One of the best things about living in Hernando County is having the luxury of being surrounded by tranquility but close enough to all of the action. We are just a short drive away to quite a few large cities that create a fun bucket list of things to do this summer.
- Encounter a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs and cool off at Buccaneer Bay featuring daily mermaid shows, a river boat cruise, animal shows, and Florida’s only spring-fed water park with fun slides, a lazy river ride, and a kiddie pool. Admission gets you entry to both attractions and you can stay for a day or purchase an annual pass. For more information visit www.WeekiWachee.com.
- Go Scalloping in Hernando County! Scallop harvesting is a popular annual activity that the entire family can enjoy June 28th through September 24th. There are strict rules about where scallops can be harvested in Florida and Hernando County IS one of the legal places (lucky us!). You can take your own boat or hire a local fishing charter. Click here for more information about scalloping.
- Monkey around at Boyette’s Grove, an eclectic “Old-Florida” tourist stop. During the citrus season, guests can watch as fruit is washed, waxed, polished, sorted and packed in a style used a half-century ago. Out back paved paths shaded by huge elephant ears and fruit trees wander by homes of monkeys and turtles, alligators and pigs, deer and raccoons. Huge fish tanks (13,000 gallons) hold all kinds of creatures of the sea. Colorful parrots squawk and preen. They also have a dinosaur cave where replicas of the world’s favorite extinct species await visitors. Visit BoyettsGrove.comfor information.
- Ride a world famous glass bottom boat! Silver Springs State Park (5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala) is a 350 acre nature theme park with crystal clear springs, glass bottom boat cruises, and an assortment of unique animals The World Famous Glass Bottom Boats give visitors a unique view of the underwater beauty. Stopping over the deep springs, knowledgable captains describe the unusual formations, ancient artifacts, and even movie props from early, underwater films from Hollywood during a 30 minute ride. Glass panels built into the deck of each boat create a perfect window to reveal the one-of-a-kind artifacts and antiquities hidden below the surface of the crystal clear waters. The Wild Waters Water Park is also scheduled to open in June! Visit www.SilverSprings.comfor information.
- Soak up some Florida sunshine! Beaches are abundant in Florida. Millions of people travel thousands of miles just to enjoy them…so take advantage that you live so close to so many fabulous destinations. Stick with Pine Island for a local option, head down to Clearwater, or take a trip to one of the ones on the Travel Channel’s Top 10 List of Florida Beaches (click here for the list). You can also check out VisitFlorida.com’s cool new Florida Beach Finder tool(click here) that allows you to use simple sliders to determine how family friendly or romantic, action-packed or secluded, laid back or adventurous, manicured or natural, you want your beach to be and then recommends the right beach for you to visit.
- Tour the Beautiful Homes at GlenLakes: You love the area, and you’ve heard a lot about the community. Why not take advantage of the slower summer months to stop by the Sales Gallery and take a tour of the community. You might find just the lifestyle you’ve been looking for.
The list of fun continues for Hernando County. To check out more things to do, Click Here.
Living just a short drive from all of these activities, the residents of GlenLakes get to experience these adventures year round. Located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, it is easy to enjoy the pristine outdoor lifestyle that living on Florida’s Nature Coast provides. GlenLakes is in the action, yet surrounded by tranquility – the best of both worlds. Click Here to get a taste of what this lifestyle is all about.
According to data from the U.S Census bureau, there are approximately 76.4 million baby boomers living in the United States today. Contrary to what many think, there are very different segments within this generation, and one piece that sets them apart are their housing needs.
John McManus, editorial director of Hanley Wood’s Residential Group says his company“ is focusing on the preferences of the younger half, or second-wave baby boomers, as they exhibit different needs than the older boomers.”
What are ‘second-wave baby boomers’ looking for?
McManus says, “They are seeking a fun, dynamic lifestyle with a home that can also adjust to their changing needs in the future. Living space should either include accessibility features, such as doorway space, lower shelves, and nonslip surfaces, or be easily adjustable when the time comes.”
In a homebuyer study performed by The Farnsworth Group, the participants revealed their reasons for purchasing a new home. The top three factors that influence their purchase include area/location (50.2%), price/affordability (37.4%), and the layout of the home (19%) (as shown in the graph below).
The report also found that when buying a new home, there were other concerns like quality of construction (9%), a safer neighborhood (8.4%), better floor plans (8.25%). The most important rooms or areas are the kitchen (82.8%), master bedroom (59.2%), and great room (36%).
Technology also plays an important role!
Second-wave baby boomers prefer wireless security systems (7.1%), lighting that senses and adapts to them (6.3%) and integrated home technology, including “smart” thermostats and lighting controlled by a smartphone (6.2%).
Grey Matter Research and Consulting points to a sense of community as a major factor in wanting to purchase:
“The first impressions are important when entering a new community, as is feeling welcome in the community. Amenities such as clubhouses, pools, and walking trails featured prominently in the decision to purchase in a community. Location was key, as residents want their new homes to be near shopping, dining, medical services and entertainment.”
Bottom Line
If you are one of the many ‘second-wave’ baby boomers who is starting to feel like their current homes no longer fit their needs, take advantage of the low inventory of existing homes in today’s market by selling your current home and moving on to one that truly fits your new lifestyle.
Luckily for you, GlenLakes Country Club absolutely delivers the best-of-the-best for today’s homebuyers. Matched with Gulf Coast’s year round active lifestyle makes GlenLakes Country Club stand out.
It is not just the quality of service, or of the facilities, or of the product provided, it is also the quality of the staff and of the management, as well as the overall club governance they deliver. The most important quality, however, is the quality of the intangible. While difficult to measure, the latter is comprised of those magic moments experienced, the members befriended, the memorable events, as well as the club traditions, history, and heritage proudly recognized.
A true hallmark of GlenLakes are the genuine friendships and those intangible moments that are made during our community events and the day to day lifestyle of club living. The relaxing yet active social ambiance is one of the main reasons why so many members enjoy calling Weeki Wachee their home. For more information on the Hernando County lifestyle, click here.
The crisp air of fall has arrived and the season to be thankful is upon us which makes these events even more enjoyable! Check out this month’s line up:
November 3rd – Karaoke: Get your singing voices ready for Karaoke night at GlenLakes from 6-9pm in the upstairs Ballroom. Members with good voices aren’t required but reservations and having fun are!
November 7th-8th – Hernando Music Fest: Mark your calendars for a fun music filled weekend of local entertainment in beautiful Tom Varn Park. This event will feature jazz, pop, R&B, country, swing and more. The event starts at 12pm and admission is free.
November 9th – Movie Night on the Driving Range: GlenLakes members can drive in on their golf cart for a movie on the range. The Caddy starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis will be shown at 7pm. A $5 donation per person will go to People Helping People.
November 12th-21st – Little Shop of Horrors Play: See what happens when nerdy florist, Seymour, raises a peculiar plant at Stage West Community Playhouse. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating and are available at the Stage West Box Office, or online with Ticketleap.com.
November 13th – Season Opening Party: GlenLakes Golf Members are welcome to attend the Season Opening Cocktail Party from 4-6pm in the Ballroom. Complimentary appetizers will be served along with a cash bar.
November 24th – Trivia: Gather up to ten other members for a team and join in on Trivia night at GlenLakes! The price is $20, which includes buffet and prizes.
November 26th – Thanksgiving Buffet: Celebrate this Thanksgiving with your friends and neighbors at GlenLakes from 12-3pm. Call for reservations. Featured dishes will include a granny smith apple-walnut salad, roasted turkey with gravy, tenderloin with brandy sauce, and sweet potato soufflé.
For more information on the GlenLakes community and upcoming events, click here.
