Florida Spring Named Best Summer Vacation Spot
It always seems when you talk to somebody who isn’t from Florida about our state all they can thing of is theme parks and crazy people. Well, I will admit we are full of crazy people, but Florida is so much more than theme parks. So if your looking for a great vacation spot this summer, move over mouse and bring in the manatee.
Recently 10Best came out with their list of the “10 Best Summer travel Destinations” and the sleepy little laid back town of Crystal River made the list. While this list might be the first time people from around the country are introduced to Crystal River, as a local we are very lucky to have this absolute gem in our proverbial backyards.
If you have never made the roughly 80 mile trip to Crystal River, it is certainly is something that everyone should make time to do. Crystal River, located in Citrus County, is the home of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge provides a safe and undeveloped habitat for many pieces of birds land animals and sea life, but easily their most popular resident is the manatee.
While seeing the gentle manatee is easily the main attraction in Crystal River, there are so many other things to do. From quaint hotels and unassuming restaurants, many having plenty of local seafood options, you certainly won’t go hungry. For the person looking to get a little outdoorsy, there are all lines of water activities, from snorkeling and SCUBA diving to pontoon boating and kayaking. If you are a fisherman, Crystal River offers a treasure trove of fishing opportunities.
Photo: Fester and his family camping at Crystal River
According to the 10Best list Crystal River came in at Number 7. Not too shabby, although I feel the list is completely arbitrary. I will say I liked the list because it did stay away for more cliché vacation destinations. The list had no mention of Theme Parks and no tourists traps. Even though Chicago made the the list, all of the other top spots are fairly unassuming locations like Door County, WI or Hocking Hills, OH.
10 Best describes Crystal River as “a magical Gulf Coast town displaying the natural beauty of the Sunshine State without the crowds,” 10Best said.
Co-founder and editor at Family Travel Forum Kyle McCarthy recommends Crystal River “for its laid-back hotels, seafood dining, and opportunities for water sports and golf.”
She goes on to say “You may see more manatees in the warm Homosassa Springs water in winter, but the river is beautiful and clear for swimming in summer,” McCarthy said.
If you’ve never been to Crystal River make some time and plan a trip this summer.
If your wondering what the 10Best top spot was… Mackinac Island, MI.
