[trobesmom]

We just returned from a two day tour of Citrus Co and thought that it was beautiful (and the people seemed very friendly). However, I do have a question about arts, galleries, culture, music venues, farmer's markets, cafes, etc. I must say that the area seemed a bit 'sparse' in this capacity. I am just hoping from a social perspective that it's not one of those areas where everything is centered totally on religion and churches (I am not very religious myself). For example, I looked in the phone book for book stores, and could find no major ones in the entire county (and about half of them were Christian book stores!). Can someone therefore provide information about theatres, music venues, farmer's market or other social related events? Inverness seemed to have the best 'down town' feel - but does any of this stuff happen there?

Thanks so much for any feedback because we are strongly considering this area for move very soon (and have fear of not 'fitting in' etc). I also want to add that we are nature people and most of the things above are secondary to us (and normally are only found in larger more populated areas). However, because we will be new to the area, we would like to know that some degree of these things exist. We were also surprised in asking around that no newcomer groups seem to exist.

[On-da-Beach]

We lived in Floral City for 5 years (moved to the panhandle 2 years ago). There isn't much along the lines as you've described. Downtown Inverness does have a used book store, some little arts/crafts shops and little places to eat. Howard's flea market on US-19 in Homosassa is probably the biggest gathering place around. Inverness does also have the speedway, the county fair and Cooterfest. Floral City has the strawberry festival once a year at the park on US-41. Crystal River has a few restaurants but I never really cared for it. The Ted Williams museum is in Citrus Hills.

[trobesmom]

Thanks On-da-beach. From your experience (or others) are the folks in Citrus Co fairly friendly and open minded?

[On-da-Beach]

I will say that the people in Citrus Co. are as friendly as any folks anywhere. I always felt welcome and like I had always been there.

[kshe95girl]

Unfortunately, if you want any of those things, you will have to drive to Ocala, I know a LOT of folks that come here from Citrus Co to shop, and to work.

[trobesmom]

Thanks for all the kind help and advice. Also, if anyone knows of any home rentals in the Citrus Co area, we would be interested. We are in our mid 50's, have no children, but do have one well behaved, house trained cat. We need to find a place by mid October.