🌅 Good Morning, Villages. Remember the thrill of your very first set of car keys? This week we’re taking a spin down memory lane with a poll about your first ride, diving into the 1990s golf boom, and touring one jaw-dropping Pine Hills estate. Toss in a coastal getaway to Amelia Island and a lineup of live music, and we’ve got your Monday cruising along in style.

On this day in 1950 – U.S.-led forces under General Douglas MacArthur launched the daring amphibious landing at Inchon, turning the tide of the Korean War.

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Let’s dive in.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll Of The Week

Your first car or truck wasn’t just a ride — it was freedom. Let’s see what brand got you rolling back in the day.

🚗 Fun Fact
From the 1950s through the 1970s, Chevrolet and Ford ruled the road, with Pontiac, Plymouth, Dodge, and Buick close behind. But by the early 1980s, a lot of first-time drivers were climbing into smaller imports like Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas. For many Villagers in their mid-50s to 60s today, that first taste of freedom may have come with a Big Three classic — or one of the imports that would go on to reshape the American car market.

The Championship Courses of The Villages

A Villages Pulse Multi-Part Feature Series

Chapter 3 – The 1990s Boom: Glenview & the Rise of Village Golf

The 1990s were a decade of explosive growth for The Villages — and golf led the way. After Tierra Del Sol’s success, the developers moved quickly to expand championship play. Soon came Glenview Champions, a bold step forward with 27 holes and three distinct nines: Stirrup Cup, Fox Run, and Holly.

Glenview set the tone for what championship golf in The Villages could be — not just a place to play, but a hub of social life. Its country club became a hotspot for dining, weddings, and parties, where even non-golfers felt at home.

By the late 1990s, The Villages was already being recognized nationally as one of America’s fastest-growing golf destinations. Prospective residents often cited “all those golf courses” as a reason they chose The Villages.

The developers had tapped into something powerful: golf wasn’t just an amenity, it was the heartbeat of the lifestyle.

🏡Home Of The Week

🏡 A Pine Hills Masterpiece!

Every so often, a home comes along that makes you stop and say wow. This Grandview-4 in the Preserve at Pine Hills is that home—by far the most stunning, well-designed, and decorated, property I’ve seen in The Villages in a long time, if not ever.

With nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of luxury living, this four-bedroom, three-bath estate has it all: soaring ceilings, crown molding, plantation shutters, a dream chef’s kitchen (gas range, pot filler, apron sink), and a master suite that feels like a private resort. Step outside to your own paradise—pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and serene preserve views.

Best of all, the bond is paid. This is the pinnacle of Villages living.

Pulse Travel

🌊 3-Day Getaway to Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach

St. Augustine was super popular last week, so today we venture a little further north to Amelia Island, Florida’s hidden gem. Victorian charm meets pristine beaches. Whether you splurge at the Ritz-Carlton or tuck into a historic B&B, this coastal escape is all about slowing down, savoring seafood, and soaking in history.

Day 1 – Downtown Charm & Sunset Stroll

Check into the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (luxury oceanfront with spa and fine dining) or a charming Fernandina Beach B&B like the Fairbanks House. Spend your afternoon wandering Centre Street, packed with boutiques, art galleries, and Victorian architecture. Pop into the Amelia Island Museum of History for pirate tales and local lore. Dinner downtown at Timoti’s Seafood Shak, famous for fresh shrimp baskets. End your day with a sunset walk along the harbor.

Tip: Park once downtown and explore on foot—it’s all walkable.

Day 2 – Forts, Beaches & Outdoor Fun

Start at Fort Clinch State Park, a Civil War–era fortress with trails and beach access. Climb the ramparts for ocean views, then stroll under giant oaks draped in Spanish moss. Midday, head to Main Beach Park for sand, shells, and dolphin sightings. Adventurous? Try horseback riding on the beach or kayaking through salt marshes. Dinner at Salt, the Ritz-Carlton’s award-winning fine dining spot, or Burlingame Restaurant for fresh, seasonal, made from scratch fine dining in a restored 1940’s home.

Tip: Make reservations early, popular spots fill up.

Day 3 – Culture & Farewell Treats

Breakfast at Hola! Cuban Café for café con leche and guava pastries. Tour the Lightner-style Victorian mansions and check out the quirky Pinball Museum or browse antique shops. Before heading home, stop at Amelia Island Distillery or grab sweets from Fantastic Fudge.

If your getaway falls in early October, don’t miss the 2025 Island Hop Craft Beer & Spirits Fest in Fernandina Beach. This one-day event at Central Park (midway between historic downtown and the beach) delivers exactly what you want from a weekend escape: local flavor, live tunes, good drinks, and community vibes.

Where to Stay:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – luxury, beachfront ( such a beautiful and laid back beach), spa. I stay for free thanks to my Marriott credit card points.

• Fernandina Beach B&Bs – Victorian charm, walkable to downtown.

Pro Tip: Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds—perfect for those looking for a breezy coastal getaway.

Last Thursdays Favorite Cruise Poll Recap

Looks like my personal bias toward all-inclusive resorts got in the way of the poll! I definitely should’ve included Celebrity and Princess among the cruise lines. That one’s on me.

Anyways, Villagers have spoken - Royal Caribbean sails way ahead of the pack with 126 votes. Norwegian (35), Viking (31), and Celebrity (30, pulled from comments) round out the top four. Carnival was 5th at 24 votes, Princess picked up 15 votes in the comments.

🩺 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!!!”

Hearing Test: Protecting More Than Your Ears

Hearing loss can affect your brain too

Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression, and dementia risk. A hearing test measures your ability to hear tones and speech.

✅ Who should consider it: Everyone 60+, anyone turning up the TV or struggling in noisy places, those with tinnitus (ringing).

👉 Where/Who/Prescription: Available from audiologists, ENTs, or hearing aid centers. No prescription required.

💡 Takeaway: You never realize how much you weren’t hearing… until you finally hear what you were missing. Today’s hearing aids are small, discreet, and can transform daily life.

Upcoming Events

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

Estates Roadshow | Waterfront Inn | Sept 15 - 19 | Details

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

🏌️‍♀️Ladies Basics of Golf: Grip/Stance/setup | Palmer | Sept 16 | 9 am | Details

⛳️Ladies Putting & Chipping Clinic | Palmer | Sept 16 | 1:30 pm | Details

Square Dance Class | Ezell Rec | Tue Sept 16 | 6:30 pm | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Full Swing Clinic | Palmer | Sept 17 | 1:30 pm | Details

Tribute To Garth Brooks | Belle Glade CC | Sept 18 | Details

🧠 Learn & Grow Expo | Ezell Rec | Fri Sept 19 | 10 am | Details

Elvis Festival | Old Mill Theater | Sept 19 - 21 | Tickets + Details

🖼️Pop Up Art Exhibition | Old Mill Playhouse | Sept 22 & 23 | Details

🎸 Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | Whispering Oaks | Sept 25 | Details + Tickets

Have an event you want to announce to 7,100+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Brought to you by First Class Rides. Private, Relaxing, On Time Airport Transfers

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Thanks!

Thanks for riding along today — now toss the keys to a friend and share the Pulse!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 7,100+ local Villagers? Reach out here.