Heritage Village in Crystal River

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. 

Heritage Village in Crystal River
These adorable aprons are typical of the unique items at the Heritage House.

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.

Heritage Village in Crystal River
New Shop Dayz Gone By has old and new wares.

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! 

Heritage Village in Crystal River
Bakery and Cafe, Yum!

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

Cocktail Cruise

Spring is actually here and I think it might be staying.  Weather was wonderful and the water was high so we went out on a cocktail cruise this week.

Cocktail Cruise
Even my yard is greening up. And all the trees are lovely!
Cocktail Cruise
More palm trees are loosing their fronds. I’ve heard two theories, the first is from salt water incursion, the second is disease.  I think disease since the marsh has always been brackish.

Cocktail Cruise

Cocktail Cruise
Turned the boat around and headed back, the view on Mason Creek
Cocktail Cruise
The bridge we don’t go under.  Because there are trolls.
Cocktail Cruise
This is the place that Lauri, Alan, Kathryn and Darin are renting during the Jubilee!
Cocktail Cruise
Diesel is guarding his property. Or wanting to go with us!

Looking forward to more cocktail cruises and fishing!

 

 

It’s Spring!

The best time of the year in Florida.  Well, at least that’s my opinion.

We had a really mild winter but the month of March has been crazy cold on some days and beautiful on others.  I don’t go out when it’s under 60.  Seriously, that’s cold!  But on those nice days I’ve been in the yard and gardens working and taking pictures, of course!

Here’s a few snaps from my bird feeders,

It's Spring!
Northern Cardinal
I think that these are two female or immature male American Goldfinches.  Could be wrong.  But I was trying to get a picture of a beautiful bird with yellow body and black wings which was definitely an American Goldfinch. These two look just like the bright one, just a little duller.
I was trying to get a picture of a beautiful American Goldfinch that would not hold still for me.  These two showed up a little later and posed very nicely.  They look just like the American Goldfinch but not as bright so I’m guessing they are two female or immature male American Goldfinches. I’m waiting for an opinion from my Audubon buddy.
It's Spring!
Tufted Titmouse (whoever came up with that name?)

The hummingbirds came back this week.  Or maybe they’ve been here but I just remembered to put up the feeder.  They wouldn’t hold still for a photo moment, though.

And one final picture for today…

It's Spring!
This squirrel came down to ask me when I would be planting tomatoes. I told her ‘never mind little missy, no tomatoes for your dining pleasure this year!’