DATE NIGHT DONE RIGHT

Who says date night has to be typical and boring? Why not plan an adventure-filled day of exploring in nearby Dunnellon. And if grandma and grandpa are up for an extended babysitting job, you could even make a night of it!

// BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

The anticipation builds as the fans fire up. Adventure is certain around every twist and turn. Gliding down the Withlacoochee River, the wind whipping through your hair, this day promises to be one you’ll remember. Captain Bob will make sure of it.

Captain Bob Jewett of Captain Bob’s Airboat Tours at Angler’s Resort, along with his wife, Dallise, has been providing Dunnellon visitors with a unique, memorable experience since 2008 when the captain began taking adventure seekers on his hour-long tour of the Withlacoochee River.

“I drive it like I stole it,” jokes Captain Bob, who has had his U.S. Coast Guard Master license for 12 years now. “It’s definitely

an exciting ride. We may slide through the corners sideways, and we will hunt for local wildlife along the way.”

The Withlacoochee River is rich with history, and Captain Bob enjoys sharing some of that history with his passengers.

“We go back and tour some of the old phosphate mines on the river,” he says. “It’s not unusual at all to come across hogs, deer, turtles, birds, otters and gators. We’ve even seen a black bear in the area.” Captain Bob’s Airboat Tours takes guests on an hourlong adventure about 8 miles down river and back. The 2019 Floral City Airboat can accommodate six passengers and is powered by a 6.2 super charged Corvette motor. That’s some serious horsepower. The boats are U.S.C.G.-inspected vessels, and a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and ear protection are provided to everyone on board.

If you prefer to travel at your own leisure,

Captain Bob’s also rents pontoon and jon boats by the day or half day. The resort also offers a fully renovated bait and tackle shop for all your fishing needs.

“Everybody loves to explore the Rainbow River,” Captain Bob says. “It’s a beautiful river, and it’s crystal clear. The shing is good as well!”

When your boat docks back at Captain Bob’s, albeit airboat or other, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Bob and Dallise have you covered. The Blue Gator Tiki Bar rests right on the Withlacoochee River and opened to customers in August 2009. It’s been a hit with the locals and visitors ever since.

Bob’s favorite is the Blackened Grouper Sandwich, and you can’t go wrong trying the Gator Bites, either.

“Regardless of what you like, though, we have good food across the board,” says Bob.

The menu offers plenty of options, including a tasty ribeye steak, burgers and a variety of sandwiches, including a classic Cuban, Reuben, Philly cheese steak, a turkey bacon ranch and more. The seafood baskets are also popular and are sure to fill you up. Choices

include fish tacos, salmon, grouper fingers, fried oysters, clam strips, snapper, shrimp and more. All made fresh to order.

Indoor and outdoor dining is available on the river, and once given the all-clear from local health o cials, live music will once again be o ered on the outdoor patio Thursdays through Sundays.

If your day date would be even better as an evening away, the Jewett’s Gator Den Motel has been fully rebuilt from the ground up and remodeled at the Angler’s Resort. “We offer 12 rooms at the motel, and they are all beautifully designed and decorated,” says Bob. “My wife, Dallise, spent a lot of time making sure everything was just right.” The spacious rooms include a mini refrigerator and microwave (perfect for your Blue Gator leftovers), a large-screen television, comfortable beds, a beautifully tiled bathroom and quality linens. On day two, before you head home, make a quick stop in Dunnellon’s quaint historic district where you’ll find antique and gift shops, plus craft shops and a Florida bookstore. You just may find a treasure or two to take home with you.

Captain Bob’s Airboat Tours // captbobsairboattours.com Jewett’s Gator Den Motel // gatordenmotel .com Blue Gator Tiki Bar // blue-gator.com