Inverness
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Inverness, Fla.





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Central Florida's Year Round Playground 

Citrus County Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses a very unique museum.  Many events are scheduled throughout the year at this 1912 building such as Jazz Festivals, art shows  and fund raisers.   Besides a presentation focusing on Citrus county history and heritage, the John Murray Davis rotating gallery highlights local and traveling artists throughout the year.  The second floor circuit courtroom has been rehabilitated to its original splendor and boasts the location for the Elvis Presley courtroom scene in the 1961 film "Follow That Dream".  A visit to the Old Courthouse should be  high on your list of things to see while visiting Inverness.  www.cccourthouse.org/

Cedar Key
If you are a bit disappointed that Key West and the Florida Keys are so far away, look no further than Cedar Key, Florida.  From famous steamed clams, oysters and the freshest seafood you can find with an island atmosphere, including their million dollar sunsets, Cedar Key has it all.  As soon as  you cross Cedar Key's bridges, you feel as though you  have stepped back in the time of Old Florida.




Besides unique shopping and superb dining options, Cedar Key makes a wonderful "get-away-for-a-day" destination.

Many treasures await at the quaint gift shops that offer one of a kind arts and crafts of the  island's artisans and tropical island style decorations.  You can sit above the gulf and enjoy the view and some of the best seafood that Florida has to offer from one of the many dockside restaurants. 

Beach comb, fish off the pier or rent a boat to catch your own fish.  visit the local fish houses and pick up a bushel of fresh oysters or clams right off the boat or grab a slab of smoked mullet and make your favorite fish dip when you return to Inverness.

   


Cedar Key definitely  has the laid back attitude that you would expect of the Florida Keys and just a hop skip and a jump from your Florida  hideaway in  Inverness.

Take the opportunity to discover the special qualities of Cedar Key and the important artist colony and resort atmosphere that bring life to this community.  To see more of my pictures from Cedar Key, go to my gallery at 

Check out these websites to learn more about Cedar Key
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
Here's another adventure for you to explore while visiting Citrus County.  Your visit begins with a leisurely pontoon boat ride down the Pepper Creek to the wildlife park.  Along the way you may see ospreys nesting, limpkins, herons or egrets wading in the creek. Wood ducks swim along; not to mention turtles sunning on  logs, fish and maybe even an otter.  Every day a different experience awaits.  There are many reasons to visit Ellie Schiller's Wildlife State Park. Four new animal residents have been introduced and Homosassa Springs is one of very few places where you can see endangered West Indian manatees, whooping cranes, red wolves and a Florida panter up close.  The elevated boardwalk system provides a great view of the wildlife, including a cougar, bears, bobcats, deer, alligators and a wide variety of wading birds, birds of prey and songbirds.


                     



The public is treated to a permanent exhibit highlighting Winslow Homer's 1904 watercolors of the Homosassa River.  Winslow Homer is considered to be one of America's greatesty artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  The artist lived from 1836 to 1910 and the display of Homosassa paintings are from his visits to the tropics.  They are displayed in the Visitor Center as you pass through the main entrance to the park.

Of course, the manatees are the Parks' star residents.  Along with fresh and salt water fish, they are free to come and go.  They come into the Springs during the winter season in search of warmer waters but many of them stay in the Springs all year round so most times you are guaranteed to spot the manatee.   Their migration carries them  into Crystal Rivers' Kings Bay and under the Long River Bridge where they can be viewed in their natural habitat.

The Fish Bowl, a floating underwater observatory, offers an unequalled, below-the-surface view of manatees and fish in the crystal clear spring environment.  Three manatee programs, two wildlife encounters, and an alligator program are presented throughout the day, giving visitors an opportunity to l earn more about Florida's wildlife.



Lucifer is another famous resident of the Park.   Lu the Hippo is an African hippopotamus and, at one time, was part of the Ivan Tors Animal Actors, which used the Homosassa attraction as its winter home beginning in the late 1960's.  Lu and some of the other animals were left at the privately owned park when it was sold.




When the state took over in 1989, officials had planned to find a new  home for Lu as  he didn't fit in the all-Florida wildlife theme.  Area resident overwhelmingly opposed moving Lu and in 1991, Governor Lawton Chiles issued his "honorary citizen" edict, granting permission for the hippo to live out  his days at the park.  This allowed Lu to stay at the p ark indefinitely.  Lu is one of the oldest hippos in captivity and most recognizable and beloved resident of the Ellie  Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.  Lu just celebrated h is 51 birthday in January 2011.  Every  year his birthday is a well publicized occasion and a birthday  party brings many area school children to visit with Lu and wish him another happy birthday.

This  year's celebration has been declared a "signature event" as part of the Florida Park Service's 75th anniversary.  Lu got a tractor tire to play with which may take him back to when he was just a young hippo tossing around a tire in the Union Carbide television commercial to demonstrate the brand's durability.  He had a birthday cake (bread with sweet frosting) and many songs in his honor performed by children of Homosassa Elementary School chorus.  The International Hippo Society recognizes Lu but Lu takes all the special attention in stride.

See more pictures in my Gallery at   http://photos.vacationguesthouse.com


A day at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is one you will long remember as an ideal family outing.   For more information about the Park and schedules of events check these websites:

Citrus County Preserve



The Crystal River Preserve State Park has two interesting programs that  you may want to include in  your schedule while visiting our area.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm the park ranger or park volunteer offer an informative and enjoyable 1 1/2 hr narrated tour aboard "The Monroe:, a covered 24 passenger tour boat.

This interpretive tour leaves the Crystal River Preserve State Park Visitor Center dock and ventures to the mouth of the Crystal River.   Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife while learning why and how the native people came to live along the river.  Cost for the tour is $10 and the tickets go on sale in the Preserve Visitor Center one hour prior to departure so plan to arrive no  less than 15 minutes prior to your desired departure time.  Restrooms are available in the visitors center but NOT on the boat.

For more information, call the Park office at 352-563-0450 from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

In addition to the above tour, the crystal River Preserve State Park offers a popular sunset boat trip on the last two Fridays of each month.

The two hour scenic tour aboard the park's 24 passenger, covered tour boat departs the Crystal River PReserve State Park Visitor Center dock approximately 30 minutes before sunset.


Since the time that the sun sets changes as the days grow longer, contact the park for specific departure times.

The boat cruises down the river to the Gulf of Mexico as visitors relax with some humor, river lore and photo opportunities.

Refreshments are served while the sun sets gently in the west.  It's a wonderful way to relax with friends on a Friday night and experience the beauty of Crystal River Preserve at dusk.

Tickets must be obtained in advance at the Preserve Visitor Center, and are available for a $15 donation to the Friends of Crystal River State Parks Inc.

Passengers must arrive no less than 15 min utes prior to departure.

These trips are almost always sold out in advance so be sure to call the Park Office - 352-563-0450  9am to 5pm   Monday through Friday.


Wild Bill's Air Boat Tours
For a thrilling ride down the Withlacoochee River,  you must experience Wild Bill's Air boat Tours.  witness the vast unspoiled wilderness of the river wetlands up close.  The Withlacoochee river is unique in that it flows north to the Gulf of Mexico.  It's over 150 miles long and much of it flows through the Withlacoochee State Forest.  an air boat ride is a great way to see Florida's wildlife in their own unspoiled, natural paradise.  The air boat is able to navigate into areas that motor boats would find hazardous so it is able to skim across the tops of the grasses and through inlets for a special peek into unspoiled beauty.
                                                  

Surrounded by lush cypress, gum and maple trees, the river twists and turns through gorgeous swamp land and breathtaking scenery, leaving you with a true appreciation for nature and all it's billiance.

The river is bursting with wildlife of all types.  Owls, eagles, deer. From alligators to turkeys to bear.  With every trip comes the opportunity to see something exciting and different.

This is an unforgettable journey and one well worth $30.  Gliding through the swamps at 45 mph is like being in a movie with the most beautiful plant life and birds with many great photo opportunities throughout the journey.  The wild life here is abundant with the most famous residents being the giant American alligator, otters, turtles, deer and wild boar.  Florida also has a large variety of exotic birds. Bald eagles, wild turkeys, osprey and red shouldered hawk are just a few.

Captain Duke is a wonderful guide and points out the sites and shows how flexible an air boat is.  he also gives ear protection as the air boat is NOT a quiet ride.

While visiting Inverness, be sure to call Wild bills Air Boat Tours at 352-726-6060 and make your reservation for a thrilling experience on the Withlacoochee River.


Alpaca Magic USA
Alpaca magic has been raising quality  Alpacas since 1996, starting with  just two pregnant females.  The farm  has become Florida's largest Alpaca Farm.  They have over 100 Alpacas and are open for public tours by knowledgeable guides.


Alpaca's usually produce a baby Alpaca called a Cria one time per year.  They are curious animals but become skittish and you need to keep your  hands where  they can see them.  After a few demonstrations, you will be feeding them out of your hands.

The guide showed us how they can be trained to come when you call.  He hollered out and they all came running from the field.  Of course, the reward was a bucket of kibble but it is quite a site to see 30 Alpaca running towards you.  They are unusually gentle animals and a real joy to get up close to.

Alpaca's are close cousins to the camel and orginated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.  They are also related to llamas, guanacos and vicuna.

                             

There is a unique gift shop with many products made from t he fleece of the Alpacas.  You may also buy raw or carded fleece and  yarn.   Products can be purchased at any stage up to and including beautiful sweaters, vests and scarves, socks, finger puppets, teddy bears, hats, gloves, wall hangings and more.

If you would like to visit Alpaca Magic USA, go on their website at www.alpacamagicusa.com or call them at 352-628-0156 to ask when the next "open house" is scheduled and make a point to spend some time around these marvelous animals.


Kayaking the Lakes of Citrus County

Kayaking on the lakes of Citrus County is a wonderful experience no matter what time of year.  Lake Henderson in Inverness is considered one of the most beautiful waters and a photographers dream. There are two parks where  you can launch your kayak.  Liberty Park is at the end of N. Apopka and Wallace Brooks Park is at the end of E. Dampier St. Besides the colorful kayaks and oarsmen, there are many bird sightings and flowers and trees abound dripping in Spanish Moss. Kayaking isn't difficult.  The boat skims along with the least of effort. There are kayaking opportunities all over Citrus County and wonderful places to explore in the many lakes, rivers and springs of the area. 

The history of kayaks is long and very little has been recorded in the past.  Archeological evidence is scarce, since much of what was used in kayaking was recycled and that which was abandoned did not survive the elements.  A few fragments of ancient kayaks do survive, but many of the oldest artifacts are carvings of kayaks in ivory and other materials.   Much of what is known from the past comes from oral histories of the kayaking peoples or from the writings of European and Russian explorers and traders contacting the Inuit, Aleut and other cultures.  Some of the earliest writings that mention kayaks are from the Norse that settled in Finland around 1000AD.   After that, most writings date after 1500AD, when Europeans returned to the American continent.

While you are visiting Citrus County, kayaking on the chain of lakes is a great way to spend a day or two.

Kayaking sites include:


Rails to Trails Bike Trail
     Hiking, Biking, Riding, Jogging, Skating
Recently designated a national Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of Interior, the 46 mile Withlacoochee State Trail, a former rail bed, is an outstanding trail that connects the state's residents and visitors with Florida's rich history and natural resources.  

                                     

The trail meanders it's way south from Citrus Springs through Citrus, Hernando and Pasco Counties, ending in Trilby known as some of the most scenic regions of Central Florida.  The Trail helps to support the economy of a number of small towns,  ranches and communities along it's route and offers the opportunity for people to get outside, get active and have fun.

This is a paved, multi-use trail with an  unpaved equestrian trail running alongside portions of the corridor, the longest paved rail trail in florida.

The Withlacoochee Trail will eventually  join many other trails in the region, becoming part of the Central Florida Loop.  since the Trail parallels the Withlacoochee River, a state designated paddling trail.  There are plenty of places to rest, plenty of places to top off  your water bottles and plenty of points of interest.

There is no fee to use the Wthlacoochee State Trail, open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. 

For more information please check following websites:
Inverness Farmers Market

It’s exciting to see the community support for our bi-monthly Farmers Market the 1st and 3rd Saturday every month. The market sets up in front of the Government Center in downtown Inverness.  Besides an abundant selection of nutritionally healthy farm fresh produce you will find Organic lettuces and teas, homemade salsa, local seafood not to mention wonderful Deli items from Inverness’s own  Little Italy Restaurant http://on.fb.me/vlrZ3k   Other businesses are coming on board with kiosks set up to offer a variety of local items from art to plants, woven baskets and handbags, cheeses, soaps and an occasional classic car show. 

Each week you can expect more events to come on board to give the community a full downtown experience.  Last week we were fortunate to be there for the Inaugural Inverness Grand Prix Go Kart races.   Not only were the races thrilling and the course a lot of fun for the drivers but it was wonderful to see the community out and about the town square, enjoying our beautiful fall weather.

The market brings a sense of society and a renewed animation to our public spaces in the downtown neighborhoods and provides an added opportunity to put more money back into Inverness’s economy.

Setting up across the street from the Farmers Market this week was a wonderful Antique show in the parking area for Old Inverness Antiques, http://on.fb.me/thHAyR  a unique shop with beautiful pieces to buy or just a walk down Memory Lane, the name of their entrance bridge.   I hope you enjoy my photos of this event and will come on downtown Inverness to the next Farmers Market and More.

Three Sisters Springs


Three Sisters Springs is one of the many natural fresh water springs in the county that, until recently, could be viewed only by water.  Kayakers and snorklers and other water craft enjoy the beauty of the Springs all year round and especially in the winter months when manatees come to this area in search of warmer water.
Recently, the 57.8 acre site that abuts two of the manatees most scenic zones  became public property, thus, saving it from private developers.  Now the city of Crystal River and U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service manages the site as part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
In the 1980's the owners of the property filled in the hardwood swamp that spread out from the Springs and two adjacent Springs.   In doing so a 15 acre, 40 ft deep lake was formed, now known as Lake Linda.  Plans for the lake are directed towards tourism and could result in fishing piers, boat launching or a number of other water related activities.



Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three spring areas, with many vents and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of Crystal River, in Citrus County. These springs also constitute one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee.
A "ribbon cutting" ceremony was held in the Fall of 2011 and the public was invited to view the grounds and the Springs and recent completion of a viewing boardwalk.  




During the annual Manatee Festival in January 2012, the Springs were once again opened to the public with shuttle busses to carry visitors from a nearby shopping center to the mouth of the Springs. The Dept. of Fish and Wildlife had a ranger on the shuttle to explain to the visitors the history and importance of Three Sisters Springs to our area.   For most people, it was the first time they could actually view wild manatees in their winter paradise.  They walked the boardwalk along the Springs and enjoyed the grounds where interesting displays and information booths about Florida were gathered. A food court offered BBQ Chicken and ribs and there were a few vendors where the visitors could purchase souvineers of their experience.  There were also many volunteers to answer questions and give demonstrations. 

A federal biologist recently counted more than 450 manatees in the Kings Bay area of the county, including a record 212 manatee inside Three Sisters Springs.


When the temperature drops, manatees find shelter in warmer water as they are susceptible to illness caused by cold air.  They tend to congregate where the air is warm.  Three Sisters remains at a constant temperature, offering an ideal setting for a manatee get together.

SNORKLING IN THE SPRINGS
If you ar a snorkler, this is an out-of-this-world snorkling experience.  if you are fortunate enough to be able to go on a week day, you will, most probably, find you will be among only a few other people.  I suggest a full wet suit even on the hottest day in summer as the Springs remain a constant 72 degrees all year round.  

KAYAKING/CANOEING IN AND AROUND THE SPRINGS
Canoeing or Kayaking can be a great experience for those who want to see the area.  You will learn right away why Citrus County is known as the Nature Coast.  
There are kayak/canoe launch sites at Hunter's Spring Park or Kings Bay Park.  It's an easy paddle to the spring.  
You can rent a kayaks or canoes from these sites
 www.kayaksandbeyond.com.  Their launch point is only about ten minutes away from Three sisters Springs. 
Also Crystal River Kayaking http://www.crystalriverkayaking.com/canoeing.html  is located right in Crystal River. no shuttling is necessary.  
There are restaurants where you can pull up in your kayak or canoe and relax before setting out again. 



Check out my photo gallery at http://photos.vacationguesthouse.com

 There are many websites that show pictures and information about Three Sisters Springs. I've chosen a few for you to check out.  
http://bit.ly/xHc36y
http://bit.ly/w1zzjI
http://bit.ly/zJmZuJ







 
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