Traveling with the Top Down

Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological State Park

October 21, 2013October 21, 2013 by KTgreen

We’ve been cruising around Crystal River for the last few weekends–enjoying the weather and the view. Most state parks in Florida allow dogs so this past Saturday we decided to check out some of those parks and took Maggie along. Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological Park

First stop, Churchhouse Hammock Boardwalk which is right across the street from the Crystal River Mall. We walked on a really wide boardwalk that’s about 1/3 mile in length and goes through the forest. Maggie was quite sure that something scary was in the woods and wanted to go back the entire time so Terry ended up carrying her. Won’t be taking the pooch back to that trail!

Churchhouse Hammock Trail — I read somewhere (probably on the Internet) that if you have a fat dog, you don’t get enough exercise. Not true–Maggie is a chunky monkey but we ALL get lots of exercise. I’m sure she has a thyroid problem….or a metabolism issue!

The Crystal River Archeological Park was our main destination. There’s a lot of Native Americans buried here. I don’t have a lot of details because we couldn’t go in the visitor center but I have to confess that we’ve lived her over 10 years and have no excuse for not visiting this local treasure before this. But we’ll be back! The grounds were very well maintained and there are areas for grilling and picnicking. Fishing is allowed plus it’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Indian Mound, — These are the stairs to one of the burial mounds. No way will Maggie be able to get up these steps.

Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological Park — Whaaaaat! OMG Chunky Monkey is running!

Indian Mound, Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological Park — View from the Top of the Mound

Our final stop was at the Crystal River Preserve State Park Visitor Center.

Another beautiful spot on the Crystal River. And, once again, we couldn’t go in but we were happy to walk the grounds and love the river.

There’s a native plant garden. Not sure what this tree is, but it was this one was real PURTY!

So, in conclusion, there are a lot of places for us still to discover in the state park system in Citrus County. Like sunset boat rides and ecological tours and many more trails. We’ll be back. But maybe not with Maggie, we have some small people in our family that might appreciate it a little bit more than the pooch!

Traveling with the Top Down, New Smyrna Beach

October 15, 2013October 15, 2013 by KTgreen

24 hours in New Smyrna Beach

JB's Fish Camp — Lunch at JB’s Fish Camp, Blackened Grouper

Egret on the beach — Egret wanting to share our lunch.

Traveling with the Top Down, New Smryna Beach — Windy and Cool day

DAtlantic Bistro, Traveling with the Top Down, New Smryna Beach — Dinner at Atlantic Bistro

Morning on the Beach — Good Morning Sun!

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!