b'Crystal Blue Persuasion.by Yvonne GuibertFrom the moment you turn into the driveway,Plantation Inn & Golf Resort exudes the south-ern charm of a bygone era. And Chica soaked itup as only a couture-conscious Chihuahua divawould. She did not mind the short drive to the hotelin Crystal River from our home in North Tampa.Borderedbya232acrenaturepreserve,grandoaks and wildlife galore, Plantation Inn is the cen-terpiece of Floridas Nature Coast, situated righton the Crystal River and surrounded by the nat-ural springs of Kings Bay. The area is teeming with wildlife, includingthe endangered West Indian Manatee, numerousbird species and other Florida wildlife. Be sure tobring your camera. Chica spotted two manateesfrolicking in the canal in front of our room. The Plantation Inn & Golf Resort was originally constructed in1962.It has been completely renovated into an eco-friendly and green luxuryresort hotel. www.TheNewBarker.com Spring ~ 2015 THE NEW BARKER 69'