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"What's Happening on the Avenue" |
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The Shoppes of Heritage Village
"Where Details Matter"
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Cakes & Creations offers you the very best in gourmet cakes, cheesecakes and cupcakes. Our delicious cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes and other delights are baked with the freshest ingredients and made from scratch here in our kitchen.
We take pride in the quality of our baked goods every step of the way. For occassional cakes, choose from simple classic designs or increase the visual impact with soft color and contemporary styles. Our cakes are deliciously moist and we offer a wide variety of cake shapes, flavors and fillings to select from.
We expand the possibilities of decorating wedding cakes with fondant and elegant handmade sugar flowers. Our cake stylists will work with you to individualize your cake design, for whatever your needs.
Cakes and Creations is all about a labor and legacy of love. Cakes and Creations, located in Heritage Village opened in September 2009; however I've been baking since the age of 4 with two 'Easy Bake' ovens. The running joke in my family is that the "Easy Bake ovens finally paid off".
The legacy of baking starts with my great grandmother, Mary Bunch Gray was well known for her baked goods and baked up until the day she passed away at the age of 103. My mother, Theola McCray, raised me in the kitchen by her side. As a mother of seven, she prepared every meal at home and we did not know what it meant to eat out. As a little girl, I was always the helper in the kitchen. She was very talented and most skilled in the kitchen and my most favorite dessert was her three layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. This is the inspiration for my "Triple Chocolate Cake". Also in the family is William Bunch, my uncle; brother to my mother. William is the Owner of Oysters Restaurant, here in Crystal River and worked over 30 years at the Plantation Inn, retiring as the Executive Chef.
Katrice and Charles McCray (brother and sister) as children...
now living their dream as adults.
While baking is my passion, it was not always my career. I graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Statistics and left for the big state of Texas. I was a lead statistician for Abbott Laboratories and held several positions with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. However, baking was always my release, trying new recipes, techniques and ideas - with my co-workers serving as the guinea pigs for all of my baked goods. The more stress of my job, the more I baked - over time achieving what they called "gourmet status." After years of encouragement from co-workers, I finally opened the first Cakes and Creations location in Flower Mound, TX (using my corporate career to fund the venture,) in 2004.
However, I had to come back to Crystal River to care for my grandmother in 2005, Annie McCray, who passed away this January from Alzheimers Disease. Soon after giving birth to my son in 2006, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. After battling for a year and a half, she passed away. Throw in a divorce, a back injury, duties of a single mother - it's been quite a ride since moving back.
I always said that I would never return to Crystal River, not only am I here, but it's been close to five years of being back. In addition to the bakery, I also founded a not for profit organization dedicated to children and families called the Community Action Foundation of Citrus County.
At Cakes and Creations, we provide "Only the Best for the Best." Our cakes, cheesecakes, and frostings are made fresh to order. We pride ourselves in the level of quality, service and products we deliver. The baker, Charles McCray II, is my brother and baking/cooking is in our blood. Our decorator, Melissa Watson, has over 20 years experience and is most passionate about her work. Together, we make Cakes and Creations the only place to go when you want the best for baked goods.
Drop in and try a cupcake from our display case, where we offer a variety of cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, muffins, and cookies, all made from scratch. Come see us for cakes for any occassion, party or just for everyday. We are here provide you with "Only the Best for the Best."
Cakes and Creations is located it the Shoppes of Heritage Village at 659 North Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL. We can be reached at (352) 563-0353 or online at www.cakesandcreations.biz. |
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A Personal Note From...
Laura Lou at The "HUV" -  Hello friends of the Village...The HUV (Heart "Uv" Village) was created to help people get around Heritage Village better. Basically the Villlage Welcome Center. We were finding that because some of our visitors are not there on a regular basis, they did not realize that it just may be possible that the shoppe they were looking for was still there, just in a new home. Even those who thought then knew us well, didn't realize we housed 15 specialty shoppes and eateries on Heritage Side of Citrus Avenue. This is why we created a Heritage Village Map, to assist in getting the fullest experience in our quaint Village setting. We love to make people feel at home and if nothing else, offer a nice resting place.
Penny and Brian at Citrus Sports & Apparel - The school year is quickly coming to an end which brings us closer to football season! Here at Citrus Sports & Apparel, we are busy getting "geared up" to serve you better. Come check out our selection of football equipment and apparel. Shop early and take advantage of our Under Armour Closeout Sale! Quantities are limited, so it is first come/first serve. (Excludes Under Armour All-In-One Pants.)
April at SuGaBuG Kids - This Friday, May 7th, in honor of Mother's Day, my daughter Alexis and I will be modeling in a mother/daughter fashion show at Cafe on the Avenue, during the lunch hours. Fashions will be provided by SuGaBuG Kids and The Cotton Club. Speaking of mothers, I have to wish my Mom a special Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday. I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. Thanks mom for helping me to achieve my dreams! Congratulations on another degree this month as well!
Pat and Roger at All About Nature -
 I don't know if anyone has noticed, but the Heritage House is expecting!! Yes, most any day now we will be "blooming" with excitement!! The large Century Plant that is located on the lawn of the Heritage House has been preparing itself for a while now to  bloom! According to what I read on BirdsandBlooms.com, once the plant flowers the main rosette of leaves usually dies. The offsets, called pups, will take over, then grow and eventually flower. This means that we should be able to admire the flowers again. However, it may take 10 to 15 years for the offsets to flower!!! On naturesongs.com. They claim the Century Plant only blooms once in their life. The blooming spike grows so large and so fast that it saps all the resources of the plant, which then dies and leaves a tall wooden seed stalk. Either way, I believe we will be able to see for ourselves just what our wonderful plant will do!!!
Katrice and Charles at Cakes and Creations - Please be sure to stop by the shop to sample a cupcake and meet our decorator, Melissa. Melissa has over 20 years decorating experience and is simply the best for all of your cake decorating needs.
Tracy at Cafe on the Avenue - Check out our website www.dineontheavenue.com for our Mother's Day menu! Check out our coupon below for our FREE gourmet cookie (1 per person/per each entree) |
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My Heritage...from the 
by Laura Lou Tolle Fitzpatrick
Beulah Katherine's Beginnings
With Mother's Day in May, it seemed only fitting to learn more about my mother's childhood. I have definitely decided I needed a tape recorder, which I will purchase very soon, there are so many details and I don't want to miss a thing. Until then, I don't want to miss another deadline of our newsletter, so I have put together enough to hopefully hold your attention till the next edition, so here I go...
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!
Your Loving Daughter, Laura Louise
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Be sure to visit the following links to the Shoppes of Heritage Village.
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You can also follow the link to the Shoppe's Website for further details
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Secret Garden
352-563-0032
MaryBeth's Bridal
352-563-0722
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Upcoming Events MAY 2010
THIS FRIDAY
Friday Night "Porch" Lights on May 7th
The Shoppes will remain open until 7:00pm
for your shopping pleasure.
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SuGaBuG Kids
offers Mommy's Night Out!
FREE Relaxing Foot Baths, FREE Refreshments
AND
SuGaBUCKS Are Back!
Receive 25% in FREE Sugabucks
when you purchase $50 between 5-7pm. Sugabucks can be redeemed
on your next $50 purchase.
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Last minute shopping at
GREAT SELECTIONS OF
Brighton - Vera Bradley - Tommy Bahama
Fresh Produce Sportswear and more!
Ladies - it's not too late to fill out your wish list for Mother's Day - just in time for your gift giver to select that special gift
we know you'll want!
We will also have refreshments Friday to make your shopping experience at The Cotton Club even better.
Don't forget - free gift wrapping, too.
See you soon.
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THIS SATURDAY
Always 2nd Saturday
Of Each Month
This monthly event offers everything from Fresh Produce, Seafood, Herbs, and flowers, to Fine Arts and Crafts and much more. Creative Artists of all nature are invited to express their talents. We also welcome musical talents both Instrumental and vocal.
VENDORS, ARTISTS & CRAFTERS . . .
AT MARKET DAY WITH ART
PRODUCE, PLANTS & GARDEN
~ Greengate Nursery (flowering Plants)
~ Gourd Farm
JEWELRY
~ Wrapsody Wire by Donna Tredway
~ Artifacts Mixed Media Jewelery by Christine
~ Shop till Your Drop by Mindy
~ Maur Designs by Maureen
A STITCH IN TIME (Sewing)...
~ Roadkill Creations
~ Tie Dye T-Shirts & "Furry" Flip-Flops by Marty & Susan Lande
POTTERY
~ Pottery by Suzanne
BRUSH STROKES (Artist)
~ Sharon Bowman (Water Colors)
~ John Romaine Color Pencil Realism
~ Great Panes by Gail Wepner
PHOTOGRAPHY
~ Ashley McDermott Photography
WOODWORKING
~ Redneck Chair Crafter (cedar rocking chair)
~ Wood for All Seasons (wood furniture)
ART WITH NATURE
~ Bark and Feather Creations by Jennie
WATER RELATED
~ SEA TOW Services
MUSIC
~ Acoustic Open Mic and Music by Tom Ellis
NON-PROFIT
~ Crystal River Preserve State Park
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ALSO DURING MARKET DAY
AT OUR SHOPPES
The Cotton Club will feature
Vera Bradley at a 25% discount
on SELECT prints and styles.
This is a one time event just for you!
Look for the Red Truck outside out of the store
for the special patterns and styles available.
Come and enjoy the events of Market Day.
See you then!
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The Bridal House will feature
Newly Clearanced Dresses
$50 and up
(Over 100 Dresses to Choose From)
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TUESDAY, MAY 18TH
SuGaBuG Kids will be featuring
FREE Kindermusik Demo at 10:00am.
A special shopping pass for all attendees.
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(Items from home and shoppes)
on the grounds of Heritage Village
from 8:00am - Noon
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SATURDAY, MAY 22ND
(Need to Have Little Musical Background)
Learn how to play piano without reading music. A class is offered from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 22nd, at Cafe on the Avenue in Crystal River. A bare minimum of musical background is required. Students will learn how to use chords instead of the traditional, note-for-note music reading. They'll learn to use sheet music in a completely new way and they'll discover many of the magical shortcuts that the pros use to enhance their playing. For more information, call Stan Soehlman at 563-1173. Preregistration is necessary because class size is limited.
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MONDAY, MAY 31ST (Memorial Day)
SuGaBuG Kids
will be open from 10:00am - 3:00pm
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JUNE 2010
TUESDAY, JUNE1ST
SuGaBuG Kids will be having a Summer Kick Off
"Family Musik Time"
Kindermusik with Angie will be at 10:30am. $7 for one child
and $12 for two. Each child will get one shaker to take home. Followed by a FREE Sprinkler Party and light refreshments.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH
Every Second Saturday is
"Market Day with Art" |
City Map to Heritage Village 
The Shoppes of Heritage Village in the heart of historic downtown Crystal River are a unique destination combining specialty shoppes, handcrafted boutiques, nature inspired galleries and eateries to satisfy your every craving and thirst.
You'll enjoy year round events including festivals, outdoor performances, and Market Day with Art every 2nd Saturday. We have something for everyone!
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Heritage Village Walking Map
"Whether Crystal River is your home place or you're traveling through, we encourage you to include Heritage Village as a stopping place to relax and unwind during your daily travels near or far. For the traveler, we know your Journey is not complete until you've found that Unique treasure that represents the memory...our goal is to make sure you find it here at one of our many specialty shoppes".
What more can you ask for...a sense of Yesterday, with an Artistic Flare of today's Market, all for you right here at "The Shoppes of Heritage Village".
Once you turn off of US Hwy 19 in Crystal River onto North Citrus Avenue and see our old red "Classic Antique" truck, you'll know you have arrived.
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| SuGaBuG Kids, LLC
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Mother's Day
is on May 9th
Custom Picture Tile $10.00
with FREE Necklace In Time for Mother's Day!
Last day to order for pick-up is May 4th. Email your pic today. Be sure to specify color or black and white.
WITH THIS COUPON
352-563-0650 | |
Offer Expires: May 4, 2010 |
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| Hot Heads!
The Art
of Hair, Etc.
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Hot Heads is Offering You
An Opportunity to Brighten Up Your Summer!
Open Tuesday thru Saturday
with evening appointments available!
And don't forget Hot Heads is still offering
Spa Pedicures
For Only $25.00 $10.00 SAVINGS!!!
AND
1 Hour Massages
For Only $45.00
Call now and ask for Paige - Our associate will give you a
"Profile Image" offering information that will help find the color, style, and look that best fits you! With any service you will receive
a FREE Eye Brow Wax & Shaping!
CALL NOW AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
(352) 563-0068 | | Offer Expires: May 31, 2010 |
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| The Back Porch Garden
Wine and Tea Bar
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Every Tuesday and Thursdays
From 11:00am - 12 Noon
WITH THIS COUPON
R.S.V.P. 352-564-1500 | | Offer Expires: May 31, 2010 |
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| All About Nature
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"Crystal River's
Most Unique Nature
Themed Shop"
We Have Day Trip Hats...
Desert Safari Hats - $5.00 ea.
Camouflage Visors - $3.00 ea.
Located in the
Heritage House
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| Karisma
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WE NOW HAVE FERNS!
BRING IN COUPON
$15.00 Each
(Reg. $20.00 ea.)
We carry fudge made
with butter cream!
(352) 563-0785 | |
Offer Expires: May 31, 2010 |
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| Cakes & Creations
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May Special:
Get Our Three-Layered Strawberry Shortcake
For Only $25.00
Our Strawberry Shortcake is made with fresh strawberries layered between moist white cakes and finished with our homemade white buttercream frosting and strawberries.
A wonderful treat to beat the summer heat!
(This cake normally sells for $50.00)
This price is only valid for the month of May, 2010.
(352) 563-0353 | | Offer Expires: May 29, 2010 |
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FREE
GOURMET COOKIE
1 per person / per each entree
WITH COUPON
(352) 795-3656 | | Offer Expires: May 31, 2010 |
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RECEIVE A FREE MARKET BAG IF YOU SIGN UP AT
"The HUV" for our Village Newsletter
(Email Address Required)
Recycle and Go Green!
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
657 N. Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428
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