World Golf Village has become one of the most sought-after communities in Northeast Florida, and for good reason. Its neighborhoods marry the amenities of a premier vacation resort with the comfort of a high-quality home. World Golf Village has 47 neighborhoods, each with its own personality. With so many residential options available, prospective homeowners can choose from a grand estate, resort condominium, townhome, coach or patio home.

There’s no doubt World Golf Village is a mecca for Northeast Florida’s golf community, with its picturesque views of the Sunshine State’s nature preserves and a limitless list of activities, amenities and sights. However, over the past 20 years, the area has become an amazing place for families, young professionals and active adults. From shopping and events to sports and restaurants, the World Golf Village offers a little of something for everyone.

Speaking of restaurants, pizza lovers, rejoice! The Loop opened its World Golf Village location just last month, making it the tenth location in the Greater Jacksonville area. Inspired by the increasing demand for family-friendly spaces, owner Maurilio Gonzalez says, “We designed this location with a larger patio and slightly more intimate interior. This allows for a similar capacity of our other locations, but with the opportunity to enjoy the coastal breeze while dining outside.” Gonzalez added that The Loop would be responding to the increased requests for to-go and catering, offering options for guests who prefer not to dine in.

The opening comes just in time for summer fun and get-togethers with a catering menu that will impress any guest. It touts a selection of salads, wraps and sandwiches that can feed up to 15 people and 12-inch to 16-inch Specialty or Build-Your-Own pizzas. The in-house menu includes a wide range of specialty pizzas and pinsa (pizza made from a lighter, airier crust), like the Spicy Chicken Cilantro pizza loaded with sweet red peppers, grilled onions, jalapeños, roasted garlic, grape tomatoes and basil pesto; or a classic Margherita topped with fresh mozzarella, multi-tomato sauce and fresh basil. If you’re into handhelds, you’re in luck. The Loop offers a trifecta of wraps, burgers and sandwiches. Go for a tried-and-true Great American Cheeseburger stacked with melty American cheese or opt for an adventure with the Asian Chicken Wrap drizzled with a peanut honey-lime vinaigrette. Both the BBQ Bacon Chicken & Cheddar and Grilled Salmon sandwiches are enough to satisfy any craving. Did we mention they had soups and salads? The Sunflower Kale salad is a summer staple piled high with walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, carrots, red onions, napa cabbage and croutons served with a golden nutritional yeast dressing. The Loop’s menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options for guests with specialized diets. Pair your food with one of The Loop’s famous Hand Dipped and Spun Shakes in a classic flavor like vanilla or chocolate or your favorite local craft beer. Once you’re done with your main course, top it all off with a freshly baked brownie or cookie.

You can stop by The Loop – World Golf Village located at 150 Village Commons Drive, Suite 105 in the Publix shopping center all week long from 11am to 9pm. Check out the full menu and more here. Be sure to visit The Journal to keep up with all the new and exciting things happening in the World Golf Village community.

When families are shopping for their forever home, the community is often just as, if not more important, than the house itself. The perfect house may not be so perfect if there aren’t convenient and fun quality amenities and a thriving community to support your economic and social goals. The World Golf Village, one of St. Augustine’s most popular enclaves, is preserving one of those amenities housed within its borders.

The World Golf Village Hall of Fame IMAX Theater is home to North Florida’s largest movie screen – 80 feet wide and 50 feet high. It’s crystal-clear images and powerful digital soundscape create a movie experience that is undeniably cool. The theater caters to a wide crowd, featuring new releases, past blockbusters, popular throwbacks and captivating educational documentaries. It has long been a place where friends and families can gather for a fun and unique movie-going experience unlike any other around.

With the World Golf Hall of Fame Foundation relocating and ownership of the building moving to a new party, rumors began to swirl that the IMAX Theater was closing its doors. St. Johns County government listened to resident concerns and publicly declared their support and dedication to keeping the amenity open for all residents to enjoy. Through social listening, resident surveys and community engagement, St. Johns County learned that residents were passionate about seeing the theater remain open. Officials were able to allay fears and have begun working with the theater’s management to explore options for the long-term management of the facility.

County Administrator Joy Andrews confirmed: “We want to reassure residents that there are no plans to close the IMAX Theater. We are actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the Foundation and are exploring all possibilities to ensure the continued enjoyment of the IMAX Theater for everyone. Despite rumors circulating about a potential closure date, St. Johns County remains committed to transparency and communication with the public regarding the future of the IMAX Theater.”

For now, the World Golf Hall of Fame Foundation has graciously continued the theater’s operations. The county’s next step is working with a professional planning consultant who will evaluate resident responses to a sweeping survey measuring public opinion on the future of the property. These experts will explore a number of pathways forward for not only the theater but also all of the World Golf Village properties, including the World Golf Hall of Fame multi-purpose facility, PGA Tour Productions building and S. Legacy Trail.

To find current showtimes, visit the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater here. To keep up with County activities regarding the IMAX, visit the St. Johns County website at sjcfl.us.

The specialty Japanese sushi joint is the newest restaurant to open on Twincourt Trail

Fresh sashimi, specialty sushi rolls, tempura, hibachi, ramen, poke bowls, curries, katsu, udon and teriyaki. . . . It’s all on the menu at Fancy Sushi, the new Japanese restaurant in World Golf Village. Hailing from St. Simons Island in Georgia, this is the sister restaurant to Q Sushi Bar and Grill. The low-key, neighborhood sushi spot already has a 5-star rating on Google, and diners rave about the friendly staff, plentiful portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant boasts chic comfort, with a sushi bar, dining tables and chairs, black leather booths and covered outdoor seating. Their fresh seafood makes for perfect sashimi and hand rolls that are artfully decorated on the plate. Order the local specialty Jax Roll, with shrimp tempura and spicy tuna on top; or the Austin Powers Roll, with krab tempura, crawfish salad, cucumber, tuna and eel, topped with avocado and eel sauce. Yea baby! Their Super Poke Bowls are superb indeed. Choose your own protein and up to five fresh vegetables with a base of sushi rice or mixed salad. The satiating and comforting ramen menu has six options to choose from: Tonkotsu, with a pork and chicken broth; a classic Miso; Steak Kimchi; Seafood with jumbo shrimp, krab meat, mussels, seasoned octopus and fish cakes; chicken and a veggie.

Fancy Sushi is one of the newest restaurants to join the newly-built plaza at 630 E Twincourt Trail. The 22,000 square feet hosts Parlor Doughnuts, Queen Nails, Kumon Math and Reading Center, Soaring Bungee Fitness Studio and Anejo Cocina Mexicana – and will soon host more as space is available to rent. This area of World Golf Village is exploding, with a new Costco only a mile away, as well as the world-famous country convenient store Buc-ee’s, known for its cute Beaver-themed knick-knacks and snacks.

Don’t miss out on the fanciest of sushi at Fancy Sushi. Offering lunch specials, fast delivery service, online ordering and an extensive menu, Fancy Sushi has it all. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday 11am to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12 to 9:30pm (closed on Mondays). Check out Fancy Sushi at 630 E Twincourt Trail, Suite 113, in World Golf Village in St. Augustine.

Pets show us humans an unconditional love like no other. Having a furry friend can even decrease stress, improve heart health and help humans live longer, happier and healthier lives. At Pet Paradise St. Johns at World Golf Village (WGV), your pet is treated to the paradise retreat they deserve, with five-star pampering and exceptional care.

From dog and cat boarding to on-site veterinary care, day camp to a full-service grooming spa, the services at Pet Paradise WGV are paws-itively superb. Your pet will be wagging the moment they arrive, and you too can take respite in knowing your best friend is being cared for by attentive, personable and professional staff in the utmost safest environment. Plus, they’ll have a ton of fun! Outdoor bone-shaped swimming pool? Check! Peaceful and private cat condos? You bet! There is ample space to romp, swim and socialize, covered porches and trees provide shade, and misting stations keep your furry companions cool — plus, if your pup needs individualized attention, one-on-one care is available.

“It’s their second home,” Matt Davidson shares, pet parent to two standard wirehaired dachshunds, Gemma and Hattie, and Technology Director at Davidson Realty. His two pups are regulars at Pet Paradise WGV. “They’re excited every time I drop them off, and even insist on saying goodbye to every staff member before we leave.” Matt has been sending “his girls,” as he calls them, to Pet Paradise WGV for almost three years, and has never had any issues. “I never have to worry because I know how much the staff loves the animals. You can see it in the way they interact with them and how excited they get to see your dogs. I highly recommend them to anyone.” Matt and his girls have used every service offered, including day camp, boarding, grooming and veterinary care, and it’s all been excellent. “They also have little art projects your dogs can participate in for a small fee, and it’s always adorable,” he grins.

Open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm, your pets will indeed be basking in paradise at Pet Paradise St. Johns at WGV. Located at 291 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095, call them today at 904-544-8570 or visit them online to learn more about their paw-some services. 

The small-batch, craft doughnut and coffee shop will be opening in 2024

Another delicious business is coming to the neighborhood! Parlor Doughnuts will soon open in World Golf Village at 630 E Twincourt Trail, in Suite 101, offering their signature-style baked goods, “The layered doughnut.” This isn’t the traditional cake or yeast-style doughnut we all grew up with. These scrumptious confections are made from layers of buttery dough that are then fried to crisp perfection on the outside with a light and fluffy airyness on the inside – made in small batches, fresh all day. Flavors include French Toast, Maple Bacon, Honey Glazed, Cookies N’ Cream, Churro, Strawberry Shortcake and so many more – offering more than 20 flavorings, as well as seasonal and secret menu options. Is your mouth watering yet?! They have vegan, gluten-friendly and keto-friendly doughnuts available, as well as a special doughnut for all the pups out there, known as the Doggie Doughnut.

Artisanal breakfast items are also on the menu, such as açaí bowls, avocado toast, bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos and biscuit sandwiches. And don’t forget about their Doughboy Milkshakes, which come in every doughnut flavor. And of course, specialty coffee, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, matcha and chai lattes and hot chocolate.

This fast-growing national franchise is a doughnut chain with locations from coast to coast and throughout the State of Florida. They originally launched in Evansville, Indiana in 2019 as a coffee shop, and soon rose to fame with their ultimately decadent, yummy treats. Named after the original “parlor room,” Parlor Doughnuts strives for their spaces to be places where people come together, where conversations between neighbors happen and where guests feel comfortable and at home. “Vintage Americana feel with a modern twist!” is their decor motto. Parlor prides itself on building communities where they operate, and at WGV it’ll be no different. Check out Parlor World Golf Village soon at 630 E Twincourt Trail suite 101, St. Augustine, FL 32095.

Summertime is all about sleeping in a bit later, working a little less hard and unwinding with family and friends while trying to beat the Florida heat. For those living and visiting the World Golf Village area, there’s no shortage of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy. From an animal sanctuary to long-awaited blockbuster movies, find out why this area of St. Johns County that boasts 6,000 homes and more than 15,000 residents is one of the top destinations for those long summer days. And from award-winning golf courses to more than 3,500 acres of conservation land, World Golf Village brings you back to nature and that Old Florida feel.

IMAX Films

Throughout July, enjoy the air conditioning and a bag of salty, buttery popcorn as you take in a film at the IMAX Theater in World Golf Village. Watch Harrison Ford reprise his role of daredevil archeologist, Indiana Jones, in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” which finds Jones squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA. Or perhaps documentaries are more your speed? Jane Goodall, an English primatologist and anthropologist who is considered the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, has a new film out called, “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope.” For those craving a summer blockbuster that turns up the heat, check out “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, who along with the IMF team, must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls in to the wrong hands. Later in the month, Christopher Nolan’s film, “Oppenheimer,” opens. The movie follows physicist J Robert Oppenheimer who works with a team of scientists during the Manhattan Project, leading to the development of the atomic bomb.

Golf Tournaments

If there’s one thing the World Golf Village area is known for, well it’s golf! Check out a few summer golf tournaments in the area like the St. Augustine Junior on Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6. The tournament is now in its third year and will be played at the Slammer & Squire Golf Course. What some of the area’s best junior golfers and root for your favorites during this fun, summer tournament. If you’re looking for a relaxed tournament that is more social game rather than intense competition, then check out Spark Games, an 18-hole event that will take place Saturday, July 29 at the King & Bear Golf Course. The event is described as “casual and fun with a touch of friendly competition.”

Fun Activities

Founded in 1981 by Deborah Warrick-Rossi, St. Augustine Wild Reserve provides a home for unwanted and abused exotic animals, including jaguars, lions, leopards, hyenas, wolves, lynxes, and even a bear. Open to the public and offering tours every Monday and Wednesday at 2pm, visit this one-of-a-kind sanctuary where the animals live out the rest of their lives receiving top-quality care and a safe environment. There are also two tours on Saturday, one at 11am and one at 2pm. If you prefer a more hands-on experience, there is a special VIP tour from noon until 1:30pm every Friday. You must make an advanced reservation to visit. Looking to become more active this summer or just need to get the kids out of the house? Above Basketball World Golf Village offers summer camps, training programs and camps for those wanting to hone their skills and take it to the next level. Check out upcoming events here.