DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
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DISCOVER
CRYSTAL RIVER
HOMOSASSA
INVERNESS
FLORAL CITY
discovercrystalriverfl.com
Find Your
Adventure
Only Minutes to the World Famous
Three Sisters
Springs!
CLEAR KAYAKS GUIDED TOURS SWIM WITH MANATEES LARGEST SELECTION
HunterSpringsKayak.com
352.228.4715 • 36 NE 4th St, Crystal River
Lake Henderson Full Calendar of Events Live | Work | Play Withlacoochee Trail Valerie Theatre
• Top cycling destination
• Home of the Cooter Festival as seen on the Daily Show
• Inverness Grand Prix only kart street race in southeast USA
• The Taste is a qualifier for the World Food Championship
visitinvernessfl.com
• Big Bass Classic draws hundreds of anglers each spring 203 E. Dampier Street | 352.341.7820
Three Sisters
Springs
Enjoy a trolley tour to the boardwalk to see
manatees. The boardwalk and nature trails
offer spectacular views of the world-renowned
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 @cityofcrystalriver #crystalriver
@CrystalRiver_FL
Three Sisters Springs @threesisterssprings #threesisterssprings
CONTENTS
FEATURING
20 The Manatee Capital Of The World
What is it that makes Florida’s Citrus County unique? It’s a perfect
combination of critical elements that manatees need to live.
26 Manatees By The Numbers
From how often a manatee breathes to the size of a manatee baby
at birth, the details of manatees lives are hidden in the numbers.
28 Unforgettable Journey
D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M
A trip from London to the Homosassa River to meet a manatee
proves unforgettable.
//
352.794.5506
7
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
SECTIONS
City Guide
CITY GUIDE CITRUS COUNTY VISITORS
& CONVENTION BUREAU
10 Timeless
Randy Oliver
MAP OF CITRUS COUNTY County Administrator
12 Gulf To Lakes John Pricher Miles Saunders
10 Director Media & Content Manager
Veronica Kampschroer Marti Spewock
Accomodations 16 Industry Relations Specialist Senior Secretary
Rachel Ford
Visitor Services
____
Water Adventures
32
EDITORIAL
CHASSAHOWITZKA RIVER Miles Saunders
32 Into The Wild Managing Editor
____
62
B O AT T O U R S
CONTRIBUTORS
36 River Of Life Veronica Kampschroer
C AT C H YO U R O W N S C A L L O P S 42 Diane Bedard Charli Moore
38 Living The Salt Life Mary Ann De Santis Manny Prades
Matt Marriott Shane Reynolds
FISHING GUIDE
Melissa Mederos William Toney
42 An Island Feast ____
PHOTOGRAPHY
Ursula Casutt von Batemberg
Land Adventures cvb-photography.com
PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E P R E S E R V E S Carol Grant Manny Prades
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
oceangrant.com Pryme Production
48 Room 4 U2 Roam Matt Marriott Shane Reynolds
HISTORY AND MUSEUMS Matt Marriott Photography Color Earth Production
54 Things That Comes In 3’s Melissa Mederos Romona Robbins
Pryme Production Romona Robbins Photography
W I T H L A C O O C H E E S TAT E F O R E S T
Charli Moore Miles Saunders
58 Written In The Stars wanderlusters.com Discover Crystal River Florida
____
W I T H L A C O O C H E E S TAT E T R A I L
DESIGN/PRODUCTION/SALES
62 Cycle City
GOLF COURSES
66 Golf In Citrus County
66
Food and Fun
8
48 A U T H E N T I C R E S TA U R A N T S
68 Old Florida 41 108 5TH ST. LEESBURG, FL 34748
akersmediagroup.com
BEER & WINE
352.787.4112
72 Keepers Of The Craft 72
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
SHOPPING
Kendra Akers James Combs
Publisher Staff Editor
76 Been There. Done That! Doug Akers Chris Gerbasi
President Staff Editor
Jamie Ezra Mark Wendy Mak
Calendar Chief Creative Officer Designer
of Events 80 Leigh Neely
Managing Editor
Jason Fugate
Designer
Theresa Campbell Josh Clark
Staff Editor Designer
Meredith Bleakley
Account Representative
Discover Crystal River Florida 2019. Published annually by the Citrus County Visitors
and Convention Bureau, 915 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429. All editorial
contents copyright 2018 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
Old
Courthouse
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
Square
10 Timeless
Welcome to timeless Florida, a place where
INVERNESS
Florida’s Small Town Done Right
Inverness is the commercial hub,
county seat, and largest town in
Florida’s Citrus County. Anchored
by Old Courthouse Square, its lively
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
the rhythm of days is set by the moon and sun downtown is full of restaurants
and shops flanked by the fabulous
and moments filled with fresh tastes and new boardwalks of Lake Henderson and
wonders seem to last forever. Cooter Pond. As the hub of the 46-
mile Withlacoochee State Trail and
the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes,
cycling, fishing, great dining, and a
full slate of festivals give this happy,
small city its ever upbeat and active
spirit. Drop by a cycling shop to rent
a bike for the day or catch an airboat
ride on Henderson Lake. Don’t miss
the new Inverness Visitors Center
on Dampier Street at scenic Wallace
Brooks Park.Three
Shelly’s Sisters Avenue of
Seafood Springs the Oaks
Stone Crab Season Three Sisters Springs Trolley Ferris Groves Fruit Stand
HOMOSASSA CRYSTAL RIVER FLORAL CITY
Florida for reel The gem of Made in the shade
Historic Old Homosassa is one of Florida’s Nature Coast Elegant Old Florida charm defines
Florida’s oldest fishing communi- The signs that welcome you as you this authentic small community
ties and from the beginning right come into town say it all: “Gem of the canopied in majestic oak trees
up to today, life here has centered Nature Coast” and “Home of the Man- and Spanish moss. The Floral City
around the water—the Homosassa atee.” The city of Crystal River curves National Historic District is a turn-
and Halls rivers, Mason Creek, and around the edges of magnificent back-the-clock village of historic
the Gulf of Mexico just offshore. Kings Bay and, like the hundreds of homes built when Floral City was
It is an amphibious village where wintering manatees, bears charms briefly Florida’s busiest phosphate
boats are as common as cars and both old and new. Historic districts mining boomtown. Magnificent live
trucks. The waterfront is always like Heritage Village, Citrus Avenue, oaks planted more than a century
lively with the comings and goings and Michigan Town are connected ago have grown into the breathtak-
at iconic institutions like MacRae’s by inviting waterfront parks and ing Avenue of the Oaks along East
of Homosassa, the Atlanta Fishing trails—Hunter Springs, Kings Bay Orange Avenue. Surrounding lakes,
Club, Homosassa Riverside Resort, Park, the new Riverwalk, and the art galleries, and classic Florida
and Monkey Island. From fish mar- Crosstown Trail which leads to Three food, fruit stands, and shops give
kets and artisan shops to legendary Sisters Springs Refuge. It’s a walk- this friendly small town with the
restaurants, Homosassa comes with able, bike-able, lovable waterfront Withlacoochee State Trail running
the unmistakable character and city of fine food, spectacular views, right through the middle its undeni-
taste of the Florida Gulf Coast. endless fun, and no fuss. able charm.488
41
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Lake Rousseau W Corrine St
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44 44
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2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
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St
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Harrison
S
St
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Lucille
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S Jefferson St
S Harrison St
S Jackson St
S Bardour St
S Monroe St
S.Adams St
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GULF OF W H a lls River Rd
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Homosassa Springs
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Salt Marsh Trails
TAMPA: 1 hour, 15 minutes Rd
Historic State Park
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ORLANDO: 1 hour, 45 minutes on
Cr
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MIAMI: 5 hours
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W Cardinal St
Chassahowitzka
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Refuge Sugarmill
Sugarmill Cy
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Southern
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Chassahowitzka Golf Club
480
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Bl
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MIAMIGULF TO LAKES
Spruce Creek
Preserve
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Golf Club
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Citrus 200 Country Club
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Bike Fish Paddle
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Pine Bird Hike Swim
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Club
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W Norvell Bryant Hwy
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N Citrus Hills Blvd
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Lakeside
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N Croft Ave
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N Kensington Ave
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41D 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 2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
14
LIGHTHOUSE AWARD WINNERFrom the Gulf...
...To the golf course
Plantation Realty, Inc
1250 N Country Club Dr., Crystal River, FL | 352.795.0784
918 E. Norvell Bryant Hwy., Hernando, FL | 352.423.1424
PlantationRealtyListings.com
Plantation Rentals
PlantationRentals.com | 352.795.0782ACCO MM ODATI ONS
CRYSTAL RIVER 5 Port Hotel & Marina Ensing Properties FLORAL CITY
1610 SE Paradise Cir 36-49 NE 4th St
B E D & B R E A K FA S T S Crystal River, FL 34429 Crystal River, FL 34429 P R I VA T E R E N T A L S
(352) 795-3111 (352) 795-1795
Crystal Blue Lagoon porthotelandmarina.com ensingproperties.com Sunshine Lodge
244 NE 2nd Ct 9161 E Devil’s Neck Rd
Crystal River, FL 34429 6 Quality Inn 7 Plantation Rentals Floral City, FL 34436
(352) 220-1488 4486 N Suncoast Blvd 1250 N Country Club Dr (352) 344-1025
crystalbluelagoonbb.com Crystal River, FL 34428 Crystal River, FL 34429 sunshinelodgefl.com
(352) 563-1500 (352) 795-0782
HOTELS & MOTELS qualityinn.com/hotel/FL249 plantationrentals.com RV & CAMPGROUNDS
Best Western Crystal P R I VA T E R E N T A L S RV & CAMPGROUNDS Moonrise Resort
River Resort Crystal River Big Oaks River Resort
8801 E Moonrise Ln
Floral City, FL 34436
614 NW US Hwy 19 Manatee Manor 14025 W River Rd (352) 726-2553
Crystal River, FL 34428 2385 N Watersedge Dr Inglis, FL 34449 moonriseresort.com
(352) 795-3171
Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 447-5333
bestwestern.com
(919) 349-1205 bigoaksriverresort.com
HOMOSASSA
Crystal Manatee Suites
facebook.com/
310 N Citrus Ave
crystalrivermanateemanor Encore Crystal B E D & B R E A K FA S T S
Crystal River, FL 34428 Manatee House Isles RV Resort
(352) 586-1813 11844 W Bayshore Dr
Tents Allowed Chassahowitzka Hotel
11419 W Fort Island Trail 8551 W Miss Maggie Dr
Crystal River, FL 34429
Crystal River Motel (352) 476-6441 Crystal River, FL 34429 Homosassa, FL 34448
1151 US Hwy 19 (352) 795-3774 (352) 382-2075
manateehouserental.com
rvonthego.com/crystal-isle.html chazhotel.com
Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 794-6185 Norwood House
10830 W Bentbow Path Gulf Coast RV Resort Chaz Lodge
1 Days Inn Crystal River, FL 34428 13790 W Foss Grove Path Accessible by water only
2380 NW US Hwy 19 (352) 795-7387 Inglis, FL 34449 Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 447-2900 (813) 310-2521
Crystal River, FL 34428 vrbo.com/775165
chazlodge.com
(352) 795-2111 gulfcoastrvfl.com
visitcrystalriver.com Paradise Found
Island Retreat Lake Rousseau RV Park HOTELS & MOTELS
Econo Lodge 14195 W Beachview Dr & Fishing Resort Bella Oasis Hotel
2575 NW US Hwy 19 Crystal River, FL 34429 Tents Allowed
4076 S Suncoast Blvd
Crystal River, FL 34428 (352) 564-1757 10811 N Coverview Ter
(352) 795-9447 paradisefoundisland.com
Homosassa, FL 34446
Crystal River, FL 34428 (352) 628-4311
econolodge.com (352) 795-6336 bellaoasis.com
PROPERTY lakerousseaurvpark.com
2 Hampton Inn MANAGEMENT
Bell Villa Motel
1103 N Suncoast Blvd Nature Coast Landings 3430 S Suncoast Blvd
Crystal River, FL 34429 Action Rental 10173 N Suncoast Blvd Homosassa, FL 34446
(352) 564-6464 417 NE 2nd St Crystal River, FL 34428 (352) 398-5328
crystalriver.hamptoninn.com Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 447-5820
(352) 795-7368 Homosassa
Holiday Inn Express
nclrv.com
3 citruscountyhomerentals.com
Riverside Resort
1203 NE 5th St Quail Roost RV 5297 S Cherokee Way
Crystal River, FL 34429 Century 21 Nature Coast Campground Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 563-1111 825 NE US Hwy 19
9835 N Citrus Ave (352) 628-2474
hiexpress.com/crystalriverfl Crystal River, FL 34429 riversideresorts.com
(352) 795-0021 Crystal River, FL 34428
Kings Bay Lodge c21naturecoast.com/ (352) 563-0404
MacRae’s of Homosassa
506 NW 1st Ave vacation-rentals.php quailroostrvpark.com
5300 S Cherokee Way
Crystal River, FL 34428 Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 795-2850 Coldwell Banker 8 Rock Crusher (352) 628-2602
kingsbaylodge.com Next Generation Realty Canyon RV Park macraesofhomosassa.com
531 N Citrus Ave 237 S Rock Crusher Rd
4 Plantation Crystal River, FL 34428 Crystal River, FL 34429 Seagrass
on Crystal River (352) 794-6100 (352) 564-9350 Waterfront Resort
9301 W Fort Island Trail coldwellbankernextgeneration. rockcrusherrvpark.com 10386 W Halls River Rd
com/rentals
Crystal River, FL 34429 Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 795-4211 (352) 503-6808
plantationoncrystalriver.com seagrassresort.com
1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9
Three Rivers Motel Riverfront Treetop Chassahowitzka River P R I VA T E R E N T A L S
4891 S Suncoast Blvd Bungalow Lodge & Campground
Homosassa, FL 34446 10823 W Yulee Dr 8501 W Miss Maggie Dr Rustic Comfort
(352) 628-6629 Homosassa, FL 34448 Homosassa, FL 34448 Log Cabin
(352) 628-5222 (352) 382-2081 S Mohican Trail
P R I VAT E R E N TA L S riversafaris.com/ Inverness, FL 34450
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Chassa Oaks RV Resort (727) 446-1200
Bird’s Nest 11000 S Suncoast Blvd woodedretreats.net/
Vacation Rentals Sunshine Acres Homosassa, FL 34446 rustic-comfort-log-cabin.html
Multiple locations 6730 S Pine Meadow Ave (352) 628-0900
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birdsunderwater.com/ evolvevacationrental.com/364274 Covered Wagon Inverness, FL 34453
vacation-rentals
TradeWinds Homosassa Campground (352) 637-1140
valkusa.com
Classic Old Marine Resort 6049 S Suncoast Blvd
Homosassa Tree House 4849 S Amstel Dr
Homosassa, FL 34446
(352) 628-4669
PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT
10823 W Yulee Dr Homosassa, FL 34448 coveredwagoncampground.com
Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 287-1326
Black Diamond Rentals
(352) 628-5222 tradewinds-homosassa.com
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
riversafaris.com/ 2600 W Black Diamond Cir
homosassa-vacation-rental.html The Upper Deck RV Resort Lecanto, FL 34461
Tents Allowed (352) 453-5454
4402 S Capecove Loop
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10200 W Fishbowl Dr blackdiamondranch.com/stay
12585 The Homosassa River Homosassa, FL 34448
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evolvevacationrental.com/372400
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(352) 302-7441 sunrvresorts.com/resorts/south/ 4794 E Van Ness Rd
facebook.com/dreamcatcherisland PROPERTY florida/homosassa-river Hernando, FL 34442
MANAGEMENT (352) 726-8122
Heilig Haus 9 Nature’s Resort RV Park fl-villa.com
8022 W Grove St All Citrus Rentals Tents Allowed
Homosassa, FL 34446 8375 S Suncoast Blvd 10359 Halls River Rd Greenbriar Rentals
(352) 765-4037 Homosassa, FL 34446 Homosassa, FL 34448 1049 E Norvell Bryant Hwy
heilighaus.com (352) 503-2050 (352) 628-9544 Hernando, FL 34442
allcitrusrentals.com naturesresortfla.com (352) 746-5921
Homosassa Island Lodge greenbriarrental.com
Property Management
//
5900 Hellgate Island
Homosassa, FL 34448 Citrus County
INVERNESS Lakeside Vacations
352.794.5506
(863) 602-3114 5366 S Cherokee Way 4543 E Windmill Dr
homosassaislandlodge.com B E D & B R E A K FA S T S Inverness, FL 34453
Homosassa, FL 34448
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Homosassa Riverfront (352) 628-5600
property-managementgroup.com Lake House lakesidevacations.net
Retreat Home Bed & Breakfast
4453 S Capecove Loop Sunset Vacation Rentals 8604 E Gospel Island Rd Realtors Association
Homosassa, FL 34448 on Homosassa River Inverness, FL 34450 of Citrus County
(443) 252-7220 (352) 344-3586
vrbo.com/702531 5650 S Sea Otter Path 714 Scarboro Ave
thelakehouse.biz Lecanto, FL 34461
Homosassa River Retreat
Homosassa, FL 34487
(352) 628-5482 (352) 746-7550 17
vrbo.com/3517172ha HOTELS & MOTELS raccfl.com
10605 W Halls River Rd
Homosassa, FL 34448
(352) 628-7072
RV & CAMPGROUNDS Central Motel Vacation Golf Homes
& Townhouses PO Box 1236
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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Camp N’ Water 721 US Hwy 41 S Hernando, FL 34442
The Jockey’s Quarters Outdoor Resort Inverness, FL 34450 (352) 613-2644
10605 W Yulee Dr (352) 726-4515 vacationgolfhomesflorida.com
11465 W Priest Ln
Homosassa, FL 34448 Homosassa, FL 34448 centralmotel.com
RV & CAMPGROUNDS
(352) 503-2076 (352) 628-2000
thestartinggaterestaurant.com/ campnwater.com Florida Motel Lecanto Hills RV Park
homosassa-rental 1301 US Hwy 41 N 4400 W Gulf to Lake Hwy
Cedars Lake Mobile Inverness, FL 34450
La Casa Del Rio Home & RV Park (352) 726-2631
Lecanto, FL 34461
4431 S Capecove Loop (352) 746-4648
6400 S Mason Creek Rd lecantohills.com
Homosassa, FL 34448
Homosassa, FL 34448 Holiday Inn Express
(352) 503-9294
evolvevacationrental.com/402139 (352) 628-4441 903 E Gulf to Lake Hwy Riverside Lodge
cedarslakervpark.com Lecanto, FL 34461 Cabins & RV Resort
La Casa of Mason Creek Chassahowitzka River
(352) 341-3515
(888) 465-4329
Tents Allowed
6850 S Hancock Rd 12561 E Gulf to Lake Hwy
Homosassa, FL 34448 Campground invernessflhotel.com
Inverness, FL 34450
Tents Allowed (352) 726-2002
(352) 228-0308
vrbo.com/718798 8600 W Miss Maggie Dr Quality Inn Conference riversidelodgerv.com
Homosassa, FL 34448 Center at Citrus Hills
The Last Resort (352) 382-2200 350 E Norvell Bryant Hwy Sandy Oaks RV Resort
campnpaddle.com Hernando, FL 34442
10738 W Halls River Rd 6760 N Lecanto Hwy
Homosassa, FL 34448 (352) 527-0015 Beverly Hills, FL 34465
(352) 628-7117 citrushillshotel.com (352) 465-7233
facebook.com/thelastresort sandyoaksrvresort.comCITRUS
MUSTCOUNTY’S
SEE
EVENT
IN 2019 S
!
JANUARY
19 & 20 • 2019
$5 PER PERSON, 12 AND UNDER FREE MARCH
FREE SHUTTLE FROM CRYSTAL RIVER MALL 2 & 3 • 2019
FREE THREE SISTERS SPRINGS TOURS $5 PER PERSON, 12 AND UNDER FREE
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2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
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Fun il y
P la ce fo r t h e E n ti r e F a mLocation,
location,
location!
It’s the famous mantra
heard again and again
in Florida, the land of
endless sea and sunshine.
It’s also what makes this
strip of the Gulf Coast
the
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
manatee
capital
20
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
of the
world
STORY: MILES SAUNDERSC all it a con-
vergence. It’s
Bob Bonde, “I would want
to be here.”
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
the two things Location is what makes
manatees need most com- the springs, which are
ing together in one place. the source of the Crystal,
Here, the vast upwelling Homosassa and Chassa-
of the Florida aquifer—a howitzka rivers, uniquely
freshwater sea beneath the perfect in all of Florida.
surface of Florida—meets The result: more
the Gulf of Mexico and one manatees gather here
of the largest seagrass beds each winter than
in North America. anywhere else—usually Manatees sheltered in Crystal
The seagrass provides one-sixth of the River’s Three Sisters Springs.
manatees an endless state’s entire manatee
22 food supply all summer population, which is just
PHOTO: (Underwater) Carol Grant, (Aerial) Matt Marriott
long. The springs provide over 6,000.
an abundant warm-water “It’s literally priceless,” Kings Bay
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
refuge only a few miles says Pat Rose of Save the The king of all natural pulsates between 72 and
inland once winter sets in. Manatee Club. “There’s no warm-water shelters in 74 degrees Fahrenheit
“If I were a manatee,” question: for manatees, Florida is Crystal Riv- (23 Celsius).
says manatee scientist this place is number one.” er’s Kings Bay. In terms For manatees, that’s
of springs, it is a mar- critical since, despite
vel—at least 70 springs their apparent heft,
with many more seeps they have surprisingly
and boils providing a little fat on board. When
near-constant flow of 225 surrounding water
million gallons (852K m3) temperatures dip below
of water a day at a tem- 68 (20 C), manatees are
perature that constantly vulnerable to cold stress.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
10 YEA R TR END OF MA N AT E E S I N C I T R U S CO U N T Y
Each year an aerial survey is done as part
1042
of Florida’s statewide synoptic survey.
A reduction in numbers from year to 1025
year may be related to how cold or warm
waters are and does not necessarily 23
suggest a population trend.
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
887
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
797 794
651 657
621
476 473
443
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Face to Face with a manatee
in Homosassa Spring.
“This is the most critical
place for the future of
manatees in Florida.”
— PAT ROSE
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
When water temperatures Judy Matthews checks the
drop even further—as they water temperature seven
do in winter—the risk is miles away off Shell Island
hypothermia. at the Gulf of Mexico. A
The springs here pro- temperature gauge at the
vide what scientists call bottom of the mouth of the
a “thermal refuge,” warm Crystal River reads 63 (18
pockets where manatees C) and the temperature
can survive. “This is the graph shows a steep
most critical place for downward trend.
the future of manatees “There will be a lot more
24 in Florida,” Pat says. “It’s manatees here in the
absolutely essential.” morning,” Judy says.
Her certainty is the
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
The Cold Front benefit of many years
It is mid-afternoon at of painstaking research
Three Sisters Springs by scientists tracking
Refuge. A big cold front manatees with radio
is moving in from the and satellite telemetry. It
upper Midwest. Overnight clearly links the number
temperatures are predicted of manatees in Kings
to drop below freezing even Bay with what’s going on
here in Central Florida. with water temperature at
On her smartphone, Shell Island.
Manatees rest in Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River National “We see that when the on a cold winter morning.
Wildlife Refuge volunteer temperature drops to 62degrees (17 C), you see a manatees are huddled
mass shift of manatees in the headwaters of
away from the Gulf and the Homosassa River at
into the springs,” says Ellie Schiller Homosassa
Joyce Palmer, manager Springs Wildlife
of the Crystal River State Park.
National Wildlife As the warming sun
Refuge. “At that point, comes up over the trees
they have to seek warm that surround Three
water to maintain Sisters, the light reveals
body temperature.” hundreds of manatees
tightly packed together.
Sanctuary The final count here this
The next morning at day is 360. From the
Three Sisters Springs, boardwalk, visitors gaze
Judy is wrapped in a in wonder.
parka. “Too many to They call it a
count!” she shouts. Boat “sanctuary.” On a morning
captains and guides like this, surrounded by
report hundreds of living presence—birds
PHOTO: Miles Saunders, (Fishbowl) Ursula Casutt von Batemburg, (Underwater) Carol Grant
manatees at the bay’s singing in the trees, the
largest spring, King manatees’ loud breaths
Spring. Just around from the water—Three
the corner at Magnolia Sisters Springs does
Spring, the backs of indeed seem like a place
manatees bob up and set apart.
down as far as one It’s the crown jewel of
can see. Kings Bay—the beating
Six miles south, heart of the Manatee
about 200 more Capital of the World.
A passive observation
manatee encounter.MANATEES BY THE NUMBERS
Manatees are one of the most fascinating mammals on earth. The list of
20
facts and figures about them is nearly endless. Here are just a few:
PHOTO-ILLUSTRATIONS: JOSH CLARK
The number of minutes a
manatee can stay underwa-
ter between breaths while
sleeping. When active, man-
atees come up for air every
one to three minutes.
489
The record number of
manatees gathered at Kings
3
There are three species of
manatees in the world—
West Indian, West African,
and Amazonian. The Florida
15
The typical length of an
adult manatee is 10 to 15
feet (3 to 5 meters). A new-
born calf is usually 3 feet
68
The critical water tempera-
ture in Fahrenheit degrees
(20 Celsius) below which
manatees suffer cold stress
Bay’s Three Sisters Springs manatee is a subspecies of long (1m). and fatal hypothermia.
on Feb. 11, 2016. the West Indian manatee.73
The mean fahrenheit temperature (23 C) of springs in
Florida’s Citrus County year round. Manatees need to be in
water warmer than 68 degrees (20 C) to survive winter cold.
Coastal springs were the natural thermal refuges that allow
manatees to extend their range north into Florida long ago.
Crystal River
1500
National
Wildlife Refuge
1493
On Jan. 9, 1493, Christopher
Columbus mistakes mana-
tees for mermaids along the
coast of Haiti. It’s the first
The typical weight of an adult written account of manatees
manatee is 900 to 1,500 pounds in the Americas. Ellie Schiller
Homosassa
(400 to 700 kilograms). A newborn Springs Wildlife
1042
weighs about 65 pounds (30kg). State Park
The number of manatees
recorded by U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service biologist
Joyce Kleen during an ae-
rial survey of coastal Citrus
County in February 2016—
one-sixth of Florida’s entire
manatee population. Chassahowitzka
National Wildlife
1983
Refuge
The year the Crystal River
National Wildlife Refuge
was established to protect
the habitat of the West Indi-
an manatee in Kings Bay.
2
The number of years a
69 6131
The age of the oldest known The number of manatees
manatee calf usually spends
manatee, Snooty, a captive reported in the state of
with its mother before set-
Florida manatee who died in Florida during the 2018
ting off on its own.
2017. Manatees in the wild are Synoptic Survey, a two-day
known to live into their 50s. aerial survey of the entire
state. The first aerial survey
in 1991 found 1,267.Unf
Ourney
J
rgettable
A trip from London to the
Homosassa River to meet
a manatee proves unforgettable.
STORY AND PHOTO: CHARLI MOORE
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
28
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 AI
t’s 6:30am on a cold I swim toward the I barely breathe for fear I soak in every minute
February morning. warm water of a spring, of scaring her away, but as of this magical happen-
I’m clad in a five-mil- the favorite resting spot of the seconds pass, we both stance. At times, other
limeter wetsuit but as I manatees. Suddenly, in the settle into the encounter. manatees appear beside
slip into the water, the distance, I spot the outline She accepts my presence. us, intrigued by our
chill of the Homosassa of a large gray form. My Nudging my shoul- interaction. None linger
River penetrates my core. heart begins to race. der with her snout, she as long.
Floating silently on the I stop paddling and investigates me before I return to the boat
surface, mask submerged, stretch my camera out performing somersaults, teary-eyed as the gravity
I’m scanning for signs of in front of me, poised to one after another, beside of what I’ve just experi-
a creature I’ve traveled capture the moment. The me. It’s clear she’s enjoy- enced dawns on me. This
across the Atlantic to meet. manatee makes her way ing this moment just as morning, all but alone in
My guide and I are the toward me. Her jet-black much as I am. the Homosassa River, I
only people on the water. eyes—small compared She stays with me for met a wild manatee.
“Keep your feet crossed to her size—pierce right what feels like an eternity. Charli Moore travels the world
behind you,” he tells me, through me as though The tide draws us slowly at www.wanderlusters.com
“only use your hands. she’s looking deep into out into the main channel
Move slowly.” my soul. of the 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
29
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 YStep away FUN PEOPLE
from the
amusement
parks, and
dive into COOL ADVENTURES
adventure!
Manatee Tours and
GREAT MEMORIES
so much more… PROOF # New proof requested
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30
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
• Fully Appointed • Shower Facilities
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237 South Rock Crusher Rd. • Crystal River, FL 34429D 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 2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
32
W A T E R
THE
INTOwonder of Florida.
STORY & PHOTOS: CHARLI MOORE
still alive with the natural
an unspoiled gem—a place
The Chassahowitzka River is
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 352.794.5506 // D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M
33W A T E R
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
I
f I could give just Our group paddles
one tip to someone downriver for over half an
planning a visit to hour with eyes trained on
Florida, it would be this: the treetops above. King-
Leave enough time to fisher, heron, egrets, and
explore the pristine waters two kinds of vultures all
34 of the Chassahowitzka call this part of Florida’s
River, a spring-fed river Nature Coast home. An
that winds through anhinga poses gracefully
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
some of Florida’s most while I snap away with
unfettered terrain to the my camera.
Gulf of Mexico. Our attention quickly
For those with an avid shifts below. A group of
interest in the natural manatees moves just
world, “The Chaz” is full of beneath us. We meet an
unexpected surprises. inquisitive baby who
We launch just after relishes the opportunity
sunrise. The water is dark to play with its reflection
and mirrors a cloudy sky in the dome lens of my
above. And yet, only sec- underwater camera.
onds from shore, I clearly From the wide river,
make out a baby manatee we turn into a narrow
and its mother swimming outflow, Baird Creek. The
slowly toward us. banks draw ever closerWe meet an inquisitive baby and we paddle single-file.
As the creek grows
up the limestone river bed
below in vibrant shades of
who relishes the opportunity shallow, we’re soon forced turquoise and green. We
to play with its reflection
out of our kayaks and onto swim to the deepest point
foot. We slosh up a clear, where the warm waters of
in the dome lens of my shallow, sandy-bottomed
stream and climb over fall-
the spring well up from a
deep narrow gap.
underwater camera. en branches to reach the On the way back, the
site of another spring, this rising tide aids our jour-
one named “The Crack.” ney. The current delivers
Surrounded by lush us to the dock in good
vegetation, the sun lights time, but I loiter at water’s
edge, eager for a final
sighting of the river’s most
beguiling inhabitants.
I’m in luck. Just as
the sun begins its de-
scent, I look down and
D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M
a gray-whiskered nose
protrudes from the water.
A manatee takes a loud
breath and slips away
into the darkness.
DISCOVER more at
discovercrystalriverfl.com
//
352.794.5506
35
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 YW A T E R
The Crystal River Preserve State Park’s
Eco-Tour Cruise is not so much a journey
in distance. It’s a journey in time.
STORY AND PHOTOS: MILES SAUNDERS
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
T
36
he Monroe is a the river before us and rises largest of six mounds at highest landform in Crys-
sturdy boat. Its big, again with its catch. the Crystal River Archaeo- tal River.
throaty outboards The Crystal River, like logical State Park and it is “Most people are familiar
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
manage the currents well, its biblical namesake, is a entirely built of shells. with the Seminoles and
which is important when river of life. Each one is what’s left people who came to Florida
you launch midway along It has been for a very of an oyster or some other later,” Holly tells us, “but
the Crystal River. Captain long time. shellfish plucked from the the people at this site were
Jeff Beeler takes us out Just ahead, Temple river by some other fisher- here hundreds of years
into the strong current Mound A, a grassy knoll men a thousand years ago. before Christ until about
pouring in from the Gulf 45 feet high and crowned The mound is still the 1000 AD.”
of Mexico and turns us with oaks overlooks the
toward Kings Bay. river. Guide Holly Alexander
on the lookout.
Entering The Flow An Ancient Village
Along the river’s edge, Guide Holly Alexan-
fishermen pull in crab traps. der of the Friends of the
Kids cast out lines from a Crystal River State Parks
pier. An osprey dives into explains that this is theCaptain Jeff
Beeler at the
helm of the
Monroe.
It’s high noon under a serve which protects over this river is written along its
blazing sky as Captain Jeff 20 miles of coastline. margins.
turns us toward Gulf Up ahead looms Shell Any fisherman today can
waters tucked safely Island and the open water tell you this is still a place of
beneath the Monroe’s of the Gulf of Mexico. “Shell abundance. The oyster shell
canopy, all we notice is the Island is a u-shaped atoll islands and shell mounds
comfortable Gulf breeze. covered with thousands speak from a time before,
of oyster shells,” Holly ex- a period of super-abun-
The Coastal Isles plains. “Native Americans dance—a piece of original
Shoreline houses slip would come out here for Florida still lingering before
away as we pass into coast- extended periods of time to our eyes.
al marshlands and pick up harvest shellfish and bring
the sweet smell of the sea. them back to their families The Heritage Eco-Tour runs
An osprey
Like sentries, eagles and in dugout canoes.” twice a day, three days a week,
scans the
from Labor Day to Memorial
osprey sit atop the high As we circle back along river for fish.
Day. Call (352) 228-6028 for
palm trees. the island’s shoreline and schedule and details. To DIS-
We’re surrounded now by head for home, it all begins COVER more boat tours visit
the vast Crystal River Pre- to fit together: The history of discovercrystalriverfl.comW A T E R
Living the
life
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
Florida is home to more than
20 million people, but to truly live
in Florida, one must have an
affinity for the salt life…
38 STORY: SHANE REYNOLDS
PHOTOS: ROMONA ROBBINS & SHANE REYNOLDS
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 AD 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
39
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
A
“salt life” is an destination where you can
amphibious one get up close and personal
that you not only with manatees, summer
live but breathe. And if brings something more
you want it with a little to our family table—the
extra salt, Crystal River delectable Florida bay
and Homosassa are just scallop.
the flavor for you. Scallop season
It’s Mother Nature’s typically runs July
theme park. And while it’s through September. It’s
known mainly as a winter an unforgettable familyW A T E R
experience for any age, but once you’ve seen one,
and if you’re looking to others begin to appear.
catch your limit, I suggest The bonus is the
going with a guide. supporting cast of
characters this fertile
The Art Of environment brings. A
Scalloping variety of fish, dolphin,
“Fishing alone is always seahorses, and yes,
worth a visit,” says our manatees, are just a few
guide, Captain Sean familiar faces you may
Daugherty, “but the most come across.
unique family activity
for the summer by far is A Taste Of Florida
scalloping.” At the end of the day,
Scalloping sounds nothing beats the payoff.
simple enough. Take a Honestly, the best meal
“Fishing alone is
breathtaking boat ride I’ve ever eaten is one that
out to the Gulf of Mexico. my family and friends
Watch your guide choose a
perfect spot and then hoist
spent the day catching and
preparing. Pepper in the
always worth a visit,
a dive flag. sound of the kids’ laughter but the most unique
family activity for
As you slip into the and you have the recipe for
warm water, you enter the perfect moment.
another world.
You’ll soon come to
That is the salt life, my
friends…and when you
the summer by far
realize that scalloping is an
art form.
find yourself in this perfect
summer paradise, you’ll be
is scalloping.”
They lay hidden in the living it to the fullest. — CAPTAIN SEAN DAUGHERTY
swaying grass and it takes
Shane Reynolds is an award-
a while to adjust your eyes winning international travel
to their secretive ways. filmmaker. When not filming in
some wild part of the globe, his
At first they’re nowhere, family calls Destin, Florida, home.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 352.794.5506 // D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M
41D 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 2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
42
W A T E RD I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M
Fishing is a way of life
in Old Homosassa.
It’s Florida’s original
fishing village—
a place where
//
venerable traditions
352.794.5506
like the Shore Lunch
still thrive.
STORY: CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY
43
PHOTOS: MILES SAUNDERS
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 YW A T E R
B
ack in the day
before Yeti coolers
and their prede-
cessors, there was a need
for fishermen to keep
things fresh and readily
available so they’d have
something to eat while
out on the vast frontier of
Gulf waters.
Mason jars holding
some lard, a bag of
cornmeal, some salt and
pepper, and a jug of water
were the only non-perish-
able ingredients com-
mercial mullet fishermen
had in their dry box—that
and plenty of freshly
caught fish.
A high island with
plentiful cedar driftwood
would make for a good
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
fire. A few rocks placed
just so would balance a
cast-iron pan. Clean a
couple of fish, fry them
up and fill your belly. This
became the foundation
for the Homosassa Guides
Association Shore Lunch.
Traditions
Although today it’s
a little more gourmet
44 than “back in the day,”
the tradition of eating
fresh caught fish on an
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
island has been passed
down from generation
to generation.
When I first started
guiding, I was instructed
by senior guides that if
the traditional methods of
cooking were not followed
exactly, I could “take my-
self back out to the dock
and clean more fish.”
Today, we cook with
Coleman stoves or gas
burners. Cast-iron pans
are still used, but lard isThe sweet and salty mix
of flavors is very good on
land but, to tell you the
truth, nothing is better
than sitting on an island
D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M
eating these.
//
352.794.5506
45
not. The new method isn’t jelly. The sweet and salty es. Most everything is I’ve been asked the
much more heart-healthy mix of flavors is very packed just for that trip to question, “What happens
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
but, hey, it’s fresh fish. good on land but, to tell save space on the boat. if we don’t catch any fish?”
Fish is healthy! you the truth, nothing is “Well”, I say, “I guess then
better than sitting on an Seasons we’ll have to eat hot dogs!”
Homosassa-Style island eating these. Cooler weather in the Just kidding. I can’t re-
First we heat up Frying the fish is the last fall, winter, and spring are member a trip where there
vegetable oil and deep- part, plus heating up the the most popular times wasn’t enough fish caught
fry bacon in it. This baked beans. Rounding out to have a Shore Lunch. to provide the main course.
seasons the oil for good the dinner is fresh cole- I’ve had anglers who Some days you have to
things to come. slaw, pickles and cocktail have no way of taking earn it and then some days
Next, the appetizer: tartar. Prepping the Shore their catch home with it’s easy. That’s fishing.
Homosassa Hush Pup- Lunch takes longer than them, but a Shore Lunch
Captain William Toney is a
pies. The hush puppies cooking it. Minding the provides a way of enjoy- fourth-generation fishing
are served with the bacon temperature of the oil is ing a few trout or redfish guide and provides a weekly
Homosassa Inshore Fishing
and, in my case, my fam- an art because, if it burns, without “filling the box” Report on our Discover Crystal
River Fishing Facebook Page:
ily’s homemade guava there are no second chanc- with fish. @DiscoverCRFishing.Visitor Center on U.S. 19, Homosassa, FL
352-628-5343 FloridaStateParks.org
• View manatees all year!
• Daily programs on manatees,
alligators, and wildlife encounters
• See endangered Florida panthers,
whooping cranes, red wolves, key
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deer, and more Regular admission to
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Good for up to 6 in party.
Not to be used with other offers.
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
CCVG Expires 12/31/2019
46
352-746-6691
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
7 NIGHTS A WEEK
4:30 P.M.–9 P.M.
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8305 E. Orange Ave. • Florida City
352-419-7937
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Wed-Sat 10A.M.–4P.M.
Deedra Harris OWNER
Laura Hennings OWNERMUSIC AT THE MUSEUM FLORAL CITY
Third Thursday of every month November
HERITAGE MUSEUM
through April, except on December 13.
2018 Floral City Heritage Days
To order tickets: First weekend in December
cccourthouse.org | (352) 341-6428
8394 E. Orange Ave., PO Box 328
Floral City, FL 34436
(352) 860-0101
Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Past is Present
in Museums the-fchc@hotmail.com
floralcity.org
OLD COURTHOUSE
HERITAGE MUSEUM
COASTAL
Call, e-mail, or visit website for complete HERITAGE MUSEUM
listing of concerts and activities.
532 N. Citrus Ave.
1 Courthouse Square
Crystal River, FL 34428
Inverness FL 34450
D I S C O V E R C R Y S TA L R I V E R F L . C O M
Hernando Heritage Council
(352) 257-3870
(352) 341-6428 HISTORIC HERNANDO
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SCHOOL RESTORATION
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PROJECT
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47
Adventures on the
Homosassa River
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
• Air Boat Adventures
• Heated Manatee Swim
Tours
• Pontoon Rentals
• Scallop Tours
• Eco-Tours & Fishing
Charters
• Alligator exhibit & Cafe
352-628-5222
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From the Gulf of Mexico to the vast Tsala Apopka Lakes, the
possibilities to explore are endless in Florida's Citrus County.
STORY: VERONICA KAMPSCHROER
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
48
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
Chassahowitzka
Salt Marsh TrailsM
ICON KEY
Great Florida Birding Trail
Access Boat Hike Paddle
Bike Camp Horse Picnic
Bird Fish Manatee Swim
Crystal River
Archaeological State Park
CRYSTAL R I V ER
Crystal River Fort Island Gulf Beach Hunter Springs Park
Archaeological State Park 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River 104 NE 1st Ave., Crystal River
3400 N. Museum Point, Crystal River
View the Gulf of Mexico and feel Hunter Springs has a lot to offer,
A National Historic Landmark, this the sand between your toes at this making it one of the hottest spots in
61-acre park represents 2,500 years family-friendly beach. The beach is town. People of all ages love the san-
of Native American history. Winding a daytime favorite, especially in the dy beach and spring-fed swimming
trails surround ancient burial and summer months. If you’re looking to area. Start your Kings Bay paddling
midden mounds. An observation experience one of our fabled Florida adventure at the onsite kayak launch.
deck, located on the largest mound, sunsets, this is a great vantage point. Pro tip: The boardwalk is a perfect place
to try to spot some manatees!
offers one of the most beautiful views
of the Crystal River. Visit the park’s Fort Island Trail Park
12073 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River Inglis Dam & Island
museum, open Thursday-Monday,
Recreation Area
to learn more about the culture that 1905 W. Riverwood Drive, Crystal River
created these fascinating structures. On your way out to Fort Island Gulf
Beach, consider making a stop at
Part of the Cross Florida Greenway,
Crystal River this hidden gem—or bring a picnic
this recreation area has more than
National Wildlife Refuge lunch and make an afternoon of it!
110 miles of trails to explore. Along
Visitors Center:
865 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River Just off the beaten path, this park
the way, there are many places to
offers a glimpse of the beautiful
stop and fish, enjoy a picnic, or watch
Crystal River.
This refuge was established in 1983 for native birds. If you are lucky, you
specifically to protect the threatened might just spot a manatee in the
PHOTOS: Miles Saunders
West Indian manatee. The expan- adjacent waterways.
sive area is made up of more than
177 acres of land and waterways,
including 20 islands and some of the
friendly mammals’ favorite winter-
ing locations: King Spring, Tarpon
Hole, and Three Sisters Springs.
Fort Island
Gulf BeachL A N D
CRYSTAL RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK
CHURCHHOUSE
HAMMOCK TRAIL
1.25 miles north of Citrus Avenue on
U.S. Highway 19
This hidden gem is suitable for hikers
of all ages and levels of experience.
During your mile-long loop through
the hammocks and flatwoods, keep
an eye (and ear) out for the many
native birds that can be spotted here.
CRYSTAL COVE TRAIL
Just south of West State Park Street on ECO-WALK TRAIL SEVEN-MILE LOOP
North Sailboat Avenue, Crystal River 5990 N. Tallahassee Road, Crystal River Intersection of State Park Street &
Sailboat Avenue, Crystal River
At the head of this trail is a fabled This trail is an easy two-mile loop,
Looping through many distinct
fishing spot known as the “Mullet making it a pleasant excursion for
Florida landscapes, this seven-mile
Hole.” Farther down, the trail follows hikers of all skill levels. Meandering
trail begins at the trailhead just off
a freshwater pond into hardwood through prairie, hammock, pine for-
State Park Street. It can take two
forest, scrublands, and a salt marsh. est, and freshwater swamp habitats,
to three hours to complete this
The trail is also part of the Great there are many opportunities to see
2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
circuit on foot, so make sure you’re
Florida Birding Trail, so keep your a diverse range of native wildlife.
PHOTO: (Crystal River Preserve State Park, Opposite Page-Three Sisters Springs) Miles Saunders
prepared for a longer hike. No matter
binoculars handy. Children and adults will appreciate
how you decide to explore, take only
the interpretive stations that are
DIXIE SHORES TRAILS photos and leave only footprints (or,
located along the trail.
Mile Marker 2.5 (Dixie Shores entrance), if you’re cycling, tire treads!)
West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River
REDFISH HOLE
Mile Marker 4, West Fort Island Trail,
These unique trails are a well-kept Crystal River
secret, directly across from one
another at the entrance to the Dixie Take a half-mile walk down to Red-
Shores community and each about a fish Hole and step into the laid-back
mile long. Hikers can choose to take lifestyle of Florida fishing. Just set
50 a left to explore Hammock Island down your chair, pick up your pole,
Trail, showcasing hammock island and relax. Not interested in fishing?
scenery, or take a right to discover Simply take it all in, from the peace-
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
Seven-Mile Loop
pristine lakeside views. ful scenery to the many wading birds.
Withlacoochee
Kings Bay Park St. Martins Marsh
Bay Trail
268 NW 3rd St., Crystal River
Aquatic Preserve
Accessible by water only. Launch from
401 N. Pirate Point, Ozello
Part of the city of Crystal River’s
Kings Bay Riverwalk, this park is
Spanning 23,000 acres of land and
just one block away from the Crystal
water, this preserve showcases coast-
River Main Street district. There is
al salt marshes, freshwater tributaries,
something for everyone at this fam-
mangrove islands, and more. There
ily-friendly park, which also offers a
are many ways to explore the natural
prime view of Kings Bay.
beauty of these areas, including by
boat, kayak, or by walking the trails of
the Crystal River Preserve State Park.H O MOSASSA
Bluebird Springs Park
8950 Bluebird Springs Lane, Homosassa
Looking for a place to take your
pup? Bluebird Springs is a 5½-acre,
Three Sisters
Springs dog-friendly park that includes
an enclosure in which your furry
friend can run and play. This quiet,
Three Sisters Springs pull your kayak or canoe a few feet laid-back park also is a popular
Visitor Center:
123 NW U.S. Highway 19, Crystal River before discovering “The Crack.” This spot for birding, especially in the
private piece of paradise must be early-morning hours.
seen to be believed, and the journey
Three Sisters Springs is one of the
most important wintering sites
is just as exciting as the destination. Chassahowitzka Salt
for manatees in all of Florida.
Marsh Trails
The boardwalk surrounding this
Seven Sisters Springs Just west of Westview Drive on South Mason
Creek Road, Homosassa
Accessible by water only. Launch from 8600
W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa
crystal-clear system of springs is
the perfect place to view manatees These picturesque trails wander
during the winter months. Vehi- Just a few minutes of paddling will through the wetlands of Homosas-
PHOTO: (Opposite Page-Withlacoochee Bay Trail) Chris Kubiak, (This Page-The Crack) Melissa Mederos
cle access to this site is restricted; get you to the crystal-clear waters of sa. There are three trails of varying
however, the city of Crystal River Seven Sisters. A favorite spot for lo- lengths, so you can choose your own
runs a trolley that drops visitors off cals and visitors alike, these springs path: Red Cedar Trail (1/3 mile), Dick
directly at the boardwalk entrance are a breathtaking oasis. The largest Blewett Salt Marsh Trail (1/2 mile),
throughout manatee season (Nov. spring is a limestone cavern that is and Lastinger Tower Trail (1/4 mile).
15-March 31). The boardwalk and 13½ feet deep. Make sure to bring a All three will lead you to the Last-
surrounding 57 acres of hiking trails mask and snorkel, then dive in and inger Tower, which offers a stunning
and wetlands are also open to walk- take a look! river vista.
on access year-round.
Withlacoochee Bay Trail The Crack
10201 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River
A scenic paved trail that follows the
Cross Florida Barge Canal, this is an
excellent place to walk, bike, or even
ride your horse while enjoying the
scenic maritime hammock and salt
marsh habitats. When reaching the
end of the five-mile trail, explorers
are granted a breathtaking view of
the Gulf of Mexico.
CHASSAHOW I TZ KA
RIV ER
The Crack
Accessible by water only. Launch from 8600
W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa
After a short trip down the wild
and unspoiled Chassahowitzka
River, you may have to get out andYou can also read
