I hope that folks don't dismiss the idea of visiting
Homosassa Springs State Park some easy miles west of The Villages!
The State Park is a fascinating venue, where the care, feeding and protection of manatees, waterfowl, eagles and all such critters is paramount.
From The Villages, west on SR-44, just through Lecanto, then southwesterly on CR-490 to Homosassa at US-19.
A couple of blocks south on US-19, the park is on the right-hand side of US-19.
Take the 20-minute boat ride with wonderful and amusing commentary, then explore the park's extensive but easily-explored grounds where you will meet Lu, the state's only official resident hippopotamus, who turns 52 years old during the next couple of weeks of 2012.
$13 per adult, entry fee. AARP and/or AAA membership deducts 20% from this.
Roughly an hour from TV.
SWR
