Our Recommendations for Inglis / Yankeetown

Dave And Ursula
Dave And Ursula
Our Recommendations for Inglis / Yankeetown

Our Restaurant Recommendations

The Blackwater grill is within a few miles of the house in nearby Yankeetown. It has lovely river views, a nice menu, and well-prepared food. It's one of the better restaurants in the area, but if you're going for the view, go for lunch or an early dinner - they don't have outdoor lighting to illuminate the river at night.
21 locals recommend
Blackwater Grill & Bar
6301 Riverside Dr
21 locals recommend
The Blackwater grill is within a few miles of the house in nearby Yankeetown. It has lovely river views, a nice menu, and well-prepared food. It's one of the better restaurants in the area, but if you're going for the view, go for lunch or an early dinner - they don't have outdoor lighting to illuminate the river at night.
The Pizza Joint has wood-fired pizzas and is mostly for take out. Ask for the Wednesday discount on Wednesdays. And be sure to sample their house wings, which in our opinion are among the best anywhere.
Pizza Joint
7901-7911 W Dunnellon Rd
The Pizza Joint has wood-fired pizzas and is mostly for take out. Ask for the Wednesday discount on Wednesdays. And be sure to sample their house wings, which in our opinion are among the best anywhere.
La Casa di Norma in the Winn Dixie plaza in Crystal River. We especially like their pastas, and we have friends who swear by the chicken Florentine.
La Casa Di Norma
1609 SE US Hwy 19
La Casa di Norma in the Winn Dixie plaza in Crystal River. We especially like their pastas, and we have friends who swear by the chicken Florentine.
This restaurant has decent thai food, nice ambience, and good service. It's probably the best asian food in in Crystal River, and it's easy to find, right in Hwy 19.
13 locals recommend
Thai Phoon Restaurant
238 SE US Hwy 19
13 locals recommend
This restaurant has decent thai food, nice ambience, and good service. It's probably the best asian food in in Crystal River, and it's easy to find, right in Hwy 19.
One of several fine dining locations in the area. On weekends or holidays be sure to make a reservation. We prefer it on weekdays, because we like it quieter. It's usually closed on Mondays.
35 locals recommend
Vintage On 5th
114 NE 5th St
35 locals recommend
One of several fine dining locations in the area. On weekends or holidays be sure to make a reservation. We prefer it on weekdays, because we like it quieter. It's usually closed on Mondays.
This is a newer restaurant. We've been for lunch and found the po-boys to be outstanding, as well as the fresh fish. We've tried to go a few times for dinner, but without a reservation the wait was too long.
7 locals recommend
Cajun jimmys seafood seller
300 Southeast US Highway 19
7 locals recommend
This is a newer restaurant. We've been for lunch and found the po-boys to be outstanding, as well as the fresh fish. We've tried to go a few times for dinner, but without a reservation the wait was too long.
Swampy's in Dunnellon is great for casual atmosphere and good food. It has very nice outdoor seating and a really nice view of the Rainbow River. It's recommended for lunch or dinner.
82 locals recommend
Swampy's Bar & Grille
19773 E Pennsylvania Ave
82 locals recommend
Swampy's in Dunnellon is great for casual atmosphere and good food. It has very nice outdoor seating and a really nice view of the Rainbow River. It's recommended for lunch or dinner.
Stumpknockers in Dunnellon has traditional southern fare and seafood. Their mussels are outstanding if you're a fan of mussels. We prefer to sit outside among the cypress, indoors can be loud and is too brightly lit for our taste.
37 locals recommend
Stumpknockers Restaurant
13821 SW State Rd 200
37 locals recommend
Stumpknockers in Dunnellon has traditional southern fare and seafood. Their mussels are outstanding if you're a fan of mussels. We prefer to sit outside among the cypress, indoors can be loud and is too brightly lit for our taste.
For a near-by breakfast or lunch we like Mama Sally's, in Inglis. At breakfast, they have excellent hash browns, and good southern style biscuits. If you get the biscuits, ask for them grilled. Dinner is ok for a diner, and it is available for take out. The chicken parmesan is excellent, and we hear the shrimp is also very good - blackened, or grilled, or fried, your choice. Order shrimp by the pound or half-pound.
Mama Sally's Restaurant
137 US-19
For a near-by breakfast or lunch we like Mama Sally's, in Inglis. At breakfast, they have excellent hash browns, and good southern style biscuits. If you get the biscuits, ask for them grilled. Dinner is ok for a diner, and it is available for take out. The chicken parmesan is excellent, and we hear the shrimp is also very good - blackened, or grilled, or fried, your choice. Order shrimp by the pound or half-pound.
This is a wonderful place to buy seafood. We go there for fresh oysters or stone crab claws (in season during the winter/spring). If you want a great deal on stone crabs ask for the "floaters", they vary in size but are just as good as the sorted, sized claws. (Floaters are from crabs that have recently molted.) If you haven't heard of stone crab, they sell only the claws - they take one claw from each crab and throw the crab back. The crab regrows its claw. The Crab Plant also has a small casual restaurant attached; we've never tried. it. I've read that outside of Florida you'll pay $30 to $60 a pound for stone crab! It's a local specialty. Get it with a container of mustard sauce for dipping.
48 locals recommend
The Crab Plant
201 NW 5th St
48 locals recommend
This is a wonderful place to buy seafood. We go there for fresh oysters or stone crab claws (in season during the winter/spring). If you want a great deal on stone crabs ask for the "floaters", they vary in size but are just as good as the sorted, sized claws. (Floaters are from crabs that have recently molted.) If you haven't heard of stone crab, they sell only the claws - they take one claw from each crab and throw the crab back. The crab regrows its claw. The Crab Plant also has a small casual restaurant attached; we've never tried. it. I've read that outside of Florida you'll pay $30 to $60 a pound for stone crab! It's a local specialty. Get it with a container of mustard sauce for dipping.

Places to See

If you aren't looking, you'll miss it! The entrance isn't very well marked, but it's well worth the visit. The boardwalk and the observation tower are both in the "must-do-while-you're-in-Yankeetown" category. The boardwalk is has lovely views and only takes 30-40 minutes. Dogs on leashes are welcome. There are benches along the way for relaxing and enjoying the view of the pond. We've seen raccoons and wild hogs here, come early in the morning or in the late afternoon if you're interested in wildlife. The second stop, with separate parking, is the observation tower. Climb the tower for a miles-long view all the way to the Gulf. There is no admission fee,
7 locals recommend
Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
1001 SE Old Rock Rd
7 locals recommend
If you aren't looking, you'll miss it! The entrance isn't very well marked, but it's well worth the visit. The boardwalk and the observation tower are both in the "must-do-while-you're-in-Yankeetown" category. The boardwalk is has lovely views and only takes 30-40 minutes. Dogs on leashes are welcome. There are benches along the way for relaxing and enjoying the view of the pond. We've seen raccoons and wild hogs here, come early in the morning or in the late afternoon if you're interested in wildlife. The second stop, with separate parking, is the observation tower. Climb the tower for a miles-long view all the way to the Gulf. There is no admission fee,
This park is at the headspring of the rainbow river. If you've never seen a headspring, it's an amazing thing to see millions of gallons of water flowing out of the ground to start a peaceful, meandering river. The water at the headspring is roped of for swimming, and before 10 am, it's rarely crowded, even in the summer. It may be the most beautiful place to swim in all of Florida. At 72 degrees year round, it's a little chilly at first, but quick to get used to. If that's too cold for you, you'll still enjoy seeing this head spring, or kayaking to or from it. Also, don't miss the trails to the waterfalls, beautiful any time, but especially during the spring time azalea bloom. These short trails are usually a pleasant temperature, even in summer.
224 locals recommend
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 SW 81st Pl Rd
224 locals recommend
This park is at the headspring of the rainbow river. If you've never seen a headspring, it's an amazing thing to see millions of gallons of water flowing out of the ground to start a peaceful, meandering river. The water at the headspring is roped of for swimming, and before 10 am, it's rarely crowded, even in the summer. It may be the most beautiful place to swim in all of Florida. At 72 degrees year round, it's a little chilly at first, but quick to get used to. If that's too cold for you, you'll still enjoy seeing this head spring, or kayaking to or from it. Also, don't miss the trails to the waterfalls, beautiful any time, but especially during the spring time azalea bloom. These short trails are usually a pleasant temperature, even in summer.
If you haven't seen manatees, and want a manatee guarantee combined with an educational experience, head to this wildlife park, only about 30 minutes south on Hwy 19. All of the animals in this park except some of the birds either were injured at some point or were orphaned very young, so they can't be released into the wild. All the animals (except Lulu) are native. Many of the birds are free to come and go. There are daily manatee feedings and manatee lectures, as well as lectures and up-close "meet and greet" experiences with some of the other resident species. This park is very well done, if you are ok with animals in captivity. Don't miss the feeding of the three resident manatees! You'll be amazed by how much and how fast a manatee can eat. Also, there is a viewing platform with an overlook of Homosassa Springs in the park. You might get lucky and see wild manatees there, depending on the time of year. Early morning is best, especially in summer, as the some of the animals (especially the Florida black bears and Florida panthers) won't be active in the midday heat. Allow several hours for this visit, and consider having lunch or dinner in Old Homosassa before or after.
187 locals recommend
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast Blvd
187 locals recommend
If you haven't seen manatees, and want a manatee guarantee combined with an educational experience, head to this wildlife park, only about 30 minutes south on Hwy 19. All of the animals in this park except some of the birds either were injured at some point or were orphaned very young, so they can't be released into the wild. All the animals (except Lulu) are native. Many of the birds are free to come and go. There are daily manatee feedings and manatee lectures, as well as lectures and up-close "meet and greet" experiences with some of the other resident species. This park is very well done, if you are ok with animals in captivity. Don't miss the feeding of the three resident manatees! You'll be amazed by how much and how fast a manatee can eat. Also, there is a viewing platform with an overlook of Homosassa Springs in the park. You might get lucky and see wild manatees there, depending on the time of year. Early morning is best, especially in summer, as the some of the animals (especially the Florida black bears and Florida panthers) won't be active in the midday heat. Allow several hours for this visit, and consider having lunch or dinner in Old Homosassa before or after.
You'll find some nice walks and hikes, and you'll have a good chance of seeing bison and wild horses. November - early February, you may also see sandhill cranes in large numbers. Call before going if you're interested in the cranes, as the rangers desk will tell you if it's a good time, and if so, where they are likely to be.
102 locals recommend
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah Blvd
102 locals recommend
You'll find some nice walks and hikes, and you'll have a good chance of seeing bison and wild horses. November - early February, you may also see sandhill cranes in large numbers. Call before going if you're interested in the cranes, as the rangers desk will tell you if it's a good time, and if so, where they are likely to be.

Sightseeing

The Withlacoochee Bay Trail is located at US 19/98 at the old Cross Florida Barge Canal, approximately 12 miles north of Crystal River and 0.5 mile south of Inglis. Turn west at the south end of the bridge and proceed west along the trail. Great for biking, walking, and exploring. It's not very well marked. https://www.traillink.com/trail/withlacoochee-bay-trail/
6 locals recommend
Withlacoochee Bay Trail
Withlacoochee Bay Trail
6 locals recommend
The Withlacoochee Bay Trail is located at US 19/98 at the old Cross Florida Barge Canal, approximately 12 miles north of Crystal River and 0.5 mile south of Inglis. Turn west at the south end of the bridge and proceed west along the trail. Great for biking, walking, and exploring. It's not very well marked. https://www.traillink.com/trail/withlacoochee-bay-trail/
These are lovely gardens - if you enjoy botanicals gardens, these are only about an hour away, in Gainesville. They are very much worth the visit. Also consider Bok Tower Gardens near Orlando and Leu Gardens near Tampa, but with the greater distance, these last two garden visits will take most of a day.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
These are lovely gardens - if you enjoy botanicals gardens, these are only about an hour away, in Gainesville. They are very much worth the visit. Also consider Bok Tower Gardens near Orlando and Leu Gardens near Tampa, but with the greater distance, these last two garden visits will take most of a day.

City advice

Don't miss

Bike ride on the bike path parallel to CR 40, heading west

The road ends at the Gulf of Mexico, and you'll cross the bridge made famous in the Elvis movie, "Follow that Dream.
Don't miss

Owens Produce - in Dunnellon - under a white tent

Located on the east side of the main road through Dunnellon (40), between Walmart and Dunkin Donuts. They are in a white square tent on your right, on your way to Rainbow Springs. This is wonderful, family-owned, local business with great selection and quality and very reasonable prices. They are closed Mondays, and in summer they are also closed on Tuesdays. Check their face book page for details on hours, especially in the summer and around holidays.
Don't miss

Osprey Guide Service - Captain Rick- Withlacoochee BoatTours

This is a great way to see scenery and wildlife. Captain Rick gives a wonderful tour, and he's reasonably priced. We've recommended him many times, and no one has ever regretted the time or money spent with him. It's best to book in advance, just for your group, 352-400-0133. Tell him what you want to see, and if it can be found that day, he'll find it for you!
Don't miss

Tubing or SUPing on the Rainbow River

Looking for a relaxing adventure? You might enjoy drifting down the Rainbow River. Rent inner tubes, kayaks, or SUPs from Rainbow River Kayak Adventures - they will even pick you up after your downriver float or paddle. You can reach them at 352-547-5725. Consider lunch or dinner at Swampy's as a perfect end for this adventure.
Getting around

Grocery Shopping Options

Food Ranch in Inglis is ok. Their meat counter is pretty good, as they have a butcher on the premises. Their produce is hit or miss. In general , their selection is somewhat limited, but it's fine for staples, last minute items, or if you just don't want to drive any further. Crystal River and Dunnellon both have a Publix and a Winn Dixie. Publix is a little higher-end. We like Winn Dixie for produce because very few of their vegetables are pre-packaged, so we can get smaller quantities. Publix has a great deli counter, and is known for their fresh made deli-sandwiches.
Don't miss

Kayak Rentals

We recommend Silver River, Weeki Wachee River, Rainbow River, or Cassahowitzka. All have kayak rentals (last we checked) and are within a 30-60 minute drive in various directions. Silver River probably has the most wildlife and Weeki Wachee and Rainbow have very pretty scenery. There are houses along Rainbow River. Chassahowitza has several observable 1st magnitude springs. For all locations, weekdays would be preferred. If you like sharing the river with as few people as possible, find out what time the kayak concessions open and try to arrive five or 10 minutes before that.