To bring shopping and socialization to residents of The Villages, developers of the community built two main town squares, Spanish Springs Town Square, with its southwest flavor, and Lake Sumter Landing Market Square.
Much like its sister square, Lake Sumter Landing Market Square combines shops and services and provides an arena for performances and community events, but this time with the look and feel of a small seaside village, complete with a waterfront and a lighthouse. There is live entertainment every night, and many special celebrations throughout the year.
Lakeshore Drive runs along Lake Sumter and connects with Old Camp Road to encircle the shopping and recreation area. In total, there is 510,555 square feet of restaurants, specialty retail and office space, anchored by the 8-screen Old Mill Playhouse.
Restaurants and lodging are located to take advantage of the lakefront views. The 120-room boutique hotel, Waterfront Inn combines old Florida charm with modern amenities and luxury. Among its up-scale offerings are hi-speed Internet, flat-screen TVs and 300-thread count sheets. There is a lobby lounge, serving light fare with its drink specials, and the hotel’s signature restaurant, Amelia’s, where guest can order up Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Other restaurants along Lake Sumter include: Cody’s Roadhouse, a chain, possibly familiar to those from North Carolina or Maine; RJ Gator’s, a seafood grill, featuring alligator dishes, coconut shrimp and Key lime pie; and the casual dining, Lighthouse Pointe.
Cody's In Lake Sumter Landing. Photo Courtesy The Villages Daily Photo.
Other dining options in Market Square are studded among the shops and offices. Choices include Sonny’s BBQ, Johnny Rocket’s burger joint, Redsauce (Italian), pizza, Asian food, ice cream, subs, a tea room and a chocolatier. Plus, a TGI Friday’s is on the way.
Other shops and offices in Lake Sumter Market Square (as of October 2009) include:
Offices and Personal Services:
The Villages Sales and Information Center, Citizen’s First Mortgage, AAA Travel, The Villages Insurance, a title company and the investment company, Sabal Trust. Personal services include a barbershop and a hair salon and spa.
Clothing and shoes:
Bass shoes, Izod, VanHeusen, and specialty shops like Caribongo, which sells clothes and accessories that change colors, and Natural Discoveries which sells clothes made from natural fibers.
Market Square can’t be beat for home and gift options. They have stores that sell scrapbooking supplies, She Scrapbooks, and one that sells treats for the pooch–and the cat. (The Grateful Dog). The Purple Pig’s gift offerings include things like messenger bags, travel mug and inspirational items. GarVinos sells wine and cigars. If you need that ring or brooch, you can pick one up at Arden’s Fine Jewelry. And don’t forget the card from the Hallmark shop.
To get around The Villages, stop into Village Golf Carts for your own street-legal golf cart. And if you need a ride to or from the airport, Villages Transportation has a shuttle service.
When you’re ready for groceries, Sweetbay Supermarket can be found in Market Square, and the next time a famous politician comes out with a book, catch up with them (or at least buy the book) at the Sumter Landing Barnes and Noble. The bookstore has had recent visits from Glenn Beck, Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin, who visiting The Villages for a second time, on her Going Rogue tour.
Barnes & Noble - Lake Sumter Landing. Courtesy The Villages Daily Photo.
Find live images of Lake Sumter Landing Market Square via their web cam.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
We are in the process of buying a home at the Villages and look forward to living there -wearing earplugs! My husband can turn off his hearing aid but I find the CHARMING downtown setting of Lake Sumter Landing destroyed by the loud,noisy chatter of the local radio station constantly rock n’ rollin in the background. If I want this atmosphere I can go into one of the appropriate restaurants. But do I have to have it on the “quiet streets” as well? Try and sit peacefully by the waterfront or on a front porch and having to listen to that noise seems to negate the purpose of the “quaint ,quiet small town square of yesteryears. No? Please- turn it off– and tune into some peace and quiet. If not, then how about some kinder, gentler music rather than the “talk show chatter”. Thanks for listening. Now where did I put those earplugs – - -