🌅 Good Morning, Villages. We’ve got a little bit of everything lined up today: a peek into the course that changed golf in The Villages, a dream weekend getaway to St. Augustine, and a real estate spotlight worth crunching the numbers on. Plus, our weekly poll will reveal if you’re more of a cruise-ship wanderer, road-trip explorer, or beach-chair napper. Let’s dive in.

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Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll Of The Week

🚢🛫 What’s YOUR Vacation Style? 🏝️🌎

🎉 Vacation time means different things to different people — some chase sunsets on the high seas, others prefer wheels on the open road, and plenty of us just want a frozen drink by the pool. Which getaway makes your heart race the most? Vote now and let’s see what travel style rules The Villages!

The Championship Courses of The Villages

A Villages Pulse Multi-Part Feature Series

Chapter 2 – Tierra Del Sol: Building the Model

Tierra Del Sol opened in 1993 as the second championship course in The Villages, and it set the standard for everything that followed. With 18 holes, a driving range, and a polished country club, it far surpassed what Orange Blossom Hills had offered a decade earlier.

This was the first course fully shaped by The Villages’ evolving vision: golf as both recreation and community centerpiece. Tierra Del Sol wasn’t just a place to chase birdies—it was where neighbors gathered, friendships formed, and the idea of golf as a social hub took root.

The clubhouse became the anchor of that experience. Its restaurant and event spaces transformed the course into a gathering place for all residents, golfers or not. Dinners, parties, and celebrations turned it into a true community landmark. The Morse family recognized that championship golf alone wouldn’t keep people coming back; it had to deliver the full “country club lifestyle.” Tierra Del Sol proved that formula worked.

Its success locked in a model that would shape every new neighborhood going forward: access not only to great golf but also to the sense of identity that came with belonging. The course showed that in The Villages, golf and lifestyle weren’t separate—they fused into a single brand.

In many ways, Tierra Del Sol marked a turning point. It wasn’t just about the game anymore; it was about the experience, the community, and the lifestyle that defined The Villages. That vision has carried forward into every course and every neighborhood built since.

Fun Fact: Tierra Del Sol translates to “Land of the Sun” in Spanish—a fitting tribute to the Florida sunshine that fuels The Villages’ outdoor life.

Villages Real Estate

Rental Investment Spotlight – 1382 Zest Ave

This 2 bed / 2 bath Colony Patio Villa in the Village of Dunedin is a strong rental prospect at $279,000. With 1,156 square feet, volume ceilings, a bright kitchen with breakfast nook, and a glass-enclosed porch, it’s move-in ready and built for easy living.

For investors, the math is attractive, especially if you can negotiate down a bit. HOA is $199/month, with taxes and insurance adding manageable carrying costs. Seasonal rentals for villas in this area typically bring $3,500–$4,500/month in peak season, while annual leases average $1,800–$2,100/month. With demand fueled by nearby golf, recreation centers, restaurants, and town squares, occupancy risk is low.

Built in 2014, this villa is modern, low-maintenance, and positioned to generate reliable income alongside long-term appreciation.

Looking to connect with other rental owners? Check out Landlords of The Villages, a private Facebook group run by a Pulse reader, where local landlords share tips, network, swap leads, and help promote each other’s properties. Realtors working on behalf of clients are welcome too.

(Multi) Day Trips From The Villages

3-Day Getaway To St. Augustine, FL

Florida’s oldest city is about 2 hours northeast of The Villages—perfect for a long weekend steeped in history, beach time, and great food. My personal favorite getaway.

Day 1 – Arrival & Historic Core

Check into a charming downtown B&B or historic inn (think Casa Monica Resort (Marriott) or a cozy Victorian B&B). Spend the afternoon strolling St. George Street with its boutiques, galleries, and live street performers. Don’t miss Castillo de San Marcos, the 17th-century Spanish fort with sweeping bay views. Dinner at Columbia Restaurant, serving legendary Spanish-Cuban cuisine since 1905—my personal favorite: Paella "a la Valenciana" and sangria.

Tip: Parking downtown is tight. Park once and walk; everything’s close.

Day 2 – Beaches & Excursions

Head east over the Bridge of Lions to St. Augustine Beach for a morning walk or shell hunt. Then explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (climb 219 steps for views worth it). In the afternoon, take a scenic boat tour on Matanzas Bay—you’ll spot dolphins, seabirds, and the city skyline. Dinner at O’Steen’s Restaurant, a local institution famous for fried shrimp.

Tip: Lines at O’Steen’s can be long—arrive early or bring cash (no cards).

Day 3 – Culture & Farewell

Start with breakfast at Harbor View Cafe . Then tour the Lightner Museum inside the old Alcazar Hotel—stunning Tiffany glass and Gilded Age artifacts. Before heading home, stop at San Sebastian Winery for a tasting and rooftop view, or Whetstone Chocolates for a sweet souvenir.

Where to Stay:

• Historic Downtown: Walk everywhere, stay in a B&B or boutique hotel, I’ve had great experiences at Casablanca Inn on the waterfront. Definitely enjoy a great martini on the patio of The Tini Martini Bar!

• Beachfront: If you prefer sand over cobblestones, oceanfront hotels and VRBO or AirBNB rentals are 10 minutes from downtown.

Pro Tip: Book tours and dinner reservations in advance—St. Augustine fills up fast on weekends. Or better yet, go midweek when crowds are down, but businesses are still open.

Pro Tip 2: I usually cover my hotel stays in St. Augustine with Marriott points. Right now, the Marriott Bonvoy card has an offer for 3 Free Nights (150,000 points!)—perfect for a quick getaway! I’ll earn points too, which helps keep Villages Pulse running.

Don’t expect to hit everything in St. Augustine in 3 days! There is so much to see and do, you’ll need to visit several times.

🩺 Screening Spotlight

Sponsored By Life Line Screening

Villages Pulse Reader Elizabeth shared this with me recently: “I did not see your poll on carotid artery screening but everyone should do it. I did and it saved my life. I had 97% blockage. Just saying it can make all difference. That was in 2013!!!”

🩺 Colonoscopy: Still the Gold Standard

The test that prevents colon cancer

A colonoscopy detects and removes polyps before they turn cancerous. It’s done under sedation and recommended every 10 years for most adults.

✅ Who should consider it: Adults 50+, anyone with family history of colorectal cancer, or with symptoms like bleeding.

👉 Where/Who/Prescription: Done by gastroenterologists at hospitals or outpatient centers. Requires a doctor’s referral. Covered by Medicare and most insurance.

💡 Takeaway: It’s not fun (though, a nice nap), but it can save your life.

Upcoming Events

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

🏌️ Executive Golf Championship Signup | Register Now through Oct 2 | Details

End of Summer Holdem Showdown $100,000 Guaranteed | Oxford Downs | Sept 8 - 21 | Details 

Estate Roadshow Jewelry Buying | Waterfront Inn | Sept 8 - 12 | Details

🚗 Car Show | Brownwood | Mon Sept 8 | 5 pm - 8 pm | Details

Small Group Lessons | Big Cypress Rec | Tue Sept 9 | 8 am | Details

🎷Jazz Lovers presents The Allan Vaché Swingtet | Laurel Manor Rec | Sept 9 | Details

⛳️ David’s Scoring Clinic | Lopez | Sept 10 | 8:30 am | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Only Full Swing Clinic | Palmer | Sept 10 | 9:30 pm | Details

🍺 Beer School 5 beer pairing w/ charcuterie’s | Ednas’ | Sept 10 | email [email protected]

⛳️ Joey’s Short Game Clinic | Sarasota | Sept 11 | 7:30 | Details

Parrot Head Club Blood Drive | Waterfront Inn | Gift cards and Patriot T shirt | Sept 11 | Details

🍷 4 Wine & Cheese Tasting | Ednas’ | Sept 13 | email: [email protected]

Donna Moore: Diva Legends | Old Mill Playhouse | Sept 15 | Details

Motown Boyz | Evans Prairie | Sept 25 | Details This is selling fast 🔥 

Tribute To Fleetwood Mac | Whispering Oaks | Sept 25 | Details + Tickets

Have an event you want to announce to 7,000+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Brought to you by: First Class Rides

Private Airport Transfers — First Class, Every Time
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Text or call your flight info to 443‑604‑6292 — we’ll confirm your pickup time.

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

That’s it for today’s Villages Pulse. Thanks for reading and being part of this community! Your clicks, votes, and shares keep it growing every week. If you enjoyed today’s edition, forward it to a neighbor or friend and spread the word. See you Thursday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,000+ local Villagers? Reach out here.