January Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

Experience the Tampa Craft Beer Scene

With a brewing history that dates all the way back to 1896, beer has always been a big deal in Tampa. But even the biggest craft beer enthusiasts have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of growth the Tampa craft beer scene has logged over the past decade.

Whether you are a passionate craft beer enthusiast or just a regular beer drinker looking for a good time, the craft breweries that are popping up all over Tampa offer local residents a great way to explore the city in a unique way that changes in flavor each and every day.

If you are just getting your feet wet exploring the craft beer scene in Tampa, these are the five powerhouse operations that should be first and foremost on your list.

Angry Chair Brewing

Founded on the principle that everyone has an “Angry Chair” that they wouldn’t mind getting away from for a bit, Angry Chair Brewing is a 1,900 square foot operation that is best known for their unique stouts.

Attached to the brewery is a 1,000 square foot taproom that features 16 taps pouring their latest creations. If you are looking to try a little bit of everything, you will be happy to learn that they offer 5 oz pours of anything on the menu. They are open every day of the week, but the hours do vary slightly from day to day.

Brew Bus Brewing

Brew Bus Brewing originally started as a party bus tour company that offered transportation for patrons looking to hit multiple breweries over the course of a day. After struggling to choose which local brewery to feature most prominently, they eventually decided to create their own.

The taproom at Brew Bus Brewing is open every day and features 20 different beers on tap.

Whether you are looking for crazy-hopped IPA’s or just a mellow pale ale, there is something for every palate here...and each beer has its own hysterical name.

Brew Bus Brewing also offers a full menu in their taproom, and they still run public and private bus tours to other breweries on a regular schedule.

Cigar City Brewing

Since opening its doors in 2009, Cigar City has quickly grown to become one of the most popular craft breweries in all of Florida. Much of that growth has been driven by their fantastic Jai Alai India Pale Ale.

The tasting room at Cigar City Brewing is designed to look and feel like the quintessential neighborhood bar, and you can grab a pint and a cigar here any day of the week between 11 am and 8 pm. Cigar City Brewing also offers full tours every day at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5:30 pm.

Coppertail Brewing Co.

This brewery is named after an imaginary monster created in the mind of the owner’s daughter. The creative five-year-old’s impossible creation seemed to fit right in line with the story of a talented home brewer looking to make a career out of his hobby by going up against the monsters of the beer industry.

The four core beers that Coppertail is known for are its Free Dive India Pale Ale, Dependent Pilsner, Night Swim Porter, and Unholy American Trippel Ale. You can find those beers along with plenty of other seasonal options being poured and served along with delicious food in their beautiful taproom every day of the week.

7venth Sun Brewery

After earning a degree in Fermentation Science from Oregon State University and logging time working for Anheuser-Busch and Sweetwater Brewing, Devon Kreps decided that it was time to create her own brewery. That idea would lead to the founding of 7venth Sun Brewery, which officially opened its Dunedin facility in 2012.

7venth Sun Brewery is best known for its unique variations of Florida Weisse beers, but you can always find a full selection of brews available at their taproom in Tampa, which is open later than most breweries every night of the week.

While these five breweries certainly represent the best of what the Tampa craft beer scene has to offer, they really just scratch the surface of one of the fastest-growing craft beer markets in the entire country.

Don’t miss out on your chance to check out some of these incredible breweries the next time you head down to The Big Guava.

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.

December Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

The month of December has officially arrived and we are starting to bring 2019 to a close, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to have plenty of activities and events to keep us busy over the last few weeks of what has been a fantastic year here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.

In fact, aside from all of the holiday-themed fun on this month’s calendar, you would have a hard time distinguishing it from any of the other action-packed months that are already in the books for this year.

So, whether you are looking to take in a show or hit the golf course between the holidays, there is more than enough action to keep you busy here throughout the month of December.

The Big Show Series

The Big Show Series always brings plenty of excitement to our community, and this month will be no different when The Atlantic City Boys take the stage at the Activity Center Auditorium for two separate shows on Thursday, December 5.

This talented quartet has performed all over the country singing popular songs from groups like The Beach Boys, The Drifters, the Bee Gees, and Frankie Valli. Tickets will be $25 for members and $30 for guests.

Social Events

15th Annual Holiday Boutique - December 3rd

The seasonal social events will kick off right away this month with the 15th Annual Holiday Boutique in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, December 3 from 12 pm to 5 pm. There will be more than 50 local vendors this year, which makes it the perfect opportunity to get started or finish up on your Christmas shopping.

Santa Rocks the Dance Floor - December 17th

The Hampton Room will be rocking and rolling on Tuesday, December 17 when the Santa Rocks the Dance Floor Sock Hop gets going. This event will feature drinks and snacks starting at 6 pm followed by live dancing at 7 pm.

There will be a group of members heading to the Scottish Highland Games in Winter Springs on Saturday, December 18. This fun athletic competition will include everything from tug-o-war to axe throwing and there will also be art, music, food, and beverages for everyone who attends.

This month’s Shalom Social Dinner will be held at Skyview Restaurant on Friday, December 20. The menu options will include Rosemary-Crusted Sirloin, Baked Cod Casino, or Chicken Florentine.

Golf & Tennis

Anyone looking to add some golf gear to their holiday wish list will want to check out the Golf Shoe Trunk Sale at the Skyview Pro Shop on Tuesday, December 3 and the Golf Demo Day at the Skyview Driving Range on Saturday, December 7. Both events will be showcasing some of the best equipment on the market this year.

St. Nick Open - December 14th

The two big competitive golf events this month will be the Husband & Wife Championship on Monday, December 9 and the St. Nick Open on Saturday, December 14. Both events will include food and beverages following the round.

Residents looking to improve their golf game this month will want to attend one of the six Free Golf Clinics scheduled with PGA/LPGA Pro Mary Slinkard this month. She will be on hand to help beginners on December 2, 3, and 4. Then she will be back to work with intermediate golfers on December 9, 10, and 11.

This is also going to be a great month to get involved at the Skyview Tennis Center, which will be hosting a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, December 10. All you need to participate is a pair of tennis shoes, so don’t let those common excuses stop you from attending.

Restaurant Specials

Winter Wonderland Menu - Every Friday

Skyview Restaurant is going to be running a Lobster Roll special every Wednesday in the month of December, and they will also be featuring a new collection of specials on their “Winter Wonderland” menu every Friday throughout the month, as well as a huge brunch special on Sunday, December 29.

Our friends over at the Tiki Bar are also gearing up for the holiday season with a fantastic selection of Thursday night specials planned for the month of December. With meatloaf, fried chicken, shrimp, and ribs all on the menu, you don’t have to worry about what’s for dinner on Thursday nights all month long.

New Year’s Eve - December 31st

New Year’s Eve is always one of the most exciting nights of the year here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, and The Grille is going to be hosting a first-class menu featuring all of your favorite high-end options from 5 pm to 9:30 pm on Tuesday, December 31.

Spa Specials

If you manage to find any time to pamper yourself during the month of December, you can do exactly that at BellaVita Spa by taking advantage of special offerings like The Revitalizer Facial and the Happy Holiday Massage Special.

With all of these activities and events already planned for the month of December, you should have no problem keeping yourself busy while closing 2019.

In fact, the bigger problem might be finding a way to cram all of this excitement into your busy schedule, but we think you can probably find a way.

48 Hours in Orlando: Holiday Shopping Edition

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’

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

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

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

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!