Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect
Tastes and Tales Food Tours are led by local Citrus Countians. The tours take place in the afternoon at 1:45 p.m., see the tour calendar for available dates. The tour is 2.5-3 hours in duration, and we will walk around a mile together. Tours are offered in Crystal River or Inverness. Each tour will focus on that area’s food scene and what makes it unique. We will stroll through the historic downtown district taking note of local art and history.
How much food is on the tour?
Typically, our tours include 3-4 stops for tastings, and trust us, there’s usually enough food to fill you up like a satisfying meal. We suggest holding off on lunch beforehand. And hey, some folks even find they’re still full come dinnertime.
What restaurants will we visit on the tour?
We only showcase locally owned restaurants making items from scratch. Tours itineraries and menus change depending on the needs of the tour and availability of the restaurants. We will also visit a handful of shops or galleries along the way. The tour guide will share commentary on history and local culture throughout the event.
Refund Policy
We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and we want to help in any way we can. If you find yourself unable to make your scheduled tour due to unexpected circumstances, don’t worry! Reach out to your tour guide, and we’ll do our best to arrange a rain check for you.
Just shoot us an email at tastesandtalesfoodtours@gmail.com or give us a call at 352-699-1460 with your contact information, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. We’re here to assist you!
Please note that we’re unable to offer partial credits or rescheduling for partial attendance, no-shows, or late arrivals. It’s super important to be at the right place at the right time since our events start promptly.
If you’re running behind schedule, no sweat! Just shoot us a text at 352-699-1460, and we’ll let you know where to catch up with your guide and group if they’ve already headed out.
Can I buy tickets the day of the tour?
We’re all about creating a personalized experience for you, and that’s why we kindly ask you to snag your tickets in advance online. This helps us ensure that everything is tailored just right for your tour adventure.
We want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, so we can’t accommodate walk-ups on the day of the tour. But no worries! Grabbing your tickets ahead of time guarantees you a spot and sets the stage for an amazing time.
Dietary Allergies
When purchasing your tickets, please take a moment to inform our tour guide of any allergies or dietary restrictions. This helps us better understand your needs and see if we can accommodate them.
Our tour guide and the restaurants have teamed up to craft a tasting menu featuring their best and most beloved dishes. While we’ll do our utmost to cater to dietary requests, please keep in mind that substitutions may not always be possible.
For your safety and enjoyment, it’s crucial to be aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have. We kindly ask that you refrain from consuming any items that may pose a risk during the tour.
How many people can attend a tour?
We can take a tour of 12 people and a minimum of 2 people. We also offer private tours.
What about children?
We want to make sure everyone has a great time on our tour! While our itinerary and food may not be the most entertaining for younger children, with lots of standing and walking involved, we understand that every child is different. These food and wine walking tours are developed for adults over the age of 21 as we will also be sampling alcoholic beverages. Having explained the nature of the tour, it is up to the adult’s discretion if you feel this is an adventure for your child to experience. Send an email tastesandtalesfoodtours@gmail.com or give us a call at 352-699-1460 to see if this is an experience for your child, or we could look at setting up a private tour.
Do you offer private tours?
Of course! We’re excited to collaborate with you in crafting a personalized experience tailored to your group’s preferences. Whether it’s a special event, corporate team building, bachelorette experience—we got you! For further information, please refer to our private tour details. We can’t wait to make your custom tour dreams a reality!
How much walking is involved?
There will be walking involved as we visit 3-4 eateries and explore historical and cultural sites along the route. You will enjoy seated experiences at the restaurants. Our tours typically have a duration of 2 ½ to 3 hours, contingent upon the specific itinerary. Walking is a component of the tour, and we recommend comfortable shoes and clothing. Generally, the distance covered during the tour does not exceed 2 miles.
Are your walking tours wheelchair accessible?
Our tours do accommodate wheelchairs; however, it’s important to note that there are uneven sidewalks and areas with gravel paths along the route. Rest assured; all restaurants included in the tour are ADA accessible. If you have any concerns regarding mobility or require specific accommodations, we encourage you to reach out to us for further discussion.
What about bad weather?
We are rain or shine tour. The biggest factors for weather in this area are warm weather and rain showers. We conduct the tours regardless of the weather.
Most of our stops are air conditioned and offer indoor seating or shaded patio seating. It is recommended to check the weather for the day and prepare accordingly. A raincoat or umbrella may come in handy. In the event of a natural disaster, a full refund will be issued.
Parking Information
Parking instructions and meeting place specifics are detailed on each tour’s dedicated page. You’ll also find details about the tour’s destination, helping you plan your day accordingly.
Please note that our food tours conclude a few blocks away from the initial meeting point. Precise parking information is provided within the meeting location directions following ticket acquisition.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as we are a walking tour. We also recommend comfortable clothing for walking about. Hats and sunscreen are not a bad idea either! Don’t forget to come with an appetite! This is also a great opportunity to bring your smart phone or camera to take photos of the tastings and sites!
Are tours offered in any other languages other than English?
Just English currently.
Are gratuities expected at the restaurants?
Great news – your ticket covers everything at the restaurants! While tipping isn’t mandatory, some folks like to show their gratitude for outstanding food and service by tipping the servers. It’s entirely up to you, so feel free to tip as you see fit.
Are tour guide gratuities included in the price?
If you enjoyed your tour, feel free to leave a gratuity for your tour guide. By no means is a tip required, and this is completely up to you.
Beverages and alcohol
Stops on the tour may include local beer, wine, craft cocktails, coffee or tea that is paired to the tasting. Water is served on the tour throughout the tour stops. Many of the stops offer the opportunity to purchase additional alcoholic beverages or sodas at an additional cost if time permits.
May I bring my dog on the tour?
State regulations dictate that only service dogs are permitted within food establishments.
