April Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

We have started off 2019 with three straight months of jam-packed activities and events calendars, and the fourth month of the year is definitely poised to keep that trend going. The April calendar is full of all kinds of fun things to do around the Villages of Citrus Hills.  

Whether you lean more towards the social events and the educational seminars or the golf tournaments and dinner specials, there really is something for everyone happening around the community this month. Let's jump right in and check out some of the biggest events happening in April. 

Social Events 

The social calendar will kick off the month when the Sizzlin' Summer Show Series brings Mary Jo Vitale and Clark Barrios to the Activity Center Auditorium on Tuesday, April 2 at 7 pm. 

The Shabbat Dinner will take place on Friday, April 5 in the Garden Room. This month's meal will include your choice of Beef Brisket or Bourbon Salmon served with Garden Salad, Oven-Roasted Potatoes, Vegetables, and Carrot Cake.  

All of our local trivia junkies will be back in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, April 16 for another installment of Tasty Trivia Tuesday. The theme this month is "Geography," so make sure that you study your maps and state capitals before the big night.  

One of the biggest social events of the month will be the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Hampton Room on Saturday, April 20. The fun will start at 9 am with breakfast and face painting, followed by a magic show at 9:30 am before the big hunt gets going at 10:30 am.  

Arts & Education 

This month's Speaker Series seminar will take place on Thursday, April 11 at 6 pm in the Activity Center Auditorium. Dr. Dunn and Dr. Collins from Countryside Animal Clinic will be discussing everything from hot topics in veterinary medicine to acupuncture for your pets.  

On Saturday, April 13, there will be an AARP Smart Driver Course at the Activity Center from 9 am to 4 pm. The course will teach things like defensive driving tactics, handling adverse weather conditions, and information on automobile technology.  

Lunch and Learn will also be back this month with a fascinating presentation on Cooking with Essential Oils in the Windsor Room. On top of a great discussion, there will also be delicious Taco Salads served for lunch.  

Golf & Tennis 

There will be plenty of hysterical antics on display for the April Fools Open at The Oaks course on Saturday, April 13. Beverages and lunches will be served after the round, but make sure to be careful where you sit! 

The Meadows and Oaks courses will also be hosting the 2019 Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club Ladies' Club Championship. This will be a 36-hole stroke play tournament that is flighted by handicap. 

Over on the tennis side, the Skyview Tennis Center will be hosting their monthly Free Beginners Tennis Clinic on Tueday, April 9 at 11 am. Then the big event for the month will be the 2019 Skyview Men's and Women's Club Championship Doubles Tournament on April 12, 13, and 14.  

Dinner Specials 

Skyview Restaurant and The Grille will both be hosting Easter specials on Sunday, April 21. The Skyview menu will include options like Carved Virginia Baked Ham, Filet Bordelaise, Grouper Oscar, and Lamb Chops.

Then The Grille will be serving a buffet with Carved Prime Rib, Honey Baked Ham, Lemon Chicken, and Fresh Salmon.  

Some of the other Skyview Restaurant specials that you won't want to miss this month include a Surf and Turf Night on Tuesday, April 2, a Southern California Wine Dinner on Tuesday, April 9, and a European Pub Night on Thursday, April 18.

BellaVita 

This month, BellaVita Spa is going to be running a Men's Facial Special. Taking advantage of these specials is a great way to get to know all of the great things that they offer.  

With so much to do all over the Villages of Citrus Hills this month, our members are all going to be very busy. Make sure that you take some time to enjoy all that the community has to offer.

7 Citrus Hills Themed New Year's Resolutions for 2019

Whether you’re ready for it or not, 2019 has arrived, and we are all planning for it to be the best year ever here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.  

And if you have not yet committed to picking a resolution for the new year, we have put together a few Citrus Hills themed suggestions that will help you get more out of your fabulous life here along Florida's Nature Coast.  

Attend More Social Events 

Spending more time with friends and neighbors is one of the most popular New Year's Resolutions here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, but we suggest taking that idea one step farther and committing to attending more of our regular social events throughout the year.  

There are dozens of fun and exciting events happening every month around the community and making a point to attend as many of them as possible is a great way to fill up your social calendar while spending quality time with friends and neighbors.

Dinners with Friends 

In addition to attending the many social events happening around our community throughout the month, you can also spend more time with friends and neighbors by planning a regular dinner at Skyview Restaurant, The Grille, or the Tiki Bar.  

This can be an extra special resolution if you can get a group of friends to all commit to meeting for dinner on a specific day each month.  

Join a Class at PrimoVita 

Another popular resolution is to work on getting yourself into better shape, and there are tons of fun options to help you out with that in the form of exercise classes at the PrimoVita Fitness Center.  

Whether you are looking for beginner Pilates or advanced yoga, there is a class that is perfect for everybody who is looking to improve their fitness in 2019.  

Hit the Range More Often 

If improving your golf game is high on your list for the coming year, a great New Year's resolution that you can make is to put a priority on getting yourself to the Skyview Driving Range more frequently.  

Like most resolutions, this one will be more powerful if you attach real numbers to it, so pick a specific number of times you want to hit the range each week or month and hold yourself to it.

 Read Good Books at the Pool 

Reading more books is also a popular resolution, and the pools throughout the Villages of Citrus Hills are perfect places to kick back with a good one.  

The Coffee Shop is another popular spot to catch up with your reading or a friend. 

Pick Up a New Hobby 

If you would like to bring a new hobby into your life this year, there are quite a few excellent clubs to choose from that meet regularly all over the Villages of Citrus Hills.  

We have everything from Bocce to Wood Carving, and all you have to do is call up the club leader for more information. 

Plan a Trip 

For members who are looking to add a little more excitement to their lives in 2019, we recommend checking out some of the exciting trips that the Citrus Hills Vacationers Club has planned for the coming year.  

And if you can't find anything there that excites you, there are dozens of day and weekend trips that we have profiled on the blog over the years.  

You can't put it off any longer. 2019 has arrived, and just like 2018 it will fly by before you know it. Make sure you get the most out of the new year by making a resolution to take advantage of all that there is to see and do here at the Villages of Citrus Hills!

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!

5 Reasons to Start Hiking

While fancy water-based activities like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding definitely have their place in the life of any active adult here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, one simple activity that just about everyone could do a little more of is hiking.  

It might not be talked about in the same light as some of the more exciting things that you can be doing outdoors, but the fact that our community is completely surrounded by local, state, and national parks filled with trails for hikers of all skill levels is precisely the kind of thing that needs more press coverage.  

One of the best things about hiking is that you are never too old to get out in the woods. And, just in case you felt otherwise, we found six reasons that prove just that.  

Everyone Needs Exercise 

No matter what doctor you see or what condition your overall health is in, just about every appointment includes a recommendation to get more exercise. So, if you are looking for ways to add a little exercise to your routine, there is no better option than an enjoyable hike through one of our neighboring parks.

The Price is Right 

Not only is hiking great for fulfilling the required exercise that today's active adults are looking for, it also isn't going to cost you anything at all outside of a good pair of shoes.  

Most of the great trails in Citrus County are located in parks that are open to the public with no fees.  

Go at Your Own Pace 

It is no secret that some outdoor activities can be a bit strenuous for retirees, but one of the best things about hiking is that you can take your time and move forward through a trail at whatever pace works best for your current fitness level.  

And since many of the local trails are greatly underutilized, you will be hard pressed to find anyone out there who is going to rush you through your workout.  

Rails to Trails

If you are a complete beginner, then the local rails to trails options will be the perfect place for you to get used to walking through the woods without having to actually leave a smooth, paved surface.  

The Rails to Trails program has converted old railroad rails into paved trails all over the state, and we are blessed to have some great choices like the Withlacoochee State Trail right in our backyard.  

Enhanced Benefits 

If you aren't sold on hiking at this point, you're probably just looking for an excuse not to get out and enjoy the beauty of our local parks. But one last thing that might change your mind is the fact that relaxing out on a trail has been proven to increase clarity of thought and creativity.  

No matter what reasons speak most to you, heading over to one of our many local parks and getting yourself out on a trail is one of the very best things that you can do for your physical and mental health. So where are you planning to hike this weekend?

October Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

We’re rolling right into the fourth quarter of 2018, and October is going to be another month that is packed full of activities and events here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.  

Whether you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up and hang out with friends, an opportunity to learn something new, a little competition, or just a great meal, we have got you in mind with all of the most exciting things happening around our community this month.  

Social Events

The first big social event of the month will be the Shabbat Dinner in the Garden Room on Friday, October 5. This month, dinner will consist of Bourbon Salmon and Chicken Marsala with sides, and then there will be Key Lime Pie for dessert.  

Sliced Turkey and Baked Ham will be on the menu at the Harvest in the Hills Dinner Show in the Hampton Room on Saturday, October 13. In addition to a harvest-style meal, there will also be live entertainment from The Michael and Jennifer McLain Band featuring Dan Kelly.  

The monthly Trivia Challenge will be held on Tuesday, October 16 this month, and it will be happening with a Halloween twist! In addition to the normal buffet-style meal, there will also be trick-or-treat candy for everyone.  

On Friday, October 19, Charlie De will be performing a variety of music at the Dancing Through the Decades event in the Hampton Room. Following a dinner of Boursin-Stuffed Chicken Breast and Prime Rib, the music will take guests on a walk from the 60s all the way up to today's hits.  

Arts & Education 

Lunch & Learn will be back in the Garden Room on Monday, October 15 at 11:30 am. This month, our guest will be photographer Jerry Dawson, who will be discussing his nature photography following a grilled chicken Caesar wrap for lunch.  

Speaker Don Dittatore will be talking about Avoiding Scams in Today's World in the Windsor Room on Tuesday, October 23 at 3 pm. This discussion will cover how senior citizens can avoid being taken advantage of in today's modern world.  

Golf & Tennis 

The big golf event this month will be the Ghost Open at Citrus Hills on Saturday, October 6. After that, most golfers will be spending the rest of the month practicing for the big November events like the Harvest Invitational Tournament, the Veterans Day Tournament, and the Skyview Men's Better Ball Tournament.  

There will also be free golf clinics for beginners and intermediate golfers at Citrus Hills during the month of October. Beginners can get free coaching on October 8, 9, and 10. Then, intermediate golfers can get help with their game on October 16, 23, and 30.  

This month's Free Beginner's Tennis Clinic will be held at Skyview Tennis Center on Tuesday, October 9 at 11 am. That clinic should be a big help for anyone who wants to participate in the Tennis Burger Bash, which will also be held at Skyview Tennis Center on Sunday, October 14.  

Tennis players can also look forward to the Tennis Players Golf Tournament on Sunday, November 4. This fun scramble will be starting from the Skyview Tennis Center with options to play 18 holes on The Oaks course or 9 holes on The Meadows course.  

Dinner Specials 

The big October dinner special at Skyview Restaurant is going to be an Oktoberfest event happening each and every Thursday throughout the entire month. Diners will get to choose from options like Sauerbraten, Potato Crusted Cod, Chicken Riesling, and Veal Holstein.  

Skyview Restaurant will also be hosting a California Wine Country Dinner on Tuesday, October 9. This dinner will include four separate courses, each with a unique wine pairing. And Julie Swift from Jameson Ranch Vineyards will be explaining each of the pairings as they are served.  

On Thursday, October 18, the Tiki Bar will be hosting Alfresco Fall Elegance. Entrees for this meal will include Filet Mignon, Diver Scallops, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Honey Cilantro  

Lime Salmon. There will also be live music provided by Snap Dake.  

BellaVita Spa & Fitness

 October is also a great month to pamper yourself, so make sure that you pencil in some time to head over to BellaVita Spa and take advantage of their specials like a Pumpkin Facial and a Pumpkin Sugar Massage.

With everything happening here at the Villages of Citrus Hills during the month of October, it should be no problem to fill your social calendar with all kinds of unique experiences thanks to the hard-working people at the Activity Center. For more information on any of these great events, don't hesitate to give them a call!