Good Morning, Villages. Your nights are alive with music, friends, and fun, and the poll results prove it! Today we’ll recap your go-to nights out, share Eastport’s tasty new dining lineup, along with a flyover, and take you on a quick trip to Anna Maria Island.

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Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Results

🎶 Monday Poll Recap: Villagers’ Night Out

When it comes to evening fun, Villagers know how to keep the nights alive! With 502 votes, here’s how your neighbors spend their go-to nights:

• 🥇 Live music at the squares 🎸 absolutely dominated with 301 votes. From Brownwood’s classic rock to Spanish Springs line-dancing, readers said the free, lively atmosphere — just a golf cart ride away — makes it the perfect no-fuss night. One put it simply: “Dinner first, then music at the squares after.”

• 🥈 Dinner or bar with friends 🍽️ pulled in a strong 106 votes, proving that good food and company are always a winning combo. Many Villagers said they like to mix it up — dining first, then heading out for music or game nights.

• 🥉 Staying in and hosting 🏡 drew 37 votes, with readers highlighting cozy game nights, football season, and just “relaxing and getting ready to watch TV.”

Other ways to play the night:

• 🎬 Movie theater (22 votes)

• 🌴 Adventures “outside the bubble” (15 votes)

• 🏓⚾ Sports/pool time (7 votes)

• 💬 Other creative answers (14 votes)

What stood out in the comments was the variety — many said they rotate between options depending on the mood, the music lineup, or the season. As one Villager summed it up: “I like to rotate out each of the options — there are many perfect nights in The Villages.”

👉 Bottom line? Whether it’s dancing at the squares, sharing laughs with friends, or just taking it easy, Villagers know how to make every night count.

Villages Development News

🌮 Eastport’s Dining Future
Eastport is about to get tasty! New spots announced include Lucky Goat Coffee, Oak & Stone Tavern, and Tacos & Tequila — all set to bring fresh energy to The Villages’ newest square. Watch the full video tour to see exactly where they’ll land. And, in the next section below, we’ll dive into the current plans for upcoming dining options for Eastport.

Business News

Dining Destinations on the Horizon at Eastport

Eastport Town Center is quickly shaping up as The Villages’ next big dining destination, and the lineup is looking diverse. Anchoring the square will be Prime & Ember Signature Steakhouse (check out this video tour), a polished venue with a rooftop bar overlooking the lake. This one is set to become the go-to for date nights and special occasions.

For everyday energy, Lucky Goat Coffee is bringing its locally loved brews back home, giving Villagers a cozy spot to start the day or meet a friend. Oak & Stone has signed on for a 6,000-plus square-foot space, offering artisan pizzas, a scratch kitchen, and their signature self-pour beer wall—a casual but lively tavern atmosphere right in the heart of the square.

Rounding out the mix are some fun flavors: Tacos & Tequila Cantina (opening in 2026) will bring Tex-Mex favorites and margaritas, while concepts like yamas (Mediterranean) and Sundaze are also in the works. Together, they’ll give Eastport everything from coffee and casual bites to festive nights out and fine dining.

Where & When: All centered on Central Lake Drive at Eastport, with staggered openings starting in 2025 and continuing into 2026. By then, residents can expect a complete spectrum of dining choices—morning, noon, and night—without ever leaving the new square.

Pulse Travel

🌴 Anna Maria Island Getaway (2–3 Nights)

Looking for Old Florida charm just a short drive away? Anna Maria Island (AMI) delivers: seven miles of sugar-sand beaches, no high-rises, and a laid-back vibe perfect for couples, families, or friend groups.

🚗 Getting There

From The Villages, it’s about 2 hours 30 minutes by car (I-75 south to Bradenton, then across Manatee Ave/FL-64).

🛏️ Where to Stay

• VRBO: The most popular option—cottages and condos close to the beach, often with full kitchens. Ideal for families or longer stays.

• Boutique Hotels/Inns: Waterline Villas (that’s a Marriott so use those credit card points!)or Anna Maria Beach Resort for cozy convenience.

🌊 Must-Do’s

• Bean Point Beach – postcard sunsets.

• Pine Avenue – shops, ice cream, and art.

• Rod & Reel Pier – old-school pier dining and fishing.

• Free Island Trolley – explore without parking stress.

• Kayak or Paddleboard – calm waters with dolphins and manatees.

🍹 Where to Eat & Drink

• Sandbar Restaurant – toes-in-the-sand, best at sunset.

• The Waterfront – upscale seafood and cocktails.

• Ginny’s & Jane E’s – funky breakfast/brunch.

• Two Scoops – homemade ice cream stop.

• Island Time Bar & Grill – live music with casual fare.

🛍️ Tips

• Bring or rent bikes—perfect for cruising.

• No chain restaurants; everything’s local.

• Parking is tight, so use the trolley.

Upcoming Events

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

🐎 Regional Hunter/Level 2 Jumper Series | WEC | Today - Sun | Details

🦞 Cousin’s Maine Lobster | Holy Sh’Mokes | Sep 25 | Details

🎵 Music Lovers Showcase | Savannah Rec | Sep 25 and 26 | Details

🎨 🍷 Paint & Sip | Prima Steakhouse | Sep 26 | 12 pm | Details

🏈 Villages Charter Buffalo Football vs Belleview | Sep 26 7pm | Tix

🐎 Polo Opening Weekend!! | Villages Polo Club | Sept 26 & 28 | Details

Hometown Heroes Weekend | Browns Farm | Sept 27 | Details

Weekends @ The Winery | Lakeridge Winery | Sat: Maria Salerno, Sun: Sandra & Alex LeKid | Details

Parrott Head Party | Orange Blossom Hills CC | Sep 28 | Details

🎷 The Kelly-Scott Jazztet | Colony Cottage Rec | Sep 28 | Details

⛳️ New To Golf School | Sarasota | Sep 29 | 10 am | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Only Full Swing Clinic | Palmer | Sept 29 | 11 am | Details

🎹 Elton John/Billy Joel Tribute Show | Whispering Oaks | Oct 2 | Details

🎨 🍷Paint & Sip: Mermaid | Legacy | Oct 2 | 12 pm | Details

On Sale This Week

Villages New Horizons Band Fall Concert | Savannah | Nov 19 | Details and Tix

Carols by Candlelight IX | Savannah | Dec 5 - 7 | Details and Tix

Scotty McCreery | The Sharon | Dec 13 | Details and Tix

If you have an event you want to announce to 7,300+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

That’s it for today’s Pulse roundup. Whether you’re dancing at the squares or planning a beach escape, make it a good one — and don’t forget to share the Pulse with someone new.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,300+ local Villagers? Reach out here.