Central Florida Community Arts, the Orlando-area nonprofit dedicated to connecting local performing artists with broad audiences, has just announced an exciting production coming up early next month! 

The organization's 80-member Summer Classical Choir will perform George Frideric Handel's English-language oratorio Messiah on August 4 and 5, 2016. Accompanying music will be provided by the Central Florida Community Arts full symphony orchestra. Performances begin at 7:30 pm at the Maitland Presbyterian Church at 341 N. Orlando Ave. in Maitland, FL. 

Composed in 1741, Messiah is one of the world's most famous choral works, and its chorus “Hallelujah” on its own is a famed and widely beloved composition. Don't miss this stirring work, and help support local artists and nonprofit arts organizations! 

Tickets are only $10 each. Buy them (or tickets to other great upcoming Central Florida Community Arts programming) here.

Is coffee or a latte an essential fuel for your active-adult lifestyle? Are you a coffee or espresso beverage enthusiast who likes finding more unique and interesting cafes than Starbucks and other chains? There are lots of independent coffee shops in Central Florida that fit the bill. Whether you're meeting friends locally for a few laughs or looking for a new place on one of your trips around the region, we've got you covered.

Below are just some of the best independent coffee shops all across Central Florida. Each one has a good variety of quality coffee and espresso beverages, plus teas and other options for any non-coffee drinkers in your group, as well as some good eats. And the baristas are friendly and on the ball, too!

CLERMONT, FL (LAKE COUNTY) 

Rabbit's Hole Book Store & Coffee Shop
Here's a fantastic place to sip on a cup of coffee, have some snacks, and buy some books. It's a must-visit gathering place for bookstore and coffee lovers alike. 

732 W. Montrose St.
Clermont, FL 34711

DELAND, FL (VOLUSIA COUNTY)

Boston Coffee House
This is the original location of a small local franchise. In the heart of downtown DeLand, this charming Boston-inspired cafe has been fueling and feeding locals and visitors for more than 20 years.

109 E. New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32724

Dick and Jane's
Here's another charming option on the main strip of downtown DeLand. The décor is great, as are the sandwiches, desserts, and beverages. It's worth making this a breakfast or lunch stop.

146 N. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, FL 32720

LAKELAND, FL (POLK COUNTY)

Black & Brew
Don't miss this leading coffee shop and bistro-style restaurant in the middle of downtown Lakeland. It's definitely a place to eat along with getting your caffeine (or decaf) fix.

205 E. Main Street
Lakeland, FL 33801

Concord Coffee
A truly community-centric cafe, this place takes a lot of pride in its finely crafted coffee and espresso beverages. The clean, modern décor is a pleasant place to relax and to chat.

1037 S. Florida Ave. #135
Lakeland, FL 33803

MOUNT DORA, FL (LAKE COUNTY)

One Flight Up
This is a recommended coffee stop in downtown Mount Dora. The menu is wonderful, includes some wine and beer, and the places captures the vibe of this funky, artsy small city.

440 N. Donnelly St.
Mount Dora, FL 32757

Village Coffee Pot
This gourmet coffee destination is in the heart of historic downtown Mount Dora. It's a great place to score Cuban coffee too, and don't pass up the artisanal ice cream and gelato.

425 N. Donnelly St.
Mount Dora, FL 32757

OCALA, FL (MARION COUNTY)

Chelsea Coffee Company
This is an adorable establishment with a nice patio. Their frozen drinks (perfect for Florida weather) and desserts are particular standouts, and their simple breakfast and lunch menus have good stuff.

3217 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Ocala, FL 34470

OCOEE, FL (ORANGE COUNTY)

House Blend Cafe
This coffee shop and restaurant gives back 100% of its net profits to the community. Come enjoy great drinks and Southwestern/Cajun/Caribbean-inspired food for a good cause.

10730 W. Colonial Dr.
Ocoee, FL 34761

ORLANDO, FL (ORANGE COUNTY)

Downtown Credo
This donations-based coffee shop strives to support coffee growers and good causes. It has two locations, the original in the College Park neighborhood and one at Florida Hospital in Ivanhoe Village.

College Park
706 W. Smith St.
Orlando, FL 32804

Ivanhoe Village
550 E. Rollins St.
Orlando, FL 32803

Lineage Coffee Roasting
Everyone should find time to visit this craft coffee roaster that emphasizes responsible sourcing, much like the rest of its company in the unique East End Market in the city's Audubon Park neighborhood.

3201 Corrine Dr.
Orlando, FL 32803

Vespr Craft Coffee & Allures
If you find yourself at the major shopping destination Waterford Lakes or the University of Central Florida, go here for some of the best coffee around.

626 N. Alafaya Trail, Suite 105
Orlando, FL 32828

OVIEDO, FL (SEMINOLE COUNTY)

Kaioen
This donation-based nonprofit sources locally as much as possible and gives back to the community. They serve a serious cup of coffee and have a cute and comfy seating area upstairs.

254 N. Division St.
Oviedo, FL 32765

WINTER GARDEN, FL (ORANGE COUNTY)

Axum Coffee
This cafe is comfy, unpretentious, and has a strong sense of global social responsibility. In quaint, historic downtown Winter Garden, this place serves some of the best coffee in Central Florida.

146 W. Plant St. #110
Winter Garden, FL 34787

WINTER HAVEN, FL (POLK COUNTY)

Richard's Fine Coffees
Enjoy delicious coffee in a beautiful setting attached to the city's public library. This establishment has been delighting its guests for more than 20 years now.

330 Avenue A, NW
Winter Haven, FL 33811

WINTER PARK, FL (ORANGE COUNTY)

Austin's Coffee
A local institution, this is a place for excellent food and drink. Relax during the day, but know ahead this 24-hour coffee shop often has entertainment geared toward the college-age crowd at night.

929 W. Fairbanks Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789

There's a lot to consider when you're trying to choose an active-adult community for your new or vacation home. One thing you should always look closely at is their social programs. After all, you're moving into a 55-plus community to make new friends and stay mentally and socially active.

So, while whittling down your list of potential 55+ communities, don't fixate solely on the amenities like the resort-style pool, fitness center, and sports facilities. They're important, but they're only part of the equation. Get a good sense of how well the social program will keep you satisfied—not just for a few months or a year, but for the long haul.

Here are 10 important questions for evaluating the social programs at active-adult communities:

1. Is the social calendar always full?

A strong social program has stuff going on all the time. For example, you don't want a 55+ community where there's a major lull in activity during the winter, or where residents only do things on the weekends. Boring! Look for a calendar with a variety of entries through the week and all year long.

2. Is there a social program coordinator?

Many thriving age-restricted communities have volunteer or staff social coordinators. It's a promising sign that things are organized and diverse. It's nice to have a resource person to approach with questions or suggestions, too. Also, like a full calendar, a dedicated coordinator points to an involved community that regularly takes advantage of social offerings.

3. Is the community active in the social program?

Again, if the answer to the previous two questions is “yes,” then the community is probably quite involved. But make the effort to get a better picture of just how involved they are. Most people who opt for an active-adult community are eager to take part, but inquire about participation rates, and specifically about involvement in the clubs and activities you're most interested in.

4. Are there clubs, groups, and events related to your hobbies and interests?

Obviously, you want chances to be involved in your favorite pursuits, so make sure they're offered. It's not just about doing the things you enjoy; it's also about meeting people with similar interests. Groups and events devoted to your interests are important for making new friends in this new phase of life.

5. Are there clubs, groups, and events dedicated to things you want to explore?

Learning new things is one of the best ways to keep up our mental acuity as we age. But beyond that, discovery helps keep life interesting and fun! Don't just review the social program with an eye for the familiar—see what new and exciting games, hobbies, creative pursuits, and subjects it can introduce you to.

6. Are there continuing education offerings?

Classes, seminars, workshops, and other types of instruction are another way to keep your mind active and sharp. The best 55-plus social programs have educational opportunities that can range from basic computer skills classes to courses on highly academic subjects to presentations from expert guest lecturers. A social program that facilitates learning is an engaging, rewarding one!

7. Are there creative activities?

Creative pursuits are a great way to spend some time every week, or even every day. Find a social program that affords plenty of opportunities to take part in art, crafts, and other forms of creative expression. These might include drawing, painting, knitting, pottery, fiction or poetry writing, playing an instrument, scrapbooking, or cooking. Being creative keeps your mind active and your mood elevated, and it's an all-around gratifying way to use your time.

8. Are there organized sports and fitness activities?

Staying physically active is another important part of the active-adult lifestyle. Sometimes it's hard to keep up the motivation though. And sometimes we get bored with fitness routines. If your community has sports teams, fitness classes, group hikes, and other organized ways to move, you're far more likely to get your exercise.

9. Are there regular special events?

A well-rounded social program frequently hosts community-wide events. These may be dances, happy hours, craft fairs, farmers markets, film screenings, or anything else. They're important because they provide diversity in the social calendar and they're broadly inclusive, creating opportunities to meet and mingle outside the circles that form around smaller, more specific gatherings like clubs.

10. Does the community arrange day trips for the residents?

Traveling and experiencing new environments is another key to staying engaged. And it's tons of fun when you do it with a group of friends and neighbors. Seek out social programs that regularly organize get-aways, complete with the convenience of transportation, and you're sure to love your active-adult lifestyle all the more.

In 2011, when Florida and much of the nation were reeling from the housing market crash, home prices in the state had hit what would be their lowest point. But with the recent release of the latest Clear Capital Home Data Index Market Report, it's obvious things have been turning around in Central Florida and most of the rest of the state in a big way. And Clear Capital attributes a good deal of the Florida housing market recovery to Baby Boomers. 

Current Florida Home Prices Trends 

While overall in the Southern US home prices have maintained a 0.7% quarter-by-quarter growth, housing markets in much of Central Florida and Florida as a whole have impressively outperformed the regional average. 

The Tampa metropolitan statistical area shows the highest quarterly rise in home prices in the state and the country, tied in June 2016 with the Seattle metro area for the number one spot on the list of highest performing major metro markets. Both are at 2.0% quarter-by-quarter growth, while the Orlando and Jacksonville metro areas aren't far behind at 1.7% quarterly growth; the Miami area came in at 1.4% quarterly growth. 

Home prices in the Orlando area, comprising much of Central Florida, have climbed up 44% higher than their market value just five years ago. 

Central Florida County-by-County Home Values 

Here's a quick look at current median home values in a number of Central Florida counties as of June 2016, and how they compare to those of one year earlier. 

• Lake County: $170,800 – a one-year increase of 4.1%
• Orange County: $190,800 – a one-year increase of 9.7%
• Osceola County: $165,900 – a one-year increase of 5.0%
• Polk County: $139,600 – a one-year increase of 7.1%
• Seminole County: $201,000 – a one-year increase of 9.0%
• Sumter County: $234,900 – a one-year decrease of 0.8%
• Volusia County: $152,400 – a one-year increase of 10.8% 

The Baby Boomers' Role 

Clear Capital found strong correlation between where Baby Boomers are moving and where home prices are showing the strongest growth. In Florida, the top four strongest housing markets have seen 2.5 times more Baby Boomers (homeowners ages 55 to 74) move in than homeowners of other age demographics. 

As for Central Florida, in the Orlando metropolitan statistical area, the increase of homeowners ages 55 to 74 is more than 400% greater than the overall increase in the total population of homeowners. Strong, consistent growth in home values in Central Florida is projected to continue. Central Florida continues to prove itself a smart investment and a great location for active-adult and retirement living.

When it comes to 55-plus communities in Central Florida, they don't get much bigger or better stocked with conveniences, amenities, and social offerings than On Top of the World in Marion County. Located in Ocala, FL, a north-Central Florida city also know as “The Horse Capital of the World,” this community is definitely worth a closer look if you're searching for a new or second home with plenty of opportunities for an engaging, relaxing active-adult lifestyle. 

Here's a quick look at the 250,000 square feet of amenities and other active-adult lifestyle offerings at this exciting 55+ community, which has been going and growing since the mid-twentieth century! 

Getting Social at On Top of the World 

With more than 200 social clubs in this 55+ community, every resident easily finds plenty of groups and activities to suit their interests—and to explore new ones. There's also happy hour every Friday night, complete with live music and dancing, held at the Arbor Club Ballroom. The community regularly organizes all sorts of special events and day trips, as well. 

Circle Square Ranch Town Square is a center of social life at On Top of the World. You'll find the weekly farmers market here on Thursdays, as well as free weekly entertainment every Saturday evening. The open-air plaza also regularly hosts all sorts of fairs, festivities, and other special events. 

The community caters to a variety of hobbyists as well, with facilities like a designated remote-controlled airplane flying field, a woodworking studio, secured RV parking near your home, and a 9,000-acre working cattle ranch. Your canine companions can also get plenty of socialization in—and you can meet your fellow dog-loving neighbors—at the two beautifully maintained, fenced-in dog parks. 

Residents also gather, eat, and drink at The Club at Candler Hills, the on-site ice cream shop, and the recreation center's private dining establishment, The Pub. 

Of course, there's plenty right outside your door in and around Ocala, too. The city has ample shopping, dining, medical and professional services, and options for entertainment and outdoors-oriented activities. 

Getting Active at On Top of the World 

This active-adult community makes it easy to stay active. There are two state-of-the-art fitness centers, all sorts of fitness classes, six pools (including an indoor one), eight tennis courts, a softball field, indoor racquetball courts, three golf courses, a miniature golf course, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, pickleball courts, the Power Park outdoor fitness “playground,” more than 15 miles of walking trails, and other facilities. 

On Top of the World is one of the Central Florida active-adult communities prominently featuring golf as part of the lifestyle. The development has three gorgeous championship courses for a total of 54 holes, including two private courses (Tortoise & Hare and The Links) and one semi-private course (Candler Hills Golf Course). Join men's or women's golf clubs, participate in tournaments, and attend lessons and clinics taught by PGA and LPGA pros. 

Getting Smarter at On Top of the World 

If it's continuing education and enrichment you're after, that's no problem at On Top of the World. More than 1,300 educational classes and presentations are offered each year. Master the Possibilities is a nonprofit educational center serving community residents, with classrooms, a computer lab, multiple art studios, and a library. 

Getting a Home at On Top of the World 

This enormous HOA-governed 55+ community in Central Florida spans 13,00 acres and has numerous floor plans ranging from about 1,500 to 2,800 square feet. Homes are not crowded in, though, so all homeowners enjoy ample yards and privacy. The community is divided into five separate neighborhoods. All homes are built with steel-reinforced concrete block construction and only the highest quality materials, and all are highly rated for energy efficiency.

Article Feature Image Credits: On Top of the World

Located roughly halfway between Orlando and Tampa, Lakeland, FL is a unique mid-size Central Florida city. The largest in Polk County, the city offers a great balance of urban activity and small-town peace and quiet. If that's a mix you're in the market for, take a closer look at Lakeland as a possible place for your new or second Central Florida home in a 55+ community. 

From Lakeland, you enjoy convenient access to everything the region has to offer for active adults. Proximity to two of the state's best major metropolitan areas—Orlando and the Tampa Bay area—is a huge plus. You're also near St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and other celebrated beaches. Then there are all the state parks, campgrounds, springs, birding destinations, golf courses, charming small towns and cities, the Orlando-area theme parks and resorts, and much more so close at hand. 

Here's a quick profile of Lakeland, FL to help you determine whether it's a place you'd like to investigate more thoroughly as you look for that perfect home in a beautiful Central Florida 55-plus community: 

• Lakeland is approximately 75 square miles and has about 101,000 residents
• Just a little less than half the population is age 45 and older
• As of mid-2016, the median home value in the city is $126,600, an impressive jump of 10.4% over a year
• It's only a 40-minute drive from Lakeland to Tampa, an hour's drive to Orlando, and 1.5 hours to The Villages
• You're close to great day trip and weekend getaway destinations like Clearwater, St. Pete, Sarasota, Winter Haven, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Clermont, Tavares, Mount Dora, Sanford, and others
• Lakeland is part of Central Florida's main artery, the I4 Corridor
• Not surprisingly, there are a lot of lakes in Lakeland (38 named and a number unnamed), and they're a big part of recreational life in the city
• Many of the swans found in downtown Lakeland are of noble lineage; they're descended from a pair gifted to the city by Queen Elizabeth in 1957, and this pair was descended from King Richard I's royal flock from the 1100s
• The world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture is in Lakeland, on the campus of Florida Southern College
• Lake Mirror and Hollis Garden make for a beautiful sanctuary in the heart of downtown, as does historic Munn Park
• Downtown's Polk Museum of Art is a local cultural gem
• You can get nostalgic at the Silver Moon Drive-In Theater, a real drive-in movie theater that's been operating since 1948
• The Circle B Bar Reserve and its Polk's Nature Discovery Center are huge draws for area outdoors enthusiasts
• The City of Lakeland has recently developed a number of paved multi-use bicycle paths

If you're a Central Florida foodie, or just curious about some of the city's most popular and highly regarded restaurants, Bite30 offers many excellent opportunities to indulge. Organized by the Orlando Weekly, this restaurant month concept runs all through June and lets you sample a variety of dishes at participating restaurants at bargain prices. 

The concept is simple: participating restaurants have curated multi-course prix fixe menus. Most are three or four-course $30 dinner menus, but a handful of restaurants also have two-course $15 lunch menus. Diners have a few options to choose from for each course.

All you have to do is ask for the Bite30 menu and enjoy some amazing food from some of the best local independent restaurants. It's a fun, highly affordable way to get acquainted with many of the standout establishments of Orlando's dining scene. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

See the full list of participating restaurants and their Bite30 menus here. Bon appetite!

Central Florida may not be quite as well known for US wine production as some West Coast locales like California's Napa and Sonoma Valleys or Washington's Willamette Valley, but we do have a handful of excellent wineries and fruit wine producers here. One of the traditional wineries, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont, FL, has been a local institution for more than 25 years.

Wine lovers certainly have no problem indulging in their passion as part of the Central Florida active-adult lifestyle. The region has so many fun and funky wine bars, while the wineries always make for a great day trip. If you haven't been to Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards yet—or if it's just been a while—it's time for a visit.

About Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 

Lakeridge has been a leader in Florida wine production since it first began operations back in 1989. It's the state's largest winery (and its sister San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine is the state's second-largest). Nestled in Clermont's rolling hills, the estate covers 127 acres, which includes over 80 acres of planted vineyards. The winery has produced more than 100,000 cases—that's over 1 million bottles—and has received more than 600 winemaking awards and recognitions over the years.

Grapes and Wines at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Lakeridge grows three types of Muscadine grapes and three hybrids in its vineyards. The former include one red (Noble) and two bronze (Carlos and Welder); the hybrids are Blanc Du Bois, Stover, and Suwannee grapes.

The winery produces 10 different wines:

• Blanc Du Bois Reserve (white)
• Chablis (Muscadine blend)
• Pink Crescendo (pink sparkling wine)
• Proprietor's Reserve (Muscadine blend dessert wine)
• Southern Red (Noble red)
• Southern White (white)
• Stover Reserve (white)
• Sunblush (blush Muscadine blend)
• Cabernet Sauvignon (red)
• Chardonnay (white)

Visiting Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 

More than 160,000 people go to Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards each year. Free guided tours are offered every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (or from 11:00 am on Sundays), with one starting about every 30 minutes and the last one starting around 4:00. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a 15-minute video kicking things off, and it includes a tasting. 

The winery's gift shop features wine and accessories, as you'd expect, but also has an interesting selection of fine olive oils, dressings, gourmet mustards, salsas, hot sauces, cheeses, crackers, picnic sets, shirts, hats, and more. They'll also assemble an amazing gift basket if you need to find a unique gift for a wine lover in your life. 

In addition, there are often festivals, concerts, and other special events going on at the winery. Whether or not there's a bonus event going on, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont is a fantastic place to spend the day and enjoy Central Florida living.

Central Florida is famous around the nation—and even the globe—for its many and diverse golf courses for players of all skill and experience levels. Whether novices or longtime veterans of the green, golf lovers looking to buy a new or second home in a Central Florida active-adult community have plenty of amazing options. Many of the region's 55+ communities have on-site golf courses, most of which are semi-private. Pro shops, golf lessons, dining, and more are usually available at these community golf clubs, too. 

We've rounded up 15 of our favorite retirement communities in the area that prominently feature golf as part of their amenities and their prevailing lifestyle. 

Arlington Ridge – Leesburg, FL 

Life at Arlington Ridge revolves around Arlington Ridge Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by golf pro Gary Koch. It's a beautiful par-71 course featuring a river along its southern border, majestic oak trees, tricky hazards, elevated greens, and dogleg approaches. The course was carefully balanced for golfers of all skill levels. Public and members-only tee times are available. 

Del Webb Stone Creek – Ocala, FL 

The Del Webb Stone Creek 55+ community includes the semi-private Del Webb Stone Creek Golf Club, 18 holes of championship golfing designed by PGA professional Terry Doss. Spanning a little over 187 acres and stretching 7,200 yards, the panoramic views, shimmering lakes, and rolling hills make the course a notably scenic place to play. The course features pedestrian tunnels for safety, plus a driving range, practice putting and chipping greens, and other features and amenities. 

Kings Ridge – Clermont, FL 

A home at Kings Ridge means enjoying the two courses at the Kings Ridge Golf Club. The par-71 Kings Course is 6,269 yards long. It strategically incorporates Clermont's natural hilliness and was designed by Lloyd Clifton to make its players think and to use all their different clubs. The par-57 Ridge Course, designed by Ron Garl, challenges players with its well protected multi-tiered greens, water hazards, grassy hollows, pot bunkers, deep grass roughs, and other obstacles. 

Lake Ashton – Lake Wales, FL 

Lake Ashton, a large gated active-adult community in Polk County, includes its own two privately owned golf courses. The par-70 East and West Golf Courses both offer 18 holes of varying difficulty, with clever water and sand hazard placement and other challenges. Each provides excellent opportunities to spend the day enjoying gorgeous Central Florida weather and the company of your friends and neighbors.  

On Top of the World – Ocala, FL

The massive 55+ community called On Top of the World provides its residents with access to three different par-72 golf courses. Two of them, Tortoise & Hare and The Links, are private, while Chandler Hills Golf Club is semi-private and has holes ranging from 4,877 to 7,233 yards. On Top of the World Golf Club operates men's and women's associations, both of which regularly arrange tournaments and social activities. Also, PGA and LPGA pros are on staff and offer golf lessons and clinics.

Pennbrooke Fairways – Leesburg, FL 

The Golf Club at Pennbrooke Fairways consists of three 9-hole courses that Pennbrooke Fairways residents of varying skill levels can enjoy. The Oaks is a par-30 executive course, and it's the easiest of the three. The Meadows is a par-32 executive course, offering a step up in difficulty. Both The Oaks and The Meadows offer fun, engaging designs. The Sanctuary is a more challenging par-35 full-length 9-hole course. However, all three courses offer five tee placements for varying levels of difficulty. 

Royal Highlands – Leesburg, FL 

Royal Highlands was made for golf and nature lovers. The scenic, semi-private Monarch Golf Club is incorporated directly into this Central Florida active-adult community. Its par-72 course, designed by Len DeBoer and noted for its striking elevation changes, features Bermuda fairways and greens, plus practice areas. Five tee placements let each golfer customize the challenge to suit their level of skill and experience and adapt over time. 

Solivita – Kissimmee, FL 

Life at Solivita includes so many sports, recreational, and social activities, but its Stone Gate Golf Club is a definite highlight. Integrated into about 3,300 acres of natural Central Florida beauty, two 18-hole, par-72 courses offer a variety of challenges and thrills for players of all abilities. The Oaks and The Cypress are undeniably slices of golfing paradise, with the latter being the more difficult of the two. 

Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club – Summerfield, FL 

Access to the four 9-hole courses at Eagle Ridge Golf Course come with your home at Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club. All designed by Terry Doss, the attractive, fun courses include The Champions (3,419 yards and par 36), The Heritage (3,476 yards and par 36), The Masters (3,423 yards and par 36) and The Memorial (3,199 yards and par 35). 

Stonecrest – Summerfield, FL 

The Stonecrest active-adult community includes a links-style, 18-hole, semi-private course designed by Steve Newgent. The par-72 course stretches 6,852 yards, with water features on eight holes, and it offers three tee positions for play of varying difficulty. Additionally, you can give your short irons a workout at the Meadows 9-hole course encompassing 1,200 yards, with each hole at par 3. 

SummerGlen – Ocala, FL 

The broad fairways, demanding roughs, and creative design of the 18-hole championship course at SummerGlen Golf Club delivers fun, stimulating, challenging play for residents of SummerGlen, a peaceful 55+ Central Florida community in the heart of horse country. Play ranges from 6,673 yards from the toughest tee position to 4,933 yards for an easier golfing experience. 

Summit Greens – Clermont, FL 

Summit Greens includes the Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club. You'll often find your friends and neighbors out enjoying this mountain course, undoubtedly one of the more unique and exciting golfing experiences in Central Florida. There's a strong Irish/Scottish influence to the 18-hole, par-71 course, and significant elevation changes and lack of parallel fairways make for particularly challenging play. 

The Plantation at Leesburg – Leesburg, FL 

If you live or vacation at The Plantation at Leesburg, you enjoy access to its golf club's two semi-private 18-hole championship courses, Otter Creek and Cranes Roost. The natural Central Florida landscape has been used to great advantage in these challenging, picturesque courses, and the club also has a few PGA pros on staff. There's also a well-stocked pro shop. 

The Villages – The Villages, FL 

Nowhere are there more on-site golfing opportunities than at the world's largest active-adult community, The Villages. All residents get free lifetime membership for play at any of the 36 executive 9-hole courses (and more are added regularly) and 12 championship courses. Even the most frequent golfer can't tire of all the options here. And Arnold Palmer and Nancy Lopez have both designed courses in this amazing Central Florida 55-plus community! 

Victoria Gardens – DeLand, FL 

The course at Victoria Hills Golf Club is attached to Victoria Gardens, the designated 55+ neighborhood of the larger Victoria Park master planned development. Designed by Ron Garl, the 18-hole, par-72 course has been rated one of the top 50 in the US. With oak and pine trees all around, this is a truly stunning setting in which to challenge your swinging skills and take full advantage of the amazing Central Florida scenery and weather.

For so many active adults all across Central Florida, trips into Orlando are a beloved way to get their fix of world-class dining, culture, and entertainment. And if you're headed into town on a Saturday or Sunday, there's no better way to kick things off than a fun, sociable, relaxing, delicious brunch with a few friends—and probably a few mimosas. Or maybe some sangria or a Bloody Mary or two... 

Below is a quick roundup of 10 of the absolute best restaurants for a weekend brunch in Orlando. Every one is a must-try! 

Best Saturday and Sunday Brunches in Orlando 

Dexter's Thornton Park (website) 

There are multiple Dexter's locations, and they're all good for brunch, but the Thornton Park spot is a standout place to eat—and drink. And conveniently, it's just a few blocks from the Sunday Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola. Do yourself a favor and have the blackened shrimp and jack cheese grits or Belgian waffle with country fried chicken and bacon jam. Head over Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm or Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Maxine's on Shine (website) 

Literally a hidden gem, this restaurant is tucked away in a primarily residential area between the Thornton Park and Mills50 districts. It's a fun and fabulous restaurant serving some particularly indulgent brunch items taking creative approaches to classic Southern comfort food. You'll definitely be glad you discovered it. Brunch on Saturday goes from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; on Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Osprey Tavern (website) 

Offering adventurous, imaginative, and particularly fresh and high-quality fare, this Baldwin Park restaurant is heaven for true foodies. You can't go wrong with any order here, with every item easily qualifying as a work of culinary art. And don't miss out on the excellent cocktail menu. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. 

Santiago's Bodega (website) 

The antique shops in the charming Ivanhoe Village neighborhood make it a great weekend destination, and so does bottomless food and drink for brunch at this popular Spanish restaurant. Sit out front on the patio and consider ordering the French toast or a fantastic custom-made omelet. The service and atmosphere are as exceptional as the food. Dig in Saturday or Sunday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. 

Se7enbites (website) 

This bakery in the Milk District neighborhood never disappoints. Brunch has a decidedly Southern comfort flair, and its biscuits are some of the best you'll ever have. We really can't gush enough about this place, and it's impossible to recommend just one or two dishes—everything is amazing here. Don't worry... no matter what you pick, you'll be back to try more. Saturday and Sunday brunch is served from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Slate (website) 

If you're on or near Restaurant Row in the Dr. Phillips section of the city, this is the place to go for an exceptional meal and all around exceptional dining experience. There's a fairly diverse menu that even includes a few upscale pizzas. Enjoy some of the most flavorful brunch items you'll find anywhere from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Soco (website) 

Soco is short for “Southern contemporary,” an appropriate description of the cuisine at this Thornton Park restaurant. The food is interesting, quite tasty, and on the meat-heavy side, and there's an exciting selection of brunch cocktails. A meal here can also coincide with a trip to the Sunday Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola, held just a block away. Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Teak Neighborhood Grill (website) 

Hands-down one of the best places to get a burger in Orlando, this MetroWest restaurant is also a leader in the weekend brunch scene. The dishes are simple but imaginative, and the menu is especially appealing if you want some meat with your meal. The Bloody Mary menu and craft beer selection are big draws too. Stop in for weekend brunch between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

The Boheme (website) 

For an upscale, unforgettable jazz brunch featuring an Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano worth about a quarter-million bucks, head to the restaurant inside the gorgeous Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando, right across the street from the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The prix-fixe, all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

White Wolf Cafe (website) 

For perfectly prepared, simple, standard brunch dishes, visit this Ivanhoe Village institution. The crab cakes Benedict are particularly delicious. As mentioned, this neighborhood is an antiquing destination, and you're right around the corner from Loch Haven Park's museums and theaters. You can get an earlier start here than other places, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and 3:00 pm on Sundays.