The Big Bend is a tranquil area of small towns, wildlife preserves and flat marshes that are steeped in history. It was originally a semi industrial area when the lumber mills produced much of the timber used to build the foundations of the nation. These days are long gone and today the towns are shadows of their former selves, located in sleepy backwaters, relics of times gone by. It is both this charm and the small-town values which are attracting an ever growing number of tourists to the area.

As with much of Florida the area is a haven for wildlife, especially the Manatees, which migrate into the crystal clear waters around Crystal River. These magnificent herbivores are a major attraction to the area, leading to it being known as the Manatee Coast. For those who wish to get close to the Manatees, visitors are allowed to snorkel or scuba amongst them so long as they do not touch them.

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