Spanish Springs Town Square

A distinct feature of The Villages is the Spanish Springs Town Square. One of the two town squares in The Villages, Spanish Springs has a southwest flavor. With adobe-colored shops surrounding a central meeting space, complete with viga-studded walls and a gazebo, Spanish Springs resembles a traditional plaza like one might find in Santa Fe – with the fountains and palms trees adding a Florida twist.

Main Street winds around the integrated, mixed-use commercial area, proving access to a variety of shops, restaurants and offices, including a Sales and Information Center for The Villages.

A band plays in Spanish Springs Town Square. Photo courtesy The Villages Daily Photo.

Aside from the shops and offices, Spanish Springs is home to Marriott’s extended-stay hotel, Towne Place Suites, to Church on the Square, and the eight-screen Rialto Theater, where residents of The Villages enjoy a discount.

Dining options in Spanish Springs abound. Choices include the familiar (Ruby Tuesday, Panera Bread and Starbucks), McCall’s Tavern, the Florida-themed Gator’s Dockside, the Caribbean-flavored Margarita Republic, pizza, ice cream and TooJay’s, a sit-down deli. A Mexican restaurant, Ay! Jalisco, also just opened.

Other shops and offices in Spanish Springs Town Square (as of October 2009) include:

Offices:
Citizen’s First Bank, Hertz rentals, The Villages Insurance, and health facilities like The Villages Wellness Center, Curves, a chiropractor and a hearing aid center. Plus, personal services like a barber and beauty salon and Viva Nails and Spa can also be found in Spanish Springs.

Clothing and shoes:
Chico’s, Turtle Bay, Foot Solutions, and your source for The Villages logo-wear, Banner Mercantile.

Home and Gifts:
Kirkland’s, The Olive Tree, All Fine Things, and the boutique wine store, Put a Cork in It.

Sports:
The Golf and Country Club administration, Golf USA, a bowling pro shop and Spanish Springs Lanes.

While the offices and shops draw residents to the square, classic car fans congregate in Spanish Springs each month during their “cruise-in” and Villagers turn out for live entertainment. Spanish Springs has free entertainment every night, plus, parades and special celebrations throughout the year, from Cinco de Mayo to Halloween.

Villagers also enjoy a variety of musical performances at Church on the Square, a prominent Spanish Springs landmark. Resembling an old Spanish mission, the non-denominational place of worship adds to the square’s southwest ambiance.

During the holiday season, Church on the Square also hosts a Holiday Countdown. This series of daily, evening performances features music ranging from big band and Celtic to Elvis-style rock and roll. The concerts are $2, with proceeds, this year, going to a local charity that helps provide food for the less fortunate. A performance schedule for The Church on the Square can be found here.

Get a live image of Spanish Springs Town Square via the web cam.