Crystal River, Homosassa, Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee Spings, Spring Hill
Crystal River is home to the manatee mermaid myth, thought to have started with the gentle graceful manatees who love the clear waters of this area. On the endangered list since ’73, manatees are down to just a few thousand, but the ones here will swim with you. Most of the dive shops will set you up with snorkles and masks for a day in the life of a mermaid manatee.
This beautiful serene setting was also home to a sun god ceremony, thought to be from indigenous tribes as early as 200 B.C. Burial mounds of 450 pre-Columbian graves can be seen at the Crystal River State Archeological Site a few miles north of town. Seven good nature trails are a few miles away at the Crystal River Preserve State Park, or launch your kayak or canoe and float through the wilderness.
Homosassa is the answer when you’re all theme parked out! Here is Mother Nature’s theme park, 180 acres of it in lovely Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, bought by the locals, given to the state, and appreciated by all, including the injured and orphaned animals who are cared for there. You’ll see black bears, the lonely panthers who are about to become extinct, hawks and eagles, and flamingos, all on a mile loop. There’s a terrific underwater observatory for seeing manatees and over 9,000 fishes swimming happily about.
The town of Hernando Beach is to some a reminder of early Fort Lauderdale, a suburban setting with marinas, docks, canals, and great seafood restaurants. Its beach, the 135 acre parklike Hernando, has a safe swimming area along Jenkins Creek.
Weeki Wachee Springs has more to do, and a famous mermaid show as well. Here is where Elvis added to the local lore at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where you too can take the Wilderness River Cruise, and count how many different birds you see. Better yet, take a canoe down the 4 mph swiftly flowing twisting river for a magical 7 mile ride over crystal clear water.
Breakfast:
Grecco’s: Good greek breakfasts and lunch at good prices.
5325 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, (352) 556-4809
My Favorite Cafe: Small place full of locals with good cheap fare.
5175 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, (352) 686-4444
Greek City Cafe: Good all around Greek fare in what used to be a Dunkin Donut.
3125 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, (352) 683-6606
Palm Tree Cafe: Yet another good, solid, inexpensive breakfast and lunch joint.
13162 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, (352) 596-7179
Country Feed Store: It’s no feed store, but they’ll sure feed ya! Great steak and eggs!
1171 Howell Ave, Brooksville, (352) 345-8625
Connie’s Cafe: More good breakfasts with the locals.
8165 State Road 52, Hudson, (727) 862-8797
Lunch & Dinner:
Cody’s Original Roadhouse Grill & Bar: The fajitas are great, as is most everything else here. Cool spot for a good meal.
3101 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, (352) 683-8909
Pit Boss Bar-B-Q: Gambling hall-ish setting with good barbecue. One of the few places outside of North Carolina to get real NC barbecue.
2270 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, (352) 688-2677
Boston Cooker Restaurant & Oyster Bar: Good seafood at good prices.
5375 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill, (352) 684-6000
Bayport Inn: Cool old Florida roadhouse with great food and a deck overlooking the gators!
4835 Cortez Blvd, Weeki Wachee, (352) 596-1088
Bare Bones Fish & Steakhouse: Good food! Bare bones is all that’ll be left of their low priced, full course meals.
3192 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Bch, (352) 596-9403
Pitstop II: Good barbecue, smoke free, and a pool table.
4279 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, (352) 263-2229
The Brook House: Brits know their fish and chips and this place has 5 types to choose from! Bangers and hash and all the rest.
2701 Forest Rd, Weeki Wachee, (352) 688-0990
Buffet City: Amazingly good chinese buffet with good sushi, crawfish, crab, shrimp, and the list goes on and on.
13235 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, (352) 592-9889
Markets & Bakeries
Green Bean Organic Market: Real good organic market. Tell Joe the clowns at FloridaBeachClub.com sent ya!
11020 Northcliffe Blvd, Spring Hill, (352) 688-7979
Paesano’s Italian Bread Bakery & Market: Good Italian bakery and market. Great cookie selection.
7421 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, (352) 686-9122
Watercolor by Peter Bailey