DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY

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DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
DISCOVER
CRYSTAL RIVER
HOMOSASSA
INVERNESS
FLORAL CITY

                discovercrystalriverfl.com
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
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
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
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
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
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
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
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
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
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.
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER HOMOSASSA INVERNESS FLORAL CITY
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.
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       2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Ellie Schiller
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Homosassa Springs
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                                                                                                                                          491

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                                                                                                                                         486
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   352.794.5506
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          48

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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        2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

                                                                                 14

LIGHTHOUSE AWARD WINNER
From 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 | 352.795.0782
ACCO 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                                                        4
5                                     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
                                      homosassa-vacation-rental.html
                                                                            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
    Homosassa, FL 34448               Homosassa, FL 34446                   chassaoaksrvresort.com            Van der Valk Golf Resort
    (352) 563-2763                    (352) 207-6227                                                          4543 E Windmill Dr
    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
    Dreamcatcher Island               Homosassa, FL 34448
                                                                            10200 W Fishbowl Dr               blackdiamondranch.com/stay
    12585 The Homosassa River                                               Homosassa, FL 34448
    Homosassa, FL 34448
                                      (352) 207-6227
                                      evolvevacationrental.com/372400
                                                                            (352) 628-2928                    Florida Villa Rentals
    (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
                                                                                                              (352) 419-7901
    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
    homosassariverretreat.com
                                      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
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       2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

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                                                                    and best RV park in all of Citrus County!

18
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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

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The Port Hotel
  & Marina

                 Fun                                       il   y
                     P la   ce fo r t h e E n ti r e F a m
Location,
                                                       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 SAUNDERS
C             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   2018
Face 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 62
degrees (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 A
I
     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

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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

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                                                                                 1-877-722-7875 • 352-564-9350 • rockcrusherrvpark.com
                                                                                                         237 South Rock Crusher Rd. • Crystal River, FL 34429
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        2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

                                                       32
                                                                                                  W A T E R

                                                                                            THE
                                                                                           INTO
wonder 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
                                                                                       33
W 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 closer
We 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 Y
W 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 the
Captain 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.com
W 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 A
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
                                                           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 family
W 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
                                                                                       41
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        2019 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

                                                       42
                                                                                           W A T E R
D 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 Y
W 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 is
The 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
                                                                                                                                      20% OFF
                                                           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.
                                                       katchtwentytwo.com
                                                       Your Choice Destination for American Contemporary Cuisine

                                                                                                                                      Red Brick Place
                                                                                                                                         GALLERY & UNIQUE GIFTS
                                                                                                                                        COME SEE OUR “NEW LOOK”
                                                                                                                                          8305 E. Orange Ave. • Florida City
                                                                                                                                                 352-419-7937
                                                                                                                                              info@redbrickplace.com
                                                                                                                                              www.redbrickplace.com
                                                                                                                                             Wed-Sat 10A.M.–4P.M.
                                                                                                                                                  Deedra Harris OWNER
                                                                                                                                                 Laura Hennings OWNER
MUSIC 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
                                                                          crcoastalmuseum@aol.com
                        citrushistoricalsociety@gmail.com                                                                historichernando.com
                                 cccourthouse.org                                                                 Facebook: Hernando Heritage Council

                                                                                                                                                                     //
                                                                                                                                                                     352.794.5506
                                                                                                                                                          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
                "Take a BITE out of Real Florida                                                              riversafaris.com
                Adventure at River Safaris!"
                                                                                                              Use promo code 'Discover10'
                                                                                                                    for a 10% discount
ROOM
L A N D

                                                        4 U2 ROAM
                                                         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 Trails
M
                                         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 Beach
L 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 and
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