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Standing at the edge of Plantation on Crystal River, I watch as the sunset transforms the sky into a cheeky shade of purple.

I notice something bobbing in the water. With each bob whatever it is moves closer to where I stand. At first I think it’s a manatee, but it’s a bit too agile. Then my heart skips a beat. I notice a fin. It’s a dolphin!

As the dolphin swims closer and closer, I am mesmerized (so mesmerized it doesn’t even occur to me to take a picture or video). It bobs up to the edge of the Plantation Inn, right where I’m standing. I imagine the dolphin saying, Happy Birthday Sarah, and thanks for all the fish. The dolphin makes a quick turn and bobs away.

I’m still absorbing the magic, as the dolphin disappears in the distance, when I hear it. The most obnoxiously mocking, tween voice.

“Dert, dert, dert, wow, omg, it’s a dolphin, oh boy.” Then he mumbles, “It’s like people have never seen a stupid dolphin before.”

Now I consider myself a pretty chill person, but in the moment, I am overcome with an intense desire to push the currently fishing, tween boy, into the water.

I do a quick risk calculation, and conclude that a headline reading, travel blogger attacks tween boy, would be less than beneficial. I settle for casting icy glares at tween boy whenever I see him during the rest of our stay.

I chose the Plantation on Cryatal River for convenience. I wanted to enjoy my birthday weekend without having to worry about too many logistics. We booked the Adventure Package that included…

• A two night stay
• Swimming with Manatees excursion
• One additional activity (we chose the sunset cruise)
•  Breakfast for two mornings
• One dinner at Plantation Inn’s Restaurant

Check-In

The staff at check-in are so warm and kind. They give us lots of suggestions of things to do in the area, and since I booked a package, I get a special treat.

A stuffed manatee is fun enough, but add a tiny hoodie, and it’s a flood of cuteness.

Room

Our room is comfy and spacious. I appreciate that it has an additional chair and lots of surface space. I like to be able to spread my things out to keep them accessible and organized.

The bed offers a welcomed snugness, especially after a day of outdoor adventure.

The shower is strong and hot, and is much needed after our chillier than normal manatee swim.

West 82 Bar and Grill

After arriving, we drop our bags in the room, then head to the Plantation on Crystal River’s bar. There’s nothing quite like leisurely sipping a drink, knowing that the days ahead will be filled with new experiences. It’s even better when the drinks are delicious.  I recommend getting the Plantation Punch.

The Restaurant is a perfect balance. It is casual and comfortable enough that we don’t have to dress up, but it’s fancy enough that it feels special.

We are grateful for the tasty, warming, soup, the satisfying shrimp and grits, and the melty mac and cheese.

I swear the mac and cheese is in some sort of magical bowl. No matter how much I eat, it continues to look like I never touched it.

The Grounds and Surrounding Area

There is a delightful little beach just down the street from the Plantation on Crystal River. It would make a great afternoon picnic spot.

The pool area and surrounding grounds are pretty and offer plenty of activities.

The spring and canals create a peaceful atmosphere.

Sunset Cruise

We book our sunset cruise at the Plantation on Crystal River’s, Plantation Adventure Center.

The Captain is a great storyteller, so the cruise is scenic and entertaining.

We pass an island inhabited by hundreds of birds. The Captain tells us that once a man purchased the island with the intention of making it a home.

Unfortunately, his assumption that he could somehow deter the birds from continuing to dominate their favorite haunt, was ill conceived. He was eventually forced to abandon the island and donate it as a wildlife area.

Manatees stop by and play around the boat for a few minutes.

We even see a manatee driving a dog crazy by surfacing and re-surfacing over and over again around the the dog’s dock.

Of course the star of the show is the sunset.

I appreciate that the Captain stops at several vantage points, so we get a variety of sunset views.

Riding back with the twinkle lights aglow, adds a pop of romance to the evening.

Having no expectations, I leave feeling impressed by the Plantation on Crystal River’s friendly staff, their willingness to make my stay memorable, and their charming rooms and grounds. It was the extra candle on top of my birthday weekend cake.

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