MISGA Winter Fling Travel Guide Crystal River, Florida

MISGA Winter Fling Travel Guide
Crystal River, Florida
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Where to Eat ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Café on the Avenue ............................................................................................................................. 5
Cody’s Original Roadhouse .................................................................................................................. 5
Crakers ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Grannie's Restaurant ........................................................................................................................... 5
Highland Café ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Rusty Duck.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Seafood Seller & Café .......................................................................................................................... 6
Stumpknockers on the Square ............................................................................................................. 6
Vintage on 5th..................................................................................................................................... 6
Some others ........................................................................................................................................ 6
What to see............................................................................................................................................. 7
Plantation Resort................................................................................................................................. 7
Spa .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Health Center .................................................................................................................................. 7
Pool ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Hot Tub ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Manatee tours and boat rides.......................................................................................................... 7
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.................................................................................................. 7
Crystal River Preserve State Park ......................................................................................................... 7
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park ................................................................................................ 7
Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock................................................................................................................ 8
Where to Shop ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Bealls................................................................................................................................................... 9
Crystal River Mall................................................................................................................................. 9
Heritage Antique Mall.......................................................................................................................... 9
ATM Antiques & Auctions LLC.............................................................................................................. 9
Other................................................................................................................................................... 9
Where to Golf ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Seven Rivers Golf & Country Club ...................................................................................................... 10
Pine Ridge Country Club .................................................................................................................... 10
Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club ......................................................................................................... 11
El Diablo ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Introduction
Thanks to those who responded to my request for your experiences at the MISGA Winter fling. I have
used that and the internet to try and give you all a picture of Crystal River and the surrounding area. It is
hoped that this little missive will add to your enjoyment of what I have always found to be an enjoyable
week.
I would appreciate further feedback and will update this in the coming years – as long as we go back to
the Plantation and Crystal River. Please take the time to give me your thoughts at
[email protected]
Subject: MISGS winter fling TG feedback (so I recognize in my SPAM blocker).
I checked this site for further commentary on restaurants
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34162-Crystal_River_Florida.html
Where to Eat
Café on the Avenue
Sorry – had some good reviews but is now apparently closed. If not, let me know
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
305 S.E. US 19, Crystal River, Fla.
Directions: Turn left at stop light (Rt. 19) about 1 mile on your right
More Texas than Florida, but great fun; Peanut shells on the floor (encouraged!), boisterous, lots of
energy. Mid-price range, extensive menu. Mostly good feedback on the food from hamburgers to the
ribs to steaks – one negative, ‘We ate roasted chicken which was not good. It was too dry and not juicy,
slow roasted as advertised. Would not get it again.’ Expect a wait during prime dinner hours, but the
place is big and turns over fast. Order a beer from the waitress circulating in the waiting area and enjoy
your bucket of peanuts.
Crakers
502 NW 6th St, Crystal River
Directions: Turn left at stop light (rt. 19) about 1.8 miles, left on 6th St., on your left
Mixed reviews. Personal experience was… not good. Service was poor and the special – a fish – was dry
and uneatable. Others have been and had nothing but praise. Let me know how it turned out for you.
Grannie's Restaurant
1712 SE Hwy 19
Directions: At the corner light at Rt. 19 on your right
Breakfast and lunch only – like 50’s dinner, the real thing NOT retro chic. Comfort food at a good price
and you’ll probably be called ‘Hon’ at least once before you leave.
Highland Café
638 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River (352) 563-0028
Directions: Turn left at stop light (rt. 19) about 1.6 miles, right on Citrus Ave, 300 ft. on left
Breakfast and lunch only – Run by a Scottish couple. Place is small and menu is limited. Scones,
sandwiches, quiche, and salads. ‘Quaint’ ‘Friendly’ ‘Never disappointed’.
Rusty Duck
2924 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461 (352) 746-6691
Directions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Right onto US-19 S/US-98 S/N Suncoast Blvd 1.3 mi
Turn left onto W Venable St 2.6 mi
Continue onto W Crystal Oaks Dr 1.8 mi
Turn right onto FL-44 E. Destination will be on the right 2.2 mi
Another potential gem. ‘Looks like a dump’. But the food is supposed to be great. Seating probably no
more than 35, reservations are taken for four dinner seatings; 5:00 p.m., 5:30, 7:00, and 7:30. This is a
BYOB establishment
The menu is extensive and a small white board lists the specials
Seafood Seller & Café
1801 Us 19 Nw Crystal River Mall Suite 513
Directions: Turn left (north) on Rt. 19, approximately 2.5 mi on right is Crystal River Mall. Restaurant is in
mall
Never been but, this is the highest ranked restaurant in the area. It is Cajun & Creole cuisine, so it may
be that the 42 reviewers just don’t know any better.
Stumpknockers on the Square
110 W Main St, Inverness, FL
Directions: (rather involved – please use GPS)
One Recommend: ‘good service, sea food but other choices also, medium crowded’
Vintage on 5th
114 NE 5th St, Crystal River
Directions: Left at stop light, 1.3 mi turn right on 3rd, 400 ft. second right on NE 5th, 0.2 mi on left
Had lunch there once and it was excellent – just a couple of salads, but they did everything right from
the time we walked in. Other comments have been the same – one of the best. Reservations are a
good idea - 352-794-0004
Some others
Ike's Old Florida Kitchen, 6301 Riverside Dr. Yankeetown, Fl. 34498, 352-447-4899 (Dinner,
don't know about lunch) about 15mile ride north, good service and food super selection,
should make reservations)
Peck's Restaurant on the Gulf (the end of the road that starts with a Z. off of US 19. Just past
Bells (food was good, service was good, 115 curves to get their)
What to see
Plantation Resort
Spa
Not a spa person so I don’t know what to say. If you are, ya know what it is about. Inquire at the desk
about services, times and reservations.
Health Center
In the last building closest to the golf course is a small workout room. Treadmills, elliptical, bike, weight
machines (if I remember right). Perfectly adequate for a light workout.
Pool
Nice place to splash around after golf, ‘specially if it is a hot day. Not so good if you are a lap swimmer.
Hot Tub
The BEST place after golf with a drink in your hand. Same place as the pool. Save room for Ron and me.
Manatee tours and boat rides
Associated with the resort. Check with the front desk.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 S.E. Kings Bay Dr., Crystal River, FL
Directions: From resort, head towards rt 19, take second left (BEFORE light) Cuter Spur Blvd, 0.2 mi left
on Paradise Point Rd, 0.4 mi right on Kings Bay Dr.
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Bodies of Water
Activities: Swimming, Viewing wildlife, Snorkeling
Description: Swimming with manatees is the highlight of a trip to this nature reserve.
This is NOT the state park, but a small private reserve with dedicated volunteers.
Crystal River Preserve State Park
3266 N. Sailboat Avenue, Crystal River (352) 563-0450
Directions: Right at the light Rt, 19, 1.9 mi right on Rd 494 Ozella Trail 2.3 mi to the park
A well thought of state park. Nice trails and interesting wildlife. A boat tour is available, but if interested
call and discuss availability with park.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, Florida 34446
Directions: Right at the light, south on Rt., 19, 5.7 mi on your right
4 Fenwick Stars ****
If your only gonna do one – this is the one!
‘The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, whitetailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. Manatee programs are
offered three times daily.’
Plus a pretty cool boat ride (took the tram back)
Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock
Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Directions: Turn right at the light south on US 19 approximately 60 mi. 1hr 15 – 1hr 30
This is a place to eat, a place to see, and a place to shop.
From their WEB page:
The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the world’s
finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the
Country. What will you find in Tarpon Springs? The Sponge Docks, Greek Restaurants, Bakeries,
Attractions, Natural Sponges, Sponge Diving, Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Unique Greek and
Florida Souvenirs, lots of Shopping, Sightseeing and Live Entertainment (Bouzoukia).
Good recommends.
Where to Shop
Authors Note: This is not my thing and could use a LOT of help
Bealls
346 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34429
Directions: Turn right at the light (Rt. 19), 1 mile on your right.
This is the 800 pound gorilla. Pronounced ‘Bells’ for some reason. A department store at one end of the
strip mall and an outlet at the other. Must be something in the water because everyone with a
shopping gene ends up here.
Crystal River Mall
1801 NW US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Directions: Turn left at the light (Rt. 19), 2.6 miles on your right
Typical suburban mall; Belk, JC Penny, K-Mart and about 50 other stores ( plus Seafood Seller Café)
Heritage Antique Mall
103 NW Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Directions: Turn left at the light (Rt. 19), 3.8 miles on your left
No idea – got this from the WEB
ATM Antiques & Auctions LLC
811 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34429 1-800-542-3877 or 352-795-2061
Directions: Turn left at the light (Rt. 19), 0.7 miles left onto Kings Bay Dr. – ’49 ft’
From the WEB – this is an auction site, not a store, but they can be a lot of fun.
Check it out at http://www.atmantiqueauctions.com
‘Our staff has over 100 years of combined experience in 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th Century
Antiques, Art & Collectibles. ‘
Don’t know how often they have auctions, but you can often browse at places like this – let me know
Other
I am told there are specialty shops and such around 5th. Feed back please.
Where to Golf
There are MANY more, but I included only those within ½ hr.
Seven Rivers Golf & Country Club
7395 W. Pine Brook Street, Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 795-2100
[email protected]
Directions: Turn right at Rt.19, 1.3 mi left on Venable St., 0.9 mi left on 7 Rivers Dr, 0.1 mi left on Golf
Couse Dr., 0.3 mi to course. (< 10 minutes)
Rates: Winter rates (don’t know when winter ends here.  )
18 Holes
Before 12:00 PM: $32 + tax
After 12:00 PM: $25 + tax
After 3:00 PM: $15 + tax
This is a private course, but I spoke with them and they sounded just as desperate for outside play as
everyone else. Can make tee times up to a week in advance. Rating 3.7 out of 5 (Plantation is 1 3.6)
Pine Ridge Country Club
5600 N. Elkcam Blvd. • Beverly Hills, FL 34465 • (352) 746-6177
Directions: (7.5 miles – 15-20 min.)
1. Turn left at light Rt.19
2. Turn right onto FL-44 E/NE 5th St/W Gulf to Lake Hwy. Continue to follow FL-44 E/W Gulf to
Lake Hwy 2.4 mi
3. Slight left onto County Rd 486 1.5 mi
4. Turn left toward W Pine Ridge Blvd 351 ft
5. Continue straight onto W Pine Ridge Blvd 1.0 mi
6. Turn right onto W Mustang Blvd 3.1 mi
7. Turn left onto N Elkcam Blvd
8. Destination will be on the left 1.2 mi
Pine Ridge Golf Club is a family owned Citrus County golf course. Rates are Good $24.50 including cart
all the time. Tee times 7 days advance for public.
One review:
Pine Ridge looks more like you are playing in the Carolinas than Florida. There are challenging
elevation changes and that pine woodsy smell. The greens roll true and the layout is fair to all
players. If you are a fan or Pinehurst you will enjoy Pine Ridge.
Tee
Par
Length
Slope
Rating
Black
72
6773 yd.
139
74.1
Blue
72
6355 yd.
130
71.9
White
72
5840 yd.
124
70.5
Red (W)
72
5132 yd.
122
70
Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club
509 E Hartford St – Hernando, Fla
Directions: (10.5 miles – 15-20 minutes)
1. Take the 3rd left onto N Suncoast Blvd 1.1 mi
2. Turn right onto FL-44 E/NE 5th St/W Gulf to Lake Hwy
a. Continue to follow FL-44 E/W Gulf to Lake Hwy 2.4 mi
3. 4. Slight left onto County Rd 486 7.5 mi
4. 5. Turn right onto N Citrus Hills Blvd 1.0 mi
5. Turn left onto E Hartford St. Destination will be on the left 0.1 mi
http://www.thevillagesofcitrushills.com/clubhappenings/index.asp
Looks like an excellent set up. All reviews on these courses talk about excellent maintenance and the
varied terrain. The most interesting is the premium course, Skyview. Quoted weekday rates on Skyview
$49 before 12:00 $39 after. Other two are less.
The Oaks –
Championship tees – 6323 yds., rating 71.0/121
Club tees – 5853 yds., rating 68.7/117
Forward – 4712 yds., rating 68.0/114
The Meadows – Championship tees – 5885 yds., rating 68.5/114
Club tees – 5527 yds., rating 66.8/111
Forward – 4585 yds., rating 66.9/112
El Diablo
10405 N Sherman Dr. - Citrus Springs (352-465-0986)
Directions: (18 miles – 25 minutes)
1. Left onto N Suncoast Blvd (Rt. 19) 1.1 mi
2. Turn right onto FL-44 E/NE 5th St/W Gulf to Lake Hwy
a. Continue to follow FL-44 E/W Gulf to Lake Hwy 2.4 mi
3. Slight left onto County Rd 486 3.9 mi
4. Turn left onto Co Rd 491 6.7 mi
5. Turn left onto N Florida Ave 3.9 mi
6. Turn right onto N Citrus Springs Blvd 0.3 mi
7. Take the 2nd right onto N Athenia Dr. 308 ft .
8. Take the 1st right onto N Sherman Dr. Destination will be on the left 358 ft.
I played here a couple of years ago and enjoyed lots. This is a public course but like most courses in the
area, well maintained (something to do with the weather, I bet – makes it easy). Varied terrain (as
opposed to OP). Listed green fees are $48 before noon, but bet they will deal for 2 or more tee times –
cost me $25 when I played.