What a difference a coast makes! The contrast between the congested Los Angeles freeway I'd left only hours before, and the serene scene that stretched before my motel room was so pronounced, for a minute I thought I was in another country. Trees dripping with Spanish Moss lined a slow moving river who's calm was only broken by the chug of a fishermen laden boat returning with the day's catch. A gorgeous old southern style, veranda wrapped house, brought back to life as an elegant restaurant, occupied the spot across the water, while a tiny island, habitated only by monkeys, lay midstream.

The monkeys, relocated to their island habitat from a now defunct Florida animal park, enjoy the gorgeous view everyday. I was only visiting "Florida's Nature Coast" for the weekend. And even though the vista from the room at the Riverside Inn Resort had an almost meditative effect on me, there was much more to see and do in this fascinating, but little known, corner of Florida that's less than two hours drive from Orlando, Tampa or Daytona.

The Ten Best Lowdown
As with all our "Ten Best" lists, item number one is the author's personal favorite. Aside from that, the order is not an order of preference. If it made it on the list, we thought it was pretty nifty, plain and simple. Be sure to stay tuned at the end of the article for great places to eat and stay while visiting Citrus County.

10 Best Things To Do In Citrus County, Florida

• 1. Swim with the Manatees
• 2. Salt or fresh water fishing
• 3. Visit the Ted Williams Baseball Museum
• 4. Explore Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park
• 5. Paddle a River Kayak
• 6. Enjoy Great Golfing
• 7. Go Biking
• 8. Scuba Dive or Snorkel
• 9. Shop for Antiques and Collectibles
• 10. Discover History from 500 B.C. to the Present

1. Swim with the Manatees -- Citrus County is known worldwide for its manatee population and the protection of this endangered species is taken very seriously. Each year, many tourists learn about the plight of the gentle giants first hand, by donning a wetsuit and snorkeling the warm springs where the manatees come to escape the cold winter ocean temperatures.

The rules are strict: no chasing, riding or otherwise harassing the manatees. Swimmers must allow the animal to approach them, not the other way around, and never touch with more than one hand at a time. The rules didn't damper the experience in the least. Since the manatees have no natural enemies, they regularly made contact with their awestruck human visitors, and seemed to particularly enjoy being scratched under the flippers. At one point, I found myself surrounded by a swirling, graceful underwater ballet as three baby manatees played a game of tag, seemingly oblivious of my presence.

Swimming with the manatees isn't difficult or too physically exerting. There were young children as well as seniors on our trip. If you want a lifetime of stories to tell your friends, and the videos to prove them, do not miss this rare opportunity to interact with nature. The folks at Bird's Underwater in Crystal River will get you set up. Licensed Coast Guard captains and scuba diving instructors, Bill and Diana Oestreich know the subject of manatees intimately. Tours are regularly conducted in October through March and at other times of the year, depending on whether or not any manatees are in residence. Reservations are a must as the trips regularly sell out. Bill and Diana also video tape each tour. There is no better souvenir of your trip to Florida than Bird's gorgeously produced video of you swimming alongside your new underwater friends. Call Bird's at 352-563-2763, email them at bird@xtalwind.net, or visit their web site at www.xtalwind.net/~bird/

2. Salt or Fresh Water Fishing -- The fishing's fine in Citrus County, whether you prefer the fresh or salt water variety. You can't throw a rock in this area without hitting a fishing charter service. Anglers will be in seventh heaven year round as the catch is bountiful. Springtime brings Black Bass and Trout. Add Tarpon Sheepshead and Grouper to that list come summertime. In the fall its time to fish for Red Fish, Speckled Trout, Bass and Grouper and winter is Snapper season. The Homosassa Fishing Guides Association (352-795-7302) can help you find the right fishing trip.

3. The Ted Williams Baseball Museum - Baseball fans can hrefive some of the game's most spectacular moments, as well as learn everything they could possibly want to know about baseball legend Williams at the museum. An 80 seat sports theater shows continuous videos of Ted Williams and the all-time greats. Before you leave, be sure to pay homage to baseball's best hitters in the Hitters Hall of Fame (new inductions take place each February). Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame 352-527-6566 or FAX 352-527-4163 or visit their web site at www.twmuseum.com.

4. Explore Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park - More than one third of Citrus County is protected as federal, state or county parks and wildlife refuges. Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park is a great way to get a look at a lot of it in a short period of time. Visitors will especially want to visit the manatee rescue refuge to get an up-close view of these amazing creatures. An underwater observatory gives you a fish eye view of the action -- the next best thing to actually swimming with the manatees. In addition to manatees, you'll see a host of other wildlife indigenous to Florida, and one hold over from the days when the park was a privately owned parked -- Lu the hippopotamus is a local favorite who will live out his days in comfort at the state park. Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park - 352-628-5343 or FAX 352-628-4243 or visit their web site at www.citrusdirectory.com/hsswp

5. Paddle a River Kayak -- Susan Davis, owner of the Homosassa Kayak Company, is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable guides I've ever encountered. Her easy going nature puts even novice paddlers at ease. The company's private island on the Homosassa River provides a wonderful place to view wildlife such as dolphin, manatees, eagles, otters, and over 200 species of birds. Offering kayak rentals as well as guided day and overnight trips, Susan's excursions even come with an unexpected bonus-- some of the best home baked cookies you'll ever taste. The guides carry them to fortify hungry paddlers. Homosassa Kayak & Canoe Expedition Company - 352-628-3183 or email cedav53@xltwind.net.

6. Enjoy Great Golfing -- As Citrus County is home to ten challenging public courses and four outstanding private courses, long waits are rare. Both serious and casual golfers will enjoy playing among the hills, valleys, nature trails and wildlife this corner of Florida offers. For some of the best golfing in Citrus County, check out the Plantation Inn and Golf Course (they also serve the finest cuisine in the area) at 352-795-7211.

7. Go Biking! -- Citrus County is a biker's paradise. On my ride along the Withlacoochee State Trail (part of the "Rails to Trails" program which converts defunct railroads into biking and hiking trails), I met cycling enthusiasts from as far away as Minnesota to the north and California to the west. They came because of the diverse two wheeled opportunities in the area. In addition to the Withlacoochee, 46 miles of asphalt which meanders through state and county parks and recreation areas, the Fort Islands Beach Trail will take riders to the County's only salt water beach. There are also some wonderful off road trails which snake through woods and meadows teeming with birds and other wildlife.

Regardless of your biking taste, stop by Suncoast Bicycles for advice, trail maps, guided trips or any other biking needs. If you didn't bring your own, they have a fleet of rentals (all under a year old) to meet your needs, including cruisers, off road, tandem and recumbent bicycles. They have two shops, one in Crystal River and the other in Inverness, directly on the Withlacoochee Trail.

• Suncoast Bicycles Crystal River 352-795-0018
• Suncoast Bicycles Inverness 352-637-5757
• Web site www.suncoastbikes.com

8. Scuba Dive or Snorkel -- Besides the thrilling opportunity of swimming with the manatees, the Nature Coast offers divers a host of other options. Caves, grottoes and the chromatic rainbow springs - named for its assortment of multi-colored fish and plants-- tempt divers. Snorkelers will enjoy exploring the shallows of the Crystal River where, if the season is right, they're apt to see a manatee or two. For your Citrus County diving needs contact:

• Bird's Underwater at 352-563-2763 or visit their web site at www.xtalwind.net/~bird/
• American Pro Diving Center at 352-536-0041 or visit their website at www.gminet.com/ampro

For those who want to learn to dive, The Plantation Inn offers a wonderful 3 day Scuba certification package to get you going. Call them at 800-632-626 or 352-795-4211 for more information.

9. Shop for Antiques and Collectibles -- The county is dotted with interesting little antique and collectibles shops as well as flea markets and even auction houses. You can't drive far without coming across something of interest. A good place to shop around lunch time is Heritage Village, a collection of shops and a wonderful restaurant housed in historic buildings. Antiques and collectibles will be found along with unique gifts, gourmet food and home accessories. Heritage Village can be found on North Citrus Avenue in Crystal River, Florida.

10. Discover History from 500 B.C. to the Present -- History buffs, whether their interest is ancient or more recent times, will find a lot to explore in Citrus County. The 14 acre State Archaeological Site in Crystal River dates back to 500 B.C. More recently, Fort Cooper was a post during the Seminole Indian war in the 1830's. The County is even home to 14 ghost towns, once thriving farms communities, wiped out in the big freeze of 1894/95. By the 20th century most of these towns were gone, but their remains are still explorable today.For more information on Citrus County History, call the Historical Society at 352-637-9927.

Getting There
To fly to Citrus County make reservations to Tampa, then drive, Call US Airways for reservations at 800-428-4322 or visit them on the web at www.usairways.com.

For general tourist information about Citrus County, Florida, please call 800-587-6667 or visit their web site at www.visitcitrus.com.

Lodging

• Riverside Inn Resort -- the place with the "killer" view -- 800-442-2040 or 352-628-2474
• Ramada Inn - 352-628-4311
• Magnolia Glen Bed & Breakfast - 800-881-4366 or 352-726-1832 or email bonbon@citrus.infi.net
• The Cottage at Shadowbright -- a 1930's vine covered stone cottage on almost 2 park-like acres -- 352-341-0546 or email shadowbright@juno.com or visit their website at www.bbonline.com/fl/shadowbright

Good Places to Eat

• Plantation Inn & Golf Resort in Crystal River-- 352-795-4211 - While this area of Florida is generally very casual, elegant fine dining can be found here. The chef is wonderful.
• Cafe on the Avenue in Crystal River - 352-795-3656 - Located in the Heritage Village compound, the cafe offers great home cooking as well as spectacular home cooked desserts.
• Fisherman's in Inverness -- 352-637-5888 -- I love places like this! Friendly little local hangouts that serve great regional cuisine. Belly up to the bar and have one with the boys!