City of Crystal River

Crystal River is just a place I hear about, or simply drive thru in order to get to where I’m going. This past weekend, La Chica and I spontaneously decided to get on U.S. 19 and head north to Cedar Key. However, our travel plans were diverted when the Citrus Avenue traffic signal stopped us and forced us to take a gander at what Crystal River had to offer. Looking to left, we saw an Irish pub swirling with activity, and what looked like a quaint, old school downtown district lined with shops and restaurants. Intrigued, we decided to investigate. That closer look evolved into drinks at The Wine Shop, dinner at Fat Cat Grill, more drinks at Mickey’s and lodging at the Holiday Inn Express, all of which I have written individual reviews for.
Cedar Key would have to wait until tomorrow.
The city is a lot more expansive than I had realized. I honestly just thought it was a bumpkin town with a lot of springs and manatee tours. I mean, it is that is every way, but so much more. The cool, indie and slightly hipster vibe of the downtown district was laid back like a small town, but peppered with a little big city youth. On the flip-​side, there are tons of biker bars and typical Florida-​style seafood restaurants along U.S. 19 to counter-​balance anything too hipsterish happening along Citrus Ave.
Everyone here is extremely friendly. The southern hospitality vibe is real in Crystal River. I’m not really sure I’ve ever felt less like an outsider in a place so far removed from home. I say «far,» but in reality, it’s only a 1 hour and 15 minute ride up the Suncoast Expressway for me.
There are so many more places here that I must experience, so a return visit in the near future is imminent.
My advice to the Unilocal community, do just pass thru Crystal River. Stop and take a breather and you might just spend the night too.