The beach is fairly narrow, but since no vehicles over 20’ in length can navigate the turns in the beach parking lot, we will disembark the bus on 17th Avenue, a very short distance from the crosswalk that takes us across Gulf Blvd.  (In case you are wondering, our buses are 45’ long.)  It even has a traffic light to stop traffic for us!  We will arrive at the beach at @ 10:45 or so.


If you don’t want to carry your own chairs & umbrella that distance, IRB Chairs has rentals available.  They can be reserved at https://www.irbchairs.com/.  They run $40 for a set – 2 chairs & umbrella or 2 chairs & cabana. 


Indian Rocks Beach does not have lifeguards.

There are several restaurants within walking distance of the beach, and you could always avail yourself of a restaurant restroom if you needed to freshen up before or after eating.

You will have the option of spending the entire day on the beach or venturing out at 2:30 to tour the Florida Botanical Gardens.  If you are trying to determine what plants to put in your landscaping, the gardens have an abundance of suggestions.  All of the plants are tagged clearly, making it easy to snap a photo so you can find the plants once you get home.  And the gardens are stunningly beautiful.  

To get in on the fun, print the reservation form by clicking on the green button above.  On June 3rd, we will conduct our lottery and you will be notified shortly thereafter of your seat confirmation or waitlist status.  Mail or drop the reservation form, along with your check (made out to the BBC) for $28.00 per person to:

 Copyright. Barefoot Beachcombers Club.  All rights reserved

The gardens are categorized as:  Butterfly, Cactus/Succulent, Cottage, Herb, Jazz, Majeed Discovery, McKay Creek Plaza, Native Plant, Palm, Rose, Topiary, Tropical, The Vinery, The Wedding/Celebration Garden and the Wetlands Walkway and Wildlife Overlook.


Those remaining on the beach will have until 4:15 to board and load us their beach gear.   The bus will return to the gardens after gathering up the last remaining sun seekers on the beach and will stop at the Gardens to pick those members up.  Then we will head to Largo Mall, less than 10 minutes away.

The Largo Mall features over 70 shops and services for your convenience and enjoyment. The Largo Mall dinner restaurants; Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Lobster, Smiley Thai to Go, Firehouse Subs, Hungry Crab, Chili’s, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Beach Pizza, and The Greek City Cafe.  It is an open-air mall.

Please board the bus by 6:00 pm in order to arrive back at The Villages by 8:15 pm.   

 Copyright. Barefoot Beachcombers Club.  All rights reserved

If this is your FIRST EVER BBC tripThe BBC has a Liability Waiver specific to our club.  Please follow the link:  http://www.bbc32162.com/liability-waiver-1.html; click on the Blue Button to print the Liability Waiver and submit it with your reservation form.  If this is not your first trip,  please skip this step.


2023 Beach Trips

June 19
Indian Rocks Beach
July 17
Alan Shephard Park
Aug 21
Sand Key Park - Clearwater

Barefoot Beachcombers Club (‘BBC’ will also suffice)
333 Colony Blvd. #110
The Villages, FL 32162

You could instead hand your addressed envelope to a person at the counter at Safe Ship in Colony Plaza, saving you the stamp and ensure its timely arrival.

Please join us as we spend a day relaxing on glorious Indian Rocks Beach, with an optional visit to The Florida Botanical Gardens, then dinner at The Largo Mall.  Indian Rocks is located on a barrier island near Clearwater, but is much less populated.  It had only 3,662 residents in 2021, so it is a small town and definitely has a small town feel.  There is a modest restroom on the beach and equipment rental available.  

To print a copy of this invitation, click on the Blue Button. 

Florida Botanical Gardens


At 2:30 pm, those who want to explore the wondrous Florida Botanical Gardens should board the bus for a 10 minute drive.  You will have 1.5 hours to take in the various gardens led by a volunteer docent.  For a preview, visit flbgfoundation.org

This 100-acre park has many differently designed and planted gardens.  It demonstrates many ecologically sound gardening techniques.  Admission is free, but we requested a docent guided tours of the property.   Their tours are one of their primary fundraising activities and at $5 per person, it’s one of the cheapest things we’ve done all year. 
 

I/we would like to go to I/we would like to go to Indian Rocks Beach with the BBC on June 19th.  Enclosed is my $28.00 check (pp). 

Print your name(s):   ____________________________________________________________________________________________

I/we wish to be on the bus with these friends (name up to four) ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

I/we still have a credit with the BBC and I would like to use that credit. ________


I/we live in the Village of ________________________________


During the trip, I can be reached at this phone number: ______________


I/we would like to tour the Florida Botanical Gardens and have added $5 per person to our check:  ____Yes

_______# of people

 

I/we plan to rent _____# of chairs and one _________umbrella or _________cabana at Indian Rock Beach.  (This is for an approximate count only.)




Indian Rocks Beach

on Monday, June  19 th, 8:30am until 8:15pm

​​Restaurant options for lunch:

Guppy’s On the Beach: 1701 Gulf Blvd; casual, focusing on upscale seafood dishes and more. Only a minute walk:  https://www.guppys.com/menus/lunch/ ;  opens at 11:30am.
You may add your name to a waitlist by calling one hour prior to your arrival. (727) 593-2032. NOTE: This is not a reservation.

Beach Wave Grill: 2300 Gulf Blvd; featuring seafood, chicken and burgers. A 10 minute walk. https://beachwavesgrill.com; opens at 11am

Sandy’s Restaurant: 2300 Gulf Blvd #7; informal diner serving typical American dishes such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, and burgers. A 10 minute walk. It appears their website has been hijacked, but you can find them and their breakfast & lunch menus on Facebook.

Keegan’s Seafood Grill: 1519 Gulf Blvd; American eatery with emphasis on seafood. Only a minute walk. They open at 11am.  You can view the menu (which looks fantastic) but not their prices online. Add your name to a waitlist before you go at keegansseafood.com.  NOTE: This is not a reservation.

Chicago Jaqx Pizzeria & Tap House: 1511 Gulf Blvd; Chicago style pizza, hot dogs, burgers, and more. A 2 minute walk. Menu - Chicago Jaqx Pizzeria And Taphouse  Be careful when viewing the menu – it is tantalizing!