Manatees, Scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico and Natural Spring Waters

Homosassa is known as the Manatee Capital of the World. Manatees invade the warm water area to escape the cold weather up north from November to March. Manatees have very little body fat and cannot survive long in water colder than 68 degrees. Each winter, hundreds of manatees migrate into natural spring waters where the temperatures are at a constant 72 degrees year-round. There are several tour companies around town that will take you out on a guided manatee tour, usually on a pontoon boat and each company operates under the special permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. You are given a mask, snorkel, wetsuit and must watch a video explaining to you the do's and don'ts of swimming with manatees. The Endangered Species Act strictly forbids the touching of a manatee unless it touches you first.

Some other guidelines include:

• Do not pursue or chase a manatee.

• Give manatees space to move.

• Avoid excessive noise and splashing.

• The best time to book your tour is early in the morning.

• Manatees are known as gentle giants and it's an unforgettable experience to float and surround yourself with these creatures and enjoy them in their natural environment.

• There are only a few places in the world where you can swim with manatees in their own environment, so take advantage of this adventure.

I have been lucky enough to have gone swimming with manatees a few times. The first time was in March and unfortunately, we did not see many manatees. The company was nice enough to give us a raincheck to return for a future visit. On our next trip, we went in January when there just so happened to be a cold front and it was raining for days. This trip was a success! We could see so many manatees. We even saw a baby manatee nursing with their mother. These creatures are truly gentle giants. At first, you do get spooked when these 800-1,200-pound creatures swim right up to you because of their size, but they are just likely eating their eelgrass.

After your manatee adventure, head over for lunch and a hot tea at Tea House 650 in Crystal River. This is one of my favorite places to visit, and I have been known to go everyday while on vacation. They have over 70 loose-leaf teas from black, chai, green, oolong, rooibos and white. For lunch, start with a soup, then have the chicken salad sandwich or homemade quiche and for dessert make sure to try the homemade scones (or all because they are so good). Before you leave, make sure to buy some tea to take home with you.

For dinner, go to the Crab Plant in Crystal River. They only accept cash, but they have an ATM in the lobby if needed. Start with the shrimp dip and blue crab soup. Make sure to have the royal red shrimp with cheese grits.

There are several murals around Crystal River that will make for a good photo op, so make sure to drive around and explore.

The start of scallop season begins July 1st till September. There are several companies around town that offer scallop tours, or you can rent your own boat for the day. If you decide to rent your own boat, it's best to be on the water by 9am to head out to the Gulf of Mexico as you will have to go 2-3 miles offshore to find the scallops. You just need a mask, snorkel, a mesh bag and a saltwater fishing license to get your adventure started.

Some facts to help you find your five gallons allowed per boat:

• Most scallops are located in 3-5 ft. of water.

• They are found in eelgrass beds.

• Swim against the current so you can easily spot them.

• When the sun hits just right, you will be able to see their eyes.

• They are alive, so watch your fingers. It's best to place your hand behind or under the scallop and place it in the mesh bag, as they can swim away super-fast.

• When you return to the dock, there are several companies that will clean your scallops for you for a fee. Scalloping is both fun and delicious to eat. I go to Homosassa/Crystal River every July to scallop. There is no bad day on the water when you are having fun with family and friends.

After a day out on the water, head over to Crumb's Landing Waterfront Tiki Bar and Restaurant for a cocktail or a bite to eat. There is a children's play area. Beachside chairs to relax by the water or you can play cornhole. On weekends, you can enjoy listening to a live band.

For dinner, head to the Freezer Tiki Bar in Homosassa. It was once a meat freezer and is now an open-air seafood restaurant. You will need to order at the bar as there is no table service available. Make sure to try the mullet dip and boiled shrimp and stone crabs. They also only accept cash and have an ATM in the lobby.

Three Sisters Springs is a National Wildlife Refuge located in Crystal River. You will need to park at either Hunter Springs Park or King's Bay Park and paddleboard, kayak or swim the Chassahowitzka River to enter Three Sisters Springs since the opening is only accessible by water. Depending on the time of year, you might even see manatees along the way. Once you access the springs, which have three main spring vents. The water is crystal clear, and you can see to the bottom. Since it is a natural spring, the water is at a constant 72 degrees year-round. One time I took a water bike to the springs and another time; I kayaked in a clear kayak so I could enjoy the crystal-clear water views.

Before your adventure begins, have breakfast at the Florida Cracker Kitchen located at Florida Cracker Riverside Resort. Make sure to try the giant cinnamon rolls and shrimp and grits. Also, do not forget to see the monkeys on Monkey Island.

Afterwards, head for lunch at Wild Sassa food truck in Homosassa. Make sure to try the shrimp burger. In the same parking lot, make sure to stop at Shelly's Seafood Fish Market to buy some fresh seafood or try the lobster and shrimp dip.

Before dinner, head to Ozello (located between Crystal River and Homosassa) for an airboat ride. Afterwards, go to Backwater Fin in Ozello. Make sure to try the blue crab soup. It is the best you will ever have. You can even buy quart sizes to freeze and take home with you. Also, have the bacon-wrapped shrimp and bay scallops.