Location: Wildwood
Top Things to do in Wildwood
- 1. Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center
- 2. Wildwood Antique Mall of Wildwood
- 3. Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures
- 4. Whispering Oaks Winery
- 5. Brownwood Farmer's Market
- 6. Lake Sumter Landing
- 7. Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum
- 8. Tom and Jerry's Airboat Rides
- 9. Lake Okahumpka Park
- 10. Spanish Springs Town Square
What to do and see in Wildwood, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Wildwood is a city in Sumter County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,924 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 3,598.
Restaurants in Wildwood
1. Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 596 reviews
Reviewed By wiloliams
Beautiful facility with room after room of war memorabilia, documents, pictures of war related events, plus a memorial to Ike in the form of personal effects, pictures, etc. Problem is that there is no commentary or explanation of what is on display - usually just a small plaque naming the donor of the display. Too bad - if you were not a WWII vet, it would be difficult to place the contents of the memorial in context.
2. Wildwood Antique Mall of Wildwood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Wildwood Antique Mall has 20,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, with over 120 unique antique dealer partners.
Reviewed By MyFloridaLife11 - Florida
As I walked around I noticed the store was very neat and clean most of the Dealer's appeared to take pride in their booth. It is a very strange layout with not being able to cut through the center of the store and having to walk the complete length from end-to-end to go to the next aisle. Most of the items I looked at, as with most antique malls were extremely overpriced. Some of the pieces that I looked at even still had the cheap thrift store price on them. The markups on these items were ridiculous. There are a lot of newer items and retro vintage I would not necessarily consider antique. I'm sure there's something for everyone however the few things I walked in to look for and found were so overpriced I would never consider buying I'm at those prices. I could find them cheaper on eBay including eBay shipping fees. If you're going to be in this business you should know people are always going to shop for the cheapest price.
3. Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 698 reviews
A UNIQUE AIRBOAT ADVENTURE YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!!! FREE PHOTO WITH LIVE ALLIGATOR. NEAR ORLANDO, TAMPA, OCALA , GAINESVILLE, THE VILLAGES, CRYSTAL RIVER, BROOKESVILLE and not too far from CLEARWATER and ST. PETERSBURG.
Reviewed By Tammy G
Awesome place and very nice people here!! I give this 5 stars all the way!!! Boat trip was neat and instructor was very knowledgeable and able to point out every gator there was to see. Would recommend others most definitely!!
4. Whispering Oaks Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
Beautiful winery in Oxford, Florida. All wines are antioxidant rich and delicious made from the super food; blueberries.
Reviewed By RoriTravel - Orlando, Florida
This was our third visit to Whispering Oaks since we found it by chance. Third and not last visit to this charming winery in a lovely, rural setting. We found a wonderful spot to enjoy a weekend afternoon for good food, great wine, and terrific atmosphere. We found a spot that we hesitate to share: why let so many people who may make it too busy, yet we want to support their business so we can continue to enjoy.
Located off I-75 near the Brownwood area of The Villages. We love to drive that way for it's lovely rural vistas, plenty of cows, and a great drive out to the Gulf Coast. A favorite weekend getaway, we made the drive several months ago, spotting the "Winery" sign off on the side of the road, hit the breaks, and made the turn. About a mile down we came across the flags and wine barrel entry, where a long dusty, sandy drive past green fields with cows, horses, and the ever-present goats deposited us at the front of the winery and restaurant. The goats are a mainstay and part of the charm - the trees and fields making this a peaceful, lovely spot. We've watched and waited out massive storms and chilled in the Florida summer here.
The winery is small - there is a tour from time to time into the winery building out back. But you're mainly here for the wine and food. A larger building - I think it was a horse stable for awhile - offers up the large bar, several seating areas, a small shop-like area with wines and some area foods, and the kitchen. Outback is the patio, some covered, some with a large tree canopy. Weekends bring in live music - inside during the rain - and the outdoor grill area.
Wine here is made from Blueberries. It's all about the antioxidants, it's considered healthier, and a bit stronger than the traditional grapes. But wow, it is delicious! Enjoy the flight - add the 2 additions. Our favorites include the chocolate, mild wild, and brandy. Price points range as do tastes - I am sure you'll find something delicious.
The food is terrific. They offer free hot dogs and chips from time to time - very good. But a personal favorite is the margarita flatbread. This visit we enjoyed the flatbread - split it - but still hungry, we tried their new roast chicken plate and were blown away! Yum!! The chicken was seasoned to perfection, the potatoes like mom made, and the gravy... who knew gravy could make such an impression! Add in the wine and it made for a lovely hour+ at this special-find location.
We hesitate to tell people about Whispering Oaks; we don't want it to become overly popular. But we want them to enjoy the success they have earned and deserve!
5. Brownwood Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Valerie M - Boston, Massachusetts
I do love farmers markets so when we were heading to the square for breakfast I was excited to have stumbled upon the Saturday market! They have everything from jewelry to produce, breads, soaps, seafood, fresh guacamole...etc. Oh and let's not forget that the square bar is open during the market for $4 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's! I got the cutest beaded anklet for $8 that was sized to fit perfectly! Fun morning!
6. Lake Sumter Landing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By RLWOrangePark - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
There are 3 large squares that form the entertainment and restaurant hubs of the Villages. Each is excellent for what they have to offer: numerous restaurants, shops, movie theatre, etc. Live entertainment is offered from 5-9 PM every night of the week and it is free of charge. Happy hour prices on drinks is offered from 5-6 PM with very reasonable prices offered throughout the night. We prefer this Square because of the variety of restaurants that we like and because it is where our favorite hotel in the Villages, Waterfront Inn, is located. As the name implies there is a large lake in the square with great views of water birds, people in dragon boats, golf courses, etc. Many of the restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of this lake or the entertainment venue.
7. Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Dedicated to the Preservation of International Harvester Farming and Construction Equipment. Show Barn available for weddings and events accommodating 250+.
Reviewed By GEMSCAT - Pennsylvania
The Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum is quite large with a very large display of tractors (in 2 very large buildings) & memorabilia (in a smaller building where events like a birthday party can also be held), The docent, Ray, was great - he was very interesting & informative & answered our many questions. He also took us via a larger golf cart type vehicle from building to building.
The 2 very large buildings were not air conditioned but had the doors open & fans running so it wasn't too bad. We were there during the late morning.
We were there approximately 2 hours & we took many pictures. Depending on your level of interest, you could easily spend more time. There is a small gift shop where we paid our entrance fee ($15.00 each - no discounts available).
There is also a Tractor Pull event held there each February.
8. Tom and Jerry's Airboat Rides
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Airboat Rides near Orlando,Tampa, Ocala, Kissimmee, and The Villages. Catfish Johnny's Restaurant with gator nuggets near by. FREE photos with live Alligator. Wildlife adventure into real Florida swamps to see alligators in their natural habitat.See and feed the fish in clear spring in a jungle like setting.Thrill rides to sightseeing tours on Lake Panasoffkee in Central Florida. Just 1 minute off exit 321 on I-75 and you are there. Our swamp boat tours include seeing live alligators and rare birds. Enter the Withlacoochee River system with TJ'S Airboat Adventures offers half hour tours or one hour rides, and a 1 1/2 hour SUPER Special swamp tours. Private airboat rides to fit your fantasy's in a six,twelve,15,18, or twenty passenger airboats are available. Our airboat rides are a mixture of sightseeing tours and showing you the airboat's capability to travel over most everything. U.S.C.G. inspected boats and certified Captains for your safety. Ms Barb the gator lady very intertaining
Reviewed By abauer18
Hands down the best time with Captain Jerry. He was a very informative, funny, knowledgeable, and a nice man. He made our tour very enjoyable! We saw plenty of wildlife. Gators, turtles, birds. You could really tell everyone loves what they do there. It was a great experience and would totally do another tour with them again!
9. Lake Okahumpka Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By ccawalleye2002 - The Villages, Florida
Lots of shade and nature trails throughout the park. Have not fished the lake yet but plan to for the future. Also has disc course and playground for the kids. Nice picnic area for outdoor lunches or dinners.
10. Spanish Springs Town Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Reviewed By MG L - Sterling, Virginia
The Villages are like another world. The Spanish Springs lends a Spanish hacienda ambience to this particular village. Each village has its own theme. There are plenty of restaurants surrounding the square. We drove thru carefully to mind the golf carts coming to and fro. Fun to watch!
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