A Riverside Gem Blue Run of Dunnellon Park sits at the meeting of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers. It’s the go-to spot for launching a kayak or enjoying a short, peaceful walk along boardwalk trails. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Parking is limited—arrive early on weekends. Why Locals Love It It’s free, close by,…Read More→
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For a unique February date night, consider the Crystal River Room Escape. In this interactive experience, you and your partner solve puzzles and riddles within 60 minutes, enhancing teamwork and connection. Established in 2016, it offers a fun, memorable outing, ideal for couples and various groups looking to share a thrilling adventure.
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A Peaceful Stroll Beyond the wildlife exhibits, Homosassa Springs offers scenic boardwalks winding through cypress and oak hammocks. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: These trails are perfect for seniors or strollers—flat, shaded, and easy. Why Locals Love It It’s a relaxing, no-pressure way to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty at your own pace. 🌞 Jill’s
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Thrills on the River For high-energy fun, Captain Bob’s Airboat Tours in Inverness is unforgettable. These guided rides skim over shallow waters where regular boats can’t go. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Bring sunglasses and a strap for your hat—it’s windy out there. Why Locals Love It It combines thrills with wildlife viewing—a unique
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A Day in the Heart of Citrus County Downtown Inverness blends small-town charm with lakefront beauty. Courthouse Square is the centerpiece, filled with shops, cafés, and public art. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Sunset over Lake Henderson is not to be missed. Why Locals Love It It’s walkable, pet-friendly, and filled with character. Perfect
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Wide-Open Wilderness Goethe State Forest, just outside Citrus County, covers more than 50,000 acres. Its equestrian trails attract horse lovers, but hikers and birders also find it rewarding. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Morning rides offer cooler temps and better wildlife spotting. Why Locals Love It It’s peaceful, spacious, and less crowded than other
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A Local Beach Escape You don’t need to leave Citrus County for a great beach day. Fort Island Gulf Beach offers sandy shoreline, swimming, fishing, and sunsets. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Bring water shoes—the sand here mixes with shells. Why Locals Love It It’s small, quiet, and easy to access—perfect for a quick
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Paddle Through Paradise Crystal River is known worldwide for its springs and manatees—and the best way to see them is from the water. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available year-round, and guided tours make it beginner-friendly. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Early mornings are calmer, with fewer boats and clearer views. Why Locals Love
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Step Into History The 1912 courthouse in Inverness has been beautifully restored and now houses the Citrus County Heritage Museum. It’s filled with exhibits on local history, culture, and community heritage. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Combine your museum visit with lunch or coffee at a nearby café. Why Locals Love It It’s free,
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Meet Florida’s Wildlife This park is famous for its underwater observatory where visitors can see manatees gliding in the springs. It’s also home to Florida panthers, black bears, bobcats, and countless bird species. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Arrive early—manatees are most active in the morning. Why Locals Love It It’s an educational and
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A Florida Classic Silver Springs is one of Florida’s oldest attractions, and the glass-bottom boat tours remain a must-do experience. Guides share stories of wildlife, springs, and even Hollywood history. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Morning tours have calmer water and better visibility. Why Locals Love It It combines nostalgia with natural beauty. Easy
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Explore One of Florida’s Best Trails Stretching 46 miles, the Withlacoochee State Trail is Florida’s longest paved rail-trail. It runs right through Citrus County and is ideal for biking, walking, skating, and even horseback riding in designated areas. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Start your ride in Inverness—it’s central and has nearby cafés for
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Discover a Natural Gem Rainbow Springs State Park is one of Florida’s crown jewels—a natural spring so clear and vibrant it feels like stepping into a tropical postcard. Located near Dunnellon, it’s perfect for swimming, tubing, kayaking, and exploring year-round. What to Do 💡 Jill’s Tip: Weekday mornings are quieter and more relaxing. Why Locals
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Art in the City Downtown Ocala hosts one of Florida’s premier art festivals each fall: the Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) Arts Festival. This two-day event showcases more than 150 artists. What to Expect 💡 Jill’s Tip: Park early or use rideshare—downtown fills up quickly. Why Locals Love It The quality of the art is
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Step Back in Time Every December, the small town of Floral City shines during Heritage Days, a celebration of local history and holiday spirit. What to Expect 💡 Jill’s Tip: Bring a camera—the candlelit streets are stunning. Why Locals Love It It’s a blend of history, tradition, and holiday magic. Families love the nostalgic setting
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A Coastal Celebration Each October, Cedar Key transforms into a bustling hub for the annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival. Hosted by local non-profits, this two-day event highlights fresh Gulf seafood, arts and crafts vendors, and live music in a charming small-island setting. What to Expect 💡 Jill’s Tip: Arrive early—parking on the island fills up
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A Classic Week of Fun The Citrus County Fair in Inverness is a week-long celebration of community and tradition. From midway rides and classic fair food to livestock shows and 4-H competitions, there’s something for every age. What to Expect 💡 Jill’s Tip: Check the website for “discount days” to save on admission and ride
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Art in the Heart of Downtown Each November, downtown Inverness transforms into an open-air gallery for the Inverness Festival of the Arts. Centered around Courthouse Square, this juried show draws artists from across Florida and beyond. What to Expect 💡 Jill’s Tip: Start with coffee downtown, then enjoy lunch at Liberty Park after browsing. Why
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Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees. Did you know that Crystal River in Citrus County is the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees? During the winter months, hundreds of manatees head to our bays to warm up and escape the colder temperatures throughout the
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Celebrate Art by the Water November 8-9, 2025 Old Homosassa offers charm year-round, but each November it becomes the stage for one of the most anticipated festivals on Florida’s Nature Coast: the Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival. What to Expect 💡 Jill’s Tip: Arrive before noon for easier parking. Why Locals Love It Locals
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Downtown Comes Alive Saturday, November 1stNoon to 9:00 PM Only! Every November, downtown Crystal River comes alive with the Stone Crab Jam—a lively street festival where music and seafood meet under the stars. Hosted by the Kings Bay Rotary, this annual event features multiple live music stages, vendors, beer and wine tents, and plenty of
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The Florida Manatee Festival in Crystal River celebrates manatees every January with live music, arts and crafts, local food, and family activities. Attendees can enjoy activities like boat tours and swim-with-manatees experiences. The event runs on the third weekend of January, emphasizing early arrival and advance booking for popular tours.
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March 18, 2023 @ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Parade, Bands, Food, Vendors and of course SHRIMP! A great time for all!The Rotary Club of Homosassa Springs Charitable Foundation, Inc. is hosting the 9th annual ShrimpaPalooza on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Many of our local merchants will be hosting their own activities that will complement the
Whether you’re a longtime Pine Ridge resident or just settling into Citrus County, summer is a beautiful time to enjoy all the Nature Coast has to offer. From cool springs to community festivals, there’s something for everyone—and it’s all just a short drive from your front door. Here are 5 of my favorite things
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March 13, 2023 @ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Rotary Club of Crystal River’s BEAST FEAST is a fun-filled night benefitting many charitable organizations in Citrus County. This year’s Beast Feast is being held at beautiful Crumps’ Landing on the Homosassa River. The night will include all you can eat “beasts” like: Hawaiian Whole Hog, Smoked Jerk
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will be Saturday, March 18, in Historic Downtown Inverness. Enjoy the parade, compete in the Fairy & Leprechaun Costume contest, shop the local businesses and check out the happenings at the restaurants.
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The rich and fertile spring-fed soil of Citrus County is known for producing remarkably delicious fruit. Every year, The Floral City Strawberry Festival celebrates its tasty namesake with a full weekend of fun that has been a local tradition for generations. The Beer & Wine Garden by the main stage will offer multiple selections of
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