Good morning, Villages! Your calendar might be fuller now than when you had a boss — and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s dive into what you voted, what’s growing, and what’s opening next.

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📅 On this day in 1878, Thomas Edison patented the phonograph — the invention that changed how the world listened to music.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Recap

🔥 Retirement… or Round Two?

495 of you voted — and retirement isn’t exactly slow living.

🟩 🔥 Yes, nonstop (203)

Clubs. Volunteering. Projects. Golf. Social everything.
Several of you said you have to use a calendar just to keep up. Busy? Absolutely. But it’s busy you chose.

🟨 ⏰ About the same (145)

You were always active. Now the meetings are gone — replaced with fun. Still packed… just better packed.

🟦 😌 Less busy (135)

This group cracked the code. Lighter schedule. More control. As one reader put it: Having a lot more fun.

🚫📅 I refuse to schedule anything (12)

The rebels. Although let’s be honest… most of you still have morning plans.

Bottom line:
It’s not about being busy. It’s about being busy on your terms.

Just don’t accidentally turn freedom into another full-time job.

Thanks for voting and keep those poll ideas coming — hit reply if you’ve got a fun one!

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Villages Development News

If you’ve been wondering what’s really happening in Long Prairie right now, this is the update to watch. Fresh aerial footage from DD Aerial Photography shows brand-new lots released along Long Prairie Path, major build-out near 470, infrastructure pushing north of the highway, and a full flyover of Beautyberry and Honeysuckle exec courses, as they rebound from that quick Florida “winter.” You’ll see how close everything is to Eastport Town Square, the walking trails connecting to Shadybrook and Waters Edge, and just how much land is still poised for development. Bottom line: this corridor is far from done — and the next wave of growth is already taking shape.

Villages Dining News

🍷 Wine Tasting Room Headed to Spanish Springs

A new wine experience is uncorking soon. Barons Creek Vineyards is opening a 1,500-sq-ft tasting room at 1171 Main Street early this summer, bringing 26 varietals, guided “choose-your-journey” tastings, small bites (charcuterie, pizzas, bruschetta), and a front-porch vibe built for groups. Expect events like trivia, music bingo, paint-and-sip nights, and pairing parties. Texas roots. Florida flair. More details here: [Read the full story →]

Pulse Travel

🛳️ Alaska Cruise Travel Hack: Go Smart, Book Smarter

Alaska cruise season runs May through September, but timing matters.
June and July give you the warmest weather and prime wildlife viewing. Want fewer crowds and better pricing? Late May or September is the sweet spot.

As for booking? Right now. Wave season (January–March) is when cruise lines roll out their biggest promos — better cabin selection, balcony availability, and perks like onboard credit. Waiting usually means paying more for fewer options.

Pro move: Lock in your cabin early, then keep an eye on pricing. If rates drop, many cruise lines let you reprice before final payment.

If Alaska is on your radar this year or next, this is the window to make it happen.

👉 Check current Alaska sailings and deals at CruiseDirect before the best rooms/itineraries disappear.

Pulse Classifieds

Upcoming Events

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

🐎 Hunter/Jumper Series | World Equestrian Center | Feb 19 - 22

⛳️ Putting & Chipping Clinic | Sarasota | Feb 20 | 8:30 am | Details

⛳️ Villages Spring Golf Expo | Various | Feb 19 & 20 | Details

🍆 Hometown Market | Brownwood | Feb 21 | 9 AM | Details

🍓 🎉 Strawberry Festival | Brownwood | Feb 20 - 22 | Details

🏇 Horse Show in The Park | Grand Oaks Resort | Feb 21, 22 | Details

🍸️ Patio Nights Live Music & Cocktails | Brownwood Hotel | Feb 21 | 5 PM

🍓 U-Pick Strawberries | Browns Farms | Sun Feb 22 | 10 am - 3 pm | Details

Allen Vache Swingtet | Colony Cottage Rec | Feb 22 | 6 pm | Details

⛳️ Ladies Putting & Chips Clinic | Central Lake | Feb 20 | 1:30 pm | Details

On Sale This Week

FJ Tribute To Foreigner & Journey | Savannah Center | Apr 24 | Details

John Mellancamp Tribute | Savannah Center | Apr 25 | Details

And More….

If you have an event you want to announce to 9,300+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading. If you enjoy reading Villages Pulse, share this email with someone who doesn’t have a full calendar. See you Monday.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 9,300+ local Villagers? Reach out here.