The Truman Show??? Or maybe it's The Villages

Did anyone ever see that movie "The Truman Show" with Jim Carey? It is a movie about a man living his life in front of cameras and he doesn't know he is on a show, until much later in the movie.It takes place in a cutesy little village (the real town of Seaside, Florida), which is the epitome of a perfect small town, white picket fences and all.

Here in central Florida there is a "town" called The Villages, part of which reminds me of that town in the movie. The Villages are several residential areas for the over 55 age group and is classed an Active Adult community. The houses are built in small villages around several golf courses

We took the short drive there from Three Flags to see what it is all about. We started at the southern most section, which is the newest. It is called Brownwood. The buildings around the Town Square are reminiscent of a mining town. After wandering around for a short time we left and drove up to lake Sumter Landing Market Square. This is the cute coastal village that reminded me to the town in The Truman Show.. Lake Sumter Village is built on a small lake, with stores, restaurants, jetties and a boardwalk.

The local residents use golf carts to go everywhere. There are even golf cart dedicated roadways and parking lots. We spoke to a couple who live here and they love it because of all the activities. One thing I know, is that Virginia would have loved it.

Building in Brownwood

Movie theater in Brownwood

Wooden buildings, Brownwood.

 After seeing Brownwood, we drove a couple of miles up the road to Lake Sumter Landing, where we had dinner at R. J. Gator's. Yummy!

The lake

Looks like a small seaside town

Michael waiting for dinner

My Blackened Chicken Tacos with black beans

Michael's Okeechobee Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies

We ordered the Alligator Tail dessert. It was HUGE!

We shared the dessert with the people at the next table.

Sunset over the lake

People gathering for the evening entertainment in the Square

Dancing

Each Square has a booth where you can buy drinks very reasonably

Main Street at dusk

The following day we had to go to Walmart for some groceries, so took the opportunity to go to the third Village Square, Spanish Springs. The theme for this Village is a South Western town.

Entrance to Spanish Springs

Street Scene

Spanishy buildings

Old wagon

Street scene

Street Scene

Love the Bougainvillea

Shops

Even the church is Spanish

We have now finished our short stay at Three Flags and will be moving on to Winter Quarters Manatee, Bradenton in the morning