2024 Drives & Events
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park with Lunch at Crump's Landing - January 18th
On January 18th we are going to visit the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther red wolf manatee and whooping crane plus black bear bobcat and of course alligators. The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators black bears red wolf Key deer flamingos whooping cranes and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.
The native wildlife that reside in the park serve as ambassadors for their species providing visitors face-to-face connections with the animals and their habitats. Each with a unique life story all of the animal inhabitants are here for the same reason - they are unable to survive in the wild on their own.
While at the park take the boat ride ($3pp) where the boat captain provides an introduction to the park and the Florida Park Service. Identifying native wildlife along the way.
Then we will leave around 1:00pm to journey to Crump's Landing Waterfront Tiki for a late lunch (or early dinner?).
Nestled on the Homosassa River Crump's is a beachy Tiki-style establishment that offers a relaxed dining experience featuring seafood and an extensive and unique specialty drink menu.
On January 18th we are going to visit the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther red wolf manatee and whooping crane plus black bear bobcat and of course alligators. The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators black bears red wolf Key deer flamingos whooping cranes and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.
The native wildlife that reside in the park serve as ambassadors for their species providing visitors face-to-face connections with the animals and their habitats. Each with a unique life story all of the animal inhabitants are here for the same reason - they are unable to survive in the wild on their own.
While at the park take the boat ride ($3pp) where the boat captain provides an introduction to the park and the Florida Park Service. Identifying native wildlife along the way.
Then we will leave around 1:00pm to journey to Crump's Landing Waterfront Tiki for a late lunch (or early dinner?).
Nestled on the Homosassa River Crump's is a beachy Tiki-style establishment that offers a relaxed dining experience featuring seafood and an extensive and unique specialty drink menu.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings House and Farmyard with lunch at The Yearling Restaurant - February 23rd
The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings House and Farmyard is nationally significant in the area of literature as the home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings a leading 20th-century American writer whose works continue to interest scholars students and the general reading public.
Rawlings lived in the house from 1928 until her death in 1953.It was there that she wrote all of her major works including the short stories that first brought her critical acclaim and the Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel The Yearling. The park includes the original frame house outbuildings and citrus grove she described in her lyrical memoir Cross Creek.
After touring the Rawlings house and strolling through the farmyard it's off to The Yearling Restaurant
Established in 1952 The Yearling has become a Florida Landmark. They serve Southern Cuisine specializing in the food rural Floridians have hunted fished and prepared for generations.
The restaurant is located in Cross Creek a little bend in the road enchanting in its unspoiled beauty.Here you'll find yourself back in time.....in the canopy of granddaddy oaks tall palms and lush citrus groves where wildlife abounds.
The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings House and Farmyard is nationally significant in the area of literature as the home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings a leading 20th-century American writer whose works continue to interest scholars students and the general reading public.
Rawlings lived in the house from 1928 until her death in 1953.It was there that she wrote all of her major works including the short stories that first brought her critical acclaim and the Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel The Yearling. The park includes the original frame house outbuildings and citrus grove she described in her lyrical memoir Cross Creek.
After touring the Rawlings house and strolling through the farmyard it's off to The Yearling Restaurant
Established in 1952 The Yearling has become a Florida Landmark. They serve Southern Cuisine specializing in the food rural Floridians have hunted fished and prepared for generations.
The restaurant is located in Cross Creek a little bend in the road enchanting in its unspoiled beauty.Here you'll find yourself back in time.....in the canopy of granddaddy oaks tall palms and lush citrus groves where wildlife abounds.
BMW Z Club Z Fun Fest - March 13th
Our annual BMW Z Club Z Fun Fest is back!!! And this year's Z Fun Fest will be bigger and better than ever!
Come for the fun, food and fraternalism! It's not all about winning a trophy. We just want all of our members' Z's on display.
And we are excited to be having the 2024 Z Fun Fest at a new venue......Grand Oaks Resort!
Grand Oaks offers a relaxing location with gracious amenities in the heart of Florida’s scenic horse country.
A large open field will house all of our wonderful Z's for competition in 6 categories (you can only win in one category):
After perusing and voting on the cars, we will go inside and have a scrumptious BBQ lunch
During lunch, we will be entertained by Jonnell and the Gman for your listening and dancing pleasure.
Expect many prizes and gifts to be handed out! And maybe a few unexpected surprises!
This the BEST Z Fun Fest EVER!
Our annual BMW Z Club Z Fun Fest is back!!! And this year's Z Fun Fest will be bigger and better than ever!
Come for the fun, food and fraternalism! It's not all about winning a trophy. We just want all of our members' Z's on display.
And we are excited to be having the 2024 Z Fun Fest at a new venue......Grand Oaks Resort!
Grand Oaks offers a relaxing location with gracious amenities in the heart of Florida’s scenic horse country.
A large open field will house all of our wonderful Z's for competition in 6 categories (you can only win in one category):
- Best Z3
- Best first generation Z4 (Soft top)
- Best second generation Z4 (Hardtop/Convertible)
- Best third generation Z4 (Back to a soft top)
- Best in Show
- And a new category.....Best Jazzed Up Z (Dress up your Z with decals, stripes, stuffed animals, flowers, lights, artwork in washable paint or anything else to make your Z stand out!)
After perusing and voting on the cars, we will go inside and have a scrumptious BBQ lunch
During lunch, we will be entertained by Jonnell and the Gman for your listening and dancing pleasure.
Expect many prizes and gifts to be handed out! And maybe a few unexpected surprises!
This the BEST Z Fun Fest EVER!
Vero Beach Overnight Drive to see Kinky Boots - March 15th-16th
Due to popular demand, we are going on a two day trip back to Vero Beach to see a Broadway play.
Everyone really enjoyed last April's Vero trip and most wanted to do it again, so member Mark Simon said sure, let's do it!
Mark checked with The Riverside Theater in Vero Beach again and found that they just released its shows and ticket sales for the 2024 season.
In order to assure we can get good seats we had to move quickly even though the show is 8 months away. We have settled on Cindy Lauper’s show ‘Kinky Boots’ on March 15, 2024 at 8:00pm at The Riverside Theater, 3250 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach 32963.
We will stay overnight at the SpringHill Suites, 5115 Indian River Blvd, Vero Beach 32967.
Dinner will be at the Ocean Grill, 1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach 32963.
We were only able to put a hold on 40 tickets (20 couples). A waiting list will be established if we reach 40 reservations. (It's possible we may we able to secure more than 40 tickets, but won't know until all 40 are taken)
Due to popular demand, we are going on a two day trip back to Vero Beach to see a Broadway play.
Everyone really enjoyed last April's Vero trip and most wanted to do it again, so member Mark Simon said sure, let's do it!
Mark checked with The Riverside Theater in Vero Beach again and found that they just released its shows and ticket sales for the 2024 season.
In order to assure we can get good seats we had to move quickly even though the show is 8 months away. We have settled on Cindy Lauper’s show ‘Kinky Boots’ on March 15, 2024 at 8:00pm at The Riverside Theater, 3250 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach 32963.
We will stay overnight at the SpringHill Suites, 5115 Indian River Blvd, Vero Beach 32967.
Dinner will be at the Ocean Grill, 1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach 32963.
We were only able to put a hold on 40 tickets (20 couples). A waiting list will be established if we reach 40 reservations. (It's possible we may we able to secure more than 40 tickets, but won't know until all 40 are taken)
Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill - March 26th
Come have lunch with us!
On March 26th we will take a scenic drive to Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill.
Gator Joe's on Lake Weir is Florida’s only Key West style waterfront restaurant. Established in 1926 on the water’s edge of Lake Weir, Gator Joe’s is a family friendly restaurant with a laid back casual atmosphere and island cuisine.
We will journey through the picturesque Ocala National Forest. The Ocala National Forest is the second largest nationally protected forest in the US.
It will be a wonderful day in the forest ending with food and drinks!
Come have lunch with us!
On March 26th we will take a scenic drive to Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill.
Gator Joe's on Lake Weir is Florida’s only Key West style waterfront restaurant. Established in 1926 on the water’s edge of Lake Weir, Gator Joe’s is a family friendly restaurant with a laid back casual atmosphere and island cuisine.
We will journey through the picturesque Ocala National Forest. The Ocala National Forest is the second largest nationally protected forest in the US.
It will be a wonderful day in the forest ending with food and drinks!
Bok Tower Gardens with Lunch at The Sizzling Grill Steak and Seafood Restaurant - April 24th
Our drive for April is to the famous Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales!
Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre contemplative garden and bird sanctuary located atop Iron Mountain that was created by Edward Bok in the 1920s. The gardens' attractions include the Singing Tower and its 60-bell carillon, the Bok Exedra, the Pinewood Estate now known as El Retiro, the Pine Ridge Trail, and the Visitor Center.
We will experience the essence of Bok Tower Gardens by exploring its rich history, dedicated conservation endeavors and harmonious fusion of artistic expression showcased through horticulture and the enchanting music of the Singing Tower.
We will have a guided tour of the estate then are free to roam the gardens at our leisure.
After enjoying the Bok facilities, we will head on over to The Sizzling Grill Steak and Seafood Restaurant.
The cosy atmosphere of this place makes customers feel relaxed and have a nice time.
Taste perfectly cooked filet américain, prime rib roast and pork ribs. Come here for tasty soufflés, cheesecakes and ice cream if you are hungry. Order delicious wine, draft beer or michelada.
Our drive for April is to the famous Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales!
Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre contemplative garden and bird sanctuary located atop Iron Mountain that was created by Edward Bok in the 1920s. The gardens' attractions include the Singing Tower and its 60-bell carillon, the Bok Exedra, the Pinewood Estate now known as El Retiro, the Pine Ridge Trail, and the Visitor Center.
We will experience the essence of Bok Tower Gardens by exploring its rich history, dedicated conservation endeavors and harmonious fusion of artistic expression showcased through horticulture and the enchanting music of the Singing Tower.
We will have a guided tour of the estate then are free to roam the gardens at our leisure.
After enjoying the Bok facilities, we will head on over to The Sizzling Grill Steak and Seafood Restaurant.
The cosy atmosphere of this place makes customers feel relaxed and have a nice time.
Taste perfectly cooked filet américain, prime rib roast and pork ribs. Come here for tasty soufflés, cheesecakes and ice cream if you are hungry. Order delicious wine, draft beer or michelada.
Z's Around Lake Sumter Landing - May 10th
Once again we have been asked to display our wonderful BMW Z's around Lake Sumter Market Square.
The date is Friday May 10th.
Here's what we require of you (These are very important):
- Slap on your door signs....nothing looks better than seeing all of our Z's identified as Club members
- Wear your logo t-shirts or other logo wear
- Wear your name tags
- For the parade into the square (Extremely Important):
- Turn on your flashing lights
- Turn on your radio to WVLG 102.7FM and turn up the volume (That's over 500 speakers announcing our entry!)
- Interact with the spectators that are looking at your cars.....tell them how great the Z's are.
The World Equestrian Center with lunch at MOJO's Food Music Soul - May 22nd
One of the country's premier equestrian location is The World Equestrian Center, so we thought we would go there!
We are going to see some of the world's most celebrated horses competing in dressage competitions.
This international showcase of grace and skill will see extraordinary athletes from every corner of the globe converge for the highly anticipated CDI3* (Concours de Dressage International) competition. The competition is at the high Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) level. These competitions serve as an Olympic qualifying event.
Dressage is a French term, most commonly translated to mean "training". It is a form of horse riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an art sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. As an equestrian sport defined by the International Equestrian Federation, dressage is described as "the highest expression of horse training" where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements".
After viewing these spectacular horses, we will venture over to MOJO's Food Music Soul restaurant for some food for the soul.
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.
So come and get your taste buds singin', let your mojo flow, and your troubles will go!
One of the country's premier equestrian location is The World Equestrian Center, so we thought we would go there!
We are going to see some of the world's most celebrated horses competing in dressage competitions.
This international showcase of grace and skill will see extraordinary athletes from every corner of the globe converge for the highly anticipated CDI3* (Concours de Dressage International) competition. The competition is at the high Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) level. These competitions serve as an Olympic qualifying event.
Dressage is a French term, most commonly translated to mean "training". It is a form of horse riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an art sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. As an equestrian sport defined by the International Equestrian Federation, dressage is described as "the highest expression of horse training" where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements".
After viewing these spectacular horses, we will venture over to MOJO's Food Music Soul restaurant for some food for the soul.
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.
So come and get your taste buds singin', let your mojo flow, and your troubles will go!
St. Johns Riverboat Cruise - June 20th
For our June drive we are bringing back an oldie but goodie. We did this drive in April of 2017....7 years ago!
We are going on the high seas! Not really but it is on the St. Johns River.
Steve Mott has us trekking across the state to Sanford to take a lunch cruise on the historic St. John's River aboard an authentic sternwheeler paddleboat.
The Rivership Barbara-Lee is the only authentic sternwheeler sailing the St. Johns River. Measuring 105 feet from stem to stern the ship was built in 1986 and was extensively refurbished prior to its inaugural St. John's cruise in 2012. Featuring ornate wrought iron railings and massive wooden paddle wheels the five-story river ship features enclosed decks that are climate controlled.
The cost includes the narrated cruise a chef-prepared entrée live entertainment by Mpire (they play the Squares in The Villages) and endless hospitality.
For our June drive we are bringing back an oldie but goodie. We did this drive in April of 2017....7 years ago!
We are going on the high seas! Not really but it is on the St. Johns River.
Steve Mott has us trekking across the state to Sanford to take a lunch cruise on the historic St. John's River aboard an authentic sternwheeler paddleboat.
The Rivership Barbara-Lee is the only authentic sternwheeler sailing the St. Johns River. Measuring 105 feet from stem to stern the ship was built in 1986 and was extensively refurbished prior to its inaugural St. John's cruise in 2012. Featuring ornate wrought iron railings and massive wooden paddle wheels the five-story river ship features enclosed decks that are climate controlled.
The cost includes the narrated cruise a chef-prepared entrée live entertainment by Mpire (they play the Squares in The Villages) and endless hospitality.
Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary Tour with Lunch at The Yearling - July 12th
Here's an interesting drive that Program Coordinator Mark Simon along with member Herb Hofmann came up with.
On July 12th we are going to take a guided tour of the Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary in Gainesville.
The Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily a conservation and educational facility that rescues exotic animals in need. They care for over 31 different animals.
All of the tigers and lions were relocated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission USDA or transferred from bankrupt facilities.
Other animals were also confiscated by Florida Fish and Wildlife.
Most other species are part of species survival breeding plans retired from zoo breeding programs or part of our education program which tries to feature species from different parts of the world.
We will have a two hour guided tour by a sanctuary zoologist including feeding of the cats.
It is all outdoors so wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
After touring the wild animals we will be lunching at the Yearling Restaurant a favorite of us Zer's.
The Yearling serves Southern Cuisine specializing in the food rural Floridians have hunted fished and prepared for generations.
Inside you'll be immersed in the ambience of the old South and genuine hospitality.
Here's an interesting drive that Program Coordinator Mark Simon along with member Herb Hofmann came up with.
On July 12th we are going to take a guided tour of the Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary in Gainesville.
The Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily a conservation and educational facility that rescues exotic animals in need. They care for over 31 different animals.
All of the tigers and lions were relocated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission USDA or transferred from bankrupt facilities.
Other animals were also confiscated by Florida Fish and Wildlife.
Most other species are part of species survival breeding plans retired from zoo breeding programs or part of our education program which tries to feature species from different parts of the world.
We will have a two hour guided tour by a sanctuary zoologist including feeding of the cats.
It is all outdoors so wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
After touring the wild animals we will be lunching at the Yearling Restaurant a favorite of us Zer's.
The Yearling serves Southern Cuisine specializing in the food rural Floridians have hunted fished and prepared for generations.
Inside you'll be immersed in the ambience of the old South and genuine hospitality.
Kennedy Space Center and Warbirds Museum - July 16th -thru 17th
You asked for an overnight drive so here it is!!
On July 15th we are going on an overnight to the Kennedy Space Center with a stop at the Valiant Air Command Warbirds Museum!
After a scenic drive to the coast we will be stopping at the Valiant Air Command Warbirds Museum in Titusville FL where we will have a private tour of the museum and its artifacts. The museum is home to over 50 warbirds.
Then it's time to check in to our hotel for a short rest clean up and then dinner together at Zarrella's Italian Restaurant.
Next day we venture to the Kennedy Space Center where we can get an up-close hands-on feel for the story of humans in space.
Our Group Ticket includes the following activities:
• Deep Space Launch Complex
• Shuttle Atlantis
• KSC Bus Tour
• Heroes and Legends
• Journey to Mars
• Rocket Garden
• Character Appearances
You asked for an overnight drive so here it is!!
On July 15th we are going on an overnight to the Kennedy Space Center with a stop at the Valiant Air Command Warbirds Museum!
After a scenic drive to the coast we will be stopping at the Valiant Air Command Warbirds Museum in Titusville FL where we will have a private tour of the museum and its artifacts. The museum is home to over 50 warbirds.
Then it's time to check in to our hotel for a short rest clean up and then dinner together at Zarrella's Italian Restaurant.
Next day we venture to the Kennedy Space Center where we can get an up-close hands-on feel for the story of humans in space.
Our Group Ticket includes the following activities:
• Deep Space Launch Complex
• Shuttle Atlantis
• KSC Bus Tour
• Heroes and Legends
• Journey to Mars
• Rocket Garden
• Character Appearances
Howey Mansion with Lunch at Lake Harris Hideaway - Aug 28th
Members Skip Dlugos and Tim Larson have made arrangements for us to travel to The Howey Mansion!
After almost 10 years of complete abandonment The Howey Mansion has come alive again and is starting a new chapter in its history.
We will explore the home and grounds in a 1+ hour guided historic tour.
The tour includes all 24 rooms of the Mansion.
After touring the Mansion we will head off to Lake Harris Hidaway for lunch.
Lake Harris Hideaway is located on the beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes. It is accessible by water land or air. We are a family-friendly restaurant so bring your family and pets and enjoy the day. We have a beautiful outside deck where you can sit and enjoy the gorgeous view of Lake Harris.
Members Skip Dlugos and Tim Larson have made arrangements for us to travel to The Howey Mansion!
After almost 10 years of complete abandonment The Howey Mansion has come alive again and is starting a new chapter in its history.
We will explore the home and grounds in a 1+ hour guided historic tour.
The tour includes all 24 rooms of the Mansion.
After touring the Mansion we will head off to Lake Harris Hidaway for lunch.
Lake Harris Hideaway is located on the beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes. It is accessible by water land or air. We are a family-friendly restaurant so bring your family and pets and enjoy the day. We have a beautiful outside deck where you can sit and enjoy the gorgeous view of Lake Harris.
Z's on the SeaZ - Sep 10th thru 17th
Your BMW Z Club works very hard to come up with fun things for our members to experience.
Piggybacking on the success we had with taking 22 members to Europe in October we thought it would be fun to do another travelling vacation.
So Karin Bornstein and Sandra Eldred came up with the idea of a BMW Z Club cruise! They call it "Z's on the SeaZ"
So here's what they have come up with..... A CRUISE TO CANADA ON THE NCL JOY !
September is the perfect month to see the changing landscape up north while still having comfortable temperatures after what might be a very hot summer in Florida.
Here's the details:
We will arrive in Quebec City on September 8th and stay two nights at The Hotel Clarendon in the heart of the city
The dates of the cruise are September 10th through the 17th
The cruise starts in Quebec City and ends in New York City
The ship is the NCL Joy
Ports include:
Quebec City Canada
Saguenay (La Baie) Québec
Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
Sydney Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia
Halifax Nova Scotia
New York New York
The NCL Joy has just been refurbished and includes many specialty restaurants bars spa experiences and a go kart track on the top of the ship!
Your BMW Z Club works very hard to come up with fun things for our members to experience.
Piggybacking on the success we had with taking 22 members to Europe in October we thought it would be fun to do another travelling vacation.
So Karin Bornstein and Sandra Eldred came up with the idea of a BMW Z Club cruise! They call it "Z's on the SeaZ"
So here's what they have come up with..... A CRUISE TO CANADA ON THE NCL JOY !
September is the perfect month to see the changing landscape up north while still having comfortable temperatures after what might be a very hot summer in Florida.
Here's the details:
We will arrive in Quebec City on September 8th and stay two nights at The Hotel Clarendon in the heart of the city
The dates of the cruise are September 10th through the 17th
The cruise starts in Quebec City and ends in New York City
The ship is the NCL Joy
Ports include:
Quebec City Canada
Saguenay (La Baie) Québec
Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
Sydney Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia
Halifax Nova Scotia
New York New York
The NCL Joy has just been refurbished and includes many specialty restaurants bars spa experiences and a go kart track on the top of the ship!
Z's Around Brownwood Paddock Square - Sep 28th
Hot on the heels of announcing our Z's Around Lake Sumter Square we have been invited to participate in the Brownwood Car Show.
This car show is a little different than the one we are doing in May as there will be six other car clubs displaying their cars. Otherwise the format is the same except we only have 24 spaces allocated to us.
Be the first to sign up. A waiting list will be established after we get the first 24 participants.
It's just another way to support your BMW Z Club and have some fun to boot!
Hot on the heels of announcing our Z's Around Lake Sumter Square we have been invited to participate in the Brownwood Car Show.
This car show is a little different than the one we are doing in May as there will be six other car clubs displaying their cars. Otherwise the format is the same except we only have 24 spaces allocated to us.
Be the first to sign up. A waiting list will be established after we get the first 24 participants.
It's just another way to support your BMW Z Club and have some fun to boot!
Again this year we want to thank our friends and sponsor BMW of Ocala for hosting our October meeting at their dealership.
They will be providing a wonderful dinner along with entertainment and prizes.
This has always been a premier event each year and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us this year.
Robb Cole and Bobby Watts do so much for our Club that we should show our thanks by having as many members of The Villages BMW Z Club attend.
As always, we will proceed to take the backroads to Ocala.
We want this to be the largest turnout of Zer's ever!
They will be providing a wonderful dinner along with entertainment and prizes.
This has always been a premier event each year and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us this year.
Robb Cole and Bobby Watts do so much for our Club that we should show our thanks by having as many members of The Villages BMW Z Club attend.
As always, we will proceed to take the backroads to Ocala.
We want this to be the largest turnout of Zer's ever!
THE 2024 Z CLUB ANNUAL ROAD RALLY - Oct 30th
This was a popular club event the last two years and this year we have “refined” it to be even better!
The Road Rally is a driving contest over a currently secret route to a secret (and very fun) destination. You will learn about some interesting
places along the route that you might want to visit in the future.
The event will have scoring criteria and test each drive team’s ability to follow written route guidance over
paved and well-marked roadways while maintaining the posted and safe speed limits.
At the start of the rally route directions will include quiz questions to be answered that test the drive team’s
observation skills.
This is a timed drive not a race and observation of roadside “interests” is a significant part of the event.
Scoring of the rally will be based on distance traveled drive time duration and answers to quiz questions
about sights along the route.
The event is being sponsored by Total Recon, Shop 21, Bumper Man, AG Motorworks, Custom Apparel, Concept Collision and Sumter Tire. Please support our sponsors whenever the need arises.
And thanks to our sponsors we are able to waive the entry fee!
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three scoring
teams. In addition the winners will have their names engraved on the Road Rally Ken and Karin
Bornstein trophy that they will receive and hold onto until the next Road Rally winner earns it.
Everyone who signs up will experience a fun day with fellow Z Club members an interesting and
unusual drive and a joyous get together afterwards at a well known restaurant for a delicious lunch (paid on your own) and awards ceremony.
As part of the "Secrecy" element the starting time and place will be announced at a later date.
Participation in this year's Rally is limited to the first 30 cars that sign up so click here to sign up right away. Once all 30 slots are
filled we will create a waiting list in case someone has to drop out.
Again a driver and navigator are mandatory for safety
This was a popular club event the last two years and this year we have “refined” it to be even better!
The Road Rally is a driving contest over a currently secret route to a secret (and very fun) destination. You will learn about some interesting
places along the route that you might want to visit in the future.
The event will have scoring criteria and test each drive team’s ability to follow written route guidance over
paved and well-marked roadways while maintaining the posted and safe speed limits.
At the start of the rally route directions will include quiz questions to be answered that test the drive team’s
observation skills.
This is a timed drive not a race and observation of roadside “interests” is a significant part of the event.
Scoring of the rally will be based on distance traveled drive time duration and answers to quiz questions
about sights along the route.
The event is being sponsored by Total Recon, Shop 21, Bumper Man, AG Motorworks, Custom Apparel, Concept Collision and Sumter Tire. Please support our sponsors whenever the need arises.
And thanks to our sponsors we are able to waive the entry fee!
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three scoring
teams. In addition the winners will have their names engraved on the Road Rally Ken and Karin
Bornstein trophy that they will receive and hold onto until the next Road Rally winner earns it.
Everyone who signs up will experience a fun day with fellow Z Club members an interesting and
unusual drive and a joyous get together afterwards at a well known restaurant for a delicious lunch (paid on your own) and awards ceremony.
As part of the "Secrecy" element the starting time and place will be announced at a later date.
Participation in this year's Rally is limited to the first 30 cars that sign up so click here to sign up right away. Once all 30 slots are
filled we will create a waiting list in case someone has to drop out.
Again a driver and navigator are mandatory for safety
Stetson Mansion with Lunch at Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill - Nov 20th
Grab your 10 gallon hat as we head on over to The Stetson Mansion for a grand tour of this historic landmark.
The 1886 Stetson Mansion is Florida's most historic home only Gilded Age mansion and the largest grandest most innovative home ever built in Florida before 1900. It's "The House That Hats Built"!
The house will be decorated for Christmas in all its glory.
Following the tour we will be lunching at the Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill in Deland.
Leave your horse at home.....we will be driving our Z's!
Grab your 10 gallon hat as we head on over to The Stetson Mansion for a grand tour of this historic landmark.
The 1886 Stetson Mansion is Florida's most historic home only Gilded Age mansion and the largest grandest most innovative home ever built in Florida before 1900. It's "The House That Hats Built"!
The house will be decorated for Christmas in all its glory.
Following the tour we will be lunching at the Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill in Deland.
Leave your horse at home.....we will be driving our Z's!
2025 Girl Scouts of America Pajama & Book Drive with Lunch at O'Keefe's Irish Restaurant - Dec 6th
LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!
The 2025 Girl Scouts of America Pajama & Book Drive Challenge is ON!
In our inaugural event last year the Club donated 210 pairs of pajamas and 200 books to the underserved children of Sumter Marion and Lake counties. We filled a Z with all of those gifts!
I can't begin to tell you the impact it had on the children in need during the Christmas Holiday. Happy faces make it all worthwhile!
Well this year we want to fill 2 Z's!!!!!
The generosity of our members is admirable. So here's how we will do it:
Bring your PJ's and Books to Everglades Recreation Center at 11am on Friday December 6th to fill up the Z's.
Then to reward ourselves we will take a fun drive to the far south of The Villages with lunch at O'Keefe's Irish Restaurant in Tavares.
If you cannot make it we still would like you to participate by giving PJ's and Books to a member who will be coming to Everglades RC.
A special thank you goes to Sandra and Bill Eldred for putting this together.
Let's make even more smiles for those in need during the holidays.
LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!
The 2025 Girl Scouts of America Pajama & Book Drive Challenge is ON!
In our inaugural event last year the Club donated 210 pairs of pajamas and 200 books to the underserved children of Sumter Marion and Lake counties. We filled a Z with all of those gifts!
I can't begin to tell you the impact it had on the children in need during the Christmas Holiday. Happy faces make it all worthwhile!
Well this year we want to fill 2 Z's!!!!!
The generosity of our members is admirable. So here's how we will do it:
Bring your PJ's and Books to Everglades Recreation Center at 11am on Friday December 6th to fill up the Z's.
Then to reward ourselves we will take a fun drive to the far south of The Villages with lunch at O'Keefe's Irish Restaurant in Tavares.
If you cannot make it we still would like you to participate by giving PJ's and Books to a member who will be coming to Everglades RC.
A special thank you goes to Sandra and Bill Eldred for putting this together.
Let's make even more smiles for those in need during the holidays.
2024 BMW Z Club Holiday Party - Dec 12th
While there is always something to get excited about as a member of The Villages BMW Z Club......NOW it's time to get REALLY EXCITED about our 2024 HOLIDAY PARTY!
This year we are moving the event to the large ballroom at Lake Miona Recreation Center!
To fill the stage we are again having the FIVE PIECE JAY RUBIN BAND! They were such a hit last year for us.
As in the past our catered meal will be prepared by Pasta Faire! They served up a wonderful dinner last year and this year should be no exception.
Bring your favorite libation and glass to get you in a festive mood.
Santa Bob will be conducting the 50/25/25 RAFFLE for the benefit of the charities we support.
We also ask you to bring a canned or packaged food item to be donated to the Wildwood Food Pantry.
Dress is cocktail attire
We want to fill the ballroom with Z'ers who know how to party!
While there is always something to get excited about as a member of The Villages BMW Z Club......NOW it's time to get REALLY EXCITED about our 2024 HOLIDAY PARTY!
This year we are moving the event to the large ballroom at Lake Miona Recreation Center!
To fill the stage we are again having the FIVE PIECE JAY RUBIN BAND! They were such a hit last year for us.
As in the past our catered meal will be prepared by Pasta Faire! They served up a wonderful dinner last year and this year should be no exception.
Bring your favorite libation and glass to get you in a festive mood.
Santa Bob will be conducting the 50/25/25 RAFFLE for the benefit of the charities we support.
We also ask you to bring a canned or packaged food item to be donated to the Wildwood Food Pantry.
Dress is cocktail attire
We want to fill the ballroom with Z'ers who know how to party!