48 Hours on Amelia Island

If a relaxing beach getaway is something that your body is craving, then Amelia Island is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Between the gorgeous beaches, dolphin sightings, first-class golf courses, and the nice touch of history, this popular destination is one of the best options in all of Florida for a quick getaway.

And when you add in the fantastic collection of local restaurants to choose from, it’s actually hard to avoid having a Wonderful experience during a quick 48 hours on Amelia Island.

If you are thinking about planning your own getaway weekend to Amelia Island, this itinerary for a 48-hour adventure is one of the best ways to get to know this paradise by the sea.

Day One - Seafood, History, and Cucina South

Timoti’s Seafood Shak

Assuming that you are going to be hungry following your travel to Amelia Island, our first stop is going to be lunch at Timoti’s Seafood Shak. They are best-known for their seafood baskets, which come grilled, blackened, or fried. Then there are the other equally-delicious options like fresh fish tacos or a poke bowl.

Our lunch at Timoti’s is going to have us situated right in the heart of Amelia Island’s Historic District, so our first activity in town is going to be exploring that area a bit more. It’s hard not to appreciate all of the historic buildings you will find here in the downtown area, but the more time you take exploring the area, the more impressive you will find it to be.

For dinner on our first night, we are going to go with a casual Italian bistro meal from Cucina South. This place is all about doing your favorite Italian comfort food dishes the right way, and they always stock you up with plenty of salad and breadsticks.

Depending on how you feel at this point, it would be perfectly reasonable to call it a night and rest up for your second day on the island. However, if you are in the mood for a nightcap, the next place we are heading is The Green Turtle. This is a classic Florida-style tavern where you can always grab a pint or a cocktail and usually find some live music.

Day Two - Golf, Kayaks, and Salt

The Golf Club of Amelia Island

Our second day on Amelia Island is going to be all about enjoying the gorgeous natural beauty of the area. For some, that means scheduling a tee time at one of the dozens of local golf courses. For others, it is going to mean spending the morning kicking back on one of the area’s pristine beaches.

Whether you choose to enjoy the island from a golf course or a beach, everyone is going to love swinging through Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen for a delicious seafood lunch after a morning of fun in the sun. This one-time BBQ restaurant is now serving some of the most interesting seafood bites in all of Florida, so let yourself get adventurous here.

During the afternoon of our second day on Amelia Island, it is finally going to be time to get out on the water. There are plenty of options for kayak tours around the area, so pick the local company that seems most interesting to you and get your arms ready to paddle.

Following a full day of activities on Amelia Island, we are going to cap off the second day of our trip with a fabulous dinner reservation at Salt, which is located inside the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. You can choose from excellent selection of meat and seafood dishes here, or you can really get adventurous with one of the chef’s tasting menus.

If you are still in the mood for a few cocktails after dinner, we are going to make the most of the fact that we are already at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and explore the rest of the property. Whether you prefer the lobby bar or the pub, there is always room for a nightcap here.

Day Three - Fort Clinch, Brunch, and Shopping

This wouldn’t be a true Florida getaway without a visit to a historic state park, and the one to visit on Amelia Island is Fort Clinch. This is a popular destination for Civil War buffs, but it is also an awesome location to spot local wildlife like gopher tortoises and a wide range of native birds.

We always like to finish out our weekend getaways with a delicious brunch, and the place to do that on Amelia Island is definitely The Patio Place. Known as a bistro, wine bar, and creperie, this popular local spot serves up a dynamite brunch every weekend that you don’t want to miss.

Before we admit that our 48-hour getaway has come to an end, we are going to allow just enough time for a quick shopping spree. This might mean heading back to the area’s historic downtown district, or it could mean hitting up one of the local outlet malls. Either way, make sure that you get yourself something to remember your adventure on Amelia Island.

After spending a quick 48 hours enjoying everything that Amelia Island has to offer, you are going to be heading home with a relaxed attitude and a full stomach, which is the definition of success for one of these quick weekend getaways. When are you going to book your trip?

August Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

The dog days of summer have officially arrived here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have plenty of indoor fun and games to keep us busy as we make our way through the month of August.

Whether you are looking for fun social events, an opportunity to educate yourself, a fun golf experience that doesn’t require skill or sunblock, or just a delicious dinner special, we have thatyou covered on all counts with this month’s activities and events.

Let’s take a quick look at the calendar and highlight some of the exciting things happening around our community this month.

Social Events

The first big social event of the month will be a Comedy Night featuring Rahn Hortman in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, August 6. Rahn is a hysterical local guy from Tampa that you might have seen performing at The Improv, Sidesplitters, or the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.

Tasty Tuesday Trivia will be back in the Hampton Room for another installment on Tuesday, August 20 starting at 5:45 pm. This month’s trivia theme is “Music,” and the menu will include Boursin-Stuffed Chicken Breast and Sliced Sirloin Topped with Mushroom Sauce.

The biggest party of the summer will be Copacabana Night in the Hampton Room on Friday, August 23. Everything for this event will have a Latin feel to it, including the 8-piece Latin band on the stage and the Roasted Mojo Pork on the menu.

Friday, August 30 will be the first Farm Fresh Friday event in the Activity Center Parking Lot. Beasley Farms will be setting up a fresh produce stand right in our community, so don’t miss out on the chance to pick up some amazing produce straight from the farm.

Education

There will be a Crime Prevention Workshop in the Activity Center Auditorium on Wednesday, August 14 at 3 pm. As a part of this workshop, The Crime Prevention Task Force will be leading an open discussion addressing popular topics like identity theft and other scams.

Golf & Tennis

If you are looking to participate in a golf outing this month, The Meadows Course will be hosting the Awesome August Open on Saturday, August 4. There will be an 8:30 am shotgun start for this event, which is a great way to keep your competitive game fresh for the fall season.

Another way to keep your game crisp during the summer months is to participate in one of the Free Golf Clinics hosted by Golf Pro Mary Slinkard. This month, she will be working with beginners on August 5, 6, and 7. Then she will be back to work with intermediate golfers on August 13, 20, and 27.

Our golf community is also planning a fun event at TopGolf Tampa this month on Monday, August 19. Not only is a visit to TopGolf an exciting experience, but it is also one that comes with air conditioning, which makes it a perfect adventure for a Monday in August.

There will also be a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic at the Skyview Tennis Center on Tuesday, August 13 at 11:30 am. These clinics are always a fantastic opportunity to learn about all things tennis here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.

Dinner Specials

Not only is it going to be hot outside this month, but there is also going to be plenty of heat in the kitchen at Skyview Restaurant. They are planning an Italian Night on August 1, a Turkey Buffet on August 15, and a Hawaiian Night on August 29.

In addition to those specific dinner specials, don’t forget about the new Summer Faire menu that Skyview Restaurant is serving every Friday, or the Saturday night Prime Rib special.

Over on the other side, The Grille is planning a celebration for National Red Wine Day on August 28, and the Tiki Bar will be hosting a Karaoke Night on Tuesday, August 6.

BellaVita Spa

In addition to all of the events and activities happening around the community this month, BellaVita Spa is also offering a Swedish Massage Special and a Bioelements Herbology Facial all month long for anyone looking to beat the heat and relax for a bit.

It’s going to be a great, warm month here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, but we also have plenty of cool experiences on our Activities Calendar. Make sure that you make a point to get out of the house and enjoy some of these fun events.

July Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

The month of July is known for being hot and humid in Florida, but the activities and events happening here at the Villages of Citrus Hills might be even hotter than the weather this month.

Whether you are looking for fun social events, opportunities to explore arts and education, competition on the golf course or tennis court, or just a great meal, there is something for you on the July calendar.

Social Events

This month’s social calendar is going to kick off on Sunday, July 7 when 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band takes the stage at the Activity Center Auditorium as part of the Sizzlin’ Summer Show Series.

Tickets are going to go quickly for this one, so make sure you get yours soon.

The Hampton Room will be hosting a Comedy Night with Rick Corso on Thursday, July 11 with cocktails at 6 pm followed by the show starting at 7 pm. Rick is a nationally touring comedian who has been featured in Showtime’s Comedy Club All-Stars and Comedy Central’s “The A-List.”

The Hampton Room will also be hosting another installment of Tasty Trivia Tuesday. The competition will take place on July 16, and the menu this month will feature Beef Tips Marsala and Roast Pork with Cinnamon Apple Glaze with plenty of sides and dessert.

The Hampton Room is going to close out the month with a wild time when DJ Butch Phillips shows up for the Hampton Hoedown on Friday, July 26.

This country-style dancing event will be a super casual party that includes lessons for all of your favorite line dances.

Arts & Education

Lunch & Learn is going to be back in the Garden Room on Tuesday, July 9 at 12 pm. This month's guest will be author Kelly Spence Cain, and the meal will include a Spinach Salad topped with Grilled Chicken Breast and Fresh Strawberries.

The Garden Room will also be hosting the Ageless Beauty Luncheon with Marie Grace on Tuesday, July 23. Marie will be discussing “Flawless Foundation Highlights & Contour” while everyone attending enjoys a Citrus Chicken Salad.

Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball

The Meadows Course is going to be the focal point of the golf action this month when it hosts the Firecracker Open on Saturday, July 6. Like all of the open tournaments at Citrus Hills, this will be a relaxed event that also includes lunch and beverages following the round.

If you are looking to step up your golf game this month, you might want to think about attending one of PGA/LPGA Pro Mary Slinkard’s Free Golf Clinics. Mary will be working with beginners on July 8, 9, and 10. Then she will be back to fine-tune intermediate golfers on July 16, 23, and 30.

Speaking of clinics, the Skyview Tennis Center will be hosting their monthly Free Beginners Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, July 9 at 11:30 am. You don’t even need to own your own racket to show up and have a great time at this event, but you might find yourself buying one after learning some of the fundamentals.

Pickleball is being promoted as “the fastest growing sport in America,” and that is certainly the case here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. You can learn all about this fun and exciting game by attending Pickleball 101 on the first Tuesday of the month at 1 pm or the third Thursday of the month at 6 pm.

Dinner Specials

The Fourth of July is obviously the biggest holiday event of the month, and Skyview Restaurant and The Grille are both going to be putting out impressive spreads. You can celebrate with entrees like Memphis Blues Ribs, Honey Barbecue Chicken, and Firecracker Grilled Salmon at Skyview from 12 pm to 4 pm, or you can head down to The Grille for similar specials and live music from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Skyview Restaurant is also going to be running “Summer Faire” specials every Friday night throughout the month of July that will include options like Roasted Cod, Baby Back Ribs, Butcher’s Block Beef Tips, and Aztec Chicken.

And you won’t want to miss National Hot Dog Day at The Grille on Wednesday, July 17. They will be serving up hot dog meals from 5 pm to 8 pm, and there will be a full toppings bar so you can create any kind of dog you like.

BellaVita Spa and Fitness

In between all of the fun things happening around the community this month, you might also want to book some time for self-care at BellaVita Spa. Their specials for the month include the BellaVita Flawless Facial and a Swedish Massage Special.

For what is traditionally considered to be a slower time of year here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, there is actually quite a bit on the schedule throughout the entire month. Make sure that you mark down your favorite options so that you don’t miss out on the fun!

November Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

It feels like just last week that things finally started cooling off from the summer months, but believe it or not, we are already rolling right into November and the start of the holiday season. And just like every month here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, the hard workers at the Activity Center have put together an activities and events calendar that is packed with fun things to keep you busy. 

Whether you are looking for fun social events to enjoy with friends, competitive golf and tennis tournaments, or just some great dinner specials, we have it all on our calendar this month. Let's jump in and take a closer look at some of the highlights that you aren't going to want to miss in November.  

Social Events

The first big social event of the month will be the Veterans Day Dinner Dance in the Hampton Room on Sunday, November 11. The cash bar will open up at 5:30 pm with a buffet featuring Bourbon Salmon and Thinly Sliced Prime Rib following at 6:30 pm. There will also be live music by Lisa Beck from Rock Solid.  

On Tuesday, November 13, the Hampton Room will be hosting a dinner show that features vocalists Mary Jo Vitale and Clark Barrios performing your favorite hits from artists like Michael Buble, Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, and Barbara Streisand. The dinner menu will include Prime Rib, Boursin-Stuffed Chicken, Green Beans Almondine, and Oven-Roasted Potatoes.  

The Shabbat Dinner Club will be meeting in the Garden Room on Friday, November 16 starting at 5:30 pm. This month, the meal will include your choice of Sliced Sirloin in Mushroom Sauce or Broiled Salmon in a Sherry Shallot Cream Sauce.

Auto enthusiasts won't want to miss the Third Annual Citrus Hills Car & Truck Show in the Activity Center Parking Lot on Sunday, November 18. This is going to be an all-day event running from 9 am through 3 pm, and it will feature great food, live music, and trophies for all of the best rides. 

Our local trivia buffs will be back in action on Tuesday, November 20 in the Hampton Room. This month, dinner will include Shepherd's Pie, Roast Pork Loin Dijonase, Rice Pilaf, and Broccoli with Red Pepper and Shallots.  

We will be closing out the month with one of the most popular events of the year. On Tuesday, November 27, the Hampton Room will be hosting the 14th Annual Holiday Boutique, which is the perfect place to buy all of those unique craft item gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.

 Golf & Tennis 

The Giving Thanks Open on Saturday, November 3 will be the first golf event of the month. There will be Men's, Ladies', Mixed, and Couples divisions with lots of food and beer available following the event at Citrus Hills.

Meanwhile, the Skyview courses will be hosting a Veterans Day Scramble on Sunday, November 11 and a two-day Major Event Men's Better Ball Tournament on November 27 and 28.  

Of course, if you are interested in ramping up your golf game, you can always attend one of the free golf clinics hosted by PGA/LPGA Teaching Professional Mary Slinkard. Clinics for beginners will be held on November 5, 6, and 7. Then, there will be clinics for intermediate golfers on November 13, 20, and 27.

Any tennis players who are interested in hitting the golf course will be thrilled to hear about the Tennis Players Golf Tournament at Skyview on Sunday, November 4. Players can choose to play either 9 or 18 holes, and there is a big party planned at the Tripp's house after the tournament.  

There will also be a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic for anyone interested in learning the basics of the game. All you have to do is show up at the Skyview Tennis Center wearing a pair of tennis shoes on Tuesday, November 13 and everything else will be handled for you.  

Dinner Specials 

The biggest dinner special of the year will be the Thanksgiving Dinner Specials at Skyview Restaurant and The Grille on Thursday, November 22. Both restaurants will be serving dinner from 12 pm to 5 pm with Skyview Restaurant putting together a four-course, choose-your-own-adventure-style meal and The Grille serving up a traditional Thanksgiving food buffet.  

Skyview Restaurant is also going to be the place to stop on the other four Thursdays in November when they will be running a unique Tapas Menu of small plates like Roasted Brussel Sprouts Trio, Grilled Lamb Chops, Fall Shrimp Scampi, and Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli.  

In addition to all of the great activities and events happening around our community this month, you also might want to take advantage of specials like a V-Neck Soothing Facial or a Pumpkin Spice Spa Pedicure at BellaVita Spa.  

And if you are already planning ahead for December, don't forget about the big trip to Tampa to see the Buccaneers on Sunday, December 2 or the exciting New Year's Eve party that will be happening in the Hampton Room!

September Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Labor Day Weekend has finally arrived, and we are ready to put the summer heat behind us and move into the cooler autumn months here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. For our residents, that means that the activities and events calendar is filling up with all kinds of fun things that you want to be aware of.

Whether we are talking about exciting social events, golf and tennis competitions, or great dinner specials at our community restaurants, there is constantly something to do throughout the month of September. Let's take a closer look at some of the major activities and events this month!

Social Events

The September social calendar is going to kick off in the Activity Center Auditorium on Friday, September 7 with an End of Summer Dance Party that will have everyone movin' and groovin'. Second Slice will be on stage performing a variety of hits that will keep

members and their guests boogying all night long.

There will be a Crime Prevention Workshop in the Activity Center Auditorium on Monday, September 10 at 1 pm. This workshop will be led by former law enforcement officers in our community, and it will provide insight into helping citizens be more aware of potential threats.

Tasty Trivia Tuesday is also back this month with a night of random knowledge in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, September 18. Dinner for this event will include Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast and Sliced Sirloin in Mushroom Sauce along with salad, sides, and dessert.

Another big event in the Hampton Room this month will be stand-up comedian Carl Guerra hosting a Comedy Dinner Show on Wednesday, September 26. You won't want to miss this high-energy comedy act, or the delicious meal that will be served with the performance.

September also marks the end of the baseball season, but the Citrus Hills Vacationers Club has one big trip to see the Tampa Bay Rays left on the calendar for the 2018 season. On Thursday, September 27, they will be taking a bus down to Tropicana Field to see the Rays host the surging New York Yankees.

Golf & Tennis

The big golf event of September will be happening right at the beginning of the month on Saturday, September 1 when The Oaks Course at Citrus Hills hosts the Labor Day Open. Beverages and lunch will be provided after this fun holiday event, and you can get more information in the pro shop.

There will also be free golf clinics hosted by Mary Slinkard happening throughout the month of September. And no matter where your game is at this time of year, everyone could use a little tweaking heading into the big October events like the Skyview Member-Member Tournament, the Citrus Hills Ghost Open, and the Skyview Men's Club Championship.

The Skyview Tennis Center will be hosting its monthly Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, September 11 at 11 am. If you are thinking about getting into tennis this fall, this is the perfect opportunity to get some free coaching to improve your game in a hurry.

Dinner Specials

The big dinner event at Skyview Restaurant this month will be the South American Wine Dinner on Tuesday, September 11. This fun dinner will feature four separate courses that are each paired with a unique South American wine, but it is limited to 50 guests, so make sure you make your reservations fast!

The Tiki Bar will also be pulling out all the stops this month with impressive dinner specials on Wednesdays this month like a Seafood Boil Night on September 12, a Gourmet Mac & Cheese Night on

September 19, and a Barbecue Rib Night on September 26.

And don't forget that the Tiki Bar is the place to be for all the college football and NFL action when it kicks off this month!

BellaVita Spa

With everything happening around the Villages of Citrus Hills this month, it might be hard to find any time to yourself. But if you can manage to find some quiet time, you'll want to check out the Detox Stem Cell

Facial special happening all month long at BellaVita Spa.

And while you have your calendars open, check out what you have planned for New Year's Eve, because tickets for the New Year's Eve Gala in the Hampton Room go on sale September 1!