Definitely hold your event here! Live here, too! This 1,500+ home community of those 55+ has been…read morehere 30+ yrs. Over the last few years, home values have risen 48%. This is a deed restricted community; each subdivision has its own HOA & dues.
The restaurant is open to the public. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, but there's an automatic 18% gratuity added to every bill. Credit cards & cash are accepted. Reservations are suggested, but often you'll be able to show up & get seated-- just NOT on Prime Rib night once monthly. For $19 you'll get all the prime rib you want (it's the best I've ever eaten), all the cold shrimp & coconut shrimp, sides, salad, & dessert (often a cobbler w/ or without homemade whipped cream). It's really an excellent deal. Reservations are accepted up to 15 days prior to the selected Tuesday of the month. (Don't procrastinate!)
Saturday breakfast is incredibly inexpensive--Fed five for approximately $35. The only breakfast food I would not recommend is the $1 grits-- flavorless.
Sunday brunch is very good. It's popular, $9.99 a person, & well worth the money. The talented omelette maker (multiple pans going consecutively) will whip you up the omelette of your choice using varied fresh ingredients. It's all you can eat w/ lots of breakfast foods to sample.
The bar (see pic) is open daily, & not only for booze & overhead sports; there's a separate food menu that changes approximately every 6 months. The food is quite good. There are inside tables as well as patio tables (see pic). And you can do as I often do-- takeout. Regardless, expect the 18% gratuity automatically added to your bill. Staff here is always friendly. Many have worked in this community for years. The regular 40-year-old female bartender has been here since she was twenty.
Can't discuss the golf other than to say there are two courses-- 18 holes & 9 holes, both open to the public. Some holes are near the nature preserve; be prepared to see gators, deer, & other cool critters. There's a golf shop w/ a separate entryway on the side of the clubhouse.
There are two pools for residents only-- an older, small, unheated one that's great for exercising; it's beside the Community Center. Bring your resident ID. And there's a large, gorgeous, heated, circular pool behind the clubhouse. Beside it is a wonderful, 15-person hot tub--see pic. The timer nearby can be set for up to one hour. Guests of residents must sign in at the clubhouse front desk & be accompanied by the resident (unless there's a written arrangement between resident & management.) They do check ID's!
The clubhouse also offers residents a fitness center, a library, & many activity rooms (for organized clubs). Members & outside groups may rent the clubhouse for private functions. Lots of graduation & retirement parties held here as well as wedding receptions.
There are two tennis/pickleball courts available to residents w/ 2 more under construction.
There are often art shows at the Community Center, as well as yoga classes. There are regular dances w/ live bands at the clubhouse; all dances are themed. Recently, there was a NY dinner dance (you had to be from NY) & a 1990's music dance. Estate sales are abundant here (for obvious reasons). Many of the residents are not year round; they maintain a primary residence up north.
Speed limits are low-- 25 max on the main drag & 15 mph on all other roads. This is a very peaceful & quiet development. And it's safe; the only crime here happened many years ago; a landscaper and his wife were breaking into homes during the day. Neighbors here look out for each other. Even though they're seldom outside their residences, they somehow see everything:)
If you are looking for a party venue or peace & quiet, this is a very nice place. And if you're a senior citizen looking for hobby clubs (where you'll make friends), this may be the perfect housing community for you. Homes are two bedroom plus, & there are some duplexes. (See pic.) There are also rental homes available when the snowbirds leave; they are limited & they rent VERY quickly (& a year early).
Why not 5 stars? There's a onetime $2,500 social fee upon closing on a home, monthly dues are $220 plus (golf not included), the on-site fitness center desperately needs updating, & some very out of date rules need fixing. One example: you can't bring a date to certain functions unless s/he is a member of the community. There are plans to update many of the antiquated rules, but that takes time; each issue must be studied and then presented to the board for a community vote.
Still a very nice community if you want to rent the clubhouse for a private event, share in activities w/ others of retirement age (& up:) or just live a quiet life. 25 miles from North Tampa, TBGCC sits beside I-75 on Hwy 52.