Discover Crystal River 2018

DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER INVERNESS HOMOSASSA FLORAL CITY

discovercrystalriverfl.com

Three Sisters Springs Enjoy a trolley tour to the boardwalk to see manatees. The boardwalk and nature trails offer spectacular views of the worldrenowned Three Sisters Springs. Hundreds of wild manatees visit the springs during cold weather events throughout the winter (November 15 - March 31). A trolley tour to the springs is included in admission. www.threesistersspringsvisitor.org See website for tour dates and times 123 NW US 19 Crystal River, FL 34428 352.586.1170

City of Crystal River Special Events Easter at The Springs Kings Bay Pirate Fest Old Fashioned 4th of July Christmas Tree Lighting Festival Movies on the Beach series Music Under the Stars

City of Crystal River - Government Three Sisters Springs

@cityofcrystalriver @threesisterssprings

@CrystalRiver_FL

#crystalriver #threesisterssprings

352.794.5506

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D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M

CONTENTS

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huManatee Nowhere else in the world do the lives of manatees and humans interconnect and flourish as they do here.

30

Manatee Facts Discover everything you need to know about the lives of manatees and why we’re called the Manatee Capital of the World.

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Swimming with Manatees A seasoned world traveler’s face to face discovery of Florida’s gentle giant.

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The Wellspring of Florida First magnitude springs systems hugging the coast of the Gulf of Mexico make this one of the most unique places on earth.

C R Y S TA L R I V E R . H O M O S A S S A . I N V E R N E S S . F L O R A L C I T Y

FEATURING

5

SECTIONS 08

10

Letter from the Commissioner

City Guide CITY GUIDE

10

From Gulf To Lakes 42

MAP OF CITRUS COUNTY

14

Real Time. Real Fun.

Accomodations 18

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Land Adventures PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E P R E S E R V E S

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Wilderness Wanderlust HISTORY AND MUSEUMS

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42

Steps in Time TOP HIKING TRAILS

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Hiking to the Max GOLF COURSES

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Rising Above The Rest B L U E B E R R Y FA R M S

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Fields Of Blue W I T H L A C O O C H E E S TAT E T R A I L

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A Trail Of Two Cities

Water Adventures B O AT T O U R S

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Cruising FISHING GUIDE

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Go Fish!

C AT C H YO U R O W N S C A L L O P S

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72

The Zen of Scalloping

Food and Fun

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T O P R E S TA U R A N T S

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The New Wave WHERE TO SHOP

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Small Shops, Big Finds POPULAR EVENTS

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Fab 5!

Calendar of Events 80

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AMENITIES 24-Hour Reception Desk Bus/Truck Parking Children's Play Area Coffee/Tea Maker Early Check-in Available Family/Oversized Rooms Available Free WiFi Hairdryer Kitchenettes Available Late Check-out Available Laundry Facilities Meeting Room Onsite Parking Pet Friendly Playground Pool - Outdoor Restaurant Safe Deposit Box

352-795-2111 2380 Northwest Highway 19, Crystal River, FL, 34428

CLOSE TO CRYSTAL RIVER BEACH AND HOMOSASSA SPRINGS WILDLIFE PARK. For much more than just fun in the sun, stay at Days Inn Crystal River. Incredible sights, thrilling activities, and exotic wildlife await you near our Crystal River hotel. We provide friendly service and easy access to area attractions.

The Port Hotel & Marina e Onlvinations r Reser boats & fo tours

The only dive center on the main spring!

• Free Wifi • Manatee Tours • Gift Shop • Sightseeing Tours • Public Boat Ramp

• Pontoon Boat, Jon Boat, Kayaks, Canoe & Stand up Paddle Board Rentals • Margarita Breeze Restaurant

Captain Mike Sunshine River Tours 1610 SE PARADISE CIRCLE, CRYSTAL RIVER, FL 34429 HOTEL 352.795.3111 • DIVE CENTER 352.795.7234 swimmingwiththemanatees.com

Fun P la

il m a ce fo r t h e E n ti r e F

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W E L C O M E

GET TO KNOW US Discover the Nature Coast with this destination guide

CITRUS COUNTY VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU

Randy Oliver

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

County Administrator

D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L O R I D A

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Bienvenida, Welkom, Herzlich Willkommen, Ben Arrivata, Bienvenue, and welcome to Citrus County! This beautiful, natural gem of Florida’s west coast is just a hair over an hour’s drive from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, or Gainesville—close enough to commute, but far enough away from urban congestion. Take a journey through the heart and soul of Florida and discover what Citrus County has to offer.

The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum in Inverness is a great place to start.

Learn about the community’s rich culture and history, and enjoy antique shopping and historic eateries in the charming downtown. During your stay on the east side of the county, embrace your wild side on the Withlacoochee State Trail and try some off-road biking and bird watching.

Seven miles south on U.S. Highway 41, you can venture down to the Floral City Heritage District and take a leisurely drive under the town’s regal canopy of live oaks.

And don’t forget Fort Cooper State Park, a Second Seminole Indian War site that’s a must see for history buffs.

As you make your way through the county, be sure to explore the Withlacoochee State Forest’s Citrus Tract south of State Road 44. It’s a 50,000-acre wilderness wonderland that houses three recreational areas with camping spots.This wide-open space is ideal for hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Continuing west leads to the coastal communities of Crystal River, Homosassa, and Chassahowitzka, each with its own first-magnitude spring. These west Citrus water systems offer opportunities for manatee watching, boating, fishing, birding, or just sitting on the dock of the bay watching the sun set.

Homosassa in particular boasts the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. It is truly a one-of-a-kind natural resource for the resident manatee population in the cool headwaters of the Homosassa River. In this park, guests can enter an underwater glass chamber and meet these endangered gentle giants up close.

Citrus County has many other activities to offer as well, such as a visit to the Crystal River Archeological State Park, one of the most impressive prehistoric sites in the South. For the avid golfer, Citrus has a number of outstanding golf courses for you to perfect your swing. From the land to the water, Citrus County really is a great place to visit, play, and stay awhile.

This visitors guide has everything you need to know to plan your perfect vacation. Whether you’re coming to unwind, refresh and rejuvenate, or experience outdoor wonders, Citrus County offers unique places and Southern hospitality to make your trip unforgettable.

John Pricher

Miles Saunders

Director

Media & Content Manager

Veronica Davis

Marti Spewock

Industry Relations Specialist

____

Senior Secretary

EDITORIAL

Miles Saunders Managing Editor

____

CONTRIBUTORS

Veronica Davis Diane Bedard Meredith Linley Bleakley Leiza Fitzgerald Romona Robbins

____

Carly Zervis Max Schulman Chris Kubiak Stacy Sare Cohen Sarah Bence

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ursula Casutt von Batemberg

Carol Grant oceangrant.com

cvb-photography.com

Romona Robbins

Shane Reynolds

Romona Robbins Photography

Color Earth Production

____

DESIGN/PRODUCTION/SALES

108 5TH ST. LEESBURG, FL 34748 akersmediagroup.com 352.787.4112

Kendra Akers

Theresa Campbell

Publisher

Staff Editor

Doug Akers

Rheya Tanner

Vice President

Designer

Jamie Ezra Mark

Caleb Wayne Jensen

Chief Creative Officer

Designer

Leigh Neely

Josh Clark

Managing Editor

Designer

Meredith Linley Account Representative

See you soon!

Ronald E. Kitchen District 2 Commissioner & TDC Chairman

Discover Crystal River Florida 2018. Published annually by the Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau, 915 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429. All editorial contents copyright 2017 by the Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau. All rights reserved. Discover Crystal River Florida is a registered trademark of the Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.794.5506. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of the Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau.

C I T Y

G U I D E

FROM GULF TO LAKES From the sun-kissed shores of the Gulf of Mexico to the 30-mile-long Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, water—salt and fresh—defines the people and places of Florida’s Citrus County.

HOMOSASSA

The Original Florida Fishing Village Home to beautiful freshwater springs that feed into the Homosassa River, life here is all about the water. This historic fishing community features cozy riverside resorts and plenty of for-hire captains to go around. Manatees also enjoy life in the waters of the Homosassa, Halls, and Chassahowitzka rivers, especially during the winter months, and can be viewed all year long at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. At the end of the day, local restaurants serve up fresh, Florida-inspired dishes to complete a perfect on-the-water experience.

Lu the Hippo Homosassa River

D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M // 352.794.5506 ITY

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Three Sisters Springs Three Sisters Springs Trolley

Gem of the Nature Coast Crystal River is most widely known as the “Home of the Manatee.” The crystal-clear waters of Three Sisters Springs and surrounding Kings Bay are a favorite retreat for hundreds of manatees each winter; some resident manatees even stay to play yearround! With easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, the city is also a popular summertime launching point for scalloping and fishing adventures or a day of just lounging around at Fort Island Gulf Beach. On Historic North Citrus Avenue, Crystal River’s Main Street and Heritage Village district are the perfect places to grab lunch before browsing an eclectic mix of inviting shops and galleries.

C R Y S TA L R I V E R . H O M O S A S S A .

CRYSTAL RIVER

2018 OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE

C I T Y

D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L O R I D A

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G U I D E

Historic Valerie Theatre

INVERNESS

Small Town Done Right You’ll feel right at home in Inverness. Its vibrant downtown, anchored by the Historic Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and the lovingly restored Valerie Theatre, serves as a link between past and present.

Elvis Presley spent time here shooting scenes for his 1962 film “Follow That Dream.” Fun to explore, this walkable, bicycle-friendly city center is filled with foodie hot spots, chic shops, and cozy pubs. An incredible lineup of free festivals and nighttime events fill the streets with music, laughter, and fun year-round. Can’tmiss stops include the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, Fort Cooper State Park, and the scenic boardwalks on Lake Henderson and Cooter Pond.

FLORAL CITY

Old Florida, Perfect and Picturesque Step into Floral City and step into another time. The city’s nationally recognized historic district still reflects its early days as one of Florida’s most important cities during the late 19th century. Today’s picturesque village is defined by the beautiful Avenue of the Oaks that lines the historic district on East Orange Avenue.

Watching the sun spill through leaves and Spanish moss is a transcendent experience. The trailhead on the Withlacoochee State Trail provides a place to start a biking adventure. Old-fashioned fruit stands provide the signature fresh taste of Florida, a place where summer never really ends. Quaint shops, friendly people, and even a vintage hardware store welcome you back to simpler times and add a certain elegant ease to an afternoon or a lifetime.

Ferris Groves Fruit Stand Floral City Historic District

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There’s so much to dive into and discover here. From warm Gulf waters to cool clear springs and limitless lakes, we have all the makings for a genuine Florida adventure.

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C R Y S TA L R I V E R . H O M O S A S S A . I N V E R N E S S . F L O R A L C I T Y

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REAL TIME REAL FUN Spruce Creek Preserve Golf Club

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k rental Closest kaya tion to and tour loca Springs. sa the Homosas

• • • • •

Kayak Rentals Manatee Tours Dolphin Tours Boat Tours Floating Tables

• • • • •

Fishing Charters Scallop Charters Airboat Tours Jet Ski Rentals Kayak Self-Launch

Your next Scallop Adventure starts he re

close G e t u p on a l rs a nd p e a t e e . an m a with

Restaurant Marguerita Grill on-site

10200 W Halls River Rd Homosassa, FL 34448

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D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L O R I D A

16 • Fully Appointed Vacation Rentals • Spacious RV Sites • Gated Resort • Heated Swimming Pool • Hot Tub • Horseshoes • Shuffleboard • Library • Recreation Hall • Laundry Facilities

• • • • • • • • • • •

Shower Facilities Playground Activities Close to Local Attractions Full Hookups 50 Amp Service Big Rig Friendly Pull Thru Sites Pet Friendly Cable T.V. WiFi Available

(888) 505-4892 • rockcrusherrvpark.com 237 South Rock Crusher Rd. • Crystal River, FL 34429

Ad v e ntu re F i n d Yo u r

SWIM WITH M AN ATE

ES

G U I D E D TO U R S

L A R G E S T S E L E CT

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MANATEE SNORKELING TOUR GUIDED PADDLING TOURS

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AL KAYAK & PADDLE BOARD RENT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

www.hunterspringskayak.com 352.228.4715 • 36 NE 4th St, Crystal River

ACCO MM ODATI ONS CRYSTAL RIVER

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B E D & B R E A K FA S T S

(727) 333-5651 facebook.com/crystalbluelagoon HOTELS & MOTELS

1610 SE Paradise Circle Crystal River, FL 34429

Quality Inn

614 NW Highway 19 Crystal River, FL 34428

310 N Citrus Ave. Crystal River, FL 34428

(352) 795-9447 choicehotels.com/florida/crystalriver/econo-lodge-hotels/fl059

Hampton Inn

(352) 564-6464 crystalriver.hamptoninn.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Holiday Inn Express

Century 21 Nature Coast

506 NW 1st Ave. Crystal River, FL 34428

825 NE Highway 19 Crystal River, FL 34429

(352) 795-2850 kingsbaylodgefla.com

Moonrise Resort

8801 E Moonrise Lane Floral City, FL 34436 (352) 726-2553 moonriseresort.com

10811 N Coveview Terrace Crystal River, FL 34428

HOMOSASSA

(352) 795-6336 lakerousseaurvpark.com

HOTELS & MOTELS

Nature Coast Landings

Bella Oasis Hotel

(352) 447-5820 naturecoastlandingsrvresort.com

(352) 628-4311 bellaoasis.com

Quail Roost RV Campground

The Chassahowitzka Hotel

(352) 563-0404 quailroostrvpark.com

(877) 807-7783 chazhotel.com

4076 S Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34446

8551 W Miss Maggie Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

9835 N Citrus Ave. Crystal River, FL 34428

(352) 795-0021 c21naturecoast.com/ vacation-rentals.php

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(813) 967-5580 facebook.com/AffordableNature-Coast-VacationRentals-352058314991598 RV CAMPGROUNDS

10173 N Suncoast Blvd.

Crystal River, FL 34428

(352) 795-7368 citruscountyhomerentals.com

Kings Bay Lodge

PO Box 175 Floral City, FL 34436

Tents Allowed

417 NE 2nd St. Crystal River, FL 34429

(352) 563-1111 hiexpress.com/crystalriverfl

Affordable Nature Coast Vacation Rentals

Lake Rousseau RV & Fishing Resort

Action Rental

1203 NE 5th St. Crystal River, FL 34429

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

(352) 447-2900 gulfcoastrvfl.com

14195 W Beachview Drive Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 564-1757 paradisefoundisland.com

(352) 344-1025 sunshinelodgefl.com

13790 W Foss Grove Path Inglis, FL 34449

Paradise Found Island Retreat

1103 N Suncoast Blvd.

Crystal River, FL 34429

9161 E Devil’s Neck Road Floral City, FL 34436

Gulf Coast RV Resort

(352) 795-7387 vrbo.com/775165

2575 NW US Highway 19 Crystal River, FL 34428

Sunshine Lodge

(352) 795-3774 thousandtrails.com/florida/crystalisles-rv-resort

10830 W Bentbow Path Crystal River, FL 34428

Econolodge

RV CAMPGROUNDS

11419 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429

Norwood House

(352) 795-2111 visitcrystalriver.com

P R I VA T E R E N T A L S

Tents Allowed

(352) 476-6441 manateehouserental.com

2380 NW US Highway 19 Crystal River, FL 34428

FLORAL CITY

(352) 795-0782 plantationrentals.com

Encore Crystal Isles RV Resort

P R I VA T E R E N T A L S

11844 W Bayshore Drive Crystal River, FL 34429

Days Inn

1250 N Country Club Drive Crystal River, FL 34429

(352) 447-5333 bigoaksriverresort.com

Manatee House

(352) 586-1813

Plantation Rentals

14035 W River Road Inglis, FL 34449

(352) 563-1500 qualityinn.com/hotel/FL249

Crystal Manatee Suites

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(352) 564-9350 rockcrusherrvpark.com

Big Oaks River Resort

4486 N Suncoast Blvd.

Crystal River, FL 34428

(352) 795-3171 crystalriverresort.com

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The Port Hotel & Marina

Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park

237 S Rock Crusher Road Crystal River, FL 34429

(352) 795-1795 ensingproperties.com

(352) 795-3111 porthotelandmarina.com

Best Western Crystal River Resort

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36-49 NE 4th St. Crystal River, FL 34429

(352) 795-4211 plantationoncrystalriver.com

244 NE 2nd Court Crystal River, FL 34429

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Ensing Properties

9301 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429

Crystal Blue Lagoon

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Plantation on Crystal River

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(800) 442-2040 riversideresorts.com

MacRae's of Homosassa 5300 S Cherokee Way Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 628-2602 macraesofhomosassa.com

Three Rivers Motel

4891 S Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34446 (352) 628-6629 P R I VAT E R E N TA L S

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Bird's Nest Vacation Rentals

320 NW Highway 19 Crystal River, FL 34428 (352) 563-2763 birdsunderwater.com/ vacation-rentals

Chaz Lodge

Chassahowitzka River Lodge & Campground

(352) 503-6808 seagrassresort.com

(352) 382-2081

10386 W Halls River Road Homosassa, FL 34448

11929 W Creekside Lane Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 628-5686 vrbo.com/156427

Dreamcatcher Island

12451 The Homosassa River Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 302-7441 dreamcatcherisland.com

Heilig Haus

8022 W Grove St. Homosassa, FL 34446 (352) 765-4037 heilighaus.com

Homosassa River Retreat 10606 Halls River Road Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 628-7072 homosassariverretreat.com

The Jockey’s Quarters 10605 W Yulee Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 503-2076 thestartinggaterestaurant.com/ homosassa-rental

The Last Resort

10738 W Halls River Road Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 628-7117 homosassalodging.com

Homosassa River RV Resort Tents Allowed

4849 S Amstel Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

10200 W Fishbowl Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 287-1326 tradewinds-homosassa.com

(352) 628-2928 carefreervresorts.com/rv-parks/ florida/homosassa-river

5366 S Cherokee Way Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 628-5600 homosassariverrentals.com

Phantom Vacation Rentals

5175 S Gray Pelican Way Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 628-2200 facebook.com/Phantom-VacationRentals-1229889080467434 RV CAMPGROUNDS

Camp N' Water Outdoor Resort

(352) 533-1321 eponaplace.com

Rustic Comfort Log Cabin

S Mohican Trail Inverness, FL 34450

(352) 628-4669 coveredwagoncampground.com

TradeWinds Homosassa Marine Resort

Homosassa River Rentals

4 West English Lane Citrus Springs, FL 34433

6049 S Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34446

(352) 628-5482 vrbo.com/3517172ha

(352) 503-2050 allcitrusrentals.com

Epona Place Guest House

Covered Wagon Campground

5650 S Sea Otter Path Homosassa, FL 34448

8375 S Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34446

P R I VA T E R E N T A L S

8501 W Miss Maggie Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

Sunset Vacation Rentals on Homosassa River

All Citrus Rentals

(352) 527-0015 citrushillshotel.com

(352) 382-2200 chassahowitzkaflorida.com

Seagrass Waterfront Resort

(813) 310-2521 chazlodge.com

350 E Norvell Bryant Highway Hernando, FL 34442

8600 W Miss Maggie Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 628-5222 riversafaris.com/homosassavacation-rental.html

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Quality Inn Conference Center at Citrus Hills

Tents Allowed

10823 W Yulee Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

Accessible by water only Homosassa, FL 34448

Creekside House at Mason Creek Estates

Chassahowitzka River Campground

9

Nature’s Resort RV Park Tents Allowed

10359 Halls River Road Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 628-9544 naturesresortfla.com

INVERNESS B E D & B R E A K FA S T S

The Lake House Bed & Breakfast

8604 E Gospel Island Road Inverness, FL 34450

(727) 446-1200 woodedretreats.net/RusticComfort-Log-Cabin.html

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Van der Valk Golf Resort 4543 E Windmill Drive Inverness, FL 34453 (352) 637-1140 valkusa.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Florida Villa Rentals 4794 E Van Ness Road Hernando, FL 34442 (352) 726-8122 fl-villa.com

Greenbriar Rentals

1049 E Norvell Bryant Highway Hernando, FL 34442 (352) 746-5921 greenbriarrental.com

Lakeside Vacations 130 N Florida Ave. Inverness, FL 34453

(352) 344-3586 thelakehouse.biz

(352) 419-7901 lakesidevacations.net

HOTELS & MOTELS

RV CAMPGROUNDS

Central Motel & Townhouses

Lecanto Hills RV Park

721 US Highway 41 S Inverness, FL 34450

4400 W Gulf to Lake Highway Lecanto, FL 34461 (352) 746-4648 lecantohills.com

11465 W Priest Lane Homosassa, FL 34448

(352) 726-4515 centralmotel.com

(352) 628-2000 campnwater.com

Florida Motel

Riverside Lodge Cabins & RV Resort

(352) 726-2631

12561 E Gulf to Lake Highway Inverness, FL 34450

Holiday Inn Express Inverness/Lecanto

Sandy Oaks RV Resort

Cedars Lake Mobile Home & RV Park

6400 S Mason Creek Road Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 628-4441 cedarslakervpark.com

Chassa Oaks RV Resort 11000 S Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34446 (352) 628-0900 chassaoaksrvresort.com

1301 US Highway 41 N Inverness, FL 34450

903 E Gulf to Lake Highway Lecanto, FL 34461 (352) 341-3515 invernessflhotel.com

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5297 S Cherokee Way Homosassa, FL 34448

Riverfront Treetop Bungalow

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Homosassa Riverside Resort & Marina

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352.794.5506

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Tents Allowed

(352) 726-2002 riversidelodgeresort.com

6760 N Lecanto Highway Beverly Hills, FL 34465 (352) 465-7233 sandyoaksrvresort.com

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2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

We cater to our RV vacationers with the biggest and best RV park in all of Citrus County!

D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L O R I D A

20 ont f waterfr ith o t e e f 0 Over 250 ate boat ramp w iv and a pr ct Gulf access!ans ible pl dire s and flex rnished able rate Our afford s, tents, and fully fu s. el V R od r m fo rk w pa allo alets or A-frame ch

Full Hookups and Concrete Pads 30 or 50 Amp Electrical // Water // Sewage // Cable TV // Wifi

Camp Sites and Rental Units Available Daily // Weekly // Monthly // Annually

On Site Rental Equipment Pontoons // Kayaks // Canoes // Paddle Boards // Golf Carts

We now have 400 sites along with the addition of pull through sites Planned activities all year // Tiki bar open 7 days a week // Huge waterslide & bounce pad

Waterfront and Fully wooded sites available

352.628.9544 / 800.301.7880 10359 West Halls River Road, Homosassa

www.NaturesResortFla.com

LIGHTHOUSE AWARD WINNER

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There is, perhaps, no place in the world where the paths of these two disparate mammals—human and manatee—cross more often than here in the waters of Crystal River and Homosassa.

STORY BY MILES SAUNDERS /// PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL GRANT

man

atee

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hat is it about the manatee? What is it that draws us with equal parts fascination and protective concern?

There is something mysterious about the guileless manatee that, upon encounter, seems to speak to people at a deep and profound level.

“I think every person that does swim with manatees gets out of the water better for the experience,” says Bob Bonde, one of the leading manatee researchers in the world.

“It may just help them in their daily lives or their appreciation for planet Earth, but they carry that with them,” he says. “When people get in the water with them, they see and they understand.”

2018 OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE

Humanity and Manatee There is, perhaps, no place in the world where the paths of these two disparate mammals—human and manatee—cross more often than here in the waters of Crystal River and Homosassa, where modern manatee research began in 1967.

Back then, manatees were on the margins.

People came to Florida hoping to see a dolphin show or some other fascination, not the increasingly hard to find sea cow that occasionally poked its nose up into the realm of human curiosity.

You would scarcely know that today.

The manatee, then heading toward extinction, has made an incred-

ible comeback. With their numbers in Florida now well over 6,000, manatees moved from endangered to threatened status in 2017 in the United States.

Though a number of scientists and conservation organizations think the move may be premature, the number of manatees within Florida continues to grow. The

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A research team monitors a manatee's breathing during annual Manatee Health Assessments.

PHOTOS: (Left page) Miles Saunders CCVCB (This page) Carol Grant

species is in recovery.

With plenty of fresh water and warm springs for cold days, as much as onesixth of Florida’s population of manatees—more than a thousand—arrive in Crystal River’s Kings Bay and the Homosassa, Halls, and Chassahowitzka rivers each winter.

from the surrounding trees, giving a sense of peaceful calm, but Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge volunteers on the boardwalk below look troubled.

A new arrival shows signs of hypothermia.

At this time of year, the Gulf of Mexico, just seven

This manatee appears to have taken that chance. “The stomach is concaved,” volunteer Ed Kleiner notes, “not plump like a healthy manatee.”

The Helpers Two of the most highly trusted volunteers in Florida, Stacy and Mike Dunn,

volunteers, many of them local in-water guides, slip into the spring and isolate the now increasingly listless manatee.

“He’s suffering from cold stress and sloughing off skin,” says Jesse Owens, one of the guides joining the rescue.

It’s Presidents Day, so they name the small distressed male “Roosevelt” in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Bob Bonde of the U.S. Geological Survey documenting scar patterns on a manatee in Three Sisters Springs.

A Manatee in Trouble It is a crisp February morning at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.

A host of manatees safely rest in the springs’ 73-degree Fahrenheit (23-degree Celsius) waters on a morning when the air temperature is 34 degrees (1 C). Birds sing

miles away, is 59 F (15 C), way too cold for a manatee to survive for long. The allure of the Gulf is endless seagrass—the manatee’s primary food source. The danger is that even a short run away from warm springs can prove fatal since manatees cannot survive for long in waters below 65 F (20 C).

go into the water to confirm the report. They upload video to Andrew Garrett, at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lab in St. Petersburg.

With that, a rescue plan goes into motion.

A special U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manatee rescue truck arrives as a team of professionals and

The road to recovery for a rescued manatee can be long. It may take months or more of medical care in warm water pools at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. But this year is a busy year for manatee rescues. The zoo already is at capacity.

Chief veterinarian Ray Ball makes the call. Roosevelt will be transferred to a special recovery tank just five miles south of Three Sisters Springs at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

There, Roosevelt comes under the care of still more people: Tricia Fowler and animal care staff who work side by side with Dr. Ball.

“He had some lesions on his body and was definitely cold from being in cold water too long,” Tricia says. “So the first thing we did was put him in our manatee pool and turned the heat up to 82 degrees” (28 C).

“He’d lost a lot of weight,” Dr. Ball says. “He received antibiotics and started eating right away.”

Slowly, Roosevelt comes back from the brink.

PHOTOS: (This page) USGS (Opposite page) Miles Saunders CCVCB

Critical Care

A manatee being released into Kings Bay.

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offshore join in with a loud cheer and applause.

Roosevelt is free and healthy again, thanks to the help of caring individuals who realize they are part of something bigger than themselves—an intricate tree of life on earth in which human and manatee each play a vital part.

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slips out of his stretcher and swims away. For a long moment, all eyes are trained on him.

“They’re all looking for that first breath,” Joe explains.

Fifty yards away, Roosevelt pops his nose to the surface.

“Breath!” The release team cries out in unison.

Kayak paddlers watching

352.794.5506

It’s May 22. Winter is long gone. It’s a warm spring day when the manatee rescue truck pulls up in Hunter Springs Park in Crystal River. The door slides up and there is Roosevelt.

Jesse, Tricia, and Dr. Ball are among those eagerly waiting to carry

Roosevelt back into Kings Bay. “When you watch the people who are doing the release, you notice they’re all a little tense and a little nervous,” says Joe Dube, of the Friends of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

As the team steps into the water, Roosevelt immediately responds. He

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Return of the Manatee

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Discover your own manatee adventure at www.discovercrystalriverfl.com

2018 OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE

man’s journey from a One wo cross

the A atees proves unforgettable. tlant n a m ic to h t A R i P H G Y O T B O Y H C P A / R / / O w L GRA E NT BENC m H i A SA R sw BY

I

might as well hibernate for the rest of my life because I just achieved my ultimate goal: I got to sustainably swim with manatees in Florida.

It’s 7am in late March. I survey the water from our boat. My wetsuit clings to my skin and my bare feet shiver on this cool, clear morning. Suddenly, a big gray mound surfaces before me, rolls over, and ripples the perfect reflection of an orange Florida sunrise. Adrenaline rises through my stomach.

We snap our snorkels into place and silently slip into Kings Bay.

As the tidal current carries me, I float closer and closer to the manatee. I realize I’m afraid. Manatees aren’t called “gentle giants” sarcastically; they grow to 10 and even as long as 15 feet (3 to 4m). But that’s not why I’m afraid.

See, swimming with wild manatees is very safe for humans. For manatees, it is more complicated.

Many are scarred from boat propellers and that curious disposition which makes them so loveable also makes them easily taken advantage of. That is why it is so important to make a responsible choice

when swimming with manatees.

Crystal River and Homosassa are the only places in Florida where it is legal to swim with manatees. Although I grew up in the States, I now live in the United Kingdom, and I’ve flown across an ocean to this small town just to have this experience.

Before we ever get in the water, we’re briefed on the techniques of passive observation. As we slip into the water, our guide once more gives us clear direction: move slowly, keep quiet, and let the manatee

decide whether to initiate contact—or not.

So, I let my body go. I float completely limp. My heart pounds within me. I open my eyes underwater to blue, green, and then—a nudge. Gently, the manatee brings her snout even with my face.

I look straight into her old-soul eyes for what seems like eternity—or was it only a minute?

When I climb out of the water, I don’t even notice my body shivering. I simply feel quietly grateful. It is one of the most magical experiences of my life.

BY

ES MIL

S AU N

DERS

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ith three first-magnitude springs complexes right on the Gulf of Mexico, this may just be one of the most unique places on Earth.

This is a place where intact freshand saltwater systems come nearer to each other than anywhere else, often separated by only a few miles.

This phenomenon requires the immense upward force of the Florida aquifer percolating southward from Georgia through the limestone foundation of the Florida Peninsula.

At Crystal River’s Kings Bay, more than 225 million gallons of water flow up through more than 70 springs and seeps each day, creating dazzling terrestrial paradises like Three Sisters Springs.

On the Homosassa River, multiple vents and seeps around the headspring in Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park pump out 65 million gallons a day.

Just to the south on the wild Chassahowitzka River, the subterranean spectacle of the aquifer comes right to the surface at Seven Sisters Spring. Tunnels blasted out by the millennial force of relentless water perforate the clear shallow bottom of a limestone shelf.

Rivers suddenly emerge from nowhere and drift toward the sea swirling with life.

PHOTO: Romona Robbins

Swimming through spring vents at Seven Sisters Spring on the Chassahowitzka River.

Largest Adventure Center In Citrus County & #1 On Trip Advisor HOMOSASSA Old Florida • • • • • •

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(352) 564-8687 498 S.E. Kings Bay Drive Crystal River, FL 34429

(352) 628-5222 10823 W. Yulee Drive Homosassa, FL 34448

RIVERVENTURES.COM

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Get lost and find yourself in Citrus County’s serene local parks and wildlife preserves.

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

STORY BY VERONICA DAVIS

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PHOTO: Romona Robbins

WANDERLUST

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ICON KEY Great Florida Birding Trail Access

Boat

Hike

Paddle

Bike

Camp

Horse

Picnic

Bird

Fish

Manatee

Swim

CRYSTA L

First Temple Mound at Crystal River Archaeological State Park

R I V ER

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Fort Island Gulf Beach

16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River

Hunter Springs Park

3400 N. Museum Point, Crystal River

Step into Crystal River history by visiting this 61-acre park. Wander the trails that surround ancient Native American mounds, climb to the observation deck overlooking the picturesque Crystal River, or stop by the onsite museum to learn more about the area’s early inhabitants.

Nine miles west of Crystal River on the Gulf of Mexico sits a quiet gem.

With a fishing pier, warm waters, and sandy shores, this beach is a daytime favorite. If you plan to visit in the evening, you may even catch a glimpse of a breathtaking Florida sunset.

This newly renovated city park has it all. Peruse the boardwalk, take the kids to the playground, or start your kayak or paddleboard adventure at the convenient launch site. When conditions are right, manatees may be seen in the swimming area.

Fort Island Trail Park

Inglis Dam and Island Recreation Area

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Visitors Center: 865 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River

This is the country’s only National Wildlife Refuge created specifically for the protection of a single species: the threatened West Indian manatee. Spanning 177 acres, it includes some of the animals’ favorite wintering locations: King Spring, Tarpon Hole, and Three Sisters Springs.

12073 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River

Located between the city of Crystal River and Fort Island Gulf Beach, this beautiful park is just off the beaten path. Stopping here offers a glimpse at the Crystal River—and an opportunity to take a dip!

104 NE 1st Ave., Crystal River

1905 W. Riverwood Drive, Crystal River

This section of the Cross Florida Greenway contains more than 110 miles of trails. Located on Lake Rousseau, there are many multiuse platforms available along the path—the perfect spot for fishing, picnics, or birdwatching. A manatee sighting in certain areas of the recreation area is not unheard of!

Fort Island Gulf Beach

CRYSTAL RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK

Spanning over 27,000 untouched acres, these preserve lands are the perfect place to view a wide variety of Florida’s natural ecosystems. Start your exploration here:

Mile Marker #2.5, West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River

CRYSTAL COVE AND EAGLE SCOUT TRAILS

Directly across from one another, these two trails are hidden gems.

Take a left to explore Hammock Island Trail, which is just shy of one-mile long and showcases unique hammock island scenery.

Hang a right for the mile-long Lake Loop and prepare to be amazed by pristine lake views.

3998 N. Sailboat Ave., Crystal River

ECO-WALK TRAIL

At the head of the Crystal Cove Trail is the fishing area known as “Mullet Hole.” Past that lies a freshwater pond which the trail follows into scrublands and hardwood forest, leading to a salt marsh. These trails along North Sailboat Avenue are a popular spot for birders, so keep an eye to the sky!

5990 N. Tallahassee Road, Crystal River

For more information on this ecologically diverse trail, see the story on page 46.

Looking to catch flounder, redfish, trout or snook? Take a half-mile walk down to Redfish Hole, set down your chair, and pick up your pole. If you prefer, skip the fishing and just enjoy the scenery while watching for wading birds.

SEVEN-MILE LOOP Intersection of State Park Street & Sailboat Ave., Crystal River

This seven-mile hiking and biking trail begins at the trailhead just off State Park Road. The trail loops through many distinct Florida landscapes, including swamps, hammock, pine flats, and tidal marsh.

Depending on hiking experience, it can take two to three hours to complete this circuit. Don’t forget to stop and take pictures along the way!

Lake Loop

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Churchhouse Hammock Boardwalk

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This laid-back boardwalk trail is great for hikers of all ages and experience.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife while wandering through hammocks and flatwoods. The entire primitive trail loop is about one mile long, making this a quick and easy stop for a casual walk through the woods.

Mile Marker #4, West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River

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857 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River

REDFISH HOLE

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DIXIE SHORES: LAKE LOOP AND HAMMOCK ISLAND TRAIL

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CHURCHHOUSE HAMMOCK BOARDWALK AND PRIMITIVE TRAIL

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C H ASSA H OW I TZKA

H O MOSASSA

The Crack

Bluebird Springs Park

Kings Bay Park

268 NW 3rd St., Crystal River

For a fantastic view of Kings Bay, head to this waterfront city park.

Many local events—such as the Florida Manatee Festival and the Stone Crab Jam—can be enjoyed here, but there is something to do every day at this family and pet-friendly park.

Saint Martin’s Marsh Aquatic Preserve

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

Accessible by water only.

Launch from 401 N. Pirate Point, Ozello

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Paddlers and fishermen alike are drawn to the preserve’s blend of coastal salt marshes, freshwater tributaries, and mangrove islands.

With water and land spanning 23,000 acres, there is no shortage of space to explore the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Accessible by water only. Launch from 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa

Hop in your kayak, canoe, or SUP and start paddling! After a short trip down this unspoiled river, you may have to pull your paddle craft a few feet before discovering “The Crack.”

This isolated third magnitude spring is a private piece of paradise that must be seen to be believed.

Seven Sisters Springs

Accessible by water only. Launch from 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa

If you are looking for crystal-clear spring waters, Seven Sisters is the place to be. This group of springs is easy to access and well worth the trip.

The largest of the “sisters” is a 13.5foot deep limestone cavern, which makes for a beautiful snorkeling spot.

Three Sisters Springs

Visitor Center: 123 NW U.S. Highway 19, Crystal River

Three Sisters Springs is one of the most important wintering sites for manatees in all of Florida. The boardwalk that surrounds this crystal clear spring system is the perfect place to view manatees from November to March. Vehicle access to this site is restricted. The city of Crystal River runs a trolley bus that drops visitors off directly at the spring throughout manatee season (Nov. 15 to March 31). The boardwalk and 57 acres of hiking trails and wetlands are also open to walk-on access year-round.

Withlacoochee Bay Trail

10201 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River

For more information on this scenic paved trail that follows the Cross Florida Barge Canal, see the story on page 46.

Kayaking at Three Sisters Springs

8950 Bluebird Springs Lane, Homosassa

A quiet, 5.5-acre park surrounding Bluebird Springs, this area is an ideal place to relax and unwind.

Birders can have a field day here, especially in the morning. Man’s best friend is also welcome at the park—there is even an enclosure where pooches can play together.

Chassahowitzka Salt Marsh Trails

Just west of Westview Drive on South Mason Creek Road, Homosassa

For more information on these picturesque wetland trails, see the story on page 46.

ELLIE SCHILLER HOMOSASSA SPRINGS WILDLIFE STATE PARK 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa Springs

A can’t-miss activity on any Florida vacation is a visit to this beautiful state park.

This zoological park with a purpose is dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned native Florida wildlife. Take a stroll along the Wildlife Walk to see flamingos, Florida panthers, black bears, roseate spoonbills, river otters, and even alligators in a natural setting. And don’t forget the manatees!

Three manatees are residents of the park year-round, but during manatee season (Nov. 15 to March 31), the spring is opened for their wild cousins, often by the hundreds, who shelter in the 73-degree Fahrenheit (23 Celsius) warmth of Homosassa Springs.

For a truly unique experience, follow the boardwalk to an underwater observatory—aka, “The Fishbowl”—and descend below the surface. There, in addition to swirling columns of huge fish, you may just have your own one-on-one encounter with a manatee.

The park does house one exotic animal: a hippopotamus named Lu who has been given official Florida resident status. Lu turns 58 in 2018, and people joyously celebrate his birthday in January every year.

A view through the Fishbowl at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Pepper Creek Trail

4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa

Located at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, this three-quarter-mile paved trail winds along the hydric hammock that borders Pepper Creek and is a popular birding spot as part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Rooks Loop Trail

West Burnt Bridge Road, Homosassa

Part of the Homosassa Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, the three-mile Rooks Loop Trail is the

perfect option for casual hikers.

The trail is well-marked, well-kept, and offers scenic views of sandhill forest and hardwood swamp.

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park 2.5 miles west of U.S. Highway 19 on Yulee Drive, Homosassa

This small historical park is a great place to combine a roadside picnic with a history lesson. Once part of a 5,100-acre sugar plantation, the iron and limestone ruins found here are now all that remains.

GYROSCOPIC! See Crystal River’s parks, piers, and manatees in perfect balance. crystalriversegwaytours.com

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INV ERNESS

Cooter Pond Park Flying Eagle Preserve

11080 E. Moccasin Slough Road, Inverness

An expansive 10,950-acre preserve, Flying Eagle contains approximately 16 miles of cycling and equestrian trails, along with 20 miles of hiking trails. The land is surrounded by the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes and consists mainly of wetlands and forested uplands.

181 U.S. Highway 41 S., Inverness

For a relaxing stroll that’s not too far off the beaten path, start at Cooter Pond Park. This lakeside park has something for everyone and is within walking distance of some interesting sights. The park is part of a boardwalk system that connects with Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks.

Liberty Park Fort Cooper State Park

3100 Old Floral City Road, Inverness

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

For more information on this 710-acre historical park, see the story on pages 44 and 46.

Potts Preserve

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Located on Lake Henderson, Liberty Park is another of the city of Inverness’ beautiful lakeside parks.

In addition to its many traditional city park offerings, Liberty also has sand volleyball courts for public use and is the site of many local events.

2988 N. Hooty Point, Inverness

For more information on this 8,500acre wilderness preserve, see the story on page 46.

Boardwalk overlooking Cooter Pond Park

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268 N. Apopka Ave., Inverness

Wallace Brooks Park 208 N. Mill Ave., Inverness

Named for a prominent figure in Inverness history, Wallace Brooks Park is a short walk from the city’s

historic downtown district. Complete with playground, shuffleboard courts, and a fishing pier, this park is a great place to spend the day with family and friends.

Whispering Pines Park 1700 Forest Drive, Inverness

Located within dense pine forest, this 290-acre community park is a little slice of wilderness just outside the city. The complex has numerous facilities available, including a water playground, swimming pool, and sports courts. It also hosts a network of trails for walking, hiking, or mountain biking.

Withlacoochee State Trail 322 N. Pine Ave., Inverness

For more information on this 46-mile Rails to Trails multi-use path, see the story on page 54.

WI T HLACO OCHE E STAT E F OR E ST

Mutual Mine

Part of one of Florida’s largest state forests, the Citrus Tract includes numerous trails that wind through a diverse range of Florida ecosystems. Some notable trails include:

HOLDER MINE

TILLIS HILL

3049 E. Trail 10, Inverness

9231 S. Trail 13, Inverness

This portion of the Withlacoochee State Forest is home to two loop trails: Citrus A and B. Citrus A is 6.7 miles long, while Citrus B spans 12.6 miles. Both provide hikers with views of sandhill scrub and longleaf pine. This part of the forest is a popular campsite.

For more information on this popular hiking, camping, and equestrian area, see the story on page 46.

MUTUAL MINE 4771 E. Trail 16, Inverness

While topography similar to the Holder Mine area, Mutual Mine’s central lake was once a phosphate mine that has since been retaken by nature. This area also has two loop trails: Citrus C and Citrus D, both of which are 13½ miles long.

TWO-MILE PRAIRIE, JOHNSON POND AND OXBOW LOOP TRAIL 7112 N. Lecanto Highway, Hernando

Two-Mile Prairie is made up of 2,900 acres of land, bordered by the Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes.

Located within are Johnson Pond Trail, a 2.7-mile loop through rosemary scrub lands, and Oxbow Loop Trail, which provides 1.2 miles of riverside hiking.

YOU CAN FLY! Glide through the forest at Tree Top Adventure in Crystal River. floridatreetop.com

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STEPS IN TIME Footprints of Florida’s fascinating past and the many people who lived it suddenly reappear in these four pristine places.

STORY BY CARLY ZERVIS /// PHOTOS BY URSULA CASUTT VON BATEMBERG

Fort Cooper State Park Once the site of a small wooden fort built early in the Second Seminole War (1835-1842), Fort Cooper now offers ample excursions for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Named for Maj. Mark Anthony Cooper, the fort’s original purpose was to provide a well-guarded re-

spite for sick and wounded soldiers of the First Battalion of Georgia Volunteers. It became the site of a protracted siege by Seminole forces. The park now offers walking paths, primitive campsites, and picnic areas shaded by ancient oaks and a partial reconstruction of

the fort with excellent interpretive displays. The annual Fort Cooper Days festival brings reenactors into the wilderness each year in March.

Open 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Visit floridastateparks.org/park/Fort-Cooper for admission information.

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Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

Rock Ridge Phosphate Trail

Along the Crystal River sits one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Florida. The 61-acre park is a National Historic Landmark containing burial mounds, temple and platform mounds, a plaza area and a substantial midden—all dating from its settlement 2,500 years ago. The site was an important ceremonial destination for Native Americans for more than 1,600 years. Now it provides visitors the chance to learn about the people who lived here before Europeans arrived in the Americas. A museum offers interpretive displays and artifacts from the site for additional learning.

Along Yulee Drive near Old Homosassa, this site is what remains of a once-thriving sugar plantation: a 40-foot limestone masonry chimney, iron gears, and a cane press.

The steam-driven mill, owned by Florida’s first U.S. senator, David Yulee, was operated by slaves—more than 150 by 1851—and supplied sugar products for Confederate troops during the Civil War. Union forces burned Yulee’s home in 1864 but the mill escaped harm and is all that remains of the plantation.

Hard rock phosphate mining was a booming industry in and around Citrus County from the 1890s through the start of World War I. The towns of Dunnellon, Inverness, Floral City, and Brooksville shared in the sudden growth as it jump-started local economies and brought new residents to the area. Most historic buildings in each town are from this era. Pick up a “Historic Towns of the Rock Ridge Phosphate Trail” brochure and take a self-guided tour through the towns of the trail.

West Yulee Drive, Homosassa. Open 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Admission is free.

Maps are available at County Museums, Inverness City Hall and the Discover Crystal River Florida Visitor Center in Crystal River. Go to visitrockridgetrail.com to learn more.

Open 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Visit floridastateparks.org/park/CrystalRiver-Archaeological to learn more.

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THE OLD COURTHOUSE HERITAGE MUSEUM

THE FLORAL CITY HERITAGE MUSEUM AND COUNTRY STORE

THE COASTAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

1 Courthouse Square, Inverness

8394 E. Orange Ave., Floral City

The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum sits at the center of Inverness’ downtown square.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the striking yellow brick building dates from 1912 and served as the seat of county government until 1992.

These days, it showcases Citrus County history through permanent and rotating exhibits, maintenance of the county archives, and tours of the fully restored second-floor courtroom where Elvis Presley filmed part of “Follow That Dream” in 1961. A must-see stop for Elvis fans and history buffs alike.

This superb museum sits among the gorgeous oaks at the center of Floral City.

Formerly the fire station, the refurbished building now offers both rotating and permanent exhibits, a library, and a media area. The latest exhibit, “Another Day, Another Dollar: Making a Living in the Old Days,” tells stories of working in Florida in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including making cane syrup and turpentine manufacturing.

Don’t miss visiting the period Country Store.

This historic native stone building in downtown Crystal River features artifacts, exhibits, displays, and relics from the city’s days as a little fishing village. In those days, the building offered one-stop shopping for those doing business with local government; it housed the city offices, police department, fire department, and jail. A three-dimensional display of Citrus Avenue in 1927 illustrates the growth the city has seen since, as well as the influence the Crystal River Main Street project has had in revitalizing the downtown district in recent years.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission free. Donations welcomed.

Visit cccourthouse.org to learn more.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission free. Donations welcomed.

Visit floralcityhc.org to learn more.

532 N. Citrus Ave., Crystal River

Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission free.

Donations welcomed.

Visit coastalheritagemuseum.org to learn more.

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“The real Florida is still alive,” says ace hiking guide Max Schulman.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!”

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H I K I N G TO TH E

STORY BY MILES SAUNDERS WITH MAX SCHULMAN

The Withlacoochee River from Potts Preserve.

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PHOTO: Miles Saunders

Max Schulman literally wrote the book on hiking Florida’s Citrus County. A retired Air Force pilot, Max can’t get navigation out of his blood. His Finding the Treasures of the Trails, Citrus County is the go-to source for hikers of any level. “It’s the diversity of environments,” he says. “The coast here is world class and the inland lakes and rivers are unspoiled Florida.” Choosing his favorites was a little tricky—they’re all his favorites. Still, we got him to whittle it down to six.

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Potts Preserve

2988 N Hooty Point, Inverness

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Eco-Walk, Crystal River Preserve State Park

2018 OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE

5990 N Tallahassee Road, Crystal River

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“Eco-Walk is perfect for all ages. It’s two miles long and there’s a bench every 100 yards or so. It is a true learning trail that teaches the ecology of Coastal Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll see a surprising number of different environments for a two-mile trail from pine flatwoods to oak savanna and hardwood marsh. It’s an easy trail, great parking, easy to find. This is the first trail I recommend since it works for just about anyone at any level. Great for a family hike.”

“It really is Old Florida as it was for much of the 20th century. There’s beautiful access to the Withlacoochee River. I love walking the river trail, constantly going in and out of the river plain, seeing old growth cypress and oak and the occasional kayaker paddling by. There are camping and picnic sites, too, right on the river. You can see lots of birds on this trail both in the water and within the forest, and there are interesting remnants of old buildings like an abandoned ‘Cracker’ shack near the river.”

Withlacoochee Bay Trail: 10201 N Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River Inglis Dam/Island Recreation Trail: 1905 West Riverwood Rd., Crystal River Dunnellon Trailhead: 1279 W Withlacoochee Trail, Citrus Springs

“This follows the route of the Withlacoochee River from Withlacoochee Bay on the Gulf of Mexico to Inglis Island and Lake Rousseau. There are great paved and unpaved trails and incredible views. One of the most spectacular stretches is the portion further east called the Dunnellon Trail. It crosses over the Withlacoochee River on a spectacular bridge. The three of these together are just an amazing thing you can do in one day either walking or biking. I think it’s evolving into a national-level destination.”

Fort Cooper State Park 3100 Old Floral City Road, Inverness

“Fort Cooper is a woodland gem hugging the southern edge of Inverness along the Withlacoochee State Trail. There are nicely plotted short trails through diverse forest radiating out from Lake Holathlikaha in the center. There are five miles of trails in all and birds are active throughout. The Old Military Road was opened by the U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War in the 1830s and you can still walk it today.”

Withlacoochee State Forest, Citrus Tract

TILLIS HILL RECREATION AREA, County Rd 480, W Stage Coach Trail, Inverness

FIVE MAX-IMS OF FLORIDA HIKING:

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2

Always take plenty of water and an energy bar.

3 Make sure you have bug spray.

4

Always carry a charged mobile phone.

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Hikers gathered outside Jeep Cave in the Withlacoochee State Forest.

Make sure someone knows where you are and when you’ll be back.

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“The trails are short so it doesn’t get some of the credit that other hiking trails do, but the payoffs are big.

There’s a nice picnicking pavilion on the main trail, but the highlight is Lastinger Tower. It’s gorgeous. You can get up there and look out over the salt marsh. There’s even a telescope you can use to look at the osprey nests. There are two side trails through the hammock forest, one of them called the birding trail. Wildlife is active here. You never know what you’ll see.”

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South Mason Creek Road, Homosassa

352.794.5506

Chassahowitzka Salt Marsh Trails

Check the weather.

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“The Withlacoochee State Forest is a hiking destination that people from all over the state come to. The Florida Trail runs right through the middle. Several things make it stand out. First, it’s over 50,000 acres right along Citrus County’s Central Ridge. That word ‘ridge’ should get your attention since most of Florida’s landscape is flat.

There’s lots of undulating terrain here and everything that comes with it.

My favorites are the caves.

I like the caves trail off of Citrus County Highway 491 in Lecanto or from Tillis Hill Recreation Area off West Stage Coach Trail. It has terrain, ephemeral ponds and, of course, the caves. My favorite is Jeep Cave.”

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RISING ABOVE THE REST Florida is ideal for golf, but one thing it doesn’t have much of is terrain.

Not so here: hills and views abound and provide unexpected features to challenge, surprise and delight.

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

STORY CHRIS KUBIAK

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Skyview at Terra Vista

Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club

The Plantation on Crystal River

(352) 746-3664 skyviewgolfandcountryclub.com

(352) 746-4425 golfcitrushills.com

(352) 795-7211 plantationoncrystalriver.com

The expansive Skyview championship course offers uncompromising golf nestled among something not always available in Florida: rolling terrain.

The course has been expertly carved to take advantage of the area’s dramatic elevation changes.

Highlighting the course’s topography are elevations to 260 feet above sea level, providing some of the most attractive fairway scenery in Florida and the highest point of any golf course in the state.

The surrounding area’s preserved natural beauty is enhanced by the region’s gently rolling hills, delivering a unique golf experience that is a clear departure from the typical Florida golf course.

The Oaks: The newly renovated Oaks Course features rolling hills with fairways defined by mature live oaks and tall loblolly pines.

With dramatic elevation changes and gorgeous views, golfers may feel they are playing in the sand hills of the Carolinas rather than on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Golfers should plan on using every club in their bag when playing this classic design. The outdoor tiki bar is a fun tropical 19th-hole alternative.

The Meadows: The Meadows Course features beautiful rolling fairways with gentle doglegs, leading to large, undulating greens. This traditional course design is ideal for the novice golfer looking for a relaxing, enjoyable round of golf.

Experienced golfers, however, will have their shot-making ability put to the test, as the Meadows Course offers a challenge that belies the yardage on the scorecard.

Relax with lunch and a drink at the tiki bar, or shop the fully stocked pro shop after your game.

The Plantation on Crystal River is a full-service resort featuring boat rentals, swim-with-the-manatee tours, fishing charters, a full-service spa, and restaurants along with golf.

The 27-hole course was designed

by Mark Mahannah and features 18 traditional holes with the Lagoons 9 being a shorter course. This 60-yearold course has matured beautifully and features old-Florida charm with emerald pines, oak trees, and lush fairways.

During fall and winter, the Original Golf School, directed by PGA professional Jay Morelli, calls The Plantation on Crystal River home and is available for single lessons or lesson packages.

Minutes from the beach, boat ramps, boat rentals, scuba diving, snorkeling, and attractions like Three Sisters Springs and Kings Bay, The Plantation on Crystal River is an ideal place to stay, play, and enjoy the area.

(888) 828-6470 valkusa.com

(352) 746-6257 twistedoaksgc.com

With more than 70 luxury vacation rentals overlooking the scenic Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, this Inverness golf resort is ideal for families and groups. Booking includes reduced golf fees at nine local courses and an onsite, 18-hole, par-72 championship course.

The resort is anchored by its restaurant, which features high-quality contemporary European cuisine (the resort is beloved by visitors from the Netherlands) and excellent service. The Gastro Lounge features great beers on tap and amazing cocktails.

Located approximately in the center of Citrus County, Twisted Oaks is a beautiful links-style course with undulating fairways and greens.

Sitting on one of the high spots in Citrus County makes this course fun and enjoyable to play.

Twisted Oaks is open to the public, individuals or groups. Affordable rates and The Oaks Grill make it a great spot for the cost-conscious golfer.

CHRIS KUBIAK is a lifelong golfer and retired national sales manager for Titleist. He lives at Black Diamond Ranch.

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‘FORE’ A FUN-FILLED DAY OF GOLF _________ PUBLIC

PUBLIC

PUBLIC

Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club

Lakeside Golf & Country Club

Crystal River Golf Club

352.489.5045 or 877.405.GOLF citrusspringsgolf.com

352.726.1461 lakesidecountryclubgolf.com

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Twisted Oaks Golf Club

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Black Diamond Ranch, a private community, is open to outside play exclusively for those staying at one of this hidden gem’s cottages. If it’s a year-round warm weather golfing getaway you’re looking for, here’s your spot. This 45-hole, Tom Fazio-designed course is not only challenging but also offers amazing views.

The Quarry: The 18-hole Quarry Course is a Golf Magazine Top 100 pick and opened in 1987. To reach the Top 100, a course needs 18 great holes. Here, 13 are great, and the five that play over, around, and down into an abandoned quarry are just spectacular.

The Ranch and Highlands: The Ranch (18) and Highlands (9) wind through beautiful wooded landscape with rolling hills, generous fairways, and plenty of elevation gain and loss. It’s an enjoyable challenge for golfers of any skill level.

Van der Valk Golf Resort

352.794.5506

(352) 234-8855 blackdiamondranch.com

352.795.2100 crystalrivergolf.com

S E M I - P R I VA T E / P R I VA T E

Inverness Golf & Country Club 352.637.2583 or 352.637.2526 golfinverness.com

S E M I - P R I VA T E / P R I VA T E

S E M I - P R I VAT E / P R I VA T E

352.382.1200 southernwoodsgc.com/ southern-woodsgolf-club

352.382.3838, Ext. 20 sugarmillwoodscc. com/sugarmillwoods-country-club

Southern Woods Golf & Country Club

Sugarmill Woods Golf & Country Club

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Black Diamond Ranch

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Fields of Blue

Fresh sweet delights abound in this place with its agricultural roots written right into its name.

STORY BY MEREDITH LINLEY BLEAKLEY

PHOTO: Miles Saunders

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A seemingly endless swath of blueberry bushes stretches out before us, row after row, each burgeoning with clusters of deep purple and blue fruit. As we walk away, Tony hollers, “Make sure you sample plenty!”

We pick a row and begin quickly plucking berries and depositing them into our buckets. Laughter and squeals of joy echo around us as the kids race from row to row. After an hour or so, the sun has risen higher. The cool morning quickly turns warm—perfect conditions for blueberries but not for us.

Our brimming buckets are heavy. We round up the kids and head back to weigh and pay for our berries. The kids’ fingertips are blue and their tongues purple. “Kids love it,” laughs Tony. “They pop ’em in just like candy.”

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course, citrus groves.

Agritourist adventures can be enjoyed year-round, but springtime is the peak season for the various u-pick operations. On this April morning, the choice is the Florida Best Blueberry Farm in the river bottoms of the Withlacoochee River just outside Inverness.

Donning hats and grabbing water bottles, the kids race to grab their buckets from owner Tony Rusk. The adults linger for a minute savoring the mixture of warm spring air that still has a hint of chill in it. “Any inside scoop on which rows might be good today?” I ask Tony.

“Head out that-a-way,” he says with a gesture toward the south field. With his easy drawl, happy smile and straw hat, he is the perfect picture of a lifelong farmer.

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t’s just a few weeks into spring on a crisp morning when I load the kids into the car. I haven’t told them where we’re headed, just that we’re going on an adventure.

Blueberry farming in Florida has grown during the past decade, spurred by the University of Florida’s development of multiple varieties adjusted to the climate and conditions of the state.

It has blossomed into an agricultural revolution even here in a place that has its agricultural roots written right into its name: Citrus County.

There are more than a dozen blueberry farms, both u-pick and commercial outfits, several local honey bee apiaries, produce farms, alpaca farms, a state-of-the-art working dairy and, of

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A Trail of

By wheel and by hoof: riders pass in Floral City.

A green weekend beckons along the Withlacoochee State Trail, the longest trail in the state and the gateway to two classic Florida towns.

Two Cities

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STORY BY STACY SARE COHEN /// PHOTOGRAPHY BY URSULA CASUTT VON BATEMBERG

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Old Courthouse Square in Inverness.

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

It’s 1 p.m. The sun is ablaze when my childhood friend Laura and I arrive on the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, the longest paved rail trail in Florida. It’s the main artery that flows to the very heart of the trail: the lakeside towns of Inverness and Floral City.

We’ve tucked our keys away for the weekend since our hotel, the aptly named Central Motel, is right in the middle and right on the trail. We can go anywhere we like by bike.

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Inverness We start by cycling a few miles north to downtown Inverness.

Inverness is the hub of the Withlacoochee with its lakeside parks and cozy downtown. Cooled by the breeze, we coast to Lake Henderson, where an egret strikes a graceful pose at water’s edge.

This trailside lake and its scenic parks are a big destination for year-round events and festivals. The most popular is late October’s Cooter Festival 3 Day Music Festival.

“All our festivals are eco-friendly and bicycle-friendly,” Sharon Skeele-Hogan, director of special events for the city of Inverness, tells us.

“It’s all about the lake and the trail.”

Next, we pedal to historic Courthouse Square to view the picturesque

Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Around it is a wonderfully compact walkable downtown with sidewalk cafes, cozy pubs, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and plenty of bicycle parking.

“The trail married itself to the city,” says visionary City Manager Frank DiGiovanni. In fact, you might say Frank was the officiant at the wedding.

The fabulous waterfront boardwalks, the bike lanes, and inviting signage were all his dream.

“We’re looking into the future to building Inverness as the premier cycling center on Withlacoochee State Trail,” he explains.

“We’re going to build what we call the Depot District, repurposing historic buildings into a trendy trailside experience with retail, foodie

A trailside hitching post in Floral City.

establishments, and maybe even craft beer.”

Frank leaves us with visions of organic community gardens in our heads as we cycle back to the hotel.

“The town is very protective of these oaks and we’re currently replanting them,” Frank says with a clear sense of pride.

The rustic beauty we see in this nationally registered historic district reminds us of a simpler time.

At Robin’s Country Kitchen, famous for homebaked desserts, people still tether their horses to the railing outside.

And there’s always a steady stream of cyclists.

“We go to Ferris Groves during the season for

blueberry and strawberry milkshakes,” says Dennis Reiland of Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, a volunteer support group for the trail.

Our green weekend without a car ends too quickly. Nonetheless, we feel rejuvenated visiting these classic Florida cities, each with its own distinct character and yet bound together by a common history and a glimmering ribbon of green in between: the fabulous Withlacoochee State Trail.

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coochee State Trail.

From Fort Cooper, we head for Floral City for something we’ve been waiting to see: the majestic “Avenue of the Oaks” along East Orange Avenue.

“If you were to fly a drone over the historic district, it looks pretty much like it did 100 years ago,” says Frank Peters of the Floral City Heritage Council.

This tunnel of mossdraped oaks is exquisite.

352.794.5506

In the morning, Laura and I enjoy a savory breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, the family-owned Dillon’s Cinnamon Sticks. It’s a local landmark.

After a delectable breakfast, we head south to Fort Cooper State Park, an important stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail with more than five miles of woodland trails directly connected to the Withla-

57 Riders passing Lake Henderson in Inverness.

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Floral City

D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M

National Historic District in Floral City, Florida.

• Established 1985 • Designer Jewelry • Custom Jewelry • Unique Items • Individual Service • Estate & Gold Buyers WHATEVER THE OCCASION AND WHATEVER THE BUDGET, SPECIALTY GEMS IS THE PLACE FOR THAT PERFECT GIFT.

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Exclusive Crystal River Destination Manatee Bracelet

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600 SE Hwy. 19, Crystal River, FL • 352.795.5900

COME SEE OUR “NEW LOOK”

www.specialtygems.net

8305 E. Orange Ave. • Florida City

352-419-7937

info@redbrickplace.com www.redbrickplace.com

Wed-Sat 10A.M.–4P.M.

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

Deedra Harris OWNER Laura Hennings OWNER

FLORAL CITY HERITAGE MUSEUM 2018 Floral City Heritage Days First weekend in December 8394 E. Orange Ave., PO Box 328

Floral City, FL 34436

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(352) 860-0101

D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L O R I D A

Friday–Saturday 10 am to 2 pm The-FCHC@hotmail.com FloralCity.org

OLD COURTHOUSE HERITAGE MUSEUM Call, e-mail, or visit website for complete listing of concerts and activities.

One Courthouse Square Inverness FL 34450

(352) 341-6428 Monday–Friday 10 am to 4 pm csociety@tampabay.rr.com CCCourtHouse.org

COASTAL HERITAGE MUSEUM 532 N. Citrus Ave. Crystal River, FL 34428

(352) 257-3870 Tuesday–Saturday 10 am to 2 pm crcoastalmuseum@aol.com

Hernando Heritage Council

HISTORIC HERNANDO SCHOOL RESTORATION PROJECT www.HistoricHernando.com

Valk

VACATION RENTALS

VAN DER VALK FLORIDA

VAN DER VALK VACATION RENTALS

Online?

DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com

Already here?

Visit our Welcome Center:

352.794.5506

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915 N Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429

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www.VALKUSA.com | 352.637.1140 | 4543 E Windmill Drive, Inverness

Manatee Tours Dive Instruction Kayak Rentals Waterfront House Rentals

www.birdsunderwater.com 352-563-2763

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pad•dle

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verb 1. to glide in open water on a kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) and discover natural Florida.

2. to exercise via a repetitive motion of the arms within a magnificently beautiful place.

3. to enjoy a state of peace and serenity that comes from a shared moment with someone you love.

Paddling the Halls River in Homosassa.

Find out where to begin your paddling adventure at www.discovercrystalriverfl.com PHOTO: MILES SAUNDERS CCVCB

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CRUISING

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62 They’re called “dry tours”—boat tours where you don’t get in the water to see a manatee. But, trust us, you’ll see plenty. Whether it’s a nature tour or a dinner cruise, you’re sure to find the voyage of your dreams.

STORY BY MEREDITH LINLEY BLEAKLEY /// PHOTO BY MILES SAUNDERS

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here’s a slight breeze in the air as Captain Paul Cross welcomes us aboard the Plantation Adventure Center’s huge new 40-foot Triton pontoon boat.

We’re heading out on a sunset cruise, ready for a gentle evening ride across Kings Bay and down the beautiful, wide Crystal Riv-

er to the open water of the Gulf of Mexico—the perfect spot for the spectacular nightly ritual of sunset on Florida’s West Coast.

“Not everybody wants to swim with a manatee,” Captain Paul says. “A lot of people just want to get out on the water and see this incredibly beautiful place.”

As we depart out into Kings Bay, we’re immediately greeted by a variety of local wildlife. I do my best to search for the distinctive swirling rings from a manatee’s tail, but I’m continually distracted by the unique assortment of birds crossing the sawgrass shorelines and the horizon above.

When we arrive on the river, to our surprise, mullet begin enthusiastically jumping just off the side of the boat.

Safely out of the nowake zone that protects the manatees, the boat picks up a little speed as we cruise westbound toward the descending sun.

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The smell of the sea is in the air as the breeze washes over us.

“It’s a really beautiful ride,” Captain Paul says, “and we time things so we arrive right on time for the light show.”

The horizon opens before us as we reach Shell Island just at the mouth of the Crystal River on the Gulf of Mexico. In the distance, we can see fishing boats heading out toward

deep water as the sun slips toward the horizon.

To describe a Gulf of Mexico sunset is nearly impossible. Each one is unique but no less breathtaking than the one before.

Streaks of orange light paint the sky, while purples, pinks, and even fiery reds flash before the eyes in mere seconds. We watch in awe as the sun slips below the horizon.

“A lot of people just want to get out on the water and see this incredibly beautiful place.”

—CAPTAIN PAUL CROSS, PLANTATION ADVENTURE CRUISES

All the world, if but for moment, seems still and at rest.

On our way back, Captain Paul suddenly slows the boat down. In the fading light, he spots three manatees. We glide over to catch a glimpse.

The evening fades into twilight. Stars flicker above.

Time seems to stand still within this single priceless moment. It seems it could last forever.

63 C R Y S TA L R I V E R . H O M O S A S S A . I N V E R N E S S . F L O R A L C I T Y

You can find a complete listing of boat tours at www.discovercrystalriverfl.com

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ishing the waters of the Gulf out of Crystal River and Homosassa with my dad and my friends are some of the best memories I have from my youth. We

traveled over early mornings from our home in the middle of the state to fish the rivers, flats and keys.

I was mesmerized by the pristine clear river water that flowed over the oyster

beds on an outgoing tide at the mouths of the rivers, producing enormous tailing sheepshead, black drum, redfish and plenty of spotted sea trout. Going offshore produced catches of

grouper, snapper, hogfish, cobia and, more often than not, amberjack or kingfish.

I begged to go fishing with my dad because I knew it was going to be catching, not fishing.

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PHOTO: Shane Reynolds

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Though many years have passed and I no longer have dad to fish with, I still come back to Citrus County every chance I get.

The multitude of species available, the different styles of fishing and the diverse habitat make it my favorite place to fish in all of Florida.

Freshwater lakes like the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes and Lake Rousseau have the habitat to provide wonderful fishing for bass and crappie.

Beautiful cypress trees with submerged root systems plus intricate networks of bayous and canals make it perfect for

Jon boats, bass boats and even canoes or kayaks.

Though I love bass fishing, the inshore game is what I am most passionate about. And the coastal area from Yankeetown down to Chassahowitzka offers up some of the best inshore fishing I’ve ever found. The water is usually gin clear

and makes it easy to sight fish around the mouths of the rivers, islands, keys and deeper troughs that traverse the flats.

The massive grass flats and clear water of Homosassa have made the area world-renowned for catching giant tarpon on fly. In fact, all the major

Captain Leiza Fitzgerald is Director of the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida’s annual statewide Star Tournament.

D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M

I still come back to Citrus County every chance I get.

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Though many years have passed and I no longer have dad to fish with,

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honey hole. Not only do I drop baits to the bottom but I also always have a “free lined” live bait drifting out behind the boat for a cobia or kingfish. This past summer, in about 40 feet of water, it was a special treat to have a sailfish take a swipe at a blue runner.

Certainly, there are plenty of areas of Florida that have great fishing, but few offer the variety of species and quality of catch that an angler can find here. From trophy largemouth bass, crappie, warmouth, bream and catfish in freshwater, to trophy tarpon, snook, redfish, spotted sea trout, triple tail, cobia, kingfish, snapper, amberjack and grouper along the coast, Florida’s Citrus County has it all.

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PHOTOS: (Left page) Miles Saunders CCVCB (Above) Romona Robbins

fly-fishing records for tarpon were caught off Florida’s central West Coast in the Homosassa area.

Another style of fishing gaining notoriety in the area is called “near shore” or “shallow water” grouper fishing. It takes place in the early spring and fall.

Anglers using medium to heavy spinning gear with a diving or top water lure can catch legal grouper in eight to 12 feet of water.

Trust me, it’s a thrill.

Offshore fishing for grouper and other species on the West Coast is generally done by a fishing method called “digging.”

My dad and I used to troll in 15 to 30 feet of water with big lip diving plugs to cover a lot of water and find fish. Now, I combine trolling with the use of high-tech electronics so I can pinpoint prime fish-holding structures.

Once I hook up to a fish, I return to the marked spot to do some digging with live baits to see if it is a

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The path of family bonding leads to a perfect summer vacation on the Gulf of Mexico.

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zen

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rowing up in Florida, most of my early memories involve water. Whether paddling in the springs or swimming, fishing and diving in the Gulf, there was always this desire to immerse myself in this incredibly rich world.

A highlight was always scalloping. Every summer we scoured the shallow seagrass beds for a self-caught family dinner.

Time passed. I grew up. We had our daughter.

After five years of swimming lessons and endless play dates, we were finally ready to get salty again.

Crystal River and Homosassa were new to us. but seemed the perfect place to revive a cherished family tradition with our new family and friends. What we found was a scalloping paradise!

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An Island Retreat

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Arriving in Old Homosassa, Captain Sean Daugherty of Mellow Mangrove Charters was waiting to ferry us to our vacation rental.

Dream Catcher Island is on a secluded island in the Homosassa River and is just one of the many incredible vacation rentals you can find here.

It’s clean and spacious, fully equipped with a pool, kayaks, fish-cleaning station, and hot tub. We brought plenty of food and drinks (we’re on an island after all), but our objective is to catch dinner.

Let the games begin!

The Warm Shallow Sea Scallop season runs from the end of June to late September. There is no commercial bay scallop fishery in Florida. If you want them, you have to catch them yourself.

The scallops come in with the tide and nestle in the shallow seagrass beds just offshore. With a lifespan of only a year, a month can make a significant difference in terms

seagrass gently sway back and forth.

I notice my breath in the snorkel. I gaze through my mask. Various fish, crabs, starfish, and seahorses drift by. It seems the scallops are nowhere.

Then suddenly, I see them everywhere.

We simply dive down, pick ’em up, and fill our mesh bags. You can collect up to 2 gallons of scallops per person or 10 gallons per boat. The kids are hooked!

Our Family Feast

of a bay scallop’s size. So we opt to come later in the season in hopes of finding the big ones!

With a guide, it’s easy. We don’t have to buy our own fishing licenses or bring a boat. Heading out, what seems to us like an endless river maze of sawgrass and mangroves is second nature to Captain Sean.

Our captain also knows the right place to anchor.

Anchoring in the wrong spot can mean the dif-

ference between coming home with a feast or an appetizer. With so many mouths to feed, feast is our only option!

The Zen of Scalloping According to Captain Sean, finding these little bivalves is a “zen-like art form.”

Once I slip into the warm bath-like water, it all comes back to me.

I float patiently on the surface watching the

After a fun-filled day of foraging, we gather on the dock back on our private island.

To clean the scallops, we use spoons and bent butter knives. It’s another zen-like art form that takes a little practice.

As we work and laugh together, it sinks in. Teaching our kids how to connect with the food they eat is important to us. There is nothing more gratifying than bonding over a family meal gathered and prepared together.

By the way, if cleaning scallops isn’t your cup of tea, you can always take your catch to local “shuckers” working right at the docks. Nearby restaurants will even prepare the scallops for you.

Either way, scalloping is an amazing way to disconnect from technology for a few days and bring family and friends back together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover your scalloping adventure and the perfect Vacation Rental, Hotel or RV Park at www.discovercrystalriverfl.com

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Teaching our kids to connect with the food they eat is important to us.

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Your Choice Destination for American Contemporary Cuisine

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Buy or sell commercial-residential We use areial photgraphy on all our listings!

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Visitor Center of U.S. 19, Homosassa Springs, FL (352) 628-5343 FloridaStateParks.org/Homosassa •

Walk under water in the Spring of 10,000 Fish

•

See endangered red wolves, Florida panthers, whooping cranes, key deer, and manatees.

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Daily manatee and alligator programs and wildlife encounters

Meet Yuma and Sakata, our Florida panthers!

20% Off

Regular admission to

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Good for up to 6 in party.

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It takes a team to build an appealing dining experience, and these four restaurants are redefining the taste, look, and feel of a night out in the Manatee Capital of the World.

STORY BY MILES SAUNDERS /// PHOTOGRAPHY BY URSULA CASUTT VON BATEMBERG

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Seafood Pasta with lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams over fresh house made pasta with pesto cream, red peppers, spinach, peas and parmigiano reggiano.

C H EF R I C H A R D A N D T I F FA N Y W I G G I N S

Katch Twenty-Two

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2924 W. Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto, FL

Chef Richard and Tiffany Wiggins came here with a dream. After building a career at five-star hotels in Florida and the Caribbean, Richard and Tiffany decided to leave their secure life in Washington, D.C., where he was executive chef at the prestigious W Hotel on the National Mall.

The idea was to slow life down in his native Florida and get back to basics.

“You hear about people who have lifelong dreams and a lot of people do it and a lot of people don’t,” Tiffany says. “We’re actually doing it.”

“It’s always something I think every chef wants to do,” Richard adds. “You want to own your own restaurant and have creative control and quality control of the food you’re serving and the experience people are having.”

It turns out people are having some remarkable experiences. Take Neel Patel, a sophisticated travel writer from London: “I don’t think I’ve ever been so pleasantly surprised in my life,” he writes. “Hidden in this small town in Florida is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. I would fly back tomorrow just to eat there again.”

There’s certainly no Catch-22 to be found in that review.

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352.746.6691 katchtwentytwo.com

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J I MMY

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STO LT Z

Seafood Seller & Cafe 300 SE U.S. Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 352.228.4936

Grass-fed Venison Burger with gorgonzola cheese, roasted red pepper and tomato chutney.

C I N DY A N D C RA I G S H AT TO EXECUTIVE CHEF MARC BELL

Greenhouse Bistro & Venue 2420 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 352.503.7276 greenhousebistromarket.com

Since opening in 2016, Craig and Cindy Shatto’s Greenhouse Bistro and Venue has continually brought innovation to the food scene in Crystal River and Homosassa like few other restaurants.

From their fascinatingly creative décor to a butterfly garden on the enclosed patio—the only one within a restaurant in North America—every detail is filled with elegant little surprises, and that’s before you even get to the menu.

In collaboration with Chef Marc Bell, they’ve swept in with a fresh food menu that offers wide-ranging gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and paleo options.

That’s gone over big with local, urban, and international guests. There’s also Florida-raised venison, boar, and bison on the menu and locally caught fish.

“We’re about as true as you can get to farm-to-table in our vegetables and our herbs, our meats, poultry, and fish,” Craig says. “We’re working with local growers to buy whatever they’re growing. You don’t know exactly what you’re getting week to week, day to day, but people like that.”

“We have a lot of specials,” Cindy adds. “We continually change our menu.”

When Jimmy Stoltz’s phone rings, the room suddenly fills with the happy sound of zydeco.

Jimmy’s roots in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Sue’s in Baltimore bring a perfect fusion of the tastes of two of America’s most beloved capitals of seafood. He brings the unmistakable flare of Louisiana and New Orleans, and she brings the time-proven tradition of Chesapeake Bay. “My catfish Louisanne is a Cajun dish with two fried catfish fillets, a crab cake on top, and a crawfish etouffee,” Jimmy says with a proud smile. “The crab cakes are my recipe,” Sue adds with a knowing smile.

That blend of culture and character spoken in the language of food keeps Jimmy and Sue plenty busy.

After five years with a fish market and small cafe across from the movie theaters at the local mall, they needed more space—a lot more. “We developed quite a following,” Jimmy says, “both local people and people from all over the world.”

The new place cries New Orleans from the music and lively purple décor to the fresh seafood market that’s just inside the door. That’s where the “Seafood Seller” comes in.

“We cook fresh out of the case in our fish market,” says Jimmy, while holding a deep-water scamp grouper. “We have boats that run out of Madera Beach next to St. Pete every day.”

Shrimp Poboy Blackened Shrimp sandwich with red beans and rice and Cajun corn Maque choux.

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Plantation Cowboy Steak for Two: Twenty-eight day dry aged bone-in-ribeye steak with spiny lobster mashed potatoes, green beans with country ham and buttermilk fried onions.

JAC K

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West 82 Bar & Grill The Plantation On Crystal River 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 352.795.4211 plantationoncrystalriver.com

Executive Chef Jack Spiess didn’t set out to be the captain at the helm of the West 82 Bar & Grill at Crystal River’s flagship resort, the Plantation on Crystal River. He was just looking for a slower pace and a more affordable lifestyle than Seattle’s prestigious Pike’s Place Market could provide.

“My folks came down here and said to me, ‘You’ve got to come visit.’ They talked about the pace, the lack of traffic and noise, and the continual presence of water,” Jack says. “They were right. I just fell in love with it.”

After serving as sous chef for a year, Jack now gets to revamp the menu as executive chef of the highly respected West 82.

“In Seattle, our focus was market-driven food,” he says.

“So here, we want to focus on Florida food: in-season Florida seafood and produce along with dishes prepared in a classic Florida style.”

What’s the starting point? On Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s always fish.

“When I go to Seattle, I want to eat salmon,” Jack says.

“But when I come to Florida, I want to eat snapper and grouper because the fish we see down here are just gorgeous.”

It helps, too, that Jack, a native of Northern Michigan, is an avid angler, as are most of the staff members.

“If we’re not here creating great food,” he laughs as he looks toward the water, “we’re out on a boat, fishing.”

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SMALL SHOPS, BIG FINDS Original shopping surprises await in four Florida-original downtowns STORY BY DIANE BEDARD /// PHOTOGRAPHY BY URSULA CASUTT VON BATEMBERG

2018 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

Crystal River’s Heritage Village & Citrus Avenue

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From the quaint shops of Heritage Village to the lovely Amy’s on the Avenue, Crystal River’s thriving Main Street community shines on Citrus Avenue.

The historic homes and cottages in this district now house art galleries, clothing and antique shops, a general store, and an impressive set of restaurants and cafes. You can find a naturally inspired keepsake at All About Nature, or stop in at the Karma Cottage to pick up some “treats for the soul.”

The biggest surprise just may be Tea House 650, which, in addition to being a fun shop, is a cozy cafe featuring food, fresh-baked scones, and an incredible selection of house-blended loose-leaf teas that give an intoxicating aroma to the entire shop. “Find the perfect brew,” says owner Gail Willden, “and we will gladly wrap up a supply to take home.”

Walkable, Loveable Downtown Inverness

Floral City: Classic Florida Charm

Old Homosassa’s Yulee Drive

Historic storefronts radiate from the landmark Old Courthouse Square in walkable downtown Inverness. The streets are alive with sidewalk cafes, pubs and, of course, shops!

The antique and resale shops, like the eclectic Ritzy Rags & Glitzy Jewels, Etc., provide the perfect opportunity for a Florida treasure hunt. A selection of more traditional gifts and collectibles can be found around the corner at Connors Gifts. After a long day of shopping, Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters provides the perfect pick-me-up with its “nitro” (nitrogen-infused) coffee, handmade pastries, and locally roasted beans.

This Florida treasure’s slower pace gives shoppers time to relax and enjoy. The Withlacoochee State Trail, popular with cyclists, runs through this lovely nationally registered historic downtown. Trailside Bike offers rentals, sales, and repairs.

Red Brick Place is a cultural art gallery that offers unique and unusual gifts.

“Visitors are blown away,” explains co-owner Laura Henning. “[They] never expected such a find!” The Florida Artists Gallery is a local artists co-op that features almost every medium of art imaginable.

For a refreshing experience, visit the historic Ferris Groves fruit stand. It sells a variety of products made from locally grown strawberries and citrus.

In Old Homosassa, art imitates nature. Here, artists create one-of-a-kind pieces reflecting the abundance of flora and fauna surrounding them. The smiling shopkeepers are often the artists themselves, like Louise Whitney, co-owner of the Glass Garage, which specializes in incredible colorful glass creations.

“Some of our guests come back year after year to choose from the many handcrafted, colorful pieces we make,” she says.

Down the street sits a 1930s Cracker-style house-turned-studio, Pepper Creek Pottery, where local potters turn clay into evocative art. It’s only a taste of the creative art waiting to be discovered in this historic Old Florida fishing community.

FAB 5

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Though each has its own unique style, for these five festivals, it’s all about the music.

STORY BY VERONICA DAVIS

FLORIDA MANATEE FESTIVAL

FLORAL CITY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

What better venue for the Florida Manatee Festival than the Manatee Capital of the World? Indie rock music fills the streets of downtown Crystal River during this weekend event, which has a lineup that includes both up-and-coming and award-winning artists.

Along with great tunes, the festival offers shuttled trips down to Three Sisters Springs—the famous haven for wintering manatees— and manatee boat tours. There are children’s activities for the little ones, beer and wine gardens for the adults, crafts galore, and plenty of delicious food to go around.

A celebration of springtime and strawberries, this fun festival is an occasion you don’t want to miss. Live music sets the mood in beautiful Floral Park in Floral City, with musical acts playing a variety of genres all weekend long. Fresh, locally grown strawberries abound in shortcakes, pies and other delicacies.

If you are feeling brave, why not sign up for a pie-eating contest? Not your style? Just relax and enjoy the food, music, activities, and events that the Floral City Strawberry Festival has to offer.

January 13 and 14

To learn more visit GoManateeFest.com

March 3 and 4

To learn more visit GoStrawberryFest.com

5!

COOTER FESTIVAL 3-DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

STONE CRAB JAM

HOMOSASSA ARTS, CRAFTS, & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

For three days each October, the parks of downtown Inverness take center stage. Reminiscent of Woodstock, the highlight of this festival is the musical lineup. Vibes range from indie to classic rock—and the music never stops! The festival schedule is always jam-packed with exciting events like extreme water shows, costume contests, and explosive fireworks displays.

For the food lover, there are more than 100 food and festival vendors, along with BBQ competitions and craft beer tastings. There is always something new happening at Cooterfest—you never know what the next event will bring!

Jam out to country, blues, and rock ’n’ roll at Crystal River’s Stone Crab Jam. This downtown festival features three open-air stages that fill the streets with music. Aptly named, the other highlight of this event is the fresh stone crab claws, not to mention the delectable white mustard dipping sauce. Grab a basket and a hammer from one of the many local vendors and get cracking!

Once you’ve had your fill, walk the streets of downtown Crystal River and peruse the many pieces of art available for sale.

The Homosassa Arts, Crafts, & Seafood Festival is a true celebration of southern style. This two-day event features live musical acts performing songs ranging from country and blues to Southern rock. Florida artists flock here to show and sell their wares, creating colorful and eclectic displays that line the streets of Old Homosassa.

Seafood, of course, is center stage, and the bounty of Florida water abounds in an endless array of choices. Cool down with a homemade root beer float or gourmet popsicle. As for seafood, just take your pick: grab a fisherman’s combo—or pirate’s plate— and chow down!

October 26, 27 and 28

To learn more visit CooterFestival.com

November 3

To learn more visit StoneCrabJam.com

November 10 and 11

To learn more visit HomosassaSeafoodFestival.org

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F E ST I VA L S

AND

EV ENTS

CALENDAR JAN 13–14

APRIL 14

Florida Manatee Festival

The Taste Food and Beer Festival

Downtown Crystal River

Downtown Inverness

JAN 27

APRIL 14

Rock Crusher Canyon, Crystal River

Crystal River

TinRoofShack.com

MermaidsAndMargaritas Festival.com

FEB 17

APRIL 21

Ozello Civic Association

Fort Cooper State Park

GoManateeFest.com

goinverness.com

Bluegrass Old Time Music Fest & Car Show

Mermaids and Margaritas Festival

Fort Cooper Bluegrass Festival

Ozello Craft Show & Chili Cook-Off

FloridaStateParks.org/ park-events/fort-cooper

ozello.net

MAY

Floral City Strawberry Festival

Kings Bay Pirate Fest

Floral Park, Floral City

Downtown Crystal River

GoStrawberryFest.com

CrystalRiverFL.org

MARCH 17–18

JUNE 30

Fort Cooper Days

Homosassa River Fireworks Fest & Poker Run

Fort Cooper State Park

FloridaStateParks.org/park-events/ fort-cooper

Old Homosassa

MARCH 17

RiversideResorts.com

St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival

JULY 3

Patriotic Evening

Downtown Inverness goinverness.com

Liberty Park, Inverness goinverness.com

MARCH 17

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St. Patrick’s Day on Citrus Avenue

JULY 4

Old-Fashioned 4th of July

Downtown Crystal River D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L O R I D A

CrystalRiverFL.org

Kings Bay Park

CrystalRiverFL.org

MARCH 17

Big Bass Classic

AUG 4

Pine Street Jam

Liberty Park, Inverness goinverness.com

Downtown Inverness goinverness.com

MARCH 24

Shrimpapalooza Old Homosassa

shrimpapalooza.com MARCH 24

Clean Air Bike Ride Withlacoochee State Trail, Inverness CleanAirRide.com MARCH 22–25

Sunshine Grand Prix Inverness

goinverness.com

OCT 5–7

KINGS BAY PIRATE FESTIVAL

May

Arrr you ready to channel your inner buccaneer? This is your chance! Immerse yourself in the pirate experience, complete with authentic pirate garb and handcrafted vessels on display. Compete in the raft race, go on a treasure hunt, or simply enjoy the live music. You may even meet a mermaid!

— To learn more visit CrystalRiverFL.com

Citrus Sertoma Family Fall Festival Crystal River Mall Grounds

facebook.com/citrusoktoberfest OCT 7

Annual Withlacoochee Bike Ride Withlacoochee State Trail, Inverness

rttwst.org/annual-bike-ride-railsto-trails.php

PHOTO: Pete Baker

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MARCH 3–4

NOV 10

Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Fest Lake Hernando Park

LakeHernandoDragonBoat Festival.com NOV 16–17

Grand Prix And Motorsports Festival Downtown Inverness goinverness.com NOV 24

Ozello Arts, Crafts & Blue Crab Fest Ozello Civic Association ozello.net

EARLY DEC

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival Little Springs Park, Downtown Crystal River

Downtown Floral City

FloralCityHC.org/heritage-days.html

The sport of dragon boat racing has more than 2,500 years of history and it is still going strong today. This competitive rowing event is exciting for paddlers and spectators alike. Along with live entertainment and a variety of vendors, this family-friendly event even offers an inflatable play area for kids!

DEC 7–9

— To learn more visit LakeHernandoDragonBoatFestival.com

DEC 14

Fort Cooper Nights of Lights Fort Cooper State Park

FloridaStateParks.org/park-events/ fort-cooper

Light Up Inverness Downtown Inverness goinverness.com

Heritage Village Scarecrow Festival Heritage Village, Crystal River

TheShoppesOfHeritageVillage.com/ upcomingevents.html OCT 18–19

Living History Days Fort Cooper State Park FloridaStateParks.org/ park-events/fort-cooper

OCT 26–28

Great American Cooter Festival Liberty Park, Inverness CooterFestival.com OCT 27–28

Haunted Tram Ride Homosassa Springs

FloridaStateParks.org/ park-events/homosassa-springs

NOV 3

MID-DEC

Old Homosassa

Old Homosassa

facebook.com/naturecoastblues

riversideresorts.com

NOV 3–4

DEC 19–24 & 26

Blues ‘n Bar-B-Que

Inverness Festival of the Arts Downtown Inverness goinverness.com

Homosassa Boat Parade

Celebration of Lights Homosassa Springs

FloridaStateParks.org/ park-events/homosassa-springs

NOV 10–11 NOV 3

Stone Crab Jam Downtown Crystal River StoneCrabJam.com

Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival Old Homosassa

HomosassaSeafoodFestival.org

Dates, times and locations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the event website or go to DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com/ events-calendar

INVERNESS GRAND PRIX AND MOTORSPORTS FESTIVAL

November 16 and 17

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! For two nights in November, the streets of Inverness’ downtown square are transformed into a highspeed racetrack. This weekend of live music and street racing excitement includes car displays of all kinds. From the starting gun to the finish line, this event is a heart-pounding good time!

— To learn more visit GoInverness.com

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Floral City Heritage Days

LAKE HERNANDO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL // November 10

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NOV 30–DEC 1

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CrystalRiverFL.org

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DAILY MANATEE SNORKELING TOURS

PRIVATE SCALLOPING CHARTERS 3-12 People Gear & Fishing License Included

GIFT, ART & SOUVENIR SHOP

352-795-7033

info@crystalriverwatersports.com

CrystalRiverWatersports.com 2380 N Suncoast Blvd Crystal River, FL (Behind the Days Inn)

1 STOP INFORMATION! DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER FLORIDA WELCOME CENTER A Certified Travel Information Center

Destination information for Inverness, Homosassa, Floral City and Crystal River

Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm

915 N Suncoast Blvd.

Crystal River

(800) 587-6667

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Floral City | Homosassa | Inverness

Discover Crystal River Florida

Online?

DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com Already here? Visit our Welcome Center: 915 N Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429

Share your most insta-worthy moments with #DiscoverCR! @discovercrystalriver Downtown Inverness

@discovercrystalriver Kings Bay

@flunkingmonkey Chassahowitzka River

@discovercrystalriver Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

@crystal_river_photography Three Sisters Springs

@plantationadventurecenter Three Sisters Springs

@ddelarco Gulf of Mexico

@discovercrystalriver Shelly’s Seafood

r u o Y Fi n d

e r u t n Adve SNORKELING

SCALLOPING

KAYAKING • Manatee Tour • Scalloping • Kayak Rentals • Private Tours

MANATEE Tour&Dive

TOLL FREE

888.732.2692 352.795.1333 • 36 NE 4th St, Crystal River

manateetouranddive.com

Now is the time…

This is the place!

FLORIDA’S PREMIER MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF CITRUS COUNTY

World-Class Amenities – Active Resort-Style Living Unhurried Lifestyle There’s never been a better time to build the home of your dreams. And for value, location, and lifestyle there is no better place than the Villages of Citrus Hills. If you’re considering Florida for a second home, or active resort-style living, then you owe it to yourself to visit with us.

Customizable homes and site packages from the mid $300s to $1.2 million.

Spectacular Championship Golf and Tennis 45,000 sf BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center Ideal Citrus County Location WELCOME CENTER OPEN EVERY DAY! Over 20 Customizable Home Designs 4,500 sf. Tiki Bar If you’re visiting Central Florida you owe it to yourself to stop by and experience the Villages of Citrus Hills for yourself.

To schedule a personal tour call 800-511-0814

Located at the intersection of Norvell Bryant Hwy (Rte. 486) & Forest Ridge Blvd./Terra Vista Blvd.

www.CitrusHills.com

2400 N. Terra Vista Blvd., Citrus Hills, FL 34442