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shopping in history

from Marion Healthy Living November 2017

from Marion Healthy Living November 2017, page 47

the second shift

Downtown Crystal River’s quaint shopping district features myriad charming shops and restaurants.

Along 5th Avenue, near US 19, many of the area’s shops and restaurants are housed in historic homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is akin to shopping inside history. The friendly shopkeepers and fabulous ﬁnds are fantastic.

Heritage Village is the area’s central point, with cracker-style cottages surrounding a two-story historic home that is part of Laura Lou Tolle Fitzpatrick’s family history.

“My brother, Hugh, and wife, Kathy Tolle, started Heritage Village in 1983 with Heritage House. Our grandmother, Edna Eubanks Barco, was born in the house and grew up there with her older sister Ada B,” Laura Lou Tolle Fitzpatrick explains.

Ada (Aunt B) married Harvey Edwards, and they lived in the house. She taught piano and voice for many years, but she and Harvey had no children of their own.

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By Diane Bedard

“When Aunt B and Uncle Harvey passed away, my brother and his wife wanted to keep their memories alive by allowing the public to visit the house. Our family’s estate consists of many cottages surrounding Heritage House. One by one, we have turned the cottages into retail shops, while preserving the Heritage House as the heart of Heritage Village,” Laura Lou shared.

“Heritage House has had many tenants throughout the years, and the family history came full circle when I decided to open a gift and home decor shop in addition to the welcome center for the Village a few years ago,” Laura Lou shares. “Inside are six themed rooms full of clothing, gourmet food, home decor and, of course, Crystal River-themed items for our visitors!”

There are now 13 cottages and shops in the Heritage Village campus.

“We o er a wonderful shopping experience with great eateries right in the middle of a day trip experience. Just park your car and walk among the many wonderful shops and eateries of Heritage Village,” Laura Lou extols.

Across 5th Avenue are some additional shopping and dining options, also housed in historic homes. 650 Tea Bar o ers a wonderful respite where one can belly up to the bar and try any one of 65 loose leaf teas, as well as an accompaniment pastry or meal. Next door, the Highlander Café o ers co ee, as well as soups, sandwiches and pastries with a Scottish twist.

Within these historic structures are art galleries, outdoor recreation tour operators and clothing and beauty shops—and more. Feel the history and enjoy the service that these committed retailers o er their guests with a visit to downtown Crystal River’s historic shopping district.