October Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Just like that, the calendar is changing again, and we are making our way into the fourth quarter of the year. It feels like the whole year has flown by, but we certainly have had a lot of fun here at the Villages of Citrus Hills so far in 2017.

If you thought the calendar was filled with fun activities over the past few months, you are going to be astounded by what the month of October has to offer. We are officially into autumn, and that means that we have lots of pumpkin-spiced fall events planned throughout the entire month!

Social Events

This month's Trivia Challenge will be a special Halloween edition in the Hampton Room on Thursday, October 17. Dinner will include Bourbon Salmon and Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Chicken, and there will also be a costume contest for anyone who wants to participate.

The Shabbat Dinner Club will have their monthly dinner on Friday, October 27 in the Garden Room. The meal will feature a choice of Pan-Seared Salmon or Chicken Marsala, and it will be a great opportunity to get to know some of your neighbors on a more personal level.

Residents who are really looking to get into the fall spirit will want to make sure they make reservations for the trip to The Pickin' Patch in Dunnellon on Saturday, October 28. This quaint little farm is a must visit for anyone who loves pumpkin patches, and there will also be a stop at The Front Porch for lunch on the way back.

The Citrus Hills Vacationers club is always planning a few months ahead, and right now they are taking reservations for anyone who wants to attend Tampa Bay Lightning games on December 7 and March 6. Tickets for each game include round-trip transportation, and they can be purchased by calling the Activity Center.

Arts & Entertainment

On Tuesday, October 10, the Speaker Series will be hosting The Crime Prevention Task Force for a discussion on "Helping Citizens Be Aware." The workshop will take place in the Activity Center at 1 pm.

All of our crafters will want to be sure to attend the Sign Painting Workshop in the Activity Center on Wednesday, October 11 from 2 pm to 5 pm. Heavenly Colors will be bringing everything you need to create a beautiful sign to hang in your home, so the only thing that you need to bring is your creativity.

Lunch & Learn will be back on Tuesday, October 24 in the Garden Room. This month, guest speaker Ann Marie Simonelli will be discussing how we can work the idea of healthy aging into our everyday lives. There will be a delicious chicken salad lunch served as well.

Golf & Tennis

Golf is definitely going to be heating up this month with the Citrus Hills Ghost Open on October 7, the 2017 Skyview Men's Club Championship scheduled for October 23 and 24, and the Citrus Hills Couples Championship on October 27.

In addition to those big tournaments, there will be a Taylor Made Demo Day at Skyview on October 12 from 9 am to 2 pm. You can also get some help to improve your game at the Free Golf Clinics with Mary Slinkard on October 2, 3, and 4 for beginners, and October 10, 17, and 24 for intermediate golfers.

Over at the Skyview Tennis Center, there will be a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, October 10 at 11 am. After improving your skills this month, you will be ready to go for the Burger Bash Tennis Social scheduled for November 5.

Dinner Specials

The Tiki Bar will be hosting Alfresco Starry Night on Thursday, October 12. Guests that evening will have their choice of Seared Nebraska Trout, Hazelnut-Crusted Duck Breast, Filet Mignon, or Tuscany Shrimp Pasta. There will also be live entertainment to enjoy from Snap Dare.

The big event at Skyview Restaurant will be Brewvival on Tuesday, October 24 from 5 pm to 8 pm. This dinner and beer tasting event will feature a delicious five-course meal where each course is perfectly paired with a different specialty beer.

We are now well into the NFL season, and no matter who you root for, all football fans are welcome on Sundays at the Tiki Bar. There are great food and drink specials from 1 pm to 8 pm every week, and thanks to Direct TV's NFL Sunday Ticket, all of the games are available!

Spa & Fitness

Our friends over at BellaVita Spa have also gotten into the fall spirit. They will be having Pumpkin Spice Oil Massage and Pumpkin Facial specials throughout the entire month of October. So, if you happen to find yourself with some free time between all of the activities and events this month, make an appointment to pamper yourself!

 

For the full schedule of all the activities and events for October please click into the link below for our Connections Newsletter.

http://www.citrushillsgolfandcountryclub.com/userfiles/file/October%202017%20Connections%20ONLINE.pdf

September Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

While most residents here at the Villages of Citrus Hills don't have to worry about back to school shopping, the end of summer does represent a return to our normal routine here throughout the community. Many of our friends that head north during the warmer months will be returning soon, and the activities calendar is overflowing with fun ideas to keep all of us busy in the coming month of September.

Whether you are looking for social events to interact with friends, arts and education activities that are sure to stimulate your mind, exercise through golf and tennis, or just a great meal to enjoy, the September calendar has a lot for you to explore. Let's take a closer look at some of the activities and events happening around the community this month!

Social Events

The first big event of September will be the Summer Bazaar & Ice Cream Social at the Activity Center from 1 pm to 5 pm on Friday, September 8. DJ Benny Cruz will be playing music poolside, and there will also be several local vendors selling products inside…not to mention plenty of homemade ice cream!

Another poolside event that you won't want to miss will be the Flicks & Floats night on Friday, September 15. This month, the movie is Sully. As usual, there will be plenty of refreshments available, including buttery popcorn. Just make sure that you remember to bring your favorite float!

This month's Trivia Challenge will be held on Tuesday, September 19 in the Hampton Room. In addition to the thrilling battle of the minds, there will also be a dinner that includes Roast Pork with Cinnamon Apple Glaze and Beef Stroganoff.

On Thursday, September 28, the entire community will be on hand for the White Party Summer Social. This will be the unofficial end of the summer here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, and everyone is encouraged to come wearing all white and enjoy music and drinks by the pool.

If you are looking to attend some sporting events, the Activity Center is planning a trip to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New York Giants on Sunday, October 1. You can also reserve your tickets for the trips the Vacationers Club is planning to see the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 7 and March 6. 

Arts & Education

The Citrus Hills Vacationers Club will be sponsoring a trip to Clearwater to see Mama Won't Fly on Saturday, September 16. Tickets for this event are $85 per person, and that includes round-trip transportation, lunch before the show, and a ticket to the performance.

Guest speaker Steven K. Davis will be speaking about how we can attract wildlife to our gardens for this month's Lunch & Learn event, which will be held in the Garden Room on Tuesday, September 26. Lunch for this event will include a Harvest Chicken Salad and Cheesecake with Melba Sauce for dessert.

The Citrus Hills Vacationers Club will be having their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 27 at 4:30 pm in the Activity Center Auditorium. Davis Holmwood from Amadeus River Cruises will be speaking about some amazing cruises along the Black Sea in Europe.

Golf & Tennis

September is typically a month where the best golfers in our community spend their time getting ready for all the big tournaments and events scheduled for the month of October. One great way to get your game ready for those events is to participate in a free clinic with Golf Pro Wayne Larsen. This month, Wayne will be holding beginner clinics on September 4, 5, and 6 and then intermediate clinics on September 12, 19, and 26.

And if watching the US Open has you itching to get out on the tennis court, one of the best ways to start is to attend the Free Beginner Tennis Clinic at the Skyview Tennis Center on September 12 at 11 am.  The only thing required to participate is a pair of tennis shoes!

Dinner Specials

Both Skyview Restaurant and The Grille will be putting together special meals to celebrate Labor Day on Monday, September 4. Skyview Restaurant will be serving a BBQ menu that features St. Louis Style Ribs and Flame-Grilled London Broil, while out at The Grille you can find a buffet of Flank Steak, Spicy Lemon Shrimp, and Split Roasted Chicken.

Skyview Restaurant is also planning a Wine Tasting event for September 12 and a Hawaiian Luau for September 26. Then there will be an Irish Night event at The Grille on September 14 and an End of Summer Cookout at the Tiki Bar on September 21.

We are also right around the corner from a brand-new NFL season, and football fans will want to be sure they make it to the Tiki Bar for drink, appetizer, and food specials on every football Sunday.

With all the activities and events happening this month, you might have a hard time finding any time for yourself. But if you’re able to, take advantage of the Chocolate Almond Spa Pedicure special that BellaVita Spa is running all month long!

Enjoy Your September!

Home Walkthrough: The St. Christopher

With features like a wide-open floor plan, a huge master suite, and a kitchen fit for just about any chef, it’s clear right from the start that the St. Christopher measures up to the level of quality you have come to expect from the Villages of Citrus Hills.

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom boasts just short of 2,000 square feet of living space that could not be more perfectly configured. Let's head inside one of the newest floor plans available at the Villages of Citrus Hills and take a look around!

Entering the St. Christopher

The primary entrance to the St. Christopher is right between the two-car garage and guest bedroom. As you make your way through the front door, you will find yourself in a small entryway with the dining room off to one side and the guest bedroom and bathroom off to the other side.  

Before heading straight back into the great room, let's take a quick detour into the guest bedroom to appreciate the way the curved front of the house creates a bay window feel that makes this room unique.

There is also a study area just behind the guest bedroom and guest bathroom that will be the perfect place to create your own private library or crafting area. You could also choose to utilize this space as more of an extension of the great room. 

 

 

The Heart of the St. Christopher

The heart of the St. Christopher is the massive space in the center of the house that includes the great room, kitchen, and breakfast nook. The great room in our model pictured here includes an impressive built-in section along one wall that will be the perfect focal point for hanging a large flat screen TV.

That TV will be visible from everywhere in the great room, as well as the kitchen and breakfast nook, so the enormous island separating the kitchen from the great room will likely become the true center of the home. Enjoying your morning coffee will always be a treat as you gaze out the back windows looking at the optional screened-in lanai and pool.

 

The Master Suite

Just off the back of the great room is where you will find the entrance to your new master suite. That entrance takes you right into the master bedroom, which is a long, rectangle shape with windows looking out into the back yard. Making your way through the master suite, you will find a short hallway with his and hers closets on either side that leads right into the master bathroom.

The master bathroom in the St. Christopher is truly an oasis where you will find his and hers sinks and one of the most spectacular showers you have ever seen. This amazing shower features floor to ceiling tile that will take your breath away every time you step into it.

With two unique bedrooms, lots of space in the great room and kitchen, and a fabulous backyard space, the St. Christopher delivers value on multiple levels. That makes it a welcome addition to the collection of homes available at the Villages of Citrus Hills.

August Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

The hot and sticky month of August has arrived, but the activities and events calendar here at the Villages of Citrus Hills is packed with plenty of cool things to do throughout the month.

Whether you are looking for exciting social events, fun opportunities to learn, clinics for improving your golf or tennis game, or just a great meal with friends, we have got you covered with everything happening around the community this month. Let's take a closer look at some of the exciting activities and events coming your way in the month of August!

Social Events

The August social events will kick off with the Citrus Hills Cruise-In on Friday, August 11 in the Tiki Bar parking lot. Sponsored by the Citrus MOPARS, this event is completely free to attend, and will feature all of the very best muscle and sports cars from around the community.

The next edition of our monthly Trivia Challenge will be held on Tuesday, August 15 in the Hampton Room. This month, the dinner menu will include Baked Haddock, Chicken Parmesan, Penne Pasta with Garlic, and lots of veggie and dessert options. Dinner starts at 5:45 pm and the trivia fun will follow around 6:30 pm.

It wouldn't be summer in the Villages of Citrus Hills without a Flicks & Floats party at the Activity Center Pool. This month's movie night is set for Friday, August 18, and the movie will be The Accountant starring Ben Affleck as a brilliant but lethal numbers wizard.

There will be plenty of buttery popcorn available, but you can also get 10% off of a meal at Skyview Restaurant or The Grille by showing your tickets for this event!

The biggest party of the summer will definitely be the 10th Annual Copacabana Night on Friday, August 25 in the Hampton Room. This year, the event will feature a menu of Cuban Pulled Pork, Chicken and Red Peppers in Garlic Wine Sauce, and some delicious sides.

There will also be salsa lessons and a live orchestra, so this is one summer party that you don't want to miss out on.

Arts & Education

The new Coffee Shop will be holding an Interactive Reading event on Tuesday, August 8 from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. Local author Ronnie Allen will be present for a group reading of her first novel, Gemini: The Sign Behind the Crime. There will also be a Q&A and book signing after the reading.

On Saturday, August 12, the Citrus Hills Vacationers Club will be taking a group trip down to Tampa to see Motown The Musical at the Straz Performing Arts Center. Tickets to this event are $125 and include orchestra seating and round-trip transportation to the event.

The Citrus Hills Vacationers Club is also planning a trip to St. Petersburg to see The Chihuly Glass Collection by artist Dale Chihuly at The Morean Arts Center. In addition to exploring the glassblowing exhibit, there will be plenty of time to venture out and see other popular St. Petersburg attractions.

There will be a Lunch & Learn event in the Garden Room on Thursday, August 31 at 12:30 pm with guest speaker Lisa Dider discussing American Madams (1870-1910). Lunch for this talk will include a Caprese Chicken Sandwich and Pasta Salad, followed by a slice of Strawberry Cloud Cake.

Golf & Tennis

The big golf event of August will be the Southern-Sky Two Person Championship that will start at Skyview at Terra Vista on Saturday, August 26 and conclude at Southern Hills Plantation Club on Sunday, August 27. If you would like to participate in this unique pairs tournament that covers two different courses, you must register with the Skyview Pro Shop by August 14.

If you are looking to improve your golf game during the month, you should definitely make a point to attend Golf Pro Wayne Larsen's Free Golf Clinics. This month, Wayne will be working with beginners on August 7, 8, and 9. Then he will be back to work with intermediate golfers on August 15, 22, and 29.

Anyone looking to learn the basics of tennis is welcome to attend the Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, August 8 at 11 am. As always, the only thing required to attend this clinic is a pair of tennis shoes. The Skyview Tennis Center will be happy to loan you a racket for the clinic.

Dinner Specials

 Skyview Restaurant has some exciting Tuesday night dinner specials planned for the month of August. You won't want to miss their Greek Night on August 12 or the Asian Feast on August 29.

Both dinners are scheduled to start at 5 pm and run through 8 pm.

It's all about mixers over at the Tiki Bar, and they will be mixing it up this month with block parties for Cambridge Greens on August 3, Canterbury Lakes on August 17, and Celina Hills on August 31. They will also be hosting a Singles Social Happy Hour on Tuesday, August 29 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

If those mixers and the warm weather aren't enough to get you to the Tiki Bar this month, you might want to visit for their Beers Around the World special on Thursday, August 24 or the Fantasy of Flights Wine Night on Tuesday, August 29.

If you are interested in pampering yourself, you might want to try a Citrus Surprise Spa Pedicure at the BellaVita Spa.

With all of the exciting things happening around our community during the month of August, there is absolutely no reason not to get out of the house and have some fun!

Visiting Dinosaur World in Tampa

Many benefits come with living just north of a city like Tampa, and one such benefit is that residents of the Villages of Citrus Hills never have to worry about finding fun and exciting activities to keep visiting children occupied. Whether we are talking about kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or just good friends, one of the coolest places to take any visiting children is Dinosaur World.

This awe-inspiring 20-acre facility is located just east of Tampa in Plant City, which is also known for hosting the Florida Strawberry Festival each and every March. Here you will find more than 200 life-sized dinosaur models, as well as an overwhelming amount of educational information on all things prehistoric.

Getting to Dinosaur World

The fastest way to get to Dinosaur world is to take US-41 south towards Tampa and then use US-98 to connect to I-75 and continue heading south. As I-75 makes its way down towards the city, you will exit onto I-4 heading east towards Plant City. 

Dinosaur World is located just off of exit 17, shortly before Plant City.

The Dinosaur World Experience

Children absolutely love Dinosaur World, and a big reason for that is that the facility offers an astounding number of activities to keep them occupied throughout their time at the park.

But before heading to those activities, you might want to take them through the Prehistoric Museum. Here they can see things like dinosaur eggs and raptor claws, as well as a number of other unique artifacts. The Prehistoric Museum also includes the Animatronics Exhibit, where visitors can see life-sized dinosaurs that come to life with sounds and movements.

The Exploration Cave is another educational adventure where children get to interact with a real-life paleontologist who will act as their tour guide as they move through a massive cave, dig site, and workstation. Then, when the kids are ready to get their hands dirty, they can participate in activities like the Fossil Dig, Dino Gem Excavation, and the Bone Yard!

With ticket prices of $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for kids, it's actually hard not to get your money's worth with all of the great things to see and do at Dinosaur World.

http://dinosaurworld.com/florida/

Dining Near Dinosaur World - Fred's Southern Kitchen

Dinosaur World encourages visitors to bring coolers packed with their own preferences for food and snacks, but if you are looking for a great restaurant located nearby, just about everyone will enjoy a meal from Fred's Southern Kitchen. Actually, a trip to Fred's for some "Slow Food, Fast" might be worth the drive even if you aren't heading to Dinosaur World!

The buffet-style menu here always contains Jack Black Oak Smoked Pork Ribs, Golden Fried Chicken, Crispy Catfish, Grilled Tilapia, Fresh Vegetables & Casseroles, and Skillet Cornbread. On top of that, there is a rotating list of Daily Entree Specials, as well as a Salad Table and a Dessert Table. And don't forget that all kids 10 and under eat for free on Mondays and Tuesdays!

Since Dinosaur World is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, you could plan your trip on any Monday or Tuesday and include a free meal for the kids at Fred's Southern Kitchen. But even if those days don't work with your schedule, both places are always going to deliver a fantastic experience that is perfect for the whole family!