HISTORY
Crystal River (the river itself) used to be called Weewahiiaca, from the Creek language wewa, which means “water,” and haiyayaka, which means “clear.” That was during the first half of the 19th century. The river is six to seven miles in length, and is filled by some 30 springs. It is joined by Kings Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the river is Crystal River, the city of the same name.
Even before the European colonization epoch, native people were aware of the resources that the Crystal River area had. They left evidences of their existence, which were unearthed and made available for the tourists at the Crystal River State Archaeological Site. Mounds near the river are still in sight, many of which can be seen by cruising boaters.
Crystal River, the river, is located near the town of the same name. The river and the town is located in Citrus County.
GETTING THERE
Crystal River, the city of Citrus County, is approximately two hour’s drive from Tampa/St. Petersburg. This city is located on the Crystal River river.
WEATHER
Average minimum temperature of Crystal River is 40.7°F (February), and average maximum temperature is 92.4°F (August).
WHAT TO WEAR
During summer months, it is advisable to wear light-colored and cool clothing, especially those made from cotton. Women can wear skirts and cool sundresses. Flip flops are definitely something to bring. If you plan to stay outdoors for longer hours, bring along a hat, a pair of shades for eye protection, and apply a generous amount of sunblock with a high SPF, applying every 2 to 3 hours.
When on business meetings, wear appropriate clothing made of light-colored and cool materials. For night outs, it is advisable to wear appropriate outfits.
During the rainy seasons, be sure to have a jacket or sweatshirt. Same goes for non-rainy days but with cooler nights.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
From strolling in parks peacefully to having the time of your life in kayaking, Crystal River has it. Here are some of those attractions that guests and locals can try.
*Native Vacations, Inc.
2880 N. Seabreeze Pt. Crystal River, FL 34429
Phone: (866) 466-2848, Fax: 352-746-0120
http://www.nativevacations.com
*Manatees In Paradise – Private Tour
1223 N. Circle Drive Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 563-0865
http://www.manateesinparadise.com
*Bird’s Underwater
320 N.W. Hwy. 19 Crystal River, FL 34428
Phone: (352) 563-2763, Fax: (352) 563-6429
http://www.birdsunderwater.com/
*A Crystal River Kayak Company
1420 SE Hwy 19 Crystal River, FL 34429
Phone: (352) 795-2255, Fax: (352) 795-1186
http://crystalriverkayakcompany.com/index.html
*Crystal Lodge Dive Center
525 Northwest 7th Avenue Crystal River, FL 34428
Phone: (352) 795-6798, Fax: (352) 795-9510
http://www.manatee-central.com/
*American Pro Diving Center
821 Southeast Highway 19 Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 563-0041
http://www.americanprodiving.com/
*Fort Island Trail Park
12073 W. Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429
Phone: (352) 527-7540, Fax: (352) 527-7541
http://www.bocc.citrus.fl.us/commserv/commrec/parksrec/parks/ft_isl_park/fip_park.jsp?PARKID=19
FISHING
Crystal River is such a great area for anglers to enjoy a lot of fishes. Listed here are some of the fishes that excited anglers might encounter on their adventures.
*redfish
*trout
*cobia
* grouper
*tarpon
BEST MONTHS TO FISH
The redfish tends to be present the whole year, while the other species are seasonal.
*redfish – all year round
*trout – seasonal
*cobia – seasonal
*grouper – seasonal
*tarpon – seasonal
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING
The following are the most appropriate outfit when going for a fish:
- hat
- sunglasses
- light long sleeves, cool light-colored cotton outfits
- jacket or other rain gear
- boat shoes
- sun screen with high SPF
The following should also be in your A-list:
- camera
- cooler
- water or your preferred beverages
- food
- medicine kit
ROOM & ACCOMMODATION
Crystal River, the river, is located near the town of the same name. Here are some of the accomodations which guests can lounge into before going out.
*Plantation Golf Resort & Spa
9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 795-4211
*Best Western Crystal River Resort
614 Northwest Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 795-3171
*Days Inn Crystal River
2380 NW Highway-19, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 795-2111
*Quality Inn Crystal River
4486 North Suncoast Boulevard, US 19 N, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 563-1500
*King’s Bay Lodge
506 NW 1st Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 795-2850
*Econo Lodge
2575 North US 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 795-9447
*Holiday Inn Express Crystal River
1203 NE 5th Street, Crystal River, FL 34429
(877) 859-5095
WHERE TO DINE
For guests and locals wanting to thirst their gastronomic desires in beautiful Crystal River, they can opt to dine in any of the restaurants listed below.
*Vintage on 5th
114 NE 5th Street, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 794-0004
*Highlander Cafe
638 North Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428-3968
(352) 563-0028
*Thai Phoon
238 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 795-1774
*Pecks Old Port Cove
139 North Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 795-2806
*Burkes of Ireland
564 N. Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 795-0956
*Mr. King Chinese Restaurant
471 N.E. 1st. Terrace, Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 564-2448
*Cravings on The Water
614 Northwest US Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 795-2027