By Gina Horan
Cigar Lounge Offers Stogie Sanctuary for Friends and Aficionados
In a world of endless bar themes, cigars and scripture might be a first. Holy Sh’mokes in The Villages proves the combination works as a haven for folks who love to light up.
“We created Holy Sh’mokes through the love of faith and cigars,” owner Larry Fagan says. “So far, the last two years have been a dream come true.”
After a successful liver transplant in 2012, Larry and his wife Natalie Pascarella Fagan moved here in 2015 from the Pittsburgh area when his surgeon suggested he embrace a more relaxed lifestyle in a warmer climate.
“This is a second chapter for us,” Natalie says.
The former women’s professional football player (Pittsburg Passion of the Women’s Football Alliance, 2007-’10) also has a background in healthcare leadership, which played a role in her work as a caregiver as she supported both her family and Larry through his recovery.
Larry, in his signature Panama hat and relaxed Cuban style, plays host while Natalie attends to the finer points of running the bar.
Inside, décor has the feel of Puerto Vallarta, and outside, the campfire setup creates a more laid-back place to linger.
On any given day, groups like the “REAL” Cigar Mafia, Villages Cigar Club, Hombres, Cigars & Pars, Outkasts and HERFers gather, and Monday nights are for “Cigars and Scripture.”
Natalie’s mother, Pinky Pascarella, holds court in her designated “Queen Pinky” chair, a fixture of the room and part of its personality. Holy Sh’mokes also offers live music, with musicians Mark Raisch and Dale Stumbo among the local acts.
There is a smoker’s lounge and a full humidor with cigar selections like Holy Sh’mokes’ premium blend, Cordoba & Morales, Davidoff, Padrón and Cohiba. A wine machine imported from Italy is Larry’s favorite, and they use wine-based spirits to create signature cocktails.
“Holy Sh’mokes isn’t just a cigar and wine lounge—It’s where faith and community come together,” Natalie says. “From the moment you walk in, we hope you feel the warmth and God’s presence in the fellowship.”
Photos: Nicole Hamel
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Gina moved to Central Florida from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2021. She holds a degree in linguistics and has worked as a fashion editor, photo stylist, lifestyle columnist and food writer since 1995. She later covered travel, events, restaurants, music festivals and sports throughout Northern California, including work as a morning show host with KSAN radio and food critic for KRON Bay TV. A veteran bartender, she has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Gina joined Akers Media in 2022 and is currently the Food and Lifestyle Editor. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books and podcasts, tasting menus and arriving in a new city without a map.
