Island Bar and Grill

April 30, 2013 by KTgreen

Local Places, Local Faces

Let’s go on an adventure. To Ozello. A wonderful windy drive in a sports car or motorcycle. And a beautiful view. While we are on our adventure, let’s stop for a late lunch. Normally, we’d stop at Pecks Old Port Cove. Yum! But this time we were with friends Paul and Sue—in their van—and they like to try obscure bars and restaurants. Kind of like that show on the Food Network “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives”. So we went to the Island Bar and Grill on Ozello Trail. Fun!

Now a reporter would have got the whole story about this place. But I’m just an observer. So here’s what I observed. Crazy fun décor. A very cool tiki bar in the middle of a former convenience store. Friendly server, cook, and kitchen guy.

Terry had wings. Yum! He loved them–especially since they were dry rub. I had jalapeño poppers. Double Yum! Both Sue and I also got the deep-fried fish sandwich. (I can feel my arteries clogging!) Paul had the shrimp basket—fried, of course. And island bar beer is only $1.00 all the time. Seriously. They even have free wireless.

So my advice, next time you are looking for a culinary adventure and a fun drive, stop at Island Bar and Grill. Maybe Guy Fieri will be there!

Fishing Tournaments in Old Homosassa

April 19, 2013 by KTgreen

Besides great restaurants and bars, Old Homosassa is known for its fishing. Living within a mile of Old Homosassa, we visit MacRae’s and Homosassa Riverside Resort quite often. Terry, Maggie, and I also enjoy riding our bikes to the county boat ramps and watching anglers setting out in their boats.

This is the season for fishing tournaments, the weather is great and the fish are biting, even if you don’t choose to be in one, it’s fun to watch the anglers set out plus there are usually special events besides fishing.

The 7^thannual m-m-m-Mel Tillis and Friends Fishing tournament was held successfully last weekend with net proceeds donated to the Shriners Hospitals For Children.

There are two big fishing tournaments coming up in Old Homosassa. The first is on April 27^th and 28^th. The Citrus County Builders Association’s 18^th Annual Family Fishing Tournament held in conjunction with and The Annual Aaron Monier Youth Tournament sponsored by Youth Partner Coastal Conservation Association-Citrus hosted by the Homosassa Riverside Resort. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Aaron A Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The second is the 29^th Annual Cobia Big Fish Tournament at MacRae’s of Homosassa on June 8th and 9th. Terry actually took part in this a few years ago. There are a crazy amount of boats, all headed out to get that big fish. Some of the proceeds from this tournament go to Homosassa Elementary, Citrus Abuse Shelter Association, Citrus United Basket, Boys & Girls Club, area servicemen overseas, Daystar Life Center, Homosassa Baptist Church, and their scholarship fund for Central Florida Community College.

We intend to be there taking photos of the tournaments and supporting these worthy causes. Check it out!

Heritage Village in Crystal River

April 9, 2013April 9, 2013 by KTgreen

Local Places, Local Faces

Jessica’s wedding is in a few weeks and most of my recent adventures in Citrus County have been meeting with caterers, discussing prices with tent people, and checking out queries from our out-of-state guests “exactly where is this rental house?” (There are a lot of houses for short-term rent in the Old Homosassa area!)

Last week I was headed off to a bridal shower in far-far away and totally unprepared. No gift for the bride or even the groom’s parents and I’m staying at their house! Between packing and blogging I decided that I needed to squeeze in some shopping. So I headed to Heritage Village in Crystal River—twenty minutes away and I knew I’d find the perfect present.

I love Heritage Village. I’m all about shopping local and they have all these unique stores and cafes. I love that the owners are there and greet me like they know me. I’m excited when a new place opens and disappointed when a shop closes. I think the owners do a great job marketing the place. I bring my guests here, especially on Market Days when we can get fresh produce and check out some local artists. I just wish more Citrus County residents would shop here so my favorite places wouldn’t be in danger of disappearing!

Heritage Village in Crystal River — A bike decorating contest was held in Heritage Village a while back and a few of the bikes are still there.

On this trip I was on a limited time budget and my objective was Heritage House, the heart of Heritage Village, to buy a unique gift.

Mission accomplished and I had a few minutes to peruse La-Te-Da’s and the Cotton Club. (A girl can’t have too many clothes—especially with a wedding coming up. ) Then I saw a new shop, Dayz Gone By, that has both new and old wares that I quickly looked through.

Time was up and had to get to an appointment so I didn’t have time to go to Just a Cupcake to turn in my card for a free birthday cupcake—I’ll save that for after the wedding and dieting is over!

Also had to skip Backporch Garden Wine and Tea bar where I usually enjoy a glass of iced tea. I’ll be back!

Heritage Village in Crystal River