🌅 Hey There, Villagers! This week we’re spotlighting your favorite entertainment squares, cooling off with a classy day trip, and taking a look back at how Brownwood got its cowboy charm. Plus, we're testing the waters for a group bus trip, and showing you another $Million open house. Did you know: It’s National Day of Rock & Roll, and (coincidentally?) all three main squares feature Rock bands tonight!

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In today’s Villages Pulse:

• Favorite Square for Entertainment?

• Chapter 4 of The Villages History

• Cool and Comfortable Day Trip

• Want To Go on a Bus Trip?

• and much more!

Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll Of The Week

Four squares, endless vibes — which one’s your go-to for dancing, live music, and top-tier people-watching?
Tell us your favorite Villages entertainment spot — we’re curious who's got the best groove!

Business Briefs

Local businesses you should know

The Rose Plantation – Fruitland Park

Step back in time at The Rose Plantation, a charming family-run restaurant nestled in a beautifully restored 1920s mansion. Known for elegant Southern-inspired dining, attentive service, and a peaceful lakeside setting, it’s a favorite for special occasions or a refined night out. Just minutes from The Villages, it offers a warm, personal touch you won’t find at chain restaurants. Reservations recommended!

Have a favorite local business you want to give a shout out to? Hit Reply and let us know!

Villages History

Chapter 4: Brownwood Paddock Square – The Cattle Town Charm

The Story Gallops Forward…

By 2010, The Villages was a juggernaut, with homes pushing south past CR 466A. On October 12, 2012, Brownwood Paddock Square opened in Sumter County, off County Road 44, as the third town square. Themed as an 1800s Florida cattle town, it featured rustic log cabins, a Dog Trot Porch for music, and a nod to the state’s cowboy heritage. The square’s “Old World Florida” vibe, with cowpoke statues and faux historical plaques, was a hit. A weekly farmers’ market and the 151-room Brownwood Hotel & Spa (opened later) added flair. By 2014, The Villages hit 115,000 residents, and Brownwood became the southern hub, drawing newcomers like cattle to a watering hole.

Quirky Facts & History

• Cowboy Roots: Brownwood’s theme honors Florida’s Cracker cowboys, who herded cattle with whips in the 1800s. A statue of a cow named “Bessie” greets visitors, and locals joke she’s the square’s unofficial mayor.

• Entertainment Epic: The Log Cabin Stage hosts 365 nights of music, but in 2013, a band’s overzealous fog machine set off the fire alarm, sending golf carts scattering!

• Infrastructure Milestone: Brownwood cost $20 million, with 500,000 square feet of shops and restaurants. The nearby Brownwood Bridge, a golf cart overpass over SR 44, opened in 2020, easing traffic.

• Political Spotlight: In 2020, Vice President Mike Pence spoke to 1,100 supporters at Brownwood, joking about joining a Villages pickleball league. Trump also visited, calling it “paradise.”

Impact on Success

Brownwood Paddock Square was a catalyst for southern growth, anchoring the area south of CR 466A. Its opening spurred 10,000 new homes in villages like Fenney and Briarwood, pushing the population past 60,000. The square’s farmers’ market and hotel drew tourists, boosting local businesses (95% occupancy by 2015). Its cowboy theme resonated with retirees, many from rural backgrounds, fostering community pride. The square also eased congestion at northern squares, balancing The Villages’ social scene. By 2014, The Villages was the fastest-growing metro area in the U.S., thanks partly to Brownwood’s draw.

The Land Before

The Brownwood site was once a cattle ranch in Sumter County, part of the vast prairies where Florida cowboys drove herds to Tampa in the 1800s. Nearby Wildwood, dubbed “the transportation hub,” grew around the Florida Railway in the 1880s, shipping limestone and citrus. The area was so rural that locals relied on hunting and fishing, with tales of panthers prowling the pines. By the 1900s, small farms dotted the landscape, but the land remained untamed.

Effect of the Square

Brownwood gave The Villages a Southern identity, appealing to retirees craving rustic charm. Its success proved the town square model could adapt to new themes, keeping the community vibrant. The square’s infrastructure, including bridges and recreation centers, supported rapid growth, while its entertainment cemented The Villages’ reputation as a retiree haven. It also brought Wildwood into the fold, annexing land for new villages.

Next Week: Development Along The Turnpike, And South Of It.

Miss Previous Chapters? Read them here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Day Trips From The Villages

It’s getting hot and humid for summer time day trips so I thought I’d share a cool indoor day trip this week. Also, check out the bus trip poll below this section!

🎨 Appleton Museum of Art – A Cultural Oasis

The Appleton Museum of Art is an ideal, climate‑controlled escape for Villagers looking to spend a refreshing summer day immersed in creativity and culture. The grand travertine‑marble building sits on 11+ acres, with landscaped grounds and outdoor sculpture walkways that blend elegantly with indoor galleries.

🏛️ What It’s All About
Affiliated with the College of Central Florida, the museum houses over 24,000 works—including European, American, Asian, African, Islamic, Contemporary, Pre‑Columbian, Maritime, and local Florida art. Highlights include the world-renowned Equine Art collection (fitting for Ocala’s Horse Capital!), pre‑Columbian artifacts, nautical scenes, and works by favorites like Rodin, Whistler, Calder, and Rauschenberg.

👥 Who Should Go
Art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates beautifully presented exhibitions will enjoy this trip. It’s accessible and walker‑friendly, with complimentary wheelchairs, elevators, free Wi‑Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere.

🚗 Getting There
Address: 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470.
Access via I‑75 Exit 352 to SR‑40, then east 7 miles

💵 Admission & Best Day to Visit
Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun 12–5 (closed Mon).

• Adults: $10; Seniors (55+): $8; Youth (6–17): $5; kids 5 & under free
  Tip: Visit on a Free First Saturday (e.g. those in July or August) to enjoy complimentary admission, live performances like jazz concerts, and art‑making in ArtSpace .

🎯 Highlights & Practical Tips

• Six distinct permanent collection galleries + rotating exhibitions

• Outdoor sculpture garden & tranquil courtyard fountain

• ArtSpace offers interactive art for adults and drop‑in workshops

• Café and store offer shaded comfort and unique gifts

• Free parking, ADA‑friendly layout, sensory kits, and glasses available

Group Travel Poll

Interested in Organized Group Trips?

Several readers have asked about group bus trips for Villages Pulse subscribers. I’m not a travel agent, but I’m happy to organize something based on your interests. First, I’m running a quick poll to see if there’s real interest. If enough of you are in, I’ll follow up with a survey to find out where you’d like to go first.

Several suggested a trip to the Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theater—great shows, great food, and solid group discounts. Another idea was group cruises, as well as group theater in Orlando, such as the Dr. Philips Center.

But first things first—are you interested?

Open House Of The Week

2217 Isleworth Cir | Ask: $1,100,000 | Open House: Jul 8 & 10, 1 - 3 PM

Looking to upsize? Check out this home nestled in the sought-after Villages of Pinellas, this stunning Premier Williamsburg home offers 2,683 sq ft of luxury living. Designed for entertaining, it features spacious rooms with crown molding, a gourmet kitchen with granite counters and roll-out cabinetry, and an enclosed lanai with remote blinds, a mini bar, and ice maker. With a transferable home warranty through May 2030 and no pool maintenance headaches, because there isn’t one!

Upcoming Events

Shirley’s Senior(50+) No Limit Holdem | Oxford Downs | Mon Jul 7 | 11:15am | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Basics Of Golf | Palmer Legends | Jul 8 | 9 am | Details

🦵Kickboxing Joanie Fit | Sawgrass Grove | Wed Jul 9 | 9 - 10 am | Details

No Limit Hold’em $10 Bounty | Oxford Downs | Wed Jul 9 | 11:15 am | Details

🏌️ Joey’s Short Game Clinic | Sarasota Practice | Jul 10 | 7:30 am | Details

🏓 Pickleball Shot of The Day Advanced Clinic | Oxford Downs | Thu Jul 10 | 5:30 - 7:30 | Details (4 of 12 spots left)

⛳️ Putt, Chip & Pitch Clinic | Sarasota | Jul 11 | 8:30 am | Details

🎸 Yacht Rock Gold Experience | Reilly Center Ocala | Jul 12 | 7:30 pm | Details/Tix

🍸️ Mixology Class - Classic Cocktails | Legacy Restaurant | Jul 12 | 1 PM | Register

🎻 Midsummer Night Music with Villages Philharmonic Orchestra | Temple Shalom | July 13 | 7 pm | Tickets

🏌️‍♀️ David’s Full Swing Clinic | Lopez Legacy Clinic | Mon Jul 14 | 8:30 am | Details

🍽️ Cooking Class | Legacy Restaurant | Tue Jul 15 | 12 pm or 2:30 pm 

🎹 Dueling Pianos Villagers For Veterans | Old Mill Playhouse | Jul 15 | Tickets

Events Further Out

Free: Kenny Rogers Tribute Show w/ Tim Sells | Grand Oaks | Jul 18 & 19 | Details

🎙️ Just Two Old Friends | Tribute to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers | Belle Glade CC | July 17 | Details

🎤 In the Air Tonight: Phil Collins & Genesis | Reilly Center | Jul 18 | Details/Tix

🤣 Stand Up Comedy Night | Old Mill Playhouse | Jul 19 | Tickets

⁉️Murder Mystery: Buying The Farm | Bistro Grand Oaks | Jul 24 | Tickets

Sip & Dip Pool Party - All you can eat grill station | Brownwood Hotel | Jul 26 | Details

Have an event you want to announce to 5,400+ local Villagers? Email us the details at [email protected]

Brought to you by: First Class Rides

Private Airport Transfers — First Class, Every Time
Skip the stress and ride in comfort. First Class Rides offers direct, private service from your door in The Villages to Orlando, Sanford, and Tampa airports — all in a comfortable Mercedes GLC300.

No crowds. No stops. Just smooth, reliable travel when timing matters most.

Text your flight info to 443‑604‑6292 — we’ll confirm your pickup time.

Weather

Monday: 88 🌡️ 74| ⛈️ | 50% | 🌬️ SW 5 mph

Tuesday: 91 🌡️ 74 | ☀️ | 50% | 🌬️ W 5 mph

Wednesday 90 🌡️ 73 | ☀️ | 60% | 🌬️ Light winds

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading Villages Pulse today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves bus trips. See ya Thursday.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 5,400+ Villagers? Email us at [email protected]