Crystal River

Although manatee season is “officially” over, that doesn’t mean you don’t still have a chance of seeing these delightful creatures. Skip the boat tour and rent a single or double kayak (or even a paddle board!) at Hunter Springs Kayak. With no noisy engine, you’ll glide peacefully over the water and find yourself closer to nature than you’ve probably been in a while. The helpful staff will get you safely launched and on your way. (Be sure to bring a waterproof pouch for your keys, phone and the map they provide.) Allow yourself two to three hours for an outing. If you want a dose of nature and history but don’t feel like paddling, visit Crystal River Archaeological State Park. Designated a National Historic Landmark, this Native American site, which is located on a large coastal marsh, covers 61 acres and dates back to the pre-Columbian era. Settled approximately 2,500 years ago, it’s one of the longest continuously occupied sites in the state.

Archaeological evidence reveals the influence of at least three cultural periods. You’ll see burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area and midden. Allow an hour or two. The park itself is open every day from 8am until sundown, but the museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Afterward, satisfy your craving for lunch or dinner at Charlie’s Fish House on Highway 19, a favorite of both locals and tourists. Sit indoors or at an outside table on the deck while you enjoy super fresh seafood. If you can’t make up your mind, try the combination plate. They even have a seafood market if you want to take home something from Florida waters to cook later.

If you’d like to have a girls’ outing, make your way to West Citrus Avenue for a bit of shopping. Must-see stops include Dayz Gone By, with its wonderfully enticing assortment of antiques, estate sales, vintage and repurposed items, and The Heritage House, a graciously kept two-story house filled with gifts and more. Whether you’re seriously shopping or just browsing, you’ll appreciate both places.

After you’ve had enough “retail therapy,” relax and enjoy lunch with plenty of Southern hospitality at nearby Tea House 650. In addition to many varieties of tea, the menu features scones, paninis, sandwiches and flat breads. You can also buy your favorite teas in their shop to take home. Round out your day with a stop at Copp Winery & Brewery for a glass of their fine handcrafted wine or a growler of craft beer on tap. Looking for a gift? They also sell custom wine baskets and wooden wine totes as well as personalized custom wine labels for special events.

MAKE PLANS:

HUNTER SPRINGS KAYAK hunterspringskayak.com, (352) 212-5518

CRYSTAL RIVER ARCHAEOLOGICAL STATE PARK floridastateparks.org/park/Crystal-RiverArchaeological, (352) 795-3817

CHARLIE’S FISH HOUSE charliesfishhouse.com, (352) 795-3949

DAYZ GONE BY dayzgoneby.com, (352) 228-4931

THE HERITAGE HOUSE theheritagehouse.biz, (352) 564-1400

TEA HOUSE 650 teahouse650.com, (352) 564-1500

COPP WINERY & BREWERY coppwinery.com, (352) 564-9463