I recently started a regular feature called “Canada Shorts” for people who want travel tips but don’t have a lot of time. I also posted a “Europe Shorts” item on the weekend that was focused on Lisbon, Portugal. Today I’ll start my “Florida Shorts” item with a look at the top things to see and do near Crystal River, a lovely, natural part of The Sunshine State. CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA – The main attraction in this area a couple hours north of Tampa is the fresh spring water that bubbles up from the Florida limestone, creating crystal-clear creeks and rivers. Read more
swimming with manatees
CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA – It’s late afternoon and I’m nursing a cup of coffee on the patio outside my room at the Plantation on Crystal River. It’s mostly cloudy but I can see some breaks off to the west. The lazy person in me wants to stay and drink my coffee. The photographer in me says, “Hey, sunset!” The photographer wins. I walk out to my rental car and make the 15-minute drive out to Fort Island Beach, a pretty spot on the Gulf of Mexico. I’m expecting maybe a handful of folks on a Sunday night, but I find Read more
