15 Things To Do Near The Villages This Weekend (That Aren't Golf)

We get it — golf is great. But there are only so many rounds you can play before you start wondering what else is out there. Good news: a lot. Here are 15 things to do near [The Villages](/areas/the-villages/) this weekend that have nothing to do with a nine-iron.

## 1. Explore [Downtown Mount Dora](/directory/downtown-mount-dora/)

Thirty minutes east of The Villages, [Mount Dora](/areas/mount-dora/) is one of the most charming small towns in Florida. Antique shops, art galleries, lakefront parks, and more than 20 restaurants packed into a walkable downtown. It hosts over 30 festivals a year, so there's almost always something happening. Start on Donnelly Street and just wander.

## 2. Catch Live Music at the Town Squares

Spanish Springs, [Lake Sumter Landing](/directory/lake-sumter-landing/), and [Brownwood Paddock Square](/directory/brownwood-paddock-square/) all host free live entertainment — bands, solo artists, dancing — almost every night of the week. Show up around 5pm, grab a drink at one of the surrounding restaurants, and settle in. It's free, it's fun, and it's one of the best things about living here.

## 3. Hit the Brownwood Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning at [Brownwood Paddock Square](/directory/brownwood-paddock-square). Over 70 vendors selling local produce, baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, ready-made meals, and handmade crafts. Open 9am-2pm October through April, 9am-1pm May through September.

## 4. Kayak or Tube at [Rainbow Springs State Park](/directory/rainbow-springs-state-park/)

About 45 minutes west near [Dunnellon](/areas/dunnellon/), Rainbow Springs is one of Florida's most beautiful state parks. Tube down the crystal-clear Rainbow River, explore the gardens and waterfalls, or just find a shady spot and do absolutely nothing. Bring a picnic.

## 5. Watch Polo at [The Villages Polo Club](/directory/the-villages-polo-club/)

This isn't something most people expect to find in Central Florida, but [The Villages Polo Club](/directory/the-villages-polo-club/) draws over 30,000 spectators each year. Matches run Fridays at 3pm and Sundays at 1pm during the spring (March-May) and fall (late September-November) seasons. It's a surprisingly great afternoon out.

## 6. Visit Renninger's in Mount Dora

Part flea market, part antique center, Renninger's is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am-4pm. Whether you're hunting for vintage finds or just browsing, it's easy to lose a few hours here.

## 7. Swim with Manatees in Crystal River

[Crystal River](/areas/crystal-river/) is one of the only places in the US where you can legally swim with manatees. Peak season is November through March when the manatees gather in the warm spring-fed waters. Even outside of season, the area is worth visiting for [Three Sisters Springs](/directory/three-sisters-springs/), kayaking, and waterfront dining.

## 8. Hike in [Ocala National Forest](/directory/ocala-national-forest/)

The largest sand scrub forest in the world is right in your backyard. [Ocala National Forest](/directory/ocala-national-forest/) offers hiking, swimming in natural springs ([Alexander Springs](/directory/alexander-springs) and [Juniper Springs](/directory/juniper-springs) are standouts), camping, and wildlife watching. It's a completely different side of Florida.

## 9. Walk the Withlacoochee State Trail

Florida's longest paved recreation trail stretches 46 miles through some of the most scenic parts of the region, passing through [Inverness](/areas/inverness/) and connecting to parks, waterfront areas, and downtown districts. Walk it, bike it, or just pick a section and enjoy the shade.

## 10. Explore [Downtown Inverness](/directory/downtown-inverness/)

Historic Courthouse Square, scenic boardwalks along Lake Henderson, and a growing food and drink scene — Inverness is having a moment. Check out the Cove Pub and Grub (you can literally boat up to it), browse the shops, or just enjoy the lakeside parks.

## 11. Catch a Show at the [Savannah Center](/directory/savannah-center/)

[The Savannah Center](/directory/the-savannah-center/) seats just over 800 and hosts concerts, comedy, tribute shows, Broadway-style revues, and speaker series year-round. It's intimate enough that every seat feels close to the stage. Check The Villages Entertainment website for the current schedule.

## 12. Visit [Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park](/directory/homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park/)

Home to Lu the hippo (yes, a hippo — in Florida), [Homosassa](/areas/crystal-river/) Springs is a unique wildlife park where you can see manatees, Florida black bears, bobcats, and native birds in a natural spring setting. The underwater observatory lets you watch fish and manatees from below the surface.

## 13. Day Trip to Clermont — The South Lake Trail

[Clermont](/areas/clermont/)'s rolling hills (yes, Florida has hills) make it a great spot for cycling and outdoor activities. The [South Lake Trail](/directory/south-lake-trail) is a paved path with lake views, and [downtown Clermont](/directory/downtown-clermont) has been growing its restaurant and brewery scene. The [Citrus Tower](/directory/citrus-tower/), built in 1956, still offers panoramic views from 226 feet up.

## 14. Stroll the [Ocala Downtown Market](/directory/ocala-downtown-market/)

Every Saturday from 9am-2pm under a covered pavilion near City Hall in historic downtown [Ocala](/areas/ocala/). Seasonal produce, local meats, seafood, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Combine it with lunch at one of Ocala's excellent downtown restaurants and you've got a solid Saturday.

## 15. Visit Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum

This one's a sleeper hit. Located on a working farm near The Villages, Paquette's preserves a collection of International Harvester equipment and Farmall tractors in a beautiful Old Florida setting. It's quirky, it's free, and it's the kind of place you'll end up telling people about for weeks.