Middleton and Eastport Photo Update: Woodrow’s Is Open, Piesanos and Publix Getting Closer

Photos from my visit to Middleton and Eastport on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

On my latest visit to Middleton and Eastport, I brought the camera along to see what was open and what was getting closer. Woodrow’s Duckpin Bowling and Smalls Sliders were open, while Piesanos, Coffee for the Soul, Chase Bank and the new Publix plaza are still getting ready.

Here’s a look around.

Woodrow’s Duckpin Bowling Is Open

Woodrow’s Duckpin Bowling in Middleton is now open, and people were already enjoying the lanes when I stopped in. My visit was a quick look around rather than a chance to bowl, but the photos give you an idea of the setup.

The bowling area also has lounge seating nearby, with televisions above the lanes.

There’s an indoor bar as well as a covered outdoor bar and patio. Outside, tables, red chairs and ceiling fans fill the shaded space.

I peeked at the cocktail menu, and prices seemed on the high side to me. For example, an Old Fashioned was $18. The sign out front advertised happy hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with these specials posted during my visit:

• $5 domestic draft beer
• $5 well drinks
• $1 off specialty drinks
• $6 wine

For more ideas, see our guide to happy hours around The Villages.

Smalls Sliders Is Open

Across Central Parkway, still in Middleton, the bright orange Smalls Sliders is open.

A Splash Stop for the Kids

The Middleton Splash Pad, at 2271 Dr. Randy McDaniel Way in downtown Middleton, was another stop on my visit. It has interactive water features, and The Villages says the water and lights are synchronized for a light show after sunset. Admission is free.

On a hot day, it looks like a good place for kids to cool off. It’s also something to keep in mind when the grandchildren come to visit.

Piesanos Is Getting Closer

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza in Middleton looks like it’s getting closer to opening. The covered patio already had tables and chairs in place, and through the windows I could see the indoor bar and dining booths.

A “Now Hiring” sign was also out front. I don’t have a confirmed opening date yet. For more openings on the way, see what’s coming to The Villages in 2026.

Coffee for the Soul and Chase Bank Look Close

Coffee for the Soul in Middleton had its signage up, and the building looked finished from the outside. I don’t have an opening date to share yet.

Similarly, Chase Bank in Middleton had its signage up, and the building looked finished.

The New Publix Plaza Is Making Progress

The new Publix in Middleton continues to take shape.

The neighboring storefronts show some of the businesses coming to the plaza: The UPS Store, Betancur Orthodontics and Salon Jaylee.

Leaving Middleton for Eastport: Starting Before the Music

At Eastport, Blond Ambition was scheduled to start at 6 p.m., but by 4:30, people had already brought their own chairs and settled in to wait for the band.

It was a good reminder that an evening at Eastport can start well before the first song, and that Eastport feels different depending on when you visit. Also at Eastport: Oak & Stone opens Tuesday, Oct. 6.

What’s Next for Middleton and Eastport

That was the mix throughout my visit: places already welcoming customers and others still preparing to open their doors. For the bigger picture, see our Middleton development guide and Eastport development guide, or catch up on our last Live Oak, Eastport and Middleton development update. Looking for somewhere to eat now? Here are the restaurants open now in The Villages.