Festive Finds | Last-Minute Holiday Shopping in Citrus County

Nov 30, 2023

Most of us have a lot going on in our lives, and our schedules are packed with things we need to do on any given normal day. During the holidays, that always seems to increase threefold to the point that Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are looming with imminent arrival, and we still haven’t done all our gift shopping.

None of us is alone in this annual quest.

Last-minute scrambles to find gifts for the foodie, the tech lover, that person who seems to have everything, or the one who is just the hardest to buy something for every year – well, it’s almost as much of a tradition as tinsel. To find the right thing for the unique people in your life, we’ve dug and sifted, collated and compiled a list of possible treasure troves in Citrus County that may have some off-the-radar ideas for you to consider, plus maybe some extra loot for future forays in the retail jungle.

Let’s start in Inverness, shall we? This lively community, centered around its Courthouse Square, is a pretty hopping place for a relatively small town. There are shops and eateries tucked into the nooks and crannies, plus a vibrant outdoorsy character buttressed by the bicycle-friendly culture and the visitors to the Withlachoochee State Trail. You can stop at the Twisted Moon Boutique and check out their whimsical country-chic-bohemian styles of women’s clothing and accessories, men’s hats and apparel, and eclectic jewelry. They also take online orders and ship everything right to your door, with a 10-day return policy.
Jump in the car and head further West, and you’ll pass through the hamlet of Lecanto, where you might want to stop at Cavallo Farm & Market. Actually, scratch that – you really want to stop here. This place is a cornucopia of aromas and flavors the foodie in your life is going to love: Fresh organic produce and local honey, artisan jams and jellies, infused olive oils and fragrant vinegars – and absolutely delicious baked goods and pastries. You can even get a gourmet prepared meal from Chef Alan if you’re feeling hungry for lunch. After a little nosh, check out their eco-friendly bath products and scented aromatic candles, and an oenophile’s dream of assorted wines from the Cavallo Winery. Everything is locally sourced and carefully curated with a discerning eye, so you know you’re getting top-notch goods.
A little further on in Crystal River is the quirky-yet-elegant Rustic Mama’s Boutique on NW 1st Terrace, where you can find clothes, gifts, and enough self-care goodies to keep even the most indulgent epicure happy till Spring. The Heritage Antique Mall is a bastion of hidden treasures – their slogan is “Can’t Find it? We Probably Have it!” – so you’re likely in really good hands here. Located on NW Highway 19 in the old Wander Inn building, they’re chock-a-block full of one-of-a-kind items, from the vintage to the modern whimsical – antiques and collectibles, Mid-Century furniture, vintage barware, pottery, neon signs, fine art, porcelain and china, ornate rugs, vintage books, linens, glassware, sterling silver ware, and military collectibles. The entire building is like one giant stocking-stuffer, and we’ll be gobsmacked if you don’t find at least one of those elusive, perfect gifts on your list within its walls.
For those shopping warriors looking for a one-stop option, Floral City’s Heritage Village on North Citrus Avenue might be just the right place for you. You can check the many unique gift and specialty shops all within walking distance, including The Cotton Club, Southern Babe Boutique, GlassWerx Studio, and the Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts. It’s an old-timey energy of the city’s original fisherman’s village, with plenty of pubs like BubbaQue’s and the really cute Highlander Café, all under the canopy of historic downtown’s old maple, oak, and magnolia trees.
Homosassa seems like a good winding up point in your shopping quest, and if you still have room in your bag and uncrossed items on the list, head over to Pepper Creek Pottery and have a look at unique, original clay works by local artisans Angela Davis and Martha Anna Brunsink. You’ll discover some truly gorgeous pieces of functional as well as decorative items, from garden features to vases, dishware and artwork made with creativity and finished with stunning beauty.

For the pirate in your life (and Florida has a wealth of history in that department), you will find no more whimsical and fun place for hidden treasures than Howard’s Flea Market on South Suncoast Boulevard. Claiming the mantle in 1972 as the largest flea market in Citrus County, Howard’s boasts a staggering 800 booths over 55 acres, with merchandise of every kind from furniture, clothing, tools and hardware, jewelry, collectibles, arts and crafts, food, pet supplies – and even pets!

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gifts for your last-minute and/or stress-shopping needs, and if you need more ideas, check out the Discover Crystal River Shopping page for more inspiration.

Happy hunting and Happy Holidays!