Homosassa Springs
 

Has anyone stayed at the Park Inn Homosassa Springs, formerly the Ramada Inn. The Inn has a walking bridge to the Wildlife Park.
Thanks for any info.

Hmmmmm. I'm not familiar with it. So the bridge goes from the Inn to the Homosassa Springs State Park? Is it possible it's relatively new (relatively because I've not been up that way for two years)?

The park, by the way, is wonderful. The fish tank is one of my favorite Florida attractions, so old-time -- it's like you're smack in the bottom of a huge fish bowl at the base of the springhead surrounded by soooo many fish, with courmarants diving for food, and even a manatee if you're lucky. Disney could only have imagined this one as it's the real thing. Be sure to take the pontoon boatride down the river to where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. I believe it leaves from the Riverside Inn (or is it the River Inn?), the place where the monkeys live across from there on a little island.

I'm afraid I'm not much help.

I am very familiar with the area because I live only 30 miles south on the coast, and we have some friends that own a home on Crystal River. I have never stayed at the hotel and would probably never choose to because it is located right on US19. This area is always jam packed with traffic, so I can only imagine what traffic noise you could hear from your room.
IMHO, if I were going there to see the park, I would prefer to stay on the river. There are a few places that I can think of:
The Last Resort
Homasassa Riverside Resort
I am sure that both are more expensive, but have far more superior surroundings, and both are very close to the park.

Yikes! The hotel is on US 19!?! I agree with Highbay that you can surely find something more tranquil. A place on the river would be a great choice. You're not far from anything in Homosassa, it's not that spread out that you will need to go far to get to the park. And there's parking at the park so the walking bridge from the Ramada Inn isn't a necessary amenity.

Thank you to everyone who responsed to my post. My husband and I usually go 80 south of Tampa and have never gone north of Tampa so your input was very helpful. One more question - Best Western Crystal River Resort - should we consider it along with your suggestions for Homosassa. Thanks again. (we only fish on vacation)

I really don't know Crystal River, have only been there once many moons ago. Highbay? I'll bet you've got some good advice on this.

Hi Jean03:
The Best Western is just on the north end of Crystal River, and it too is located on US19, but is further off of the hwy than the Park Inn. It is located directly on Crystal River, but again, you are still pretty close to US19, and the traffic (IMHO) is pretty heavy in that area. Don't know if you're looking for a quiet weekend, or just a quick overnighter. Personally, I would try to find someplace OFF of 19 if it is for a quiet weekend.
The Best Western does have a small Carribean style restaurant located at the rear of the hotel overlooking the river. It's a fun place to grab a cuban sandwich and an ice cold beer!
Hope this is helpful.

Tandoori girl/highbay - thanks again for the info - it's difficult to go to an area that is not familiar.
Highbay - Yes we are looking for something quiet, but for a week (of fishing and house hunting). We chose the Homosassa Riverside Resort.

If you are bringing your own boat, the Riverside is a great choice. McRae's bait shop is next door, and they have a boat ramp. Both the Homosassa River, and Crystal River are pretty long boat rides to the gulf, but very scenic. Hope you enjoy your stay.

Thought of something else, on your way to Riverside, there is a "dive" called Old Mill Tavern that has a great fried grouper sandwich. Haven't been there in a while, but a friend went not too long ago and said the food was still good.

I stayed there awhile back. I thought the rooms were fine, great to be right on the water -- but I wasn't too impressed with the meals at the hotel. It's fun to watch the monkeys outside the restaurant but sort of pathetic too. You might want to post on chowhound.com to see if anyone knows other places to eat up there.

Too bad the old house on the river that had the garlic crabs isn't there anymore. Did you ever try that place, highbay?

Yes TG, I did, and it was great. There is also a place called "Peck's Old Port Seafood" in Ozella, which is halfway between Homasassa and Crystal River. It is about 10 miles down a long winding road. End's at the Gulf of Mexico. They have garlic crab that is also to die for. But the 10 miles feels like 50 miles in the dark!

Sounds like I need to get up there, highbay, to satisfy my craving. I'm ready to leave Tampa right now. I know what you mean about those dark FL backroads. Seems like more and more, what with all the development, they're hard to find. Just like garlic crabs.

Someone told me the restaurant out at the mouth of the Homosassa River, accessible only by boat, is no more, closed. Is that true? Or did something else go in that spot? Any other places like that one that you know about for Jean to check out?

That was the Crow's Nest, and it is no longer a go. I did hear at one time that a developer was looking to reopen, but have not heard anything recently.
On the road to Peck's in Ozella, there is a restaurant called "The Winch's Brew" that was opened by the ex-wife of Peck's. I've ween her advertisements in our local section, but have not been there yet. Will let you know if it is any good. I would probably go for lunch to avoid that road at night!

That's "seen" not ween. Didn't preview before I posted...ooooppppps!