The Dunnellon area offers a variety of eco-tourism opportunities for visitors of any age to explore. Both water sports, and numerous trails, and local history abound in Dunnellon area for you to enjoy. With its crystal clear springs, native vegetation and wildlife, scenic nature trails and tranquil gardens, there is plenty to explore in the natural beauty typical of the Nature Coast region.
Withlacoochee State Trail-walking/biking trail
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/crossflorida/trails/with_state.htm
Silver Springs- just east of Ocala includes a water park and musical venues that include country and hillbilly music artists. Concert schedule and park information are provided at the link below.
http://www.silversprings.com/
Crystal River
- Dining Great seafood restaurants available, fresh seafood markets http://www.allmenus.com/fl/crystal-river/-/all-cuisines/
- Florida souveniers
- Sightseeing
- Gulf Fishing Boats and Guides http://www.crystalriverflorida.com/fishing_guides.htm
Crystal River Archaeological State Park- pre-Columbian, Native American site has burial mounds
http://www.floridastateparks.org/crystalriver/default.cfmCrystal River Manatee Tours Seasonal during the winter months-- experience with the West Indian Manatee from a boat or on a snorke or scuba tour.
Spring Hill, FL
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park- A classic... mermaid shows, river cruises, kayak, snorkel, scuba http://www.floridastateparks.org/weekiwachee/default.cfm
Gainesville
Performing Arts Center http://performingarts.ufl.edu/
Natural History Museum and Butterfly Rainforest http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/
I think this is too excellent to be missed. One admission for both the butterfly rainforest and the museum. The butterflies will light on you, especially if you wear a scent. A little hand lotion will do the trick. The museum is good for a small local muesum. I love the ethnographic exhibits. Some Native American exibitions.
Shopping and Dining
- Gainesville Dining Guide http://gainesville.diningguide.com/
- Gainesville Shopping Guide http://gainesville.retailguide.com/
Kay's Comments: Homosassa Springs has manatees in captivity all year long-not as exciting as seeing them free...On a cold (Florida cold is anything below 60F) day it is worth the 20 min drive to Crystal River to see the Manatee swim under the bridge. We will leave you with a Florida Gazateer (ordinance survey) and highlight the routes to take to various sites like this.
