2020 Drives & Events
St Augustine Christmas Lights Drive - January 16th & 17th
This overnight trip begins with a scenic drive on local tree-lined roads as we travel to the East Coast. We will be staying overnight at the Best Western Bayfront Inn. Dinner will be at Meehan's Irish Pub near the hotel .Then we will take a ride on the trolley throughout the city. On the trolley, we will be given 3D glasses to wear which makes the millions of lights sparkle and shine like magic. This is the 26th year the Annual Nights of Lights dazzles the city as some three million lights adorn every corner of the historic district. There will also be plenty of time to stroll the city and it's many historic sites.
This overnight trip begins with a scenic drive on local tree-lined roads as we travel to the East Coast. We will be staying overnight at the Best Western Bayfront Inn. Dinner will be at Meehan's Irish Pub near the hotel .Then we will take a ride on the trolley throughout the city. On the trolley, we will be given 3D glasses to wear which makes the millions of lights sparkle and shine like magic. This is the 26th year the Annual Nights of Lights dazzles the city as some three million lights adorn every corner of the historic district. There will also be plenty of time to stroll the city and it's many historic sites.
Lakeridge Winery Picnic and Tour - February 11th
A Sweetheart of a Picnic! Take your favorite Valentine on our February drive! First we will have a Guided tour of the Lakeridge Winery followed by a Bring-Your-Own Picnic Lunch on the Winery grounds! Complimentary Wine and Dessert Courtesy of our BMW Z Club! Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is the largest winery in Florida. It opened its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida and sits on a 127-acre estate in gently rolling countryside. The winery overlooks 80+ acres of planted vineyards, pioneering the production of native muscadine grapes. The native varieties of the red Noble, bronze Carlos and Welder Muscadines, along with the production of Vinifera grapes including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon are all produced at the 127-acre Lakeridge Winery Estate, with and an additional 450 acres owned at Prosperity Vineyards in the Florida panhandle, and 200 acres under contract throughout Florida. We will go on a winery tour with wine tasting. The tour includes a brief audio-visual presentation, along with a guided walking tour of the facility, followed by the chance to experience a taste of Lakeridge’s unique premium wines. After the tour we will settle in at their outdoor pavilion for a BYO picnic lunch. Fill your picnic baskets with the food of your choice. The Club will be providing wine and dessert. So let's put LOVE in the air and treat your Valentine to a wonderful day on the rolling hills sipping wine and having fun with The Villages BMW Z Cub!
A Sweetheart of a Picnic! Take your favorite Valentine on our February drive! First we will have a Guided tour of the Lakeridge Winery followed by a Bring-Your-Own Picnic Lunch on the Winery grounds! Complimentary Wine and Dessert Courtesy of our BMW Z Club! Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is the largest winery in Florida. It opened its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida and sits on a 127-acre estate in gently rolling countryside. The winery overlooks 80+ acres of planted vineyards, pioneering the production of native muscadine grapes. The native varieties of the red Noble, bronze Carlos and Welder Muscadines, along with the production of Vinifera grapes including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon are all produced at the 127-acre Lakeridge Winery Estate, with and an additional 450 acres owned at Prosperity Vineyards in the Florida panhandle, and 200 acres under contract throughout Florida. We will go on a winery tour with wine tasting. The tour includes a brief audio-visual presentation, along with a guided walking tour of the facility, followed by the chance to experience a taste of Lakeridge’s unique premium wines. After the tour we will settle in at their outdoor pavilion for a BYO picnic lunch. Fill your picnic baskets with the food of your choice. The Club will be providing wine and dessert. So let's put LOVE in the air and treat your Valentine to a wonderful day on the rolling hills sipping wine and having fun with The Villages BMW Z Cub!
Daytona Racing Experience 300 - February 15th
It's the last race in Speedweeks before the Daytona 500. The package for us includes:
It's the last race in Speedweeks before the Daytona 500. The package for us includes:
- Parking in a reserved paved infield parking corral
- Access to The Fan Zone
- General admission for a seat in the grandstand
- $10 concession voucher
Scavenger Hunt Around The Villages - June 23rd
It's time to drive your Z's around The Villages in The BMW Z Club Scavenger Hunt! All you need is a pen/pencil and your cell phone. Why a cell phone? Because you will be taking pictures of items on a list given to you at the Rec Center. You will be have a few minutes to plan your route, then you will have about 90 minutes to find the items on the list. Each item on the list will be assigned points based on the difficulty of finding the item. The cars will the most points based on the items found on the list will get CASH PRIZES! After all cars return to the Rec Center, we will set up our chairs with proper social distancing (wear a mask if you choose) and enjoy your snack and non-alcoholic (wink-wink) refreshments while our judges verify that the pictures were properly taken. Then awards will be given.
It's time to drive your Z's around The Villages in The BMW Z Club Scavenger Hunt! All you need is a pen/pencil and your cell phone. Why a cell phone? Because you will be taking pictures of items on a list given to you at the Rec Center. You will be have a few minutes to plan your route, then you will have about 90 minutes to find the items on the list. Each item on the list will be assigned points based on the difficulty of finding the item. The cars will the most points based on the items found on the list will get CASH PRIZES! After all cars return to the Rec Center, we will set up our chairs with proper social distancing (wear a mask if you choose) and enjoy your snack and non-alcoholic (wink-wink) refreshments while our judges verify that the pictures were properly taken. Then awards will be given.
Cat Boat Tour of Mount Dora Canals - July 22nd
Enjoy a fabulous, 2-hour guided and narrated, drive your own boat tour of Lake Dora and the fabled Dora Canal. Cat Boat Adventures of Mount Dora's expert tour guide will share some fascinating history of this area including some of it's famous visitors over the last two centuries. You will see nature at it's finest and learn some of the very interesting history of this area on this 2-hour narrated tour. The Dora Canal will amaze you as it is "Old Florida" as it was 14,000+ years ago when the Timucuan Indians called it home, followed by the Seminole Indians prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 1513. Chances are you will spot some of the wildlife that has called the canal home for milenia.
Enjoy a fabulous, 2-hour guided and narrated, drive your own boat tour of Lake Dora and the fabled Dora Canal. Cat Boat Adventures of Mount Dora's expert tour guide will share some fascinating history of this area including some of it's famous visitors over the last two centuries. You will see nature at it's finest and learn some of the very interesting history of this area on this 2-hour narrated tour. The Dora Canal will amaze you as it is "Old Florida" as it was 14,000+ years ago when the Timucuan Indians called it home, followed by the Seminole Indians prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 1513. Chances are you will spot some of the wildlife that has called the canal home for milenia.
Barberville Pioneer Settlement Drive - August 20th
Join us for a leisurely drive through the Ocala National Forest to visit the Barberville Pioneer Settlement! Take a step back in time at this historic village. There are 18 historical structures and thousands of historical artifacts depicting life in the late 1880s and early 1900s. The Barberville Central High School was built in 1919 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also in its original location is the Historic Joseph Underhill House - circa 1879 and the area's first and oldest brick residence which is undergoing historic preservation. The church, log cabin, country store, turpentine still, bridge tender's house, quarters house, and railroad depot were moved to the property during the 1980s. The mission is to educate and entrust the public and future generations with knowledge of the pioneer lifestyle through hands-on experience, folklife demonstrations, preservation, and historical exhibits. We will be on a self guided tour, mostly outside, that lasts as long as you wish. Upon arrival, we will have a picnic lunch on the settlement property, then stroll through the settlement at our leisure. You can return home whenever you want.
Join us for a leisurely drive through the Ocala National Forest to visit the Barberville Pioneer Settlement! Take a step back in time at this historic village. There are 18 historical structures and thousands of historical artifacts depicting life in the late 1880s and early 1900s. The Barberville Central High School was built in 1919 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also in its original location is the Historic Joseph Underhill House - circa 1879 and the area's first and oldest brick residence which is undergoing historic preservation. The church, log cabin, country store, turpentine still, bridge tender's house, quarters house, and railroad depot were moved to the property during the 1980s. The mission is to educate and entrust the public and future generations with knowledge of the pioneer lifestyle through hands-on experience, folklife demonstrations, preservation, and historical exhibits. We will be on a self guided tour, mostly outside, that lasts as long as you wish. Upon arrival, we will have a picnic lunch on the settlement property, then stroll through the settlement at our leisure. You can return home whenever you want.
Rainbow Springs Drive - September 21st
We are going to RAINBOW SPRINGS STATE PARK! Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is a 1472 acre park that offers swimming, snorkeling plus kayak rentals and also some beautiful paved hiking trails throughout the park with waterfalls. Rainbow Springs is a wonderful mixture of Central Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. It is a popular destination to swim, snorkel, tube, fish, canoe, picnic or stroll the gardens. It is one of Florida’s largest springs. The headsprings of the Rainbow River originate in this beautiful park. Rich in natural beauty and cultural history, it is also a popular spot for swimmers, kayakers, tubers, and campers. The park also offers 3 picnic pavilions on a first come basis along with other numerous uncovered picnic tables throughout the park. Upon arrival at the park, we will have a picnic lunch at one of their shelters so pack some goodies to enjoy and embibe. You may bring your own chairs if you want to extend your social distancing.
Kayaking and canoeing rentals are available on a first come basis. Those adventurous members can swim in the springs, so bring or wear you bathing suits!
We are going to RAINBOW SPRINGS STATE PARK! Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is a 1472 acre park that offers swimming, snorkeling plus kayak rentals and also some beautiful paved hiking trails throughout the park with waterfalls. Rainbow Springs is a wonderful mixture of Central Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. It is a popular destination to swim, snorkel, tube, fish, canoe, picnic or stroll the gardens. It is one of Florida’s largest springs. The headsprings of the Rainbow River originate in this beautiful park. Rich in natural beauty and cultural history, it is also a popular spot for swimmers, kayakers, tubers, and campers. The park also offers 3 picnic pavilions on a first come basis along with other numerous uncovered picnic tables throughout the park. Upon arrival at the park, we will have a picnic lunch at one of their shelters so pack some goodies to enjoy and embibe. You may bring your own chairs if you want to extend your social distancing.
Kayaking and canoeing rentals are available on a first come basis. Those adventurous members can swim in the springs, so bring or wear you bathing suits!
Dade Battlefield State Park & Florida National Cemetery Drive - October 22nd
Join us for a wonderful day on the back roads as we social distance to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park and the Florida National Cemetery. The Dade Battlefield Historic State Park commemorates the battle that started the Second Seminole War. First we will have a picnic lunch at one of the shelters. Then you are welcome to stroll through the visitors center to see the history of the battle. If so inclined, take the half-mile nature trail walk through pine flatwoods where you might see gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks, and indigo snakes. Next we jump back into our Z's for a short hop to drive through The Florida National Cemetery where over 150,000 military veterans are interred on the meandering and beautiful 517 acre property. After honoring those who have served, we will continue back to The Villages.
Join us for a wonderful day on the back roads as we social distance to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park and the Florida National Cemetery. The Dade Battlefield Historic State Park commemorates the battle that started the Second Seminole War. First we will have a picnic lunch at one of the shelters. Then you are welcome to stroll through the visitors center to see the history of the battle. If so inclined, take the half-mile nature trail walk through pine flatwoods where you might see gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks, and indigo snakes. Next we jump back into our Z's for a short hop to drive through The Florida National Cemetery where over 150,000 military veterans are interred on the meandering and beautiful 517 acre property. After honoring those who have served, we will continue back to The Villages.
Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway - December 22nd
Come with us to see the Magic of Lights Display at the Daytona International Speedway. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring your favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Daytona’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Magic of Lights is a great family entertainment value, and every ticket to Magic of Lights benefits AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida.
Come with us to see the Magic of Lights Display at the Daytona International Speedway. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring your favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Daytona’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Magic of Lights is a great family entertainment value, and every ticket to Magic of Lights benefits AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida.