Good morning Villages! Big week ahead, from the grand opening of Prime & Ember 🥩 to a fresh look at Eastport’s nearly finished square. Plus: your poll results are in, manatees are making a splash in Crystal River 🐋, and the music lineup’s stacked all weekend long.

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On this day back in 1775, a few good men gathered at a tavern in Philadelphia — and the U.S. Marine Corps was born. Here’s to the Marines past and present who’ve kept our nation strong. 🦅

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Results

A great response from Monday’s Poll: “What’s Your Villages Lifestyle?”

Villagers came ready to play — literally. 🏌️‍♂️ “Active & Sporty” took the top spot by a wide margin, with 160 votes, proving that from pickleball courts to morning tee times, movement is the heartbeat of The Villages.

Not far behind, “Chill & Relaxed” readers (135 votes) reminded everyone that doing nothing here still counts as doing something — as long as it involves sunshine, good coffee, or a golf cart ride to nowhere in particular. 🧘‍♀️

Next up, “Social & Dining” earned 128 votes 🍹 — because what’s cardio compared to happy hour? “We might not hit the gym every day,” one reader wrote, “but we hit the squares!”

Meanwhile, the Creative & Cultural crowd (32 votes) keeps the arts alive — from theater seats to paint brushes — while the Dancing & Partying crew (21 votes) never misses a night at the squares 🎶 (and apparently knows every line dance).

The best part? Over 20 readers said they’re “all of the above!” or proudly “whatever feels right that day.” Seems the true Villages lifestyle isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s a blend of motion, relaxation, and a whole lot of fun.

Quite a few of you have asked about ways to meet new people in The Villages, so keep an eye out for next Monday’s poll, where we’ll ask if you’d be interested in a dinner club.

Villages Development News

Eastport’s New Square Nearly Complete!

Gold Wingnut’s latest drone flight gives us our clearest look yet at Eastport Town Square — and it’s looking just about ready for showtime. From fresh landscaping to final touches on walkways and facades, you can practically feel the grand opening energy. Prime & Ember is set to serve its first guests on Monday, November 10, while the Eastport Hotel is already taking bookings for late December stays. But as you watch this bird’s-eye tour of Eastport’s new downtown, one question lingers: with all this space, are the stage and dance areas big enough for what’s coming next?

Pulse Travel

Day Trip Guide: See the Manatees of Crystal River (Swimming Optional) 🐋

If you’re looking for an easy, rewarding winter day trip from The Villages, head about 50 miles west to Crystal River — the “Manatee Capital of the World.” From November through March, hundreds of manatees gather in the warm, spring-fed waters around Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs, and you don’t have to get wet to enjoy the view.

Crystal River is home to Florida’s largest manatee refuge, and the calm, crystal-clear water makes it one of the best spots anywhere to see these gentle giants up close. The area is well set up for non-swimmers — elevated boardwalks, viewing platforms, and glass-bottom or pontoon boat tours all make it easy to take it all in from dry ground (or dry deck). If you love swimming in cold water on a cold day, this is also the place to do it!

Your best stop is Three Sisters Springs, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Park at the Three Sisters Springs Center and take the shuttle to the boardwalk trail — it loops around the springs with multiple overlooks where manatees often cluster in the hundreds on cool mornings. For a different perspective, rent a kayak or clear-bottom boat at Hunter Springs Park or Crystal River Kayak Company. Paddling quietly through the warm spring channels gives you a front-row seat without disturbing the animals.

Peak manatee season runs mid-November through March, especially right after a cold front when Gulf waters dip below 68°F. Early mornings are calm and ideal for sightings. Afterward, stroll Heritage Village for boutique shopping and grab lunch on the water at Crackers Bar & Grill or Waterfront Social. You’ll be back in The Villages by dinner — with a camera full of Florida magic.

Business Briefs

Prime + Ember Opens Monday!

Prime + Ember, the new signature steakhouse at Eastport Town Center, will officially open Monday, November 10. The restaurant promises premium steaks, stylish décor, and a warm, upscale vibe — with its rooftop terrace and bar set to open at a later date, offering views over Central Lake.

Eastport Hotel Update

A Villages Pulse reader, who works at the Eastport Hotel, corrected me on Monday’s Eastport Hotel open update. Turns out you can book rooms as early as December 18, which I confirmed on their website.

Upcoming Events

Want a Featured Event with a poster/image? Reach out.

Duckie’s No limit Holdem Tourney | Oxford Downs | Nov 7| 10:15 AM | Details

🐎 Polo Tournament | Villages Polo Club | Nov 7 & Nov 9 | Details

Greg Warren | Tiki Bar Oxford Downs | Sat Nov 8 | 7 - 10 PM | Details

🎨 Annual Holiday Showcase | Colony Cottage Rec | Nov 8 | 9 am | Details

Glass Addicts Crafter’s Fair | Eisenhower | Nov 8 | 9 am | Details

Clay Mates Arts & Crafts Showcase | Lake Miona Rec | Nov 8 | Details

🍷 Weekends @ The Winery | Lakeridge Winery | Sat: Dennie and the Jets, Sun: The Essentials | Details

💃 Disco Dance Party | Old Mill Theater | Sat Nov 8 - 6pm | Details

Horse Jumping Grand Prix | WEC | Nov 8 | 5 - 9:30 pm | Details - FREE

🐶🎪 Dynamic Dog Circus | Seabreeze Rec | Nov 9 | 6:30 pm | Details

🏌️ Veterans Full Swing Clinic | Palmer | Nov 10 | 9 am | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Full Swing Clinic | Palmer | Nov 10 | 2 pm | Details

Donna & Dunning “Better Than Vegas” | Evans Prairie | Nov 13 | Tickets

🔥 Free Movie: Jay Kelly (George Clooney) | Old Mill | Nov 25 | Tickets

🔥 Free Movie: Avatar Fire & Ash | Old Mill | Dec 19 | Tickets

On Sale This Week

EagleMania | Savannah Center | Jan 3 | Details + Tickets

Asi Wind: More Than Magic | Savannah Center | Jan 10 | Details + Tickets

AND SEVERAL MORE….

If you have an event you want to announce to 7,800+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

That’s a wrap for this week — from manatees to music to the much-anticipated first sizzle at Prime & Ember, The Villages keeps finding new ways to surprise us. If you’ve got an event, club, or small business worth sharing with 7,800+ neighbors, hit reply or email [email protected] — we love shining a light on what makes our community buzz.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,800+ local Villagers? Reach out here.