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.
With The Players Championship tournament bringing the best and brightest talent in golf from across the world, it’s no surprise that Northeast Florida is a coveted destination for golfers. Even if you’re not a pro, you can feel like one with the quality and variety of courses in the area.
Just south of Jacksonville, in St. Johns County, you can find four amazing courses, all within less than 30 miles of each other. Play like a pro at the course that hosts the aforementioned TPC tournament, The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. It is the world’s first true stadium course, designed to favor no particular style of play and improve the fan experience. It’s a balanced course best known for its iconic Island Green on the 17th. Sawgrass’ other course, the Dye’s Valley Course, is no stranger to champions, having hosted the Senior Players Championship and the NFL Golf Classic. It features large greens, a myriad of water features and rolling hills and valleys.
Island Green on the 17th at TPC Sawgrass
At the iconic World Golf Village, enthusiasts of the sport can view an extensive collection of memorabilia in the World Golf Hall of Fame before hitting the links at their two iconic courses: the King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire. The King & Bear is a championship course in its own right. Legendary rivals Arnold “The King” Palmer and Jack “Golden Bear” Nicklaus came together to design a course that is a testament to their love of the game. The course is set amongst towering oaks and boasts a layout that combines Nicklaus’ inviting fairways and Palmer’s fast greens. The Slammer & Squire was named after World Golf Hall of Fame members Sam “Slammer” Snead and Gene “Squire” Sarazen. The course was designed to showcase the area’s natural beauty, with lush woods and pristine wetlands.
King & Bear Golf Course and Club House
Arnold Palmer continues to leave his mark on the area with Hidden Hills Golf Club in Jacksonville. Home to high-profile regional tournaments in the 1970s, Palmer redesigned the course in 1986. Surrounded by towering pine and oak trees, the course exudes classic North Florida, with hole 8 being considered the most charming.
Hidden Hills Golf Course
Just north of Jacksonville lies a unique course situated on a barrier island. The Fernandina Beach Golf Club sprawls across Amelia Island, offering three 9-hole courses, each with a different configuration for a total of 27 uniquely challenging holes. The course is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, providing a serene, escapist atmosphere.
Fernandina Beach Golf Club
Golfers looking for a more budget-friendly course need not compromise. The Jacksonville Beach Golf Club is a municipal course that received a complete overhaul in 2018. The course is fast and fun with creative holes and well-maintained putting surfaces. Play like a local (call it Jax Beach, though) and try to hit the boat that serves as a target at the driving range. For under $50, this course is a great play and is beloved by locals for a reason.
Jax Beach Golf Course
With Northeast Florida playing host to almost 70 courses – 70! – the First Coast is the place to be for any golfer looking to have their choice of game and all within a 30-minute drive from home.
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Located in St. Augustine, Florida, World Golf Village is a premier golf destination providing locals and visitors alike with various ways to enjoy one of Florida’s most popular pastimes. Whether a beginner or a golf pro, World Golf Village awaits you with a magical game you won’t experience anywhere else. So, if you’re looking for a way to reap the benefits of one of the top-rated golf resorts in Northeast Florida, look no further than the World Golf Village Membership.
About World Golf Village
Established in 1998, World Golf Village allows golf enthusiasts to experience championship golf courses designed by some of the most legendary names in the game, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. Home to two championship courses, including The King & Bear and The Slammer & Squire, each course has received numerous awards and is known for its challenging yet enjoyable layouts among the Florida fauna.
Membership Benefits
If you’re an avid golf lover, then the World Golf Village exclusive membership is for you. Members will enjoy an array of benefits, including:
Premier Access: World Golf Village members and their families will enjoy two championship golf courses, designed for veteran golfers and beginners alike. Spread across a picturesque backdrop of lakes, pines and oak trees, each course is an ideal blend of beautiful and challenging, which makes for the perfect game.
Exclusive Discounts: Time for a new set of clubs? Enjoy discounted rates on greens fees and merchandise at the golf courses’ pro shops when you become a member! For avid golfers who play frequently, this discount is sure to save you in the long run.
Priority Tee Times: If you’ve ever missed a game of golf due to overcrowded greens, you’re in luck. Members enjoy exclusive access to priority tee times, so you can secure a preferred time to play on busy days, even during peak season.
Practice Facilities: New to the game? World Golf Village members have unlimited access to the resorts’ practice facilities, including driving ranges, putting greens and chipping areas, so any golfer can perfect their skills and improve their game. You’ll be playing for the pros in no time!
Special Events and Tournaments: Connect with the local community and foster relationships with access to exclusive golf events and socials. With golfers of all skill levels in mind, World Golf Village hosts multiple events throughout the year, including golf tournaments, couple’s events and family golf days as well as onsite golf instruction and even junior golf clinics for those interested in learning the game. These events are a great way to meet fellow golf enthusiasts, connect with community members and make friends along the way.
Ready to start swinging like a pro? Become a member of World Golf Village for the premier golfing experience today.
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Every home has a unique flare and style that showcases the personality of those who live in it. However, most are influenced and inspired by the latest interior design trends for the season to keep their home fresh and updated. Enjoy a round-up of some of the design elements you will see this fall.
Statement Marble
Crisp white marble has been a beloved style choice for the past few years, however, a new marble is making its way into the design world. You will soon see warm-toned marble take a front seat. The rich rust and sandy tones are a natural compliment for fall color palettes and bring a cozy warmth to interior design. Add this new look to your home by incorporating warm marble into the accent pieces in your home.
Dark Wood Details
In the spirit of warming up your home, designers are utilizing dark wood tones to compliment interior spaces. Moody wood tones can easily be integrated into your home decor through side tables and chairs or showcased while entertaining by using wood serving boards and bowls. The contrast between these deep wood tones and the light wood we have been seeing brings dimension and intrigue to your space.
Sculpture Art
While traditional framed prints and paintings will never go out of style, a new accent is taking the design world by storm: sculpture art. The dimensional statement pieces provide an elevated look and can add interest to otherwise empty corners. Sculptural art can adapt to every design style and can appeal to every taste. They also provide an opportunity to add color and texture in a new and unique way.
Checkerboard Print
The pattern of the moment is without a doubt checkerboard. The color-blocked design is timeless but brings a fresh and modern touch to interiors today. The classic checkered print can easily be included in your current home style with the addition of ceramics, trays, and textiles such as rugs or bedding. The neutral yet bold nature of the checkerboard pattern makes it the perfect fall trend to try this season.
Your home is your haven and spicing up your space can make a big difference in the way you love your home.
It’s summertime and, oftentimes, the soaring high temperatures may make you feel as if you are melting away! Northeast Florida residents beat the heat with a little help from a popular treat: ice cream. “There is something for everyone in Northeast Florida and, while locals tend to choose favorite ice cream shops to frequent, you truly can’t go wrong,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. We’re sharing four of World Golf Village residents’ favorite places to enjoy ice cream in Northeast Florida.
Dreamette
If you are looking for an ICONIC Jacksonville ice cream establishment, look no further than Dreamette. In 1948, the original Dreamette opened in Murray Hill and for more than seventy years, it’s been a local favorite. Don’t miss out on their legendary dipped cone, stop by today!
Mayday
Perhaps the most unique ice cream shop in town is Mayday. With locations in St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, and Brooklyn, no one is far from this eclectic and handcrafted ice cream joint. Try the s’more, ice box lemon, and parent trap flavors next time you visit.
Jeremiah’s
What’s better than ice cream? Ice cream AND Italian ice. Jeremiah’s offers creamy soft serve, more than forty flavors of Italian ice, and the perfect layering of both with their gelati. The combinations are seemingly endless. The mango and vanilla gelati is a fan favorite worth trying.
Whit’s
If you are looking for rich frozen custard, look no further than Whit’s! With locations all over town, you won’t be far from delicious, sweet treats at Whit’s. Their custard sandwiches, banana split, and dirt worm are standouts on the menu. You won’t regret these treats on a hot day.
This summer, take a trip to one of these World Golf Village resident favorite spots for a sweet treat. Which spot is your favorite?
Spring has sprung which means it’s time for Spring Cleaning! Give your home the refresh it deserves. These four projects are easy, affordable ways to sustain, and even add value to your home.
Landscaping
Updating your landscape is a classic spring project. Whether you need to start from scratch or do some light trimming and clean-up, putting effort into your greenscape will make a huge difference in the appearance of your home. Now is also a great time to consider outdoor lighting for entertaining spaces so you can enjoy them to the fullest.
Windows
Interior windows typically get cleaned throughout the year, but exterior window cleaning often gets neglected. On a cloudy day, grab your cleaning supplies, a ladder, and a buddy and get to work. Your streak and dirt-free windows will leave your home sparkling and allow more natural light to flow into your home.
Paint
Elevate your space with a fresh coat of paint. Light and airy colors can help make your home feel larger, while darker and earthy tones provide a memorable and moody vibe for your space. Your home tells your story and updating your paint colors can help complete your interior design narrative.
Detail Updates
Out with the old and in with the new is easier said than done, however, there are some small projects that will help make your space feel brand new. Swapping cabinet hardware is a simple and inexpensive way to update your kitchen or bathroom. If you’re feeling ambitious, build a fire pit to create a space outdoors to make memories. Small changes can make a big difference!
The hardest part of spring cleaning is starting! Get inspired and start your next home project to truly bring out the best your space has to offer.
With a new year, comes a new opportunity to refresh your space. Whether it is a fresh coat of paint or a remodel, making changes to your home can provide value and a renewed sense of appreciation. Enjoy a round-up of the TOP interior design trends of 2022!
Vintage Elements
If you have bought anything in the past year and a half, you have likely encountered supply chain shortages and delays. This disruption has caused many to embrace the old, one-of-a-kind pieces that many would overlook. Shopping vintage is not only a sustainable interior design option but adds character to your space.
Black Accents
The addition of black brings an elevated contrast to your space. To a neutral-based room, black provides edge and depth creating visual interest. This trend was popularized when Urbane Bronze was named the 2021 Sherwin Williams Color of the Year. This timeless, sophisticated warm black pairs beautifully with whites, grays, greens, and amber hues.
Home Bars
With the resurgence of interest in craft cocktails and beer and increased at-home entertainment, home bars are making a comeback! Elegant bar carts and built-in alcoves provide a dedicated space to showcase your collection of booze and glassware. This adults-only space is a must for those who love to entertain and impress.
Versatile Spaces
The pandemic has influenced many design trends in 2022. One that likely won’t go away is the need for rooms to serve multiple purposes. Maximizing functionality and practicality has become a top priority as working from home is more common than ever. However, form doesn’t have to be sacrificed for the sake of function. Get creative and research unique ways to have all your needs met in your home.
Your home is your haven and spicing up your space can make a big difference in the way you love your home.
During this season of thankfulness, reflecting on all the good in life is inevitable. Your home, a place of shelter and retreat, is likely near the top of most lists of things to be grateful for. Residents of World Golf Village have an abundance of wonderful treasures in their community. Join us as we recall a few of those treasures as we are reminded of just how fortunate we are to be World Golf Village neighbors.
Award-Winning Schools
World Golf Village families have much to be thankful for with the St. Johns County School District. Named one of the finest school districts in the United States, St. Johns County schools are ranked number one out of sixty-seven districts in Florida and have received a grade of “A” several years in a row. Students continue to shine in standardized tests and go on to thrive in college. Knowledge is power and families in World Golf Village are fortunate to have a stellar public school system to send their children to.
Convenient Proximity to Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and The Beaches
You truly get the best of all worlds by living in World Golf Village. The location of World Golf Village allows you to conveniently drive to locations in the largest landmass city of Jacksonville, historic St. Augustine, and the miles of stunning beaches along the coast with ease. This allows World Golf Village neighbors to take advantage of all the exciting happenings taking place on the First Coast.
Stunning Golf Courses
Many residents of World Golf Village find themselves with golf courses right in their own backyard. Two world-class championship golf courses, King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire are proud to call World Golf Village home. Whether you are a veteran or beginner, both courses are ready to treat you to a magic game of golf with their stunning scenery and immaculate conditions. Complete your experience golfing at World Golf Village by visiting each course’s pro shop and dining rooms.
Natural Habitat
Northeast Florida’s natural beauty is the backdrop for The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village. More than forty-four percent of the community’s land is protected as a nature preserve. That is more than 2,700 of the 6,300 acres! This earned World Golf Village the ENVY award for building in harmony with Florida’s sensitive environment. With many parks and walking trails in World Golf Village, residents have ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather in Northeast Florida.
One thing is for sure, World Golf Village residents have a lot to be thankful for… as this list could go on and on.
Calling all ghouls and goblins! It’s the start of Halloween Weekend 2021 and there are plenty of spooky sights to see around the First Coast to celebrate the end of the spooky season. We’re rounded up all the fun and games to take advantage of this weekend.
Jacksonville Zoo and Garden: Spooktacular
Enjoy the last weekend of Spooktacular 2021 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden. Dress up in your favorite family-friendly costume and go trick-or-treating around the zoo. Music, entertainment, and photo opportunities await you and your family as animals loom. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden Website.
Ripley’s Haunted Castle Investigation
Get your investigative caps on for this one! Ripley’s Believe it or Not is offering first-hand training and hands-on, sixty-minute experience to discover what’s haunting Ripley’s Castle Warden. Use the latest ghost-hunting equipment such as infrared thermometers, laser grids, and spirit boxes to explore one of the most haunted buildings in the Southeast. For tickets, please click here.
Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Adventures
Southern Living Magazine recently voted this trolley tour one of the five best ghost tours in the South. Climb aboard the trolley to hear historical and harrowing tales from St. Augustine’s past. You won’t want to miss this tour around the Old City to get your share of fright. To book your tour, visit the Ghost & Gravestones website.
Spooktacular Junior Clinic
For those ages seven to seventeen who are looking for a less spooky and more sporty Halloween event, check out this FREE junior golf clinic at the Slammer & Squire Golf Course held on October 31 from 2 – 3:30 pm. Enjoy interactive, hands-on instruction from professional players participating in the PXG Women’s Match Play Championship. To learn more and claim your spot for this event, visit their website.
There is no shortage of Halloween fun going on this weekend in Northeast Florida! We hope you and your family have a fang-tastic time.
If you live in Northeast Florida there is no doubt you’ve heard of all the wonderful, thriving neighborhood communities in St. Johns County, but if you’ve driven around the area, you’ve likely noticed a need for commercial property. Like most developments, residential precedes commercial growth, and St. Johns County is ready to flourish with new businesses. “St. Johns County is a fantastic place for businesses to call home. Not only is the residential population continuously growing, but the location is conveniently situated between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. With so many new developments coming soon to the area, the opportunities are really exciting,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. We’re rounding up just a few of the exciting additions coming to St. Johns County.
World Commerce Center
At the intersection of Interstate 95 and International Golf Parkway, you’ll find World Commerce Center, a 996-acre property with approvals in place for residential, office, medical, retail, warehouse, and hotel developments. The popular “attraction” Buc-cee’s has already called World Commerce Center home since February 2021. Businesses, including GreenWise Market, 7-Eleven, and Panera Bread, are coming soon to the new development.
Grand Cypress
In late May 2021, Gatlin Development Co. Inc. purchased the land at 6256 and 6322 Race Track Road, the site of a former racetrack and poker room that closed in 2021, from Bayard Raceways Inc for more than $16.5 million. The site sits at southwest U.S. 1 and Race Track Road. Gatlin Development plans to build a $250 million mixed-use development called Grand Cypress. The more than one hundred acre property will include a grocery store-anchored shopping center, retail, restaurant space, 588-unit luxury multifamily community, and a 256-unit upscale boutique multifamily complex. The commercial space tenants will be announced soon.
Greenbriar Helow
Another massive development likely coming soon to northwest St. Johns County is Greenbriar Helow. Landowner, Joseph Helow, of Helow Properties Ltd., hopes to rezone the property from open rural land to a planned unit development. Located off Greenbriar Road, Longleaf Pine Parkway, and Veterans Parkway, this new development could include single-family, multifamily, and senior housing, natural preservation land, retail uses, and offices. If the rezoning is approved, the development would allow for up to 3,500 single-family homes and more than 2.5 million square feet of non-residential development.
Development in St. Johns County is showing no signs of slowing down. With an attractive location and a rapidly growing residential community, these new developments are sure to provide some much-needed commercial property to the area.
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