And pro tip: Fanning Springs in only seven miles away from Manatee Springs, so paddling from spring to spring on the river makes a great trip. Since the spring sits right off of the Suwannee River, it’s a super popular spot for paddlers to launch from. Just be sure to watch your step you’ll spot quite a few small sinkholes along the trail, which were formed when underground caverns collapsed. When you’re ready to dry off, try exploring the park’s nearly mile-long hiking trail that winds through hearty hardwoods and pines. So don your swim goggles, snorkel, or full-on scuba gear and take a dip. And like we said, the water is as clear as a freshly-windexed window - which makes it super easy to spot the manatees that float into the spring from time to time.
The spring stays at a cool 72-degrees year round, thanks to the 65 million gallons of water it pumps in daily. I have enjoyed very much talking and socializing with a lot of good people at rhino, people from all walks of life, all types of socio-economic back rounds and politics. And as such the young crowd goes to the other bar, while the older crowd comes to rhino. We know people throw around the phrase “crystal clear water” all the time - but with Fanning Springs, no description is more apt. There are only 2 gay bars in all of Sarasota and Manatee county.
