Gourmet & Healthy in The Villages

On Friday and Saturday evenings, it’s not uncommon to hear Johnny Cash tunes echoing across Showcase of Citrus farm’s 2,500 acres as members of the Arnold family shake off another satisfying workweek with their friends and customers. Fourth-generation growers John and Julie Arnold and their four sons can usually be found tending to their heads of cattle, strolling through their groves of orange trees, collecting eggs from their organic chickens, or sipping all-natural orange juice slushies made onsite.

Located just minutes from Disney World, the Arnold family farm produces more than 50 varieties of citrus fruit and blackberries without using pesticides, herbicides, or magic beans. The fruit–as well as jams, jellies, marmalades, and honey—are all available at the onsite country store. The family’s earth-friendly practices help protect the cranes, macaws, coyotes, wild turkeys, raccoons, fox squirrels, and alligators that guests can spot on one of the farm’s monster-truck eco-safari tours.

More than 125 participating restaurants in the Orlando area including seven eateries within the Universal CityWalk accept the Kids Eat Free card, filling the bellies of youngsters with a complimentary plethora of distinctive fare each time their parent purchases an entree. Ponderosa tickles palates with steakhouse cuisine, and hotspots such as McDonald's offer hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and four-piece Chicken McNuggets. Fresh ingredients decorate kid-size pies from California Pizza Kitchen, and gyros and grilled cheese on pita bread satisfy kids' appetites at Greek Flame Taverna while parents dine on classic Greek fare such as stuffed grape leaves and lamb shanks. Basic cards expire 90 days after their initial use, but stainless-steel lifetime IDs bequeath gratis grub until kids grow old enough to be officially called foodies.

At Max Muscle, teams of knowledgeable health experts maximize bodies’ potential with fat-burning enzymes, muscle-boosting proteins, and vital vitamins and nutrients. Certified nutrition coaches help customers craft personalized nutrition plans based on meticulous research, thorough analysis of body composition, and interviews with 19th-century circus strongmen. The shop's tidy shelves brim with specially formulated pills, whey powders, and bars designed for amateurs seeking to reinforce a healthy lifestyle or professionals looking to sharpen their frames before high-stakes muscle flex-offs.

New York-quality deli fare has found a new home in Florida with the help of Manzano's Beachside Deli, a one-stop shop for made-to-order deli favorites and gourmet edibles. In addition to its famous New York crusty bread and 1.25-feet cold sandwiches, the shop tempts patrons with fresh Italian sandwiches and hot paninis topped by Boar's Head meats and cheeses. Their deli also assembles platters for any type of catering or discus-tossing need.