Traveling with the Top Down, The Shoppes of Heritage Village

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.

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.

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!