@Crystal River - home(s) of Manatees*

Crystal River is at the heart of the Nature Coast of Florida. The city is situated around Kings Bay, which is spring-fed so it keeps a constant 72 °F temperature year round. A cluster of 50 springs designated as a first-magnitude (about 64 million gallons of water per day discharge) system feeds Kings Bay. Because of this discharge amount, the Crystal River Springs group is the second largest springs group in Florida, the first being Wakulla Springs. Kings Bay can be home to over 400 manatees during the winter when the water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico cools. It is only place in the United States where people can legally interact with them in their natural conditions - legally.

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Crystal River has been a 'pass by quick and shoot' town for us on the way to Mississippi. In the center of the town (on Rt 19) we always see shoppers walking and stopping in several shops. Heritage Village is worth browsing the shops. It consists of many Unique Gift and Specialty Shoppes, a Tea Bar and BubbaQue's. The historic downtown is considered a Cracker town, and has the reputation of a Fisherman Village from the past. Note to file - we need to explore further downtown Grystal River and its historic areas.

Photo Ops:

• Heritage Village Shops & People
• Manatees are 3-Sisters State Park

Resources: 
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_River,_Florida
Shopping ... www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com/
Things To do ... vacationidea.com/florida/best-things-to-do-in-crystal-river-fl.html