Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Crystal River Food Tour – Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.

• Inverness Food Tour – Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

• Public and private tours available.

• Private Tours are perfect for clubs, family gatherings, or special celebrations. Groups can be small or large, and we often arrange private tours with just a couple of days’ notice.

• Additional tours, including history tours and newcomer experiences, coming soon.

• Led by a local expert guide passionate about history and culture.

• 3 to 4 generous tastings (enough for a full dinner).

• Rotating curated beverages: wines, craft spirits, beers, coffees, and teas.

• All tastings at locally owned restaurants and cafes.

• Highlights of public art, city landmarks, and cultural history.

• Food Tour: $89 per person.

• Ticketing Service Fee: $0.99 per attendee + credit card processing (2.9% + $0.30).

• Florida Sales Tax: 6% (Citrus County).

• Special event pricing may vary.

• Private groups of 6+ may qualify for discounts—contact us for details.

• Prices subject to change.

You won’t leave hungry!

• Each tour includes 3–4 hearty tasting stops.

• One stop features a full four-course meal experience.

• Most guests say they’re full by the end—skip making dinner plans!

Crystal River is the Manatee Capital of the World—perfect for day trips and weekend getaways.

• From The Villages, FL – 50 miles northwest (1 hour).

• From Tampa Bay, FL – 75 miles north (1.5 hours).

• From Ocala, FL – 40 miles southwest (50 minutes).

• From Orlando, FL – 95 miles northwest (2 hours).

Inverness is known for its historic downtown, lakeside trails, and small-town charm.

• From Ocala, FL – 30 miles southwest (40 minutes).

• From Tampa Bay, FL – 70 miles north (1 hr 15 min).

• From The Villages, FL – 25 miles west (35 minutes).

• From Orlando, FL – 80 miles northwest (1 hr 45 min).

• 3-hour guided walking tour through historic downtowns.

• Fascinating cultural and historical insights.

• Gratuity for restaurant staff already included.

• Exclusive discounts at select attractions.

• Food and beverages

Our tours include a rotating selection of specialty coffees, artisan teas, hand-picked wines, regional craft beers, and locally distilled spirits. Each city and restaurant determines the specific offerings, so every tour is a little different.

Typically, guests enjoy 2–3 adult beverages per tour, which can be substituted upon request. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, we’re happy to provide coffee, tea, fountain drinks, or water instead. Please email us at least 24 hours in advance (if not noted at checkout) so we can plan accordingly.

Even if you’re not usually a coffee drinker, we encourage you to sample the specialty coffees and artisan teas featured on our tours. Many guests who typically skip coffee end up loving the unique drinks offered—think creamy lattes, refreshing cold brews, and seasonal specialties crafted by our local baristas.

• Comfortable walking shoes.

• Weather-appropriate clothing.

• A bottle of water.

• Tote bag or backpack (handy for purchases).

• No printed tickets required—check-in by name or show us your phone.

Please email us at least 24 hours in advance with dietary needs. We do our best to accommodate.

• Ticket sales close at 9 p.m. the night before.

• No walk-up guests can be added day-of.

• Contact us as soon as possible if your plans change.

• With at least 24 hours’ notice, we can usually reschedule for another tour (illness, travel delays, etc.).

• Tours run rain or shine. In severe weather, we will reach out to reschedule if possible.

• Public Tours: 2–14 guests.

• Private Tours: 2–25 guests (larger groups may be accommodated with advance notice).

Birthday, anniversary, or family reunion? Let us know—we’ll help make it memorable.

• Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome.

• Some areas may include uneven sidewalks or gravel.

• All dining stops are ADA accessible.

• Contact us with specific mobility concerns.

Inverness Parking

• Courthouse parking off MLK Avenue near the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.

• County lots adjoining the Sheriff’s Office.

• Public parking lot near First International Title.

• Avoid 2-hour limit spots (tours last 3 hours).

Crystal River Parking

• Free parking at Heritage Village (657 N. Citrus Avenue), close to the tour starting point.

• Tours last up to 3 hours and include walking/standing—may be challenging for young kids.

• Infants/children under 2 are welcome free (lap or stroller).

• Special kid-focused city tours are offered during the holidays!

• Available in custom dollar amounts or to cover a specific tour.

• Gift certificates never expire.

• Email info@tastesandtalesfoodtours.com or call (352) 699-1460

Q: What are the best things to do in Crystal River, Florida?
A: Crystal River is famous as the Manatee Capital of the World and offers a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and authentic local dining. Here are the top 10 things to do:

1. Take a Crystal River Food Tour – The perfect way to “eat your way” through town with chef-curated tastings at locally owned restaurants, specialty coffees, wines, and regional craft beers. Along the way, you’ll enjoy local history, waterfront views, and cultural insights—everything is set up for a relaxing afternoon with no planning required.

2. Swim with Manatees – Join a guided eco-tour to snorkel alongside gentle manatees in Kings Bay, one of the only places in the U.S. where you can do this legally.

3. Three Sisters Springs – Explore the crystal-clear springs by kayak, paddleboard, or on foot along scenic boardwalks. A must-see for nature lovers.

4. Crystal River Archaeological State Park – Visit ancient Native American temple mounds and learn about Florida’s early history.

5. Fort Island Gulf Beach – Relax on a quiet Gulf of Mexico beach, complete with a fishing pier and beautiful sunsets.

6. Crystal River Preserve State Park – Hike, bike, or paddle through pristine natural habitats rich with wildlife.

7. Heritage Village Shops & Museums – Stroll through this historic district filled with boutique shops, museums, and charming architecture.

8. Go Scalloping (Seasonal) – From July to September, Crystal River is famous for scalloping trips, a fun and tasty adventure.

9. Fishing Charters on the Gulf – Book a local guide for inshore or offshore fishing—redfish, trout, and grouper are popular catches.

10. Hunter Springs Park – A family-friendly park where you can kayak, picnic, and sometimes spot manatees right from the shore.

Q: What are the best things to do in Inverness, Florida?
A: Inverness is a charming small town in Citrus County, known for its historic courthouse square, lakeside views, and vibrant downtown. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Inverness:

1. Take the Inverness Food Tour – The #1 way to experience downtown Inverness. Stroll from the historic courthouse to the lakeside depot, enjoying chef-curated tastings at locally owned restaurants, regional drinks, and desserts. Along the way, you’ll learn local history, cultural stories, and insider secrets that make this small town unforgettable. Everything is planned for you—just relax and enjoy a flavorful afternoon.

2. Historic Citrus County Courthouse Museum – Step inside this beautifully restored 1912 courthouse, famous for its role in the Elvis Presley film Follow That Dream.

3. Withlacoochee State Trail – One of Florida’s longest paved trails, perfect for biking, walking, or skating through scenic lakes and woodlands.

4. Wallace Brooks Park & Liberty Park – Two waterfront parks connected by boardwalks, offering fishing piers, kayak launches, and stunning views of Lake Henderson.

5. Depot District – Explore the old train depot area, now revitalized with shops, walking paths, and outdoor events that celebrate Inverness’s railroad history.

6. Inverness Farmers Market – Held on the first and third Saturdays (seasonal), featuring fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music—perfect for foodies and newcomers alike.

7. Cooter Pond Park – A favorite local spot to view turtles (“cooters”), stroll the boardwalk, and watch wildlife in a natural setting.

8. Fort Cooper State Park – Step into Florida’s history with nature trails, a scenic lake, and reenactments from the Second Seminole War.

9. Old Courthouse Square & Downtown Shopping – Browse boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores set in the heart of Inverness’s historic downtown.

10. Annual Festivals & Events – Don’t miss signature community events like the Cooter Festival, Festival of the Arts, and holiday celebrations that light up the downtown.

• Take a Food Tour in Crystal River or Inverness – The #1 must-do experience in Citrus County. Choose the Crystal River Food Tour for waterfront history, Native American heritage, and fresh Gulf flavors—or the Inverness Food Tour for a charming stroll from the courthouse square to the lakeside depot, with tastings at locally owned restaurants and desserts. Both tours combine chef-curated food, cultural stories, and adult beverages for a relaxing afternoon where everything is planned for you.

• Swim with Manatees in Crystal River – The only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with manatees in the wild.

• Explore Three Sisters Springs – Crystal-clear water, boardwalk viewing areas, and kayaking opportunities make this a natural wonder.

• Bike or Walk the Withlacoochee State Trail – Florida’s longest paved trail runs right through Inverness, offering beautiful lakeside views and wildlife spotting.

• Visit the Historic Citrus County Courthouse Museum – In Inverness, this 1912 landmark is known for its role in the Elvis Presley movie Follow That Dream.

• Crystal River Archaeological State Park – Discover ancient Native American temple mounds overlooking the water.

• Scalloping in the Gulf (Seasonal) – A fun family-friendly adventure from July to September, bringing home fresh Gulf scallops.

• Fort Island Gulf Beach – A quiet spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying spectacular Gulf sunsets.