Country life is alive and well in Brooksville, Florida. The small town, located about 50 miles north of Tampa, is nestled in the midst of gentle hills and open spaces with the Withlacoochee State Forest as its backyard. You’ll find the Brooksville area dotted with small 5- to 20-acre farms that include animals ranging from beautiful grazing horses and cows, to goats, donkeys, and even llamas.
The county seat of Hernando County for more than 100 years, the small town was founded more than 150 years ago. The brick streets, murals, and a handful of antique shops and boutiques put the “charm” on the charming downtown area, but it was a sign along Interstate 75 that tended to draw more to this small town. The sign advertised the Rogers Christmas House and Town and it was definitely worth a stop. The quaint collection of tiny turn-of-the-century houses turned into a charming year-round holiday village were perfect for shopping at any time of the year.
Unfortunately Roger’s Christmas House and Village closed. Vacant for a few years, it has now been remodeled with portions converted into a tea room.
Adjacent to the Rogers’ estate is Saxon Manor, a popular wedding and event venue with a restored Victorian home, beautiful gardens, and a beautiful reception area.
Events that can bring to this small town include the Brooksville Blueberry Festival. The famous fruit is just one of the many crops you can find in the area. The family festival is held every April in downtown Brooksville and features live entertainment, crafts, fun activities for the kids… and, of course, lots of blueberries.
Just down the road you will find Weeki Wachee Springs. The oldest attraction still has the most unusual spectacle in Florida: “mermaids” performing underwater in the crystalline fountains. The adjacent water park, Buccaneer Bay, is small by Florida standards, but popular with locals.
North of Weeki Wachee and northwest of Brooksville is Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, where you can see the “real” nature of Florida. Activities in the area include sightseeing, boat rentals, fishing, and snorkeling.
If you decide to spend a day or two in the area, your best bet is a chain hotel, either Best Western or Hampton Inn, off Highway 50 along I-75 or at the Best Western Weeki Wachee. Resort, a small property right across the street from the attraction.
Addresses
Brooksville is located about 10-15 miles west of Interstate 75 and about 50 miles north of Tampa.
From the North or South: I-75 to Exit 301 (Highway 50) and turn west. Follow the signs.
From the South: Veteran’s Expressway / Suncoast Parkway (Hwy. 589) travel north to Exit 46 (Hwy. 50) or via Hwy. 41 drive north to Highway 50.
From Weeki Wachee, take the highway. 50 east of Brooksville.
Check my Google map for the exact location and directions to Brooksville, Weeki Wachee and Homosassa Springs.
