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I updated the previous blog CC “TO DO” blog, and added a printable .pdf file at the end…
Citrus County “TO DO” for Land Lovers
Whether you hike, bike, bowl, golf, play tennis or ride horses, Citrus County has a lot to offer land lovers. I will also include activities for grandchildren, the young of heart and sports enthusiasts. Site Seeing/Entertaining activities included as well…
Site Seeing, Entertainment, etc.:
The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park is a “210-acre park that– encompasses some of Florida’s loveliest landscape and the headwaters of the Homosassa River. The park serves as a rehabilitation center and refuge for injured and orphaned endangered West Indian manatees. The natural spring environment allows them an opportunity to re-acclimate themselves to a more natural environment before they are returned to the wild. The park also offers visitors an opportunity to observe Florida’s native wildlife in natural settings. One strolls along paved trails and boardwalks to see manatees, black bear, bobcats, key deer, alligators, grey fox, otters and cougars at close range. Most of the birds and animals that live here cannot survive in the wild.”None of our guests has ever been disappointed in going to this park! Take the boat ride—from the Suncoast (Hwy 19) entrance. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park
Valerie Theatre Inverness: Home today to movies and live events! Mrs. Pearl G. Maddox built the Valerie Theatre in 1927, naming it the Valerie after her daughter. It was considered one of the most modern and beautiful theaters in the area. The theatre remained vacant from 1987 until the City purchased it in 2009. With community involvement and detailed planning, a grand reopening was held for the Valerie Theatre Cultural Center in June 2015. The Valerie is now run by The City of Inverness. https://inverness.gov/646/Valerie-Calendar
Inverness Farmer’s Market The Inverness Farmers Market (at the Depot) takes place the first and third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. https://www.inverness-fl.gov/512/Market-at-the-Depot
Three Local Playgrounds for toddlers Beverly Hill: Roosevelt Street near the library and Homosassa: Homosassa Trail across from the Lions Club: Clean areas to take the kids: swings, slides, climbing gyms and play areas. NEWEST AND BEST: The Depot in Inverness by Liberty Park. https://inverness-fl.gov/553/Inverness-Depot-District
Movies: Regal Cinema Inverness…. https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-citrus-cinemas/0206#/buy-tickets-by-cinema?in-cinema=0206&at=2022-01-28&view-mode=list
(352)228-4033
A new aquarium/mermaid experience has opened in Lecanto: Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. Although the mermaid show is not as elaborate as the one in Weeki Wachee, this one is cute and the aquarium visit itself allows visitors to “touch” stingrays, starfish, other sea animals. Check for hours. 4100 Gulf to Lake Highway. 352-513-3278. It is less crowded in the afternoon, and unless you read all the detailed instructional posters as you stroll the aquarium encounters, you can view and experience the aquarium in 45 minutes to an hour. And the business has bigger plans for the future. https://www.mermaidaquariumencounter.com/
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum (located at One Courthouse Square, Inverness). “The Historic Old Courthouse Museum is home to the Citrus County Historical Society and houses special collection exhibits and hosts a number of special events throughout the year. The iconic building is known for its copper cupola and clock face on all four sides. It also has been made famous for being part of the 1961 Elvis Presley movie Follow that Dream. Monday – Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free to the public. For more information, call (352) 341-6428. https://cccourthouse.org/
Art Center of Citrus County; Local people perform several plays throughout the year. 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando; 2 o’clock matinees and evening performances: tickets usually $21. Call for more dates… 352-746-7606 or visit www.artcentertheater.org for more information and schedule.
Heritage Museum “If you want to gain a deep understanding of Citrus County, then you have to visit Coastal Heritage Museum. It is located in the old City Hall building which has an exterior structure that is made of natural limestone. Also, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of its interior ceilings which are constructed from Magnolia wood. The museum features exhibits and collections of artifacts, pieces of furniture, and photographs of the old life in the west side of Citrus County. You’ll surely learn a lot about the county’s history from the many displays available in the museum” 532 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River,
http://www.coastalheritagemuseum.org/
Floral City Heritage Museum “Located one of the most gorgeous streets in our area the Avenue of the Oaks. This museum takes you back into the time of the Florida cracker culture. Educational displays chronicle the history of cattle ranchers the founding of floral city and surrounding towns, and the city history of the oldest home in a county the Duvall house. The forest city museum is home to many events during the year including the popular heritage days which happens in December admission is free.” 8394 E. Orange Ave. 352-697-2999; https://www.floralcityhc.org/museum-store.php
OPEN MIC Last Wednesday every month Open mic night at the Central Ridge Community Center, 77 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills. A free event to the public. Anyone with talents can share: poets, musicians, vocalists, comedians, (no profanity please). 6:30 to 9:30PM? Call Parks and Rec for more info at 352-527-7540 https://citrusbocc.com/news_detail_T12_R1223.php
INVERNESS: The event known as Friday Night Thunder is now called Third Friday to broaden its reach with a variety of event-goers. Third Friday will combine a car cruise-in, variety of entertainment at the Valerie Theatre and encourage the downtown businesses to get involved in the activities. This event is designed to boost the downtown businesses and making Inverness the place to be on the third Friday of each month. https://www.inverness-fl.gov/523/City-Festivals
Crystal River Escape Room Bring your friends, family and coworkers for an hour of fun, excitement, creativity and teamwork. You have 1 hour to try and “ESCAPE“. Your team must find the codes, solve the clues, cipher the riddles and put together the puzzles to earn their freedom and its only $20.00 per person per game. Do you have what it takes? Will you escape? Remember ……. the clock is ticking!!! BOOK NOW to guarantee your time slot – Games run by appointment only. http://www.crystalriverroomescape.com/ 8740 Mayo Drive Suite #5 Crystal River
LOCK AND LORE (ESCAPE ROOM) 60-Minute Adventures… where we take the traditional concept of escape rooms and put a literary spin on them– our room themes are all based on stories, books, fairytales and folklore. 352-519-3130; https://locksandlore.com/?fbclid=IwAR3bWTxkvwIKENzH7jEToePzPFUyjZgt0Dc6G9ZOT907KGOfXBfrCD_SBTo
Citrus County Speedway “A great place to be during Saturday nights, Citrus County Speedway is often packed with people from all walks of life, families, and groups of friends, wishing to have an adrenaline-pumping night by watching speedy cars flawless maneuver on the race tracks. The bleachers are all renovated to accommodate more people, as well as the kitchen. People love this race track in Citrus Country for its affordable entrance fee and food. Make sure you visit to experience the high people get from watching the racers drive their way to the finish line.” Citrus County Speedway: 3600 Hwy 41; (352) 341-5764; http://www.citruscountyspeedwayandtrack.com/
Central Ridge Library; 425 W. Roosevelt; Beverly Hills;352-746-6622. has many classes computer, technology help, games, beading, etc. check out their website: http://www.citruslibraries.org;
Check out these venus for Misc, and golfing, hikes, birding, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and more:
Sports Activities:
MISC:
YMCA of Suncoast: Many activities including exercise classes and gym; indoor/outdoor pools, outdoor track, playground, kid zone and much more: 4127 Norvell Bryant (486); 352-500-9622; https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/locations/citrus-county-branch
Whispering Pines Park is 290-acres of natural beauty with three walking trails, Olympic size swimming pool, splash pad, tennis, disc golf, baseball and pavilions.
“http://www.inverness-fl.gov/27/Parks-Recreation
Crystal River nows has a splash pad for “in season” warm weather. Kids love them! Splash pads: streams of chlorinated water erupt from roughly a dozen flattened fountains throughout the paved surface, reaching heights of up to seven feet before raining down! At night the fountains light up.
Inverness “Depot” area:
The Inverness Depot District includes renovated city and state parks connecting together via the Withlacoochee State Trail. The depot was built in 1892 as part of the Atlantic Coast Line and moved to its new location, facing a section of the Withlacoochee State Trail that winds through the District. The newly renovated depot has a historic look to it and will be used for small businesses that cater to cycling, tourism, music and the many activities that abound. The Depot District also includes multipurpose open-air pavilion, a water tower with stage, picnic area
Liberty Park and Wallace Brooks Park border Lake Henderson, part of the Tsala Apopka Chain and the Withlacoochee State Trail. Renovations to Liberty Park include parking, new playground, enhanced landscaping, lighting, restrooms and waterfront gazebo which is available as a venue for entertainment and rental opportunities.
Renovations to Wallace Brooks Park include parking, a boater-friendly dock for motorized and non-motor vessels, boat rental building, restrooms, outdoor showers, outdoor sports areas,(sand volleyball) and benches with a scenic view of the lake. North Apopka Ave, https://inverness-fl.gov/553/Inverness-Depot-District
The Canyons Zip Line, Ocala. “We have two certified and experienced guides to lead you on your 3 hour adventure through approximately one mile of course which includes: NINE (9) different zip lines, 2 rope bridges, one rappel, nature walks, and fabulous views you won’t find anywhere else. We are also have the LONGEST, HIGHEST, FASTEST zips in Florida!” http://www.zipthecanyons.com/imscart/index.php
THERE IS A ZIP LINE IN CRYSTAL RIVER: Tree Top Adventure is one of the amenities when becoming a member at Faith Haven Christian Retreat Center an aerial adventure course containing 24 elements including 7 zip lines. 352-601-4687; https://www.facebook.com/TreeTopatFaithHaven/;
BEACH???
FORT ISLAND GULF BEACH
Fort Island Gulf Beach includes a sandy beach, fishing and sightseeing pier, a boardwalk connecting the beach and the pier, and a boat ramp. The site includes bathrooms, outdoor showers, covered picnic tables and a grassy area on the south side of the beach. The Citrus County Boat Ramp here is Free. This launch site provides the boater with access to Gulf of Mexico and Crystal River. 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River; 352-527-7540; https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/directory/fort-island-gulf-beach-beaches-swimming/
Golf:
Citrus County has about 14 golf courses (most public, some semi-private, and one private).
Brentwood Farms Golf Club
1720 West Nicole Drive Lecanto; 352-527-2600
https://www.citrushills.com/blog/brentwood-farms-golf-course-at-terra-vista
Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club (Oaks and Meadows Courses); 509 East Hartford Street Citrus Hills; 352-746-4425;
https://www.citrushills.com/?msclkid=9a80e07a03921aa128878278bcfc672a
Citrus Springs Golf and Country Club, 8690 N. Golfview, Citrus Springs, 352-489-5045
https://www.citrusspringsgolfcourse.com/
Inverness Golf & Country Club; 3150 South Country Club Drive Inverness; 352-637-2526; http://www.golfinverness.com/
Lakeside Country Club; 4555 East Windmill Drive Inverness; 352-726-1461; https://www.lakesidegolfranch.com/
Pine Ridge Community Golf; 5600 North Elkcam Boulevard Beverly Hills; 352-746-6177; https://www.prgcfl.com/
Plantation Inn & Golf Resort; 9218 West Fort Island Trail Crystal River; 352-795-4211; https://www.plantationoncrystalriver.com/
Point O Woods Golf Club; 95 South Golf Harbor Path Inverness; 352-726-3113; (new Owners 2023 )
https://www.pointowoodsgolfclub.com
Skyview Golf Course; 2100 North Terra Vista Boulevard Citrus Hills; 352-665-4008;
Southern Woods Golf Club;1501 Corkwood Boulevard Homosassa; 352-382-1200; http://www.southernwoodsgc.com/
Sugarmill Woods Country Club;1 Douglas Street Homosassa; 352-382-3838; https://www.sugarmillwoodscc.com/
Twisted Oaks Golf Club; 4801 North Forest Ridge Boulevard Beverly Hills; 352-746-6257; https://twistedoaksgc.com/
54 holes private Fazio golf: Black Diamond Ranch Golf and Country Club; 3125 W. Black Diamond Circle; Lecanto; 352-746-3446; www.blackdiamondranch.com
Biking and Hiking
Biking is great exercise and a wonderful way to see a variety of natural settings found in Citrus County. Many of the bike trails are suitable for walks and hikes. If this is your favorite way to go, you can choose from a cross-country excursion, a meandering scenic day ride or a more primitive off-road track.
A popular cycling route (and a good walking trail) is the”Rails to Trails” Withlacoochee State Trail. Formerly a railroad right-of-way, the 47+ -mile trail is paved its entire length through Citrus County. If you don’t have your own bicycle, rental bikes and roller blades are available in several locations: Rental bikes in Dunnellon, Inverness and Floral City.
Inverness area: Dave’s Cycle World: 352-637-5757 https://www.davidsworld.com/
Inverness Bikes : new Sparky’s second site…
Dunnellon: Blue Run Bicycles 352-465-7538.
http://www.bluerunbicycles.com/area_information.htm
Floral City: Trailside Bikes 352-419-4809; https://trailside.bike/
Crystal River: Sparkys Green Bikes; (844) 772-7597 ; http://sparkysrides.com/ (and 2023 Inverness)
NEW: in Inverness: Selecte Bikes; Family owned and operated, we are your source for high quality electric bikes in Citrus County. Because we are located right on the Withlacoochee Bike Trail you can rent one of our electric bikes and ride for a while to see what all the buzz is about before you purchase one. 352-503-7007; 565 US. Hwy. 41, Inverness; https://www.selecte-bike.com/
WITHLACOOCHEE RAILS TO TRAILS:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/withlacoochee-state-trail
Hike:
Crystal River Preserve State Park “A place of exceptional natural beauty, the undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forests of this Crystal River Preserve are especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between the two cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa. Visitors can hike or bicycle along seven miles of trails or study the native wildlife and plants on the two mile interpretive trail.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/crystal-river-preserve-state-park
We ventured to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens (Williston FL) A one mile hike or so through the gardens. The waterfalls and ponds created there are unbelievable in the rugged terrain. To think that this was someone’s house and they had these gardens built! Flowers blooming will vary by season-must have been beautiful this winter when the camellias and azaleas were in bloom. I must warn you that it is a very rugged hike. (I did fall): Occasional stairs and lots of uneven ground. http://www.cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/
Potts Preserve: The property was acquired for protection of the area’s groundwater recharge, as well as important surface water features and wetland habitats. The preserve’s wetlands play a role in both the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes and the Withlacoochee River systems, part of the Floridan aquifer’s recharge/discharge system. Additionally, the site provides habitat to wildlife, including a small population of threatened Florida scrub-jays. Birding, Bicycling; Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Hunting, Camping, Equestrian… 2988 N Hooty Point, Inverness; (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470; https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/potts-preserve
Dames and Peace Caves: aka:Trail 22, Lecanto; “Dames Cave is the passageway that leads to more caves. One of the many caves here is Vandal cave, which has a collapsed roof entrance. Upon entering the cave, you’ll realize why it is called Vandal Cave, for it has graffiti throughout its walls. A lot of people like to shoot their photos here and use the vandals as their backdrop.” Peace Cave: If you’re willing to go underneath the surface and travel unknown places, then you have to visit Peace Cave. It is a karst cave, composed of dolomite, limestone, and gypsum rocks. When you hike to the inside of the cave, you’ll see natural wonders, you haven’t seen before. This cave is safe that parents can even bringtheir kids with them when they hike; Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm; 10701 S Lecanto Hwy; Found this on the web: https://myfamilytraveladventures.com/2021/04/11/damescave/
Located in the small town of Homosassa, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins
Historic State Park “was once a part of a plantation that supplied sugar to the southern delegations during the Civil War. The name of the park is after the owner of the old plantation, Dave Levy Yulee. What you’ll see now in the park are remains of the plantation, like the cane press, masonry chimney, iron gears, and more, which are noticeable from the road. Also, this Citrus County point of interest features picnic tables, pavilion, and restrooms which will make your experience in Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park more convenient.” https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/yulee-sugar-mill-ruins-historic-state-park
Tennis:
You all find tennis courts in many of the communities in Citrus County: Black Diamond Ranch, Citrus Hills, Meadowcrest, etc. and in Citrus Springs, Homosassa, and Inverness. The YMCA also has tennis/pickeball programs.
Equestrian:
Mother Nature made Citrus County “a natural” when it comes to equestrian activities. Whether you want a day’s ride or a full equestrian camping trip, the facilities you need are here. Also, you may trailer your own horse or rent one when you arrive. Whatever your choices, the fun of riding through some of the most beautiful public lands in Citrus County is available to you. At Tillis Hill, in the Citrus tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, there is a horse stable which accommodates 20 horses, as well as a 37-site camping area. From this campground, you can begin a 14-mile one day trail, or a 24-mile two-day trail. We recommend you make reservations with the Florida Department of Forestry (352) 796-5650 for use of the horse stables. Trails are available for use at any time. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has established horse trails on both the Flying Eagle and Pott’s Preserve tracts. Flying Eagle has nine miles of designated equestrian trails (closed during hunting season). Equestrian camping is also allowed by permit. Call 1-800-423-1476.Potts Preserve has 12 miles of marked trails and even allows horse-drawn buggies by permit. A limited number of horse stalls and overnight camping (no charge) is allowed by permit. Call 1-800-423-1476. The Withlacoochee State Trail is the newest addition to horseback riding trails in Citrus County. Plans include interconnection with Fort Cooper State Park for stable and camping opportunities. Horseback riding is presently confined to designated bridle paths. For more information, 352-394-2280.
Rymar Ranch: 8265 S Lecanto Hwy; Lecanto; 352-382-5400 https://rymarranch.com/
Soquill Stables: 10830 W. Bentbow Rd, Crystal River; 352-206-2990; faithhavencrc.org
Blueberry Hiils Farm: 7008 N. Lecanto Hwy, Hernando; 352-489-2383
http://blueberryhillfarm.homestead.com/
Bowling
There are three bowling alleys in the area:
Bowlero Lanes (former Manatee Lanes): Crystal River; (Hwy 44 ) 352-795-4546. bowlero.com
Sportsmen’s Bowl: Inverness ;100 Hwy 41, 352-419-4316; https://www.sportsmensbowl.com
Parkview Lanes: Hwy 41; Holder. 352-489-6933; http://www.parkviewlanes.net/
PRINTABLE PDF: linda-thomas-inverness-fl-CC-to-do-on-land-2023
04/2023
courtesy Linda Thomas, Century 21 J.W. Morton 352-464-4881
