An afternoon in Crystal River

Our second-to-last Florida day stage brought us to Crystal River with a small detour to Clearwater Beach. The area around Crystal River is also called the Manatee Coast. Artesian springs feed the Crystal River, which has a constant water temperature of around 22 degrees all year round. The manatees (or in good German: manatees – but that sounds so rude) appreciate this and spend the “cold” winter months in these waters.

The tourist highlight is, of course, diving together with the manatees. I would have loved to do that too, but since we only had one afternoon and I hadn’t bothered to make a reservation in advance, we looked for an equally animalistic alternative program.

First, we visited the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. A 20-minute boat ride takes you across the wilderness to the zoo, where many native animals can be admired. In the park, injured manatees are also nursed back to health and right next door the manatess can be observed in the wild (the photos show “wild” manatees ;)). I’ve already regretted a bit that I didn’t take care of possible diving options earlier.

Afterwards we drove on to the Crystal River Archeological State Park, which is located directly on the river. Here, pyramid-shaped temple, residential and burial mounds of Indians (there is a presumption that there was a connection to Mayan culture here) can be visited, although “visited” promises a bit too much – it is more of an “intuition” :). Nevertheless, it is worth a visit, as you can enjoy a great view over the Crystal River from the temple hill.

For dinner, I was even able to cross off an item on the to-do list. For me, a visit to America includes at least one dinner at Applebee’s. Yes, Applebee’s is a chain and yes, I still think these restaurants are great. I can’t rationally justify this – dare to test it yourself! Applebee’s is typically located directly on the expressway, Suncoast Boulevard, opposite a small airport and cannot be overlooked.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Crystal River (booked on booking.com – paid: 97 dollars/room for one night). Highly recommended hotel. Only the breakfast included in the price was not so much of a hit.