appreciate all of the historic buildings you will find here in the downtown area, but the more time you take exploring the area, the more impressive you will find it to be.

For dinner on our first night, we are going to go with a casual Italian bistro meal from Cucina South. This place is all about doing your favorite Italian comfort food dishes the right way, and they always stock you up with plenty of salad and breadsticks.

Depending on how you feel at this point, it would be perfectly reasonable to call it a night and rest up for your second day on the island. However, if you are in the mood for a nightcap, the next place we are heading is The Green Turtle. This is a classic Florida-style tavern where you can always grab a pint or a cocktail and usually find some live music.

Day Two - Golf, Kayaks, and Salt

The Golf Club of Amelia Island

The Golf Club of Amelia Island

Our second day on Amelia Island is going to be all about enjoying the gorgeous natural beauty of the area. For some, that means scheduling a tee time at one of the dozens of local golf courses. For others, it is going to mean spending the morning kicking back on one of the area’s pristine beaches.

Whether you choose to enjoy the island from a golf course or a beach, everyone is going to love swinging through Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen for a delicious seafood lunch after a morning of fun in the sun. This one-time BBQ restaurant is now serving some of the most interesting seafood bites in all of Florida, so let yourself get adventurous here.

During the afternoon of our second day on Amelia Island, it is finally going to be time to get out on the water. There are plenty of options for kayak tours around the area, so pick the local company that seems most interesting to you and get your arms ready to paddle.

Following a full day of activities on Amelia Island, we are going to cap off the second day of our trip with a fabulous dinner reservation at Salt, which is located inside the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. You can choose from excellent selection of meat and seafood dishes here, or you can really get adventurous with one of the chef’s tasting menus.

If you are still in the mood for a few cocktails after dinner, we are going to make the most of the fact that we are already at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and explore the rest of the property. Whether you prefer the lobby bar or the pub, there is always room for a nightcap here.

Day Three - Fort Clinch, Brunch, and Shopping

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This wouldn’t be a true Florida getaway without a visit to a historic state park, and the one to visit on Amelia Island is Fort Clinch. This is a popular destination for Civil War buffs, but it is also an awesome location to spot local wildlife like gopher tortoises and a wide range of native birds.

We always like to finish out our weekend getaways with a delicious brunch, and the place to do that on Amelia Island is definitely The Patio Place. Known as a bistro, wine bar, and creperie, this popular local spot serves up a dynamite brunch every weekend that you don’t want to miss.

Before we admit that our 48-hour getaway has come to an end, we are going to allow just enough time for a quick shopping spree. This might mean heading back to the area’s historic downtown district, or it could mean hitting up one of the local outlet malls. Either way, make sure that you get yourself something to remember your adventure on Amelia Island.

After spending a quick 48 hours enjoying everything that Amelia Island has to offer, you are going to be heading home with a relaxed attitude and a full stomach, which is the definition of success for one of these quick weekend getaways. When are you going to book your trip?

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