7 Inexpensive Destinations for Flights Out of Orlando

Because it is “The Theme Park Capital of the World” and one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, Orlando is notoriously easy to get to from just about anywhere in the country.

And while that is already a huge selling point for anyone looking to host visitors here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, it also offers a wide range of crazy cheap flights that residents can jump on for a quick getaway pretty much any time they want.

So, if you’re looking for something other than the weekend getaways here in Florida we’ve written about to plan your next trip, here are seven destinations that you can fly to on the cheap this year.

New York City, New York

Manhattan Bridge in New York city

While most domestic cities have direct flights to Orlando, there is an astounding amount of international air traffic that flies to Disney World by coming through New York City. And for that reason, you can always grab a quick flight to New York City for as little as $130 round trip.

There is an endless amount of sightseeing to do all over the city, so start with one of those popular double-decker bus tours and feel free to spend your time at any location that excites you.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago River

Chicago is another major hub that is constantly scheduling flights to and from Orlando, and that means that you can shoot up there for a weekend trip for about $140 round trip.

One of the best things about visiting Chicago is that you can take the train right from the airport to your hotel, so you don’t even have to worry about paying for a taxi or Uber.

Denver, Colorado

Rocky Mountains

The gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains that you will see in Denver are a stark contrast to what we are used to looking at here in Florida, and you can grab a round trip flight to visit the mountains for as little as $116 right now.

If the great outdoors isn’t really your thing, there are still plenty of things to see and do right in downtown Denver to keep you busy for a fun-filled weekend in the Mile-High City.

Memphis, Tennessee

Beale Street

Memphis is an iconic destination for barbecue lovers around the country, and Florida residents can hop on a direct flight to get there for about $150 round trip.

Not only is Memphis known for great food, but there are also a lot of fun sightseeing options here including a plethora of Elvis-related attractions.

Dallas, Texas

“Jerry’s World”

Another fantastic destination for barbecue lovers is Dallas, and you can find round trip direct flights heading that way for $131 right now.

In addition to the food, this is also a popular trip for Cowboys fans making their annual pilgrimage to the breathtaking AT&T Stadium, better known by locals and fans as “Jerry’s World.”

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan

While many of these destinations are heading to the north, there are also plenty of flights out of Orlando that head south into the Caribbean. One of the best ways to see the islands without a passport is a quick trip down to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Round trip flights to San Juan can cost as little as $173, which is a crazy cheap way to start any Caribbean getaway.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Las Vegas Strip

Round trip flights from Orlando to Las Vegas usually come in just under $200, and when you combine that with all of the discounted hotel rooms and fabulous amenities in Sin City, it can actually be one of the cheapest getaways you will find anywhere.

And you don’t even have to be a gambler to enjoy a trip to Las Vegas. With all of the things to see and do at each casino, all of the fantastic restaurants to choose from, and all of the amazing shows, you can actually spend an entire weekend there without ever even touching a slot machine.

No matter where you plan to go, having such close access to Orlando International Airport is a huge advantage for residents here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.

Make sure that you are doing the most to take advantage of this great nearby amenity.

Tampa Concert Calendar: 8 Summer Shows You Won't Want to Miss

There are hundreds of things to love about life here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, but one of the perks that often goes overlooked is the fact that just about every major concert tour makes a stop right down the road in Tampa.

The big national acts will pack the house at large venues like Raymond James Stadium, the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater, and the Amalie Arena. But there are also plenty of smaller venues like the Tampa Theatre and the Capitol Theatre for more intimate shows.

If you are looking to catch a great concert this summer, we have pulled together a list of eight shows that you definitely won't want to miss.

Luke Bryan - June 23 - Raymond James Stadium

 Serious country music fans pretty much plan their summers around the annual Luke Bryan concert at this point, and Tampa is going to have an outstanding date this year. Luke will be out promoting and performing songs from his most recent album, "What Makes You Country," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 and the Billboard Top Country Albums.

 Rascal Flatts - July 20 - MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater

 You might not realize it, but Rascal Flatts has been around for almost 20 years now, and they have sold an astounding 22.5 million albums and have 15 number one hits under their belts. They're heading out on the road again this summer with Dan and Shay & Carly Pearce.

Chicago / REO Speedwagon - July 21 - MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater

Another can't-miss show heading to the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater this summer will be the combo of Chicago and REO Speedwagon hitting the stage on July 21. Fans of either group will be excited about the show, and most people who are fans of one group are also thrilled to see the other.

Dave Matthews Band - July 25 - MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater

 The Dave Matthews Band has become a modern-day version of The Grateful Dead with a similarly passionate fan base that simply doesn't miss shows. After taking the summer of 2017 off, the band is back this summer and we can expect those fans to be as excited as ever. Expect to hear all of your favorite DMB classics, as well as some new songs from the album that should be out soon.

Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town - August 3 - MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater

Just as joint concerts are popular with classic rock bands, they are also something we see more and more of from the country genre. On August 3, we will have the opportunity to catch country stars Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town at the same show here in Tampa. Miranda is amazing.

Taylor Swift - August 14 - Raymond James Stadium

Speaking of amazing ladies, the iconic Taylor Swift will be in town on August 14 as a part of her Reputation Stadium Tour. Whether you love her or hate her, you'll know every song she sings, and you're sure to have a blast at this one.

Jeff Beck & Paul Rodgers with Ann Wilson - August 26 - MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater

Anytime you have the chance to see one of Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time," you'd be crazy to miss out on the opportunity. And that is exactly what you will have when this former Yardbird shows up in Tampa on August 26. Jeff will be joined by Paul Rodgers, as well as Ann Wilson from Heart.

 

Paul Simon - September 7 - Amalie Arena

 Jeff Beck might be the best guitarist passing through Tampa this summer, but Paul Simon could be the most admired songwriter we will have the chance to see this year. This farewell tour could be your last opportunity to see the legend headlining, and it will happen in one of the most intimate arenas in the city.

February Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Just like that, the first month of 2017 is already in the books and we are rolling into February. As usual, the activities and events calendar is filled with all kinds of exciting things that are happening around our community this month. 

Whether you are interested in getting together with friends, learning something new, competing at golf or tennis, or taking advantage of one of our excellent dinner specials, we have got you covered with all of the information you need to plan out the coming month so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun! 

Social Events 

The Big Show Series is taking the leadoff spot this month with their next big performance scheduled for Thursday, February 2 when Beginnings: The Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band will be taking the stage in the Activity Center Auditorium. Tickets for this event are $33 for members and $38 for guests, and there will be show times at 6 pm and 8:15 pm.

This year’s Super Bowl will take place on Sunday, February 5, and everyone is invited to the party at the Tiki Bar to watch the Atlanta Falcons take on the New England Patriots. The Tiki Bar will have food and drink specials ready to go for the big game, but seating is first-come, first serve, so make sure that you get there early! 

The Little Black Dress Club will be sponsoring a Valentine’s Day Fashion Show in the Hampton Room on Monday, February 13. The event starts at 11 am, and there will be a lunch served while fashions from the Inverness store Karma are modeled.

The Big Bang Team were the winners of last month’s Trivia Challenge, and the next one is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21. This month, the menu will include Sausage & Peppers and Baked Haddock.

For the second installment of the Big Show Series in February, the Activity Center Auditorium will roll out the red carpet for Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon and Gary “US” Bonds. Tickets for this event are $44 for members and $49 for guests, and that also included an opening performance by Rocky and the Rollers.

Speaking of Rocky and the Rollers, they will also be performing for the 50’s Sock Hop in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, February 28. The doors open at 6:30 pm for this party, and there will be music and dancing from 7 pm to 10 pm.  

Arts & Education 

Throughout the month of February, Dr. Joe Coffee will be continuing his Great Decisions lecture series that provides a forum for the discussion of world affairs. This event is held in the Activity Center Auditorium every Wednesday night from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.  

If you are looking to get involved with one of the many clubs here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, there will be an Activities Club Showcase on Wednesday, February 15 in the Hampton Room. Representatives from many of the various clubs will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.  

For those people who absolutely adore their pets, you are also going to want to mark down the first Saturday in March on your calendar. There will be a group of residents heading out to the Paint Your Pet event at the Crystal River Mall on that morning at 10 am.  

Golf & Tennis

If golf is your game, there is plenty of action heading your way in the month of February. The action will kick off with the Valentine’s Open on The Oaks course on Saturday, February 4.

Then the intensity will really start to heat up with the Skyview Men’s Senior, Super Senior, Legends, and Super Legends Tournament on February 6 and 7, the Citrus Hills Men’s Club Championship on February 16 and 17, and the Skyview Men’s Member-Guest Tournament on February 24 and 25.

If your game isn’t quite ready for that level of competition, you should make a point to attend on of the many free golf clinics that golf pro Wayne Larsen will be hosting throughout the month. There will be clinics for beginners on February 6, 7, and 8. Then the intermediate level clinics will be held on February 14, 21, and 28. 

If tennis is your game, you can hone your skills at the Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on February 14 at 11 am. After a few weeks of practice, you might even be ready to compete in one of the exciting tennis tournaments that are planned for March and April. 

Dinner Specials

Our friends at Skyview Restaurant will be pulling out all of the stops to serve a fabulous Valentine’s Day Dinner on Tuesday, February 14. Then they will close out the month on February 28 with a Catch of the Seas dinner that will feature a wide range of great seafood options.  

If you are heading to see the Big Show Series on Thursday, February 2, make sure you stop at The Grille first for their Big Show Buffet. They will also be having a Sweetheart Valentine’s Dinner on February 14, and a Taste of New England dinner on February 28.  

BellaVita Spa 

BellaVita Spa is also going above and beyond for the month of February. So, if you are able to find any time for yourself this month, you are surely going to want to take advantage of the Wild Rose Facial and Shellac Spa Manicure specials that they will be running all month long.

If you have any questions about any of the events happening throughout the month, don’t hesitate to contact someone at the Activity Center Service Desk. They will either be able to help you directly or put you in touch with someone who can! 

For all the activities and events happening around the Villages of Citrus Hills click below into the link below for our Connections Club Newsletter for February 2017. 

http://www.citrushillsgolfandcountryclub.com/userfiles/file/February%202017%20Connections_ONLINE.pdf