Around 800 manatees seek refuge in the warm springs of Crystal River, Florida every winter.

Florida is known for making dreams come true. And while many associate Orlando with vacation magic (Hello, Disney!), a lesser-known destination about an hour and a half northwest brings the same levels of memorable awe—with much less planning and hassle.

Crystal River, Florida, is home to just over 3,000 residents, but it's the town's aquatic population—manatees in particular—that make the tiny town truly special. Every winter, around 800 manatees seek refuge in the warm waters of Crystal River's Kings Bay and its 70 natural springs. From November through March, visitors and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world flock to the quiet Old Florida town to snag face time with the gentle giants. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, located in Kings Bay, is one of the few places in the world, and the only place in the country, where you can legally swim with the spud-shaped mammals.

While manatees are the main attraction in Crystal River, they're far from the only reason to visit. In summer months, locals and visitors love scalloping, the underwater equivalent of a giant Easter egg hunt. The city's charming downtown shops, Buffet-esque Tiki bars, and excellent seafood restaurants are a draw year-round.

There are several ways to see the majestic sea cows in the Manatee Capital of the World. The National Wildlife Refuge hosts dozens of licensed operators who will take you out on their boat and provide everything you need for an optimal encounter, from wetsuits and snorkels to expert navigation through all the manatees' favorite springs and hideouts. Outfitters like River Ventures and Crystal River Watersports offer 3-hour swim with manatee tours starting at just $65. Pro tip: Book your tour for early morning for the best chance of spotting them. Manatees are most active searching for food in the morning hours.

If you'd rather stay dry, a clear-bottom kayak tour of Three Sisters Springs and the surrounding area gets you as close to the action as possible with no towel required. Get Up and Go Kayaking can help you embark on an epic paddling adventure in winding turquoise canals shaded by a dense canopy of palms, ferns, and Spanish moss-covered live oaks. Don't be surprised if you see other wildlife like dragonflies, turtles, fish, and ospreys while you keep an eye out for clusters of manatees munching on sea grass.

Though winter is peak manatee-viewing season in Crystal River, summer brings the opportunity for another magical activity: scalloping. July through September is scalloping season in Crystal River. During those months, locals and visitors take to the seas to catch their own dinner—with no rod or reel required. Instead, individuals grab a snorkel mask and dive three to six feet to the shallow eelgrass flats in search of tiny fan-shaped shells. Inside are super succulent bay scallops. Once you've filled your bag, take your bounty to a local restaurant where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor through popular "cook your catch" programs.

For more wildlife encounters, check out Hunters Springs Park, a public park complete with a small beach, swimming area, canoe and kayak launch, and a boardwalk along the waterway that's ideal for bird spotting. At Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge, you can't get in the water, but you can get an overhead view of manatees from a boardwalk system overlooking the gorgeous natural springs.

When it's time to clean up, head to Crystal River's historic downtown. Walk along the newly opened Kings Bay Riverwalk that connects King's Bay to downtown's many shops and restaurants. There, along North Citrus Avenue, you'll find tons to explore, from the locally owned Coastal Art Gallery to Tea House 650, an artisan loose-leaf tea shop and café. The Shoppes of Heritage Village encompass several boutiques, shops, and restaurants housed in renovated Cracker cottages.

Where to Eat

Crystal River may be small but that doesn't mean the town is short on great places to eat. Start your morning at Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters with a cup of hot joe and a breakfast sandwich, toast, or housemade pastry. Grab lunch or dinner with a view at Crackers Bar and Grill, a laidback waterfront eatery where you can watch for manatees and dolphins as you dine on fresh seafood and another local specialty—deep-fried alligator bites. Weekends bring live music and plenty of drink specials. For an upscale dining experience, head to Vintage on 5th. The restaurant is housed in a cozy 1940s church that oozes old-world charm. Menu items range from fresh Gulf grouper and Cioppino to veal chops and roasted duckling. The restaurant earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for having an outstanding wine collection for six consecutive years.

Where to Stay

After long days on the water, you'll need a comfortable place to rest your head at night. The Plantation on Crystal River delivers in that department and several more. Just a 15-minute walk from the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the 232-acre resort offers well-appointed rooms and private one-bedroom villas with kitchenettes and living rooms. The resort also features an outdoor lagoon pool, 27-hole golf course, two restaurants, a poolside Tiki bar, and a spa. But this isn't a resort that encourages you to never leave the property. Nearly every water excursion imaginable (snorkeling, boating, fishing, scalloping, kayaking, and swimming with manatees) is available for embarkation directly from the resort.

Want to feel like a local? Book one of three rooms at the Retreat at Crystal Manatee, a small family-owned hotel located in the heart of Crystal River. The cottage-style hotel's surrounding tropical gardens elicit the coveted "ahhh" response you only get on vacation.

Crystal River, aka the "Manatee Capital of the World," is situated on the Western coast of Florida, about 1 1/2 hours north of Tampa. It's home to bathtub-like 72° to 74° F Gulf water, sparkling lakes, amazing fishing ops, and some of the best cycling trails. Plus, it just so happens to be the one and only spot in all of North America where you can do something quite extraordinary, active, and healthy! At King's Bay and Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, you can legit take a mind relaxing, amazing swim with manatees. "That means, look, but don't touch," explains Discover Crystal River Florida.

Anywhere from 500 to 1,000 of these exquisite mammals migrate to this part of Florida during the winter months, and up to 100 manatees stay in the area all year long. (We don't blame them!) Known to be slow-moving, gentle, and quite docile, a dip alongside these beauties is the ultimate experience of a lifetime. Read on to learn more about your upcoming swim with manatees, and next, be sure to check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Note that this active experience would follow a brief instruction on how to (and how not to) interact with these adorable creatures. Again, feel free to observe them along your swim, but do not touch. "Touching, disturbing, or otherwise harassing these protected creatures can get you a citation," is something Discover Crystal River Florida stresses. Having the best manners throughout the experience is key as you hang out with these cute manatees and soak up the all-around incredible experience.

Some fun facts about these magnificent, peaceful creatures? According to Visit Florida, this endangered species consumes aquatic plants—in fact, as much as 10 to 15% of their body weight each day. They come up for air while moving around about twice each minute. But while they're catching some Z's, these big guys only surface around every 20 minutes.

Why should this spectacular adventure be a priority on your bucket list? Well, aside from making memories and taking pictures unlike many others, the activity is really healthy for you. Research has proven that interaction with animals brings on a plethora of goodness. The benefits include a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, loneliness, and even death. It's shown to provide some solid emotional support, too.

When it comes to the benefits of spending time frolicking with manatees? Well, studies show that mammals thrive best near humans. And it works the other way around as well. Humans are better when close to the biodiversity of wildlife in close proximity.

Besides, swimming in the sea is proven to be amazing for you. It's an excellent "feel-good" kind of exercise. When you swim, your brain releases endorphins, which help give your mind a positive boost, relieving any stress or discomfort you may have. The activity also increases the blood flow to your brain, which will improve your memory, overall focus, and cognitive ability. Taking a dip in the sea can also enhance your strength and endurance, and it's been linked to incredible healing properties for your skin.

Best of all? By jumping into the fun, you'll feed what's known as your "Blue Mind." Research has found an ocean jaunt can work wonders on your body and your mind, creating an inner peacefulness and calmness. Since the human body is made up of around 70% water, research has found our brains react in all good ways when near water (via Quartz).

Author of Blue Mind, marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, explains to Quartz that one's body and mind react so positively when in or near the water. The sea has special powers that can help lower anxiety, make you happier and calmer, provide a greater sense of wellness, and more. Nichols reveals these benefits indicate swimming in the sea can often boost your brain's neurochemicals. The result? A more physically fit, happier, calmer, and healthier version of you.

Be right back—we're putting on our swimsuits for a date with some pretty sweet manatees!

At its upcoming meeting, Crystal River City Council will get a look at the logo for the city’s 100th birthday, hear about the next budget’s creation, vote on replacing and reading water meters within a private community, and learn about proposed rules for Hunters Springs Park.

Council members call to order at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, at City Hall, 123 NW U.S. 19, Crystal River.

For more information about the city council meetings and how to watch them live online, visit crystalriver fl.org/meetings.

City staff on Monday will introduce council to a series of proposed rules to crack down at the city’s Hunter Springs Park.

Council won’t vote to enact these measures until a public hearing on July 11.

Currently, according to city staff, Crystal River code does not have sufficient regulations for the waterfront park at the end of Northeast First Avenue to provide visitors there with a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here’s a summary of what city staff is proposing to enact for Hunter Springs Park:

Nobody is allowed to put up either a canopy, tent or shade structure at the park unless they’re permitted by the city to do so. Beach umbrellas four feet or less in diameter, along with infant shade structures, are permitted. Neither a permitted shade structure or umbrella can obstruct an official’s view of the park or adjoining waters, and must be removed at the request of authorities.

Fishing isn’t allowed anywhere in the park or its shoreline.

People aren’t allowed to either jump or dive from the boardwalk, or climb on it.

Smoking isn’t allowed except in the designated area on the opposite side of Northeast First Avenue.

Feeding, removing or molesting wildlife isn’t allowed.

Cooking is only allowed on city grills, which may be used to cook on with just charcoal.

Open fires and frying of any kind are not permitted.

Toys and sports equipment that fire or discharge projectiles aren’t allowed.

Activities or sports that pose a hazard to people at the park aren’t allowed. This includes throwing sand, hardballs, softballs, footballs, frisbees, boomerangs and other objects.

Children 12 years old and younger must be supervised.

Commercial activity within the park isn’t allowed there’s city approval.

Oversized vehicles – like trucks, trailers, motorhomes or vehicles that occupy more than one parking space – are not permitted at the park. Vehicles parked inside the park after hours will be subject to towing at owner’s expense.

Anyone found inside the park after it’s closed shall be considered trespassers.

Council to vote on contract with Crystal River Village to replace, read water meters

As Crystal River replaces its outdated water meters citywide, city staff would like council to set up a contractual arrangement with the Crystal River Village to replace and take ownership of meters at the mobile-home community off of Southeast Eighth Avenue.

While Crystal River Village privately maintains its utility system, the city provides the neighborhood with water passing through a master meter.

Individual tenants behind the master meter are also each served thru separate meters, but, according to the city, it’s unclear who installed and owns those residential meters.

Nonetheless, the city has historically read the residential meters and billed the individual tenants for water, sewer and garbage collection without there being a contract to do so.

If council on Monday approves the proposed contract with CH Realty IX-Legacy MHC, the city will install new water meters, read them, and bill the residents directly.

In exchange, according to the city, Crystal River Village ownership will pay the city the costs associated with meter reading, billing and staff time, as well as assume the debt of tenants.

Council to vote on $31,167 for maintenance overage of city’s water, sewer system

Council on Monday will vote on whether to pay U.S. Water Services Corporation $31,167 for expenditures that surpassed the city’s $100,000 cap to cover maintenance and repair costs for its water and sewer system during the 2021-22 fiscal year.

According to the city, the $100,000 cap amount provided in its contract with U.S. Water is an estimate established at the start of the fiscal year for budgetary purposes.

If the actual maintenance and repair fees reconciled at the end of each fiscal year are less than the cap amount, U.S. Water must rebate the difference. However, U.S. Water is to invoice the city if costs surpass the cap. In this case, the city owes U.S. Water $31,167.

U.S. Water agreed to a city staff request to waive its 15 percent markup on the $31,167 overage because it failed to secure prior authorization for the expenses exceeding the maintenance cap.

City Manager Ken Frink will present council with an update on staff’s draft of the city’s budgets for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

For more information about city budgets, visit crystalriverfl.org/finance/page/annual-budgets.

City staff will show council the design of the Crystal River centennial logo developed by the Crystal River Centennial Celebration Committee. The Florida Legislature incorporated Crystal River as a municipality on July 3, 1923 – 20 years after Crystal River was founded as a town.

Committee members are also working to promote and encourage participation in the city’s centennial celebrations, which are expected to begin in early 2023, culminating in a main event slated for July 3 and 4.

Council will vote on a motion seeking to remit $20,000 to Citrus County to fund the city’s share of the maintenance efforts by Save Crystal River (SCR) for the King’s Bay Restoration Project.

In an effort to reduce the risks of duplicity, along with maximize effectiveness, it’s being suggested the manager of the county’s contract with SCR also manage the city’s share of the maintenance fund, instead of having separate contract with SCR.

It was bravo! Bravo! Bravo! for the Valerie Theatre Players production of the classic “On Gold Pond” this past weekend.

Written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Harry Lewis, the cast and crew received a much-deserved standing ovation including hugs all around for the players.

The portrayals of the characters brought to life in the 1981 Hollywood version – Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda – was devoid of the depth of insight the Valerie Players embraced and gifted us with in each scene as the play unfolded.

Through it all, Timmy Spence was the authentic Norman, ever the quick wit, ready to mess with the mind, obsessed with thought-provoking quips to those he encounters in his twilight journey of life. His great, uncanny observations neatly targeting family and friends as he is corrected line by line. Why be morose when you can bring on the laughs, the uncontrollable giggles which were continuous?

Holly Sherwood as Ethel perfected her character’s role with the timing, pulling out all of the stops including patience, loyalty, one-upmanship when Norman’s stubborn nature was revealed. Unassuming love describes Sherwood’s portrayal.

Felicia Shewbart as daughter Chelsea was spot-on from scene to scene as an unwanted, unloved, unappreciated daughter, to the ultimate revelation that love was the gift given and received by her and her father.

Her grasp of the character of Chelsea from using the name “Norman” to “Daddy” at the end brought tears to many, I’m certain.

Freedom as Charlie, the laughing mailman and former love interest of Chelsea, was portrayed with enthusiasm that was contagious for the audience as well as his fellow players on stage. Kudos to Freedom. Tackle another role soon!

Alan Stewart as Bill Ray was perfectly cast as Chelsea’s boyfriend-husband. His character called for him to be undaunted with the needling by Norman until it reached the boiling point that called for his fierce standoff. Bravo, Alan, bravo!

Wil Wigge as Billy Ray Jr. portrayed his father’s son with the quiet strength that comes from beneath the surface of a child-parent relationship as it developed with Norman as well. His appeals was heartwarming as it revealed their commonality.

Kudos to the support team:

Leanne St. Marie was the telephone operator and stage manager.

Director Harry Lewis’ unique skill brought forth the depth of characterization needed, with the help of Rex Young, assistant.

John Koch was set coordinator, with the unsung heroes working with cloak of darkness to change the properties for the next scene.

Michele Wildey for her appealing graphic designs.

Janet Torcello, set dresser, which revealed her skill in placing us there in the New England summer cottage of the Thayers.

Tim Stuart, who provided the behind-the-scenes technical coordination from scene to scene, building upon our eventual good feelings we experienced when there was a happy ending.

Other observations

The Valerie Players professionally brought the depth of humor and pathos to “On Golden Pond” lovingly and with immense dedication.

Lines that will linger as we experience the twilight time of our personal journey of life:

Norman’s rocking chair line to Ethel: “You’re old. I’m ancient.”

Ethel to Norman: “You have a fascination with dying.”

Ethel swooning over the loons and singing the “On Gold Pond” song.

When Norman says he can’t make out what the loons are saying, proving there is a definite portal of recognition of reality to those experiencing dementia.

Norman’s reading the ads for possible employment opportunities, such as chauffeur or ice cream truck driver.

The berry picking scenes along the old country road brought memories of my childhood, picking wild strawberries dressed in my cousin’s overalls. Although proper young girls wore dresses and skirts, not pants, I didn’t want the briars to snag me along the West Virginia mountain paths of my youth.

Norman’s frustration when he couldn’t remember the way to the old country road berry path when turning back empty handed, throwing down his pail, revealing even more the frustrations we as patients or caregivers have as the condition of dementia progresses.

The laughter Charley evoked as a lifelong friend of the Thayers revealed how endearing it is for us to continue in our prayers and kindness helping any way we can our family and friends experiencing dementia.

Norman explaining away his empty bucket with “I must have eaten them” and saying he didn’t want to die before his time from hunger.

Ethel sharing her pies and biscuits with Charley and Chelsea lovingly and her Toll House cookies with Billy Ray Jr.

When Charlie delivers a package of prescription medicine, Norman says,

“What a pleasant surprise.”

Chelsea’s visit revealing the unresolved tension that has been built up over the years, and how Chelsea had similar traits of her father that she’d kept inside for fear of reprimand, fearing she didn’t measure up to his expectations.

Norman’s reaction to Chelsea’s dentist husband Bill, saying “Do you want to see my teeth?” and saying he was 103 when asked how old he was, showing how a patient thinks others probably think of them.

Norman tenderly saying he was afraid he would never see Ethel’s pretty face again when he was lost reveals how dependent those with dementia become with those who love them.

Norman saying “I need a last hurrah,” revealing how we feel nearing our journey’s end.

Norman’s love of “The Swiss Family Robinson” and sharing the book with Billy Ray Jr. and having him read the first chapter and give a report revealing how we need to choose to simplify.

Ethel remarking that Billy is the happiest thing that has happened to Norman since Roosevelt.

Finally, Norman and Chelsea are alone and she tells him “let’s talk about us ... I want to say I’m sorry.” Norman responds with “I didn’t think we were mad, I thought we just didn’t like each other.”

Chelsea and Bill invite Norman and Ethel to come for a visit in California, where it is always summer, and they agree.

Finally, “I love you.” “I love you, too.”

Thank you, Valerie Players, it was a blast.

Ruth Levins participates in a variety of projects around the community. Let her know about your group’s upcoming activities by writing to P.O. Box 803, Crystal River, FL 34423.

It seems like everything is getting the Safari treatment nowadays, Porsches, vans, pickup trucks, you name it. But what about a good ol' drop to the ground? Cars are still getting lowered with bags or hydraulics, sure, but it's not every day you see a Winnebago RV with a fully custom suspension dragging its frame. That's the idea Rob Stapleton and Ryan Lowther are chasing at their shop, Demon Motorsports, in Crystal River, Florida.

After sitting around in someone's yard for two decades, the duo bought the Winnebago in May 2021 specifically for this ambitious project. I personally would not have ventured inside the thing when they first bought it—the hot and humid Florida weather didn't do the small RV any favors—but despite a very nasty interior it has cleaned up quite nicely. Its new floor, seats, and other fixings are cool, but they fail to highlight the coolest and most important work that's been done to it: the custom hydraulic suspension.

This Winnebago now features a triangulated solid rear axle with custom control arms and the work is all beautifully done. This isn't your typical booger-welded SEMA contraption, this is the Real Deal. Even the steering, an area which is often neglected on dramatically lowered cars, has been done beautifully and professionally here. All of this work is, unfortunately, hidden underneath the shockingly quadrilateral shell of a vintage Winnebago, but that's kind of the point. Nobody expects a slammed RV.

The entire build has been chronicled in the Facebook group Bad Ass Classic Winnebagos and Vintage RVs, but also in a series of YouTube videos on Stapelton's channel. In the clips, he details every part of the Winnebago restomod process. They are all worth watching just to witness the problem-solving associated with slamming an RV as well as the skill of the fabrication.

The build isn't complete yet—it's already taken a few years to get to this point—but the plan is to bring the completed Winnebago to this year's SEMA show in Nov. 2022. This gives the duo only four-plus months to get the build done, which is not a lot of time for a project like this. Judging by Lowther's enthusiasm for the project, though, the whole deal will be done in time for the show. The big challenge after that will be getting it from Florida to Las Vegas. At least they'll have a place to sleep!

Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: peter@thedrive.com