Local Places, Local Faces

National Alpaca Farm Days

October 1, 2013September 30, 2013 by KTgreen

We had such a great weekend. Beside the weather being wonderful, we were really fortunate to have three of our grandkids here. Which was extra special since it was also National Alpaca Farm Days. While we like to attend local events, going to an alpaca farm is definitely best experienced with small children in tow. We had done this once before when the two of the kids (both girls) were very young and they didn’t remember much about the experience. Now the girls are five and six and have a little brother who is two–perfect ages to check out these adorable creatures. What’s really great about this age is they don’t argue about our destination–we just strap them in their car seats and away we go!

Alpaca at Alpaca Magic USA

There are several alpaca farms in central Florida with four of them in Citrus County–Alpaca Magic USA, Classic Alpacas, Funny Farm Alpacas, and Suri HIlls Alpacas. We went to Alpaca Magic USA because it’s the closest alpaca farm to us. (Distance is always important with small loud children trapped in the back seat!) It is also one of the largest alpaca farms in Florida–the place on Grover Cleveland Blvd with the sign “Our Alpacas are Outstanding in their Field”. We always thought that was clever.

Alpaca at Alpaca Magic USA

There are alpacas all over the place and most of them are friendly–especially when the picnic table you are sitting at is covered with hay. There were a lot of children at the open house and the alpacas were a bit frightened of them but our grandchildren were just as frightened of the animals, so we just sat at the table and let the alpacas come to us–and they did.

Alpaca at Alpaca Magic USA

While alpacas are the main feature, the farm has more to offer. After feeding the adorable creatures, the kids passed up the complimentary open house hot dogs and headed for the farm store. The store is stocked with many items made with the alpacas’ fleece and the kids were happy to discover finger puppets within Grandma’s price range.

After shopping, we went to the Magic Garden which has a nice selection of healthy plants for purchase. There was also a fairy garden which the girls loved.

Fairy Garden at Alpaca Magic USA

When we were back home, they picked out a spot in our yard to put their very own fairy garden. (So now grandpa has to make some fairy houses and grandma needs to find some cheap fairies at the thrift stores!) The girls also decided that their horse tire swing was now an alpaca and named it Ginger Snap. Yeah, I think they had a good time!

Our hosts were friendly and eager to answer all questions. The alpacas are charming and I’d like to take one home but that probably wouldn’t go well with the neighbors. So I’ll just return to an alpaca farm. Alpaca Magic USA is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. A fun Citrus County destination for both adults and children.

Alpaca at Alpaca Magic USA

Withlacoochee State Trail, Ridge Manor Trail Head

September 27, 2013 by KTgreen

If you have been following us on our bicycling adventures this summer, Terry, Maggie, and I have been riding on the Withlacoochee State Trail. (Yawn) We started this journey way back on May 4 at the furthest north trail head at Gulf Junction. It was actually a bit chilly on that first morning’s ride–it hasn’t been like that since! My unrealistic goal was to do the entire trail by October 6—the date of the Rails to Trails Bike Ride. (I totally forgot how freaking hot it is here in the summer) But we’ve been taking on manageable five mile sections on each ride (so that’s like a ten-mile round trip). We were over half-way through the trail when we were sidetracked with other life adventures in August. (That would be grandkids and a drive to North Dakota) We finally made it back to the trail this month, starting our recent trek at the Ridge Manor Trail Head in Hernando County and riding north.

Ridge Manor Trail Head

Maggie at the Withlacoochee State Trail — Maggie’s ready to run!

This section of the trail is very scenic as it goes through the Withlacoochee State Forest. We set out really early, like right after the sun came up and these humongous scary spider webs were glistening with dew in the branches of the trees right above our heads. Very scary. I mean, these spiders could stop a small plane. We also came across a cypress swamp along the trail–can you say alligators, snakes and swamp monsters? This was by far the most beautiful section of the entire trail–only because I like spiders (as long as they don’t get in my hair) and swampy stuff (as long as that swamp monster stay where it belongs.)

Spider Web on Trail — These webs were high in the trees, someone before us already got entangled in the lower webs. Ecccck.

Cypress Swamp — While we didn’t spot any snakes or alligators, they probably spotted us. Kinda creepy.

We have about ten miles left to complete on the trail–south from Ridge Manor to Trilby and also south from the Lake Townsen Park trail head. (We should have done Lake Townsen Park before Ridge Manor but I needed to go to Brooksville so it seemed like a good idea. And I didn’t even get to make my Bville stop because there was a nasty accident under the interstate.) I thought we’d get out to do another five miles this week but it’s been rain, rain, rain and more rain since Sunday. Finally stopped yesterday afternoon but there are still huge clouds hanging around.

So eight more days before the official Rails to Trails Bike Ride. So the question is, how many more miles can we get in? Any bets? Whether we make it or not, Terry and I will still be attending the bike ride next Sunday (the 6th). Watch for more boring pictures and stories from the bike ride the following week!

Terry and Maggie on the trail — Maggie will not be attending the bike ride. She is totally anti-social and told me that she’d rather stay in bed!

Traveling with the Top Down, The Shoppes of Heritage Village

September 16, 2013 by KTgreen

This past weekend we stopped at The Shoppes of Heritage Village in Crystal River for Market Days with Art & Treasures which is held the second Saturday of every month. Crystal River has been stepping up efforts to turn this area into a shopping and dining destination. The city recently purchased an empty piece of property across from Heritage Village and the streets have been updated with quaint street lights, widened sidewalks, and palm trees planted in the median. It’s very attractive and full of potential. I am totally hoping these extra efforts get more people to visit Heritage Village. When I need a unique gift I always head here plus we enjoy getting lunch at the local restaurants. I hate stopping by and finding another one of my favorite places gone!

For instance, this little house has had several lives. I loved the kids store that was there formerly and bought several outfits and toys for my grandkids, but not enough to keep it open. It’s been a produce stand and an antique shop but now it’s an art gallery–Franklin Anderson Gallery. And a really nice art gallery featuring local artists and local scenes. I’m looking forward to attending a reception in the future.

Traveling with the Top Down, Heritage Village

The Cotton Club which has been in Heritage Village since way back when I first started visiting over a decade ago moved for the second time. It’s now across the street from the Heritage House. The new site is holding an Open House on October 18th.

The Mullet Hole Tavern opened a few months ago in the former site of Café on the Ave. I was expecting a “dive” bar with tacky fishing signs but it was quite nice with beautiful décor. The food was good and service was exceptional.

Traveling with the Top Down, Heritage Village

Another new store that I’m excited about is GlassWerx. Offering supplies and classes for stained glass, fused glass and mosaics, they are still setting up in their new shop.

I was happy to see that Dayz Gone By, an antique and collectibles shop, that was new the last time I visited was still here and had more stock. Heritage House, the “heart” of the village was crammed with new items–and shoppers. There are several other shops that I didn’t get a chance to visit. But if you need anything, from kayaks to cupcakes to the latest fashion, it is here. This is what shopping local is all about!

Barring bad weather, our next “Top Down” travel will be to Inverness on Friday night, September 20th for Friday Night Thunder–a classic car show. If you see us, stop by and say hi!