The county seat is the City of Inverness which is
located in the eastern part of the county. One of
the highlights of the revitalized downtown Inverness
area is the newly restored Old Courthouse which once
again looks as it did when it was built in 1912. The
Old Courthouse is now a museum featuring history and
artifacts of the area. The downtown area is also the
site of various festivals and fairs throughout the
year.
To
the west and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, the
city of Crystal River is the destination for
snorkelers and divers from around the world who
enjoy diving in the sparkling waters of the Crystal
River and Kings Bay which is fed by Florida's second
largest spring. The endangered manatee also makes
these warm waters home and lucky visitors can get a
chance to swim with these docile creatures.
"Cracker" architecture is featured in Crystal
River's restored downtown area. For a look at
Florida's past, visit the State Archaeological Site
and Museum to get a glimpse at 2,000 years of
Florida's pre-Columbian history or visit the Coast
Heritage Museum for views of Citrus County in the
1800's and 1900's.
You
may get a difference of opinion about that
statement with some folks who have made Florida
their home. But it’s true. The weather in west
central Florida, which includes Citrus County
and the Ocala area, is ideal year ‘round for
just about any outdoor activity. The 47,000-acre
Withlacoochee State Forest is situated in the
heart of Citrus County and the Ocala National
Forest is a short drive away. Both are beautiful
tracts of preserved land which are perfect for
hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding,
birdwatching and more.
In Citrus County, the lakes and rivers are
teeming with largemouth bass and speckled perch
while off the coast, the Gulf of Mexico yields
grouper, snapper, sea trout and, on occasion,
record-size tarpon. The shallow waters along the
coastline provide an ideal spot for snorkeling,
SCUBA diving, and the harvesting of scallops.
Your time spent on the Crystal River or the
Homosassa River will often be rewarded with a
glimpse of the huge but gentle manatees grazing
on the sea grass, a group of playful otters, or
the majestic leap of a dolphin.
Adding
to the beauty of Citrus County are its
magnificent golf courses. Currently, there are
12 public or semi-private courses offering a
variety of challenges for serious or casual
golfers. Long waits or delays are rare but many
golfers do take the time to appreciate the
courses as they weave over, around and through
hills, valleys, greenbelts, lakes and wildlife
preserves.
If you want something more exciting, most of
the major Florida attractions are within a
90-minute drive in Orlando or Tampa. While
there, be sure to visit the many factory outlet
malls, shopping centers and some of the world’s
famous restaurants. If you want world class
beaches, visit Clearwater, St. Petersburg and
Daytona, to name a few.
Leaving town? Go anywhere in the world from
the major airports located in Tampa, Orlando or
Gainesville, which is about a 70-minute drive
northeast of Citrus County. Major cruise ships
have numerous departures from Tampa Bay as well
as from Port Canaveral. Floridians love to
explore other parts of Florida. But when it’s
time to come home, Citrus County is a welcome
sight.
Citrus
County is located about 65 miles north of Tampa Bay
and is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico
and along the north and the east by the
Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka lake chain.
The county's 683 square miles have a distinct
"northern" look due to the gently rolling hills
which are common throughout the area. Over 152,000
acres of the county have been set aside for wildlife
preserves making the area a popular
destination for
bird watchers and others interested in experiencing
Florida the way it used to be - natural and
unspoiled. The Withlacoochee State Forest, which
comprises much of the wildlife preserves in Citrus
County, was named as one of the "Top 10 Coolest
Places You've Never Seen" in North America by the
World Wildlife Fund. Enjoy the county's beauty by
car, boat or take a leisurely bike ride, walk, jog
or skate down the 46-mile paved Withlacoochee State
Trail as it winds through some of the most beautiful
scenery on Florida's west coast.
Just
to the south of Crystal River, are Homosassa and
Homosassa Springs which offer yet another aspect of
Florida the natural way with a major attraction
being the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park,
home to many of Florida's native creatures as well
as a shelter for the endangered Manatee. Yulee Sugar
Mill Ruins State Historic Site in Homosassa was once
part of a thriving sugar plantation owned by David
Levy Yulee, who later became Florida's first State
Senator when the state was admitted into the Union
in 1845. Still standing are the stonework chimney,
well, foundation, steam boiler, crushing machinery,
and large cooking kettles used to process the sugar
cane. The Old Mill House & Printing Museum across
from the Sugar Mill Ruins features antique presses
and a look at printing the way it used to be.