2022 Drives & Events
Monster Truck Tour and Lunch at Friar Tuck English Restaurant - January 12th
Are we ready to start 2022 with a fun and exciting drive? You bet we are!!!!
Join us on a Monster Truck Tour and lunch at Friar Tuck English Restaurant!
The Monster Truck Safari is the world’s largest 4×4 outdoor adventure!
Comfortably tour a 2500 acre working citrus and cattle ranch estate from 12 feet up in one of our giant trucks for approximately an hour. See zebra watusi water buffalo alligators snakes exotic and native birds and much more that is visible only from the tour.
The Showcase of Citrus is a licensed wildlife exhibitor. Feed for the wildlife is included in the tour.
After the tour we will saddle up for a short drive to The Friar Tuck English Restaurant.
The Friar Tuck serves up fresh homemade treats from England here in the heart of Central Florida. The Friar Tuck creates homemade English classics as well as many present day hand crafted specialties. Known for their Fish and chips pies such as Steak & Mushroom and Chicken Curry amongst others as well as Cornish Pasty’s custom sandwiches soups and fresh cream desserts just like home.
Are we ready to start 2022 with a fun and exciting drive? You bet we are!!!!
Join us on a Monster Truck Tour and lunch at Friar Tuck English Restaurant!
The Monster Truck Safari is the world’s largest 4×4 outdoor adventure!
Comfortably tour a 2500 acre working citrus and cattle ranch estate from 12 feet up in one of our giant trucks for approximately an hour. See zebra watusi water buffalo alligators snakes exotic and native birds and much more that is visible only from the tour.
The Showcase of Citrus is a licensed wildlife exhibitor. Feed for the wildlife is included in the tour.
After the tour we will saddle up for a short drive to The Friar Tuck English Restaurant.
The Friar Tuck serves up fresh homemade treats from England here in the heart of Central Florida. The Friar Tuck creates homemade English classics as well as many present day hand crafted specialties. Known for their Fish and chips pies such as Steak & Mushroom and Chicken Curry amongst others as well as Cornish Pasty’s custom sandwiches soups and fresh cream desserts just like home.
Z's Around the Square - February 11th
We have been asked again to showcase our cars around Lake Sumter Square.
It's a great time to shine your cars socialize with our members and provide eye candy for the crowd.
We were able to fill the Square with 54 cars! Z's were everywhere!
We have been asked again to showcase our cars around Lake Sumter Square.
It's a great time to shine your cars socialize with our members and provide eye candy for the crowd.
We were able to fill the Square with 54 cars! Z's were everywhere!
World Equestrian Center Hunter/Jumper Grand Prix - February 19th
Our February drive will be a fun evening at Ocala's World Equestrian Center (WEC)!
We traveled there before and saw what a wonderful venue the WEC is so we decided to go back. But instead of viewing exotic cars we will be watching the Winter Spectacular 2022 Show Series featuring National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Sanctioned Hunter/Jumper Competition! This show offers all levels of competition. The highlight will be the Grand Prix in the Grand Arena.
We will arrive early so you can dine in one of the several restaurants they have on the property (dinner is on your own).
Then at 7pm the $75,000 Agricon Grand Prix begins in the WEC Grand Arena. The Saturday night Grand Prix will host thrilling equestrian sport as top show jumping competitors will compete for the grand prize.
Our February drive will be a fun evening at Ocala's World Equestrian Center (WEC)!
We traveled there before and saw what a wonderful venue the WEC is so we decided to go back. But instead of viewing exotic cars we will be watching the Winter Spectacular 2022 Show Series featuring National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Sanctioned Hunter/Jumper Competition! This show offers all levels of competition. The highlight will be the Grand Prix in the Grand Arena.
We will arrive early so you can dine in one of the several restaurants they have on the property (dinner is on your own).
Then at 7pm the $75,000 Agricon Grand Prix begins in the WEC Grand Arena. The Saturday night Grand Prix will host thrilling equestrian sport as top show jumping competitors will compete for the grand prize.
Grandview Clydesdale Farm Tour & Lunch at Swampy's - March 25th
We had a 2 hour guided tour of the Grandview Clydesdales Farm's operation which puts you up close and personal with one of the most award winning Clydesdale farms in the world and not to mention one of the most famous breeds of horse in the world the Clydesdale! We got to experience the day to day operations of Grandview Clydesdales and all aspects will be covered. This includes right from the beginning of a new Clydesdale life which is the ultrasounding of the mares for breeding to the birth of baby Clydesdales all the way through to winning world championships or starring in infamous commercials this tour will miss nothing in between.
After the tour we will be lunching at Swampy's Bar & Grill! Looking over the beautiful Rainbow River from our restaurant deck you can enjoy and understand the inspiration which created Swampy’s. It is the raw beauty of the Florida river swamp with a few extra conveniences added – Swampy’s great food and drink.
We had a 2 hour guided tour of the Grandview Clydesdales Farm's operation which puts you up close and personal with one of the most award winning Clydesdale farms in the world and not to mention one of the most famous breeds of horse in the world the Clydesdale! We got to experience the day to day operations of Grandview Clydesdales and all aspects will be covered. This includes right from the beginning of a new Clydesdale life which is the ultrasounding of the mares for breeding to the birth of baby Clydesdales all the way through to winning world championships or starring in infamous commercials this tour will miss nothing in between.
After the tour we will be lunching at Swampy's Bar & Grill! Looking over the beautiful Rainbow River from our restaurant deck you can enjoy and understand the inspiration which created Swampy’s. It is the raw beauty of the Florida river swamp with a few extra conveniences added – Swampy’s great food and drink.
Potluck Dinner to Honor the Newest Members - April 6th
Before our meeting on April 6th we will enjoyed a potluck dinner made by the best cooks in town......OUR MEMBERS! Scrumptious appetizers, salads and entrées were the menu for the evening. The Club provided wine, drinks and dessert. And to make this meeting special we are dedicated it to all our NEW MEMBERS who joined since October 1st.
Before our meeting on April 6th we will enjoyed a potluck dinner made by the best cooks in town......OUR MEMBERS! Scrumptious appetizers, salads and entrées were the menu for the evening. The Club provided wine, drinks and dessert. And to make this meeting special we are dedicated it to all our NEW MEMBERS who joined since October 1st.
BMW Z Club Road Rally - April 20th
Find out how good your driving skills are and how well you work with your passenger as the navigator! No rally experience is necessary. Your journey takes about two hours through scenic Lake and Sumter counties ending with a nice lunch at a delicious Italian Restaurant. For safety reasons each vehicle MUST have two participants (a driver and a navigator). Single drivers are not allowed. The rally course covers about 60 miles of scenic Central Florida roads all of which are paved.
Awards will be given for first second third and fourth place finishes.
First place will win $100
Second place wins $50
Third and Fourth places wins $25 each.
The rally will be judged on three criteria......
1. Adhering to time to each stop.
2. Overall mileage.
3. Correct answers to questions which are based on clues along the route.
Find out how good your driving skills are and how well you work with your passenger as the navigator! No rally experience is necessary. Your journey takes about two hours through scenic Lake and Sumter counties ending with a nice lunch at a delicious Italian Restaurant. For safety reasons each vehicle MUST have two participants (a driver and a navigator). Single drivers are not allowed. The rally course covers about 60 miles of scenic Central Florida roads all of which are paved.
Awards will be given for first second third and fourth place finishes.
First place will win $100
Second place wins $50
Third and Fourth places wins $25 each.
The rally will be judged on three criteria......
1. Adhering to time to each stop.
2. Overall mileage.
3. Correct answers to questions which are based on clues along the route.
Poker Run and Lunch at Cody's - May 3rd
Back by popular demand Ed Evenski has planned another chapter of the popular Poker Run we did in the past! You will enjoy touring many designated scenic back roads with various stops along the way. Members will draw 5 cards from various fun and interesting locations along the route.
The points of interest will take you to places that most of you haven’t experienced as part of old Central Florida. Stops include Shady Brook Park, Richloam General Store, and The Happy Hen’s Thrift Shop. We’ve expanded the pot to include cash prizes for the best 3 poker hands and one for the worst poker hand. The run will end at Cody’s in Brownwood Square around 12.00 pm for lunch and the awards ceremony.
Back by popular demand Ed Evenski has planned another chapter of the popular Poker Run we did in the past! You will enjoy touring many designated scenic back roads with various stops along the way. Members will draw 5 cards from various fun and interesting locations along the route.
The points of interest will take you to places that most of you haven’t experienced as part of old Central Florida. Stops include Shady Brook Park, Richloam General Store, and The Happy Hen’s Thrift Shop. We’ve expanded the pot to include cash prizes for the best 3 poker hands and one for the worst poker hand. The run will end at Cody’s in Brownwood Square around 12.00 pm for lunch and the awards ceremony.
Tail of the Dragon Trip - May 16th - May 20th
Day one (Monday):
Travel on your own to South Carolina (Please arrive around 4:00pm so you can check in to your hotel and be there in time for dinner). Accommodations at Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown in Greenville South Carolina near factory (one night) (Reservations on your own). Dinner a restaurant TBD (On your own)
Day two (Tuesday):
Breakfast at hotel (Included with room). Tour the BMW Zentrum Museum (Included). Tour BMW Factory in Greer South Carolina (Included). Tour of BMW Foundation Museum (Included). Caravan to Fontana Village Resort in NC (two nights) (Reservations on your own). Dinner at Fontana Village Resort (Included)
Day three (Wednesday):
Breakfast at Fontana Village (On your own). Caravan to the Tail of the Dragon store for decals (Included). Drive the Tail of the Dragon. Tour Fort Loudoun State Park. Picnic at Fort Loudoun State Park (picnic boxed lunch included). Caravan to the Cherohala Skyway. Stop at Pineapple Whip ice cream stand in Robbinsville NC for refreshments (On your own). Caravan back to Fontana Village. Dinner at Fontana Village Resort (Included)
Day four (Thursday):
Breakfast at Fontana Village (On your own). Caravan to Murphy NC for lunch at Red Brick Deli (On your own). Caravan to Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm (Included). Caravan to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Helen GA (Reservations on your own). Walk to the Georgia Mountain Coaster ride. Dinner in Helen at a restaurant TBD (On your own)
Day five (Friday):
Travel to Dahlonega Ga for wine tasting on your own. Travel on your own back to The Villages
Day one (Monday):
Travel on your own to South Carolina (Please arrive around 4:00pm so you can check in to your hotel and be there in time for dinner). Accommodations at Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown in Greenville South Carolina near factory (one night) (Reservations on your own). Dinner a restaurant TBD (On your own)
Day two (Tuesday):
Breakfast at hotel (Included with room). Tour the BMW Zentrum Museum (Included). Tour BMW Factory in Greer South Carolina (Included). Tour of BMW Foundation Museum (Included). Caravan to Fontana Village Resort in NC (two nights) (Reservations on your own). Dinner at Fontana Village Resort (Included)
Day three (Wednesday):
Breakfast at Fontana Village (On your own). Caravan to the Tail of the Dragon store for decals (Included). Drive the Tail of the Dragon. Tour Fort Loudoun State Park. Picnic at Fort Loudoun State Park (picnic boxed lunch included). Caravan to the Cherohala Skyway. Stop at Pineapple Whip ice cream stand in Robbinsville NC for refreshments (On your own). Caravan back to Fontana Village. Dinner at Fontana Village Resort (Included)
Day four (Thursday):
Breakfast at Fontana Village (On your own). Caravan to Murphy NC for lunch at Red Brick Deli (On your own). Caravan to Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm (Included). Caravan to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Helen GA (Reservations on your own). Walk to the Georgia Mountain Coaster ride. Dinner in Helen at a restaurant TBD (On your own)
Day five (Friday):
Travel to Dahlonega Ga for wine tasting on your own. Travel on your own back to The Villages
Silver Springs State Park and Lunch at Mojo's - Jun 9th
Silver Springs State Park is a Florida state park located on the Silver River in Marion County. The park contains Silver Springs Florida's first tourist attraction. The Silver Springs attraction dates to the 1870s. The 4000-acre Silver Springs State Park encompasses not only the springs but the entire 5-mile Silver River and surrounding sand hill forest. Wander among the historic structures and serene gardens surrounding the main spring reminders of the park’s past history as a major tourist attraction.
We will be exploring one of America’s largest and best loved springs from the park’s world famous Glass Bottom.
Glass Bottom Boats have wowed visitors to Silver Springs since the 1870s with breathtaking views of underwater life and the many springs that feed the Silver River. In fact the Glass Bottom Boat was invented here! Take a tour aboard one of our historic Glass Bottom Boats and marvel at the beauty and sheer size of Mammoth Spring the river’s head spring. You’ll explore many other beautiful feeder springs and see countless species of fish ancient Native American and Spanish artifacts and even underwater movie props from the days when Hollywood productions flourished at the park!
Following our 30 minute tour of the world famous "Blue Holes" from our glass bottom boat you will have some time to explore the park on your own. Then it's off to Mojo Grill for lunch.
Launched in 2009 Mojo's is the concoction of life-long restaurateur Rondo Fernandez. With a name and ambiance inspired by Rondo’s love for blues music Mojo's offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience delighting your mind with blues music feeding you larger than life portions and treating your soul to a great time amongst family and friends.
Silver Springs State Park is a Florida state park located on the Silver River in Marion County. The park contains Silver Springs Florida's first tourist attraction. The Silver Springs attraction dates to the 1870s. The 4000-acre Silver Springs State Park encompasses not only the springs but the entire 5-mile Silver River and surrounding sand hill forest. Wander among the historic structures and serene gardens surrounding the main spring reminders of the park’s past history as a major tourist attraction.
We will be exploring one of America’s largest and best loved springs from the park’s world famous Glass Bottom.
Glass Bottom Boats have wowed visitors to Silver Springs since the 1870s with breathtaking views of underwater life and the many springs that feed the Silver River. In fact the Glass Bottom Boat was invented here! Take a tour aboard one of our historic Glass Bottom Boats and marvel at the beauty and sheer size of Mammoth Spring the river’s head spring. You’ll explore many other beautiful feeder springs and see countless species of fish ancient Native American and Spanish artifacts and even underwater movie props from the days when Hollywood productions flourished at the park!
Following our 30 minute tour of the world famous "Blue Holes" from our glass bottom boat you will have some time to explore the park on your own. Then it's off to Mojo Grill for lunch.
Launched in 2009 Mojo's is the concoction of life-long restaurateur Rondo Fernandez. With a name and ambiance inspired by Rondo’s love for blues music Mojo's offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience delighting your mind with blues music feeding you larger than life portions and treating your soul to a great time amongst family and friends.
Lake Dora and Harris Chain of Lakes Boat Tour - July 26th
This pontoon boat tour by Premier Boat Tours is a two hour tour that includes sailing through the Dora Canal which has been described as the most beautiful mile of water in the world. Certified captains and crew share their stories and local knowledge of the area its history flora and fauna. Bald eagles herons anhingas turtles and alligators are all common sightings during the tour.
Conveniently located at the historic Lakeside Inn in downtown Mt. Dora the large all weather pontoon boats are covered to keep the sun out and drop down plastic windows that can be lowered for rain or cold winds. The boats are very stable have comfortable cushion seats a marine toilet and are US Coast Guard Inspected and carry 22 passengers.
After a relaxing cruise you will have the opportunity for lunch on your own since restaurants in the area are having difficulty accommodating large groups of people at this time due to staffing shortages.
This pontoon boat tour by Premier Boat Tours is a two hour tour that includes sailing through the Dora Canal which has been described as the most beautiful mile of water in the world. Certified captains and crew share their stories and local knowledge of the area its history flora and fauna. Bald eagles herons anhingas turtles and alligators are all common sightings during the tour.
Conveniently located at the historic Lakeside Inn in downtown Mt. Dora the large all weather pontoon boats are covered to keep the sun out and drop down plastic windows that can be lowered for rain or cold winds. The boats are very stable have comfortable cushion seats a marine toilet and are US Coast Guard Inspected and carry 22 passengers.
After a relaxing cruise you will have the opportunity for lunch on your own since restaurants in the area are having difficulty accommodating large groups of people at this time due to staffing shortages.
Loco Graphics Body Wrap Demonstration - Aug 19th
Let's see how they do it! Loco Graphics designs and applies custom body wraps to make your ride stand out from the ordinary.
They will be providing refreshments for all so no need for us to go out to lunch afterwards (but you can on your own if you want).
Let's see how they do it! Loco Graphics designs and applies custom body wraps to make your ride stand out from the ordinary.
They will be providing refreshments for all so no need for us to go out to lunch afterwards (but you can on your own if you want).
Lunch drive to Hurricane Dockside Grill - Aug 23rd
August is nearly the height of the hurricane season so what more fitting ride than a leisurely jaunt around Lake Eustis culminating with lunch on the waterfront at the Hurricane Dockside Grill. Our journey will take us through some scenic back roads passing through the towns of Umatilla and Eustis on our way to Tavares. At Hurricane's look for the baby alligators in the creek (maybe some big ones too!). So get in the driving spirit and come hungry!
August is nearly the height of the hurricane season so what more fitting ride than a leisurely jaunt around Lake Eustis culminating with lunch on the waterfront at the Hurricane Dockside Grill. Our journey will take us through some scenic back roads passing through the towns of Umatilla and Eustis on our way to Tavares. At Hurricane's look for the baby alligators in the creek (maybe some big ones too!). So get in the driving spirit and come hungry!
Wild Bill's Airboat Tour & Lunch at Palmer Legends - Sep 22nd
WE'RE GOING ON THE WATER AGAIN!!!!! It's a one hour Wild Bills Airboat Tour through the fascinating wilderness of The Withlacoochee River! The Withlacoochee River is very unusual because it flows north to the Gulf of Mexico. It is over 150 miles long and much of it flows through the Withlacoochee State Forest.
An airboat ride is the best way to see Florida’s wildlife in their own unspoiled natural paradise. Surrounded by lush cypress gum and maple trees the river twists and turns through gorgeous swampland and breathtaking scenery leaving you with a true appreciation for nature and all its brilliance.
The River is just bursting with wildlife of all types. Everything from owls to eagles to deer. From alligators to turkeys to bear. With every trip comes the opportunity to see something exciting and different! You might get wet so bring a poncho or foul weather gear if you wish. The boats are loud so hearing protection is provided.
After being wowed by the speed and mist of the airboats we will proceed to The Oak Room at Palmer Legends Country Club for a special menu BMW Z Club lunch that's NOT TO BE MISSED!
WE'RE GOING ON THE WATER AGAIN!!!!! It's a one hour Wild Bills Airboat Tour through the fascinating wilderness of The Withlacoochee River! The Withlacoochee River is very unusual because it flows north to the Gulf of Mexico. It is over 150 miles long and much of it flows through the Withlacoochee State Forest.
An airboat ride is the best way to see Florida’s wildlife in their own unspoiled natural paradise. Surrounded by lush cypress gum and maple trees the river twists and turns through gorgeous swampland and breathtaking scenery leaving you with a true appreciation for nature and all its brilliance.
The River is just bursting with wildlife of all types. Everything from owls to eagles to deer. From alligators to turkeys to bear. With every trip comes the opportunity to see something exciting and different! You might get wet so bring a poncho or foul weather gear if you wish. The boats are loud so hearing protection is provided.
After being wowed by the speed and mist of the airboats we will proceed to The Oak Room at Palmer Legends Country Club for a special menu BMW Z Club lunch that's NOT TO BE MISSED!
Dinner Hosted at BMW of Ocala - Oct 5th
BMW of Ocala is back with their hosting of our Club at their dealership.
As in prior years before COVID they have invited us to eat and view the latest lineup of new BMW's and interact with the sales and service representatives.
BMW of Ocala is back with their hosting of our Club at their dealership.
As in prior years before COVID they have invited us to eat and view the latest lineup of new BMW's and interact with the sales and service representatives.
2022 BMW Z Fun Fest - Nov 15th
LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN!
You and your Z are invited to the2022 BMW Z Club Z Fun Fest!
Once again it will be held at the Whispering Oaks Winery on November 15th from Noon till 3pm.
We will have our own private party on the beautiful grounds of the Winery where we will judge our cars and enjoy each other's company as we eat drink and dance. Highlights of the day will include:
*Voting by members of the best Z's in different classes and Best in Show
*Trophies for winners
*Buffet Dinner
*Wine and beer
*50/50 Raffle
*Prizes and give-a-ways
*Dancing and singing to live music
This is one of the most anticipated and fun events we do (along with the Holiday Party).Last year we had over 50 cars take part.....let's see if we can top that this year! Z U there!
LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN!
You and your Z are invited to the2022 BMW Z Club Z Fun Fest!
Once again it will be held at the Whispering Oaks Winery on November 15th from Noon till 3pm.
We will have our own private party on the beautiful grounds of the Winery where we will judge our cars and enjoy each other's company as we eat drink and dance. Highlights of the day will include:
*Voting by members of the best Z's in different classes and Best in Show
*Trophies for winners
*Buffet Dinner
*Wine and beer
*50/50 Raffle
*Prizes and give-a-ways
*Dancing and singing to live music
This is one of the most anticipated and fun events we do (along with the Holiday Party).Last year we had over 50 cars take part.....let's see if we can top that this year! Z U there!
2022 BMW Z Club Holiday Party - Dec 8th
Join your fellow “Zer’s” for a catered dinner and an evening of fun entertainment dancing and prizes!
Entertainment by “ROBERT FRANCE”.
BYOB and Glass – Cocktail Attire.
There will be a 50/25/25 Raffle (Benefitting our Charitable Contribution Fund) and numerous door prizes!
**Please bring a canned or packaged food item to be donated to The Wildwood Food Pantry**
Join your fellow “Zer’s” for a catered dinner and an evening of fun entertainment dancing and prizes!
Entertainment by “ROBERT FRANCE”.
BYOB and Glass – Cocktail Attire.
There will be a 50/25/25 Raffle (Benefitting our Charitable Contribution Fund) and numerous door prizes!
**Please bring a canned or packaged food item to be donated to The Wildwood Food Pantry**