Today we saw the fantastic indigo bunting and scarlet taninger – often it’s only a few days as they pass through. I know some see them all summer long – would be quite a treat for us.

We’re pleased to announce we’ve received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence! We thank our many guests who wrote reviews and sent them in to TripAdviser. We hear that some travelers look to reviews when deciding on where to stay so we’re grateful!

This morning over breakfast we saw two pair Baltimore Orioles and two pair Red Breasted Grosbeaks for the first time this year at the feeder on the east side of the inn. Of course our year-round residents – a pair Cardinals, Downy Woodpecker, Red Breasted Nuthatch,  Bluejay, Chicadees were also eating at the same time at our back and side feeders which can be seen from the Sun Room. Robert said, “Growing up in Louisiana I never thought I’d see these in my lifetime and here I see them year after year and never tire of the sight!”

It’s nearly 60 degrees outside today and spring is in the air! Crocus have emerged from under some renegade leaves that didn’t make their way to the compost bin yet… these lovely blossoms bring joy to the world and everyone who is attentive as they drive by Crystal River Inn. Be well and stay alert to signs of hope this spring!

We mean it! We think it’s been way too long a winter and figure it’s the same for you!  Get out and enjoy some new/different surroundings as signs of spring (including our daffodils) are popping up all over Rural and Hartman Creek State Park.

For the month of April get 20% off one night or 50% off the second night!

We’ve got sand hill cranes stomping through the back woods and a flock of about 20 robins finding things to eat in our yard. All the usual songbirds are here and the male goldfinches who were so drab all winter are turning their brilliant yellow.

Robert’s cooking up a storm and last weekend made some cinnamon swirl bread from organic Wisconsin wheat then turned it into french toast, topped with local maple syrup and the blueberry compote from Chet’s organic blueberries – our guests loved breakfasts!  We’d love to have you join us!

A turtle from a dear guest-friend. You can never have enough turtles. Thanks Rick!

We’re so pleased to share news about our friend and frequent Crystal River Inn guest, Rex Owens, who recently published his first novel, Murphy’s Troubles. I just finished the book and just loved it! I really didn’t want to put it down once I started it. You can read more about him and the book at his web site:  http://www.rexowens.us/the-author.html

We have some books here for sale. Rex and his wifem Lynnette will be coming back next month for an evening of Celtic fun. He’ll read portions of Murphy’s Troubles and we’ll discuss it a midst good food and live Celtic music. We’ll post the date of the reading on our Events page… we’ll keep you posted!

Valentine’s Day . . . love, thoughtfulness, endearing, caring, connecting. Get away together for the day or weekend with your Valentine here at Crystal River Inn. You’ll find warmth in the inn as you relax together in your cozy room and have a warm, delicious, homemade breakfast. Hot tea and cocoa are always available and freshly brewed coffee or decaf when you want it will be made in minutes. We’ll have our homemade zucchini bread (with zucchini from our garden) out for you to enjoy… If you cannot get away this weekend give a gift certificate that promises another time just for the two of you. Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

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We are so happy that it’s warming up – was almost 20 degrees today! Actually when there is no wind as it was today it’s actually nice to be outdoors. The snow is just gorgeous. With some warm winter wear it’s great for snowshoeing and cross country skiing and just walking through the village. The river’s opened up but still there’s a lot of ice and it’s just beautiful. This view is from the River Room. Helen’s Room, upstairs, also has this view of the Crystal – a real treasure!

With a lot of snow we’re seeing many birds at the feeder. Today we saw a pileated woodpecker and I can tell you they’re surprisingly large – stands nearly a foot tall – get that on the little suet block and it’s something to behold!