Colleen’s guidebook
Old Florida Roadside/Museums
An old Florida Roadside Attraction since 1947! One of a kind live mermaid show performed in the deep crystal clear springs. Guests watch the show from the underwater theatre. Fish, turtles and sometimes manatees make their way into the performance. Also guests can spend the day at Buccaneer Bay water park. (Due to Covid 19 Please check for hours)
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Taman Negeri Weeki Wachee Springs
6131 Commercial WayAn old Florida Roadside Attraction since 1947! One of a kind live mermaid show performed in the deep crystal clear springs. Guests watch the show from the underwater theatre. Fish, turtles and sometimes manatees make their way into the performance. Also guests can spend the day at Buccaneer Bay water park. (Due to Covid 19 Please check for hours)
An "Old Florida" attraction. About a 35 minute drive towards Brooksville. The attraction is privately owned by the same family since the 1960s. There is a large family owned zoo, large old florida-style gift & Souvenir Shop with citrus available to purchase. They offer refreshments, old mechanical rides for the kids, a dinosaur cave, mini golf, and even a little museum of Hernando County! This is one of my favorite Spots since 1987!
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Tarikan Boyett's Grove dan Citrus
4355 Spring Lake HwyAn "Old Florida" attraction. About a 35 minute drive towards Brooksville. The attraction is privately owned by the same family since the 1960s. There is a large family owned zoo, large old florida-style gift & Souvenir Shop with citrus available to purchase. They offer refreshments, old mechanical rides for the kids, a dinosaur cave, mini golf, and even a little museum of Hernando County! This is one of my favorite Spots since 1987!
This is worth the day. You will take a boat ride back to the park. You will see and learn about manatees. There is alot of wildlife to see including the famous 60-year old Hippo "LU" which has lived at the park for 50 years!
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Taman Hidupan Liar Homosassa Springs
4150 S Suncoast BlvdThis is worth the day. You will take a boat ride back to the park. You will see and learn about manatees. There is alot of wildlife to see including the famous 60-year old Hippo "LU" which has lived at the park for 50 years!
Train depot built in 1885 in Brooksville. Interesting history on Brooksville. For extended stays, only open Wed, Fri, Sat from noon to 3pm. Make a day of it and also See the Stringer museum
Train Depot Museum
70 Russell StTrain depot built in 1885 in Brooksville. Interesting history on Brooksville. For extended stays, only open Wed, Fri, Sat from noon to 3pm. Make a day of it and also See the Stringer museum
May Stringer house in Brooksville. Museum during the day. Ghost tours. https://m.facebook.com/maystringerghosts/
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Hernando Heritage Museum
601 Museum CtMay Stringer house in Brooksville. Museum during the day. Ghost tours. https://m.facebook.com/maystringerghosts/
Located on US Hwy 19 just south of the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Spring Hill/Weeki Wachee famous dinosaur built in 1964 as a Sinclair gas station surrounded by woods. Now it towers over all the businesses around it. Floridians say you could see Dino’s eyes glow for miles. The Harold Hurst family purchased it in 1977 and still operate it today as an auto center. So if you need an oil change, or other repair, check out our famous dinosaur. He is now listed on the register of historic places.
See article “Spring Hill’s famous dinosaurs standing strong after nearly 60 years”
Harolds Auto Center
5299 Commercial WayLocated on US Hwy 19 just south of the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Spring Hill/Weeki Wachee famous dinosaur built in 1964 as a Sinclair gas station surrounded by woods. Now it towers over all the businesses around it. Floridians say you could see Dino’s eyes glow for miles. The Harold Hurst family purchased it in 1977 and still operate it today as an auto center. So if you need an oil change, or other repair, check out our famous dinosaur. He is now listed on the register of historic places.
See article “Spring Hill’s famous dinosaurs standing strong after nearly 60 years”
Spring Hill’s famous pepto bismol pink dinosaur. Located on US Hwy 19 four miles south of Harold’s Auto Dino.
The stucco dinosaur created in 1962 by a local artist at the direction of Jacob Foxbower. Foxbower was a taxidermist and he wanted the reptile to draw attention to his roadside taxidermy exhibit, which featured oddities like a stuffed two-headed calf. Later, as the roadside attraction craze died out, he turned the place into a more mainstream museum of mounted animals. Foxbower was known for his exquisite bird mounts, some of which made their way into the Smithsonian museums. He passed away in 1988, at the age of 81, and the museum remained open until 1998. When it closed, the dinosaur remained.
Spring Hill Pink Dinosaur
3261 Commercial WaySpring Hill’s famous pepto bismol pink dinosaur. Located on US Hwy 19 four miles south of Harold’s Auto Dino.
The stucco dinosaur created in 1962 by a local artist at the direction of Jacob Foxbower. Foxbower was a taxidermist and he wanted the reptile to draw attention to his roadside taxidermy exhibit, which featured oddities like a stuffed two-headed calf. Later, as the roadside attraction craze died out, he turned the place into a more mainstream museum of mounted animals. Foxbower was known for his exquisite bird mounts, some of which made their way into the Smithsonian museums. He passed away in 1988, at the age of 81, and the museum remained open until 1998. When it closed, the dinosaur remained.
If your in Brooksville check out this roadside drive inn opened in 1960. Elvis actually ate here in 1961. Famous footlong hot dogs! New owners have expanded into 3 locations. Menu at famousfootlongs.com
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Coney Island Drive Inn
1112 E Jefferson StIf your in Brooksville check out this roadside drive inn opened in 1960. Elvis actually ate here in 1961. Famous footlong hot dogs! New owners have expanded into 3 locations. Menu at famousfootlongs.com
I love this place! Cathy has unique, different, eclectic antiques. Large amount of outdoor Florida decor. Mermaids too!
Great Stuff
503 S Main StI love this place! Cathy has unique, different, eclectic antiques. Large amount of outdoor Florida decor. Mermaids too!
A short 20 minute drive to quaint Aripeka an old fishing village. Legend says Babe Ruth stayed here. Stop at Norfleets. Great views of gulf and locals /old timers fish from the bridge. No shops, No commercialism. Experience Old Florida and drive through Aripeka. https://www.naturecoaster.com/all-about-aripeka/
Aripeka
A short 20 minute drive to quaint Aripeka an old fishing village. Legend says Babe Ruth stayed here. Stop at Norfleets. Great views of gulf and locals /old timers fish from the bridge. No shops, No commercialism. Experience Old Florida and drive through Aripeka. https://www.naturecoaster.com/all-about-aripeka/
Go to Bayport Inn for some great seafood and then Bayport Pier for the sunset. Walk/fish on the pier, visit the park and walk the boardwalk. Read markers about Bayports history. There is also a boat ramp. http://www.floridanaturecoast.org/County/Hernando/BayportPark/BayportPark.aspx
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Pelabuhan Bot Taman Bayport
4140 Cortez BlvdGo to Bayport Inn for some great seafood and then Bayport Pier for the sunset. Walk/fish on the pier, visit the park and walk the boardwalk. Read markers about Bayports history. There is also a boat ramp. http://www.floridanaturecoast.org/County/Hernando/BayportPark/BayportPark.aspx
Beach
Used to be Sunwest Mines. It is now a recreational manmade waterfront facility off US HWY 19 in Hudson. There is a beach and so much for families to do! There is a $5 fee to get in and activity fees.
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SunWest Park
17362 Old Dixie HwyUsed to be Sunwest Mines. It is now a recreational manmade waterfront facility off US HWY 19 in Hudson. There is a beach and so much for families to do! There is a $5 fee to get in and activity fees.
Closest beach and awesome sunsets (locals clap for the sunset). Beach reaches capacity early
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Pine Island
Closest beach and awesome sunsets (locals clap for the sunset). Beach reaches capacity early
About 25 minute drive south on Hwy 19. Sandy beach. Drive down to watch the sunset and walk the boardwalk. Dine to live entertainment at Sams Beach Bar.
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HUDSON BEACH
About 25 minute drive south on Hwy 19. Sandy beach. Drive down to watch the sunset and walk the boardwalk. Dine to live entertainment at Sams Beach Bar.
Dine outside on the beach! Watch the sunset and boats. Live entertainment! This is an Old Florida Restaraunt. When I moved to Hudson in 1978, it was just a bubble which sold snacks on the beach. They kept expanding until it grew into what it is today! Unfortunately, the bubble, (it’s humble beginnings) had to be torn down.
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Sam's Beach Bar
6325 Clark StDine outside on the beach! Watch the sunset and boats. Live entertainment! This is an Old Florida Restaraunt. When I moved to Hudson in 1978, it was just a bubble which sold snacks on the beach. They kept expanding until it grew into what it is today! Unfortunately, the bubble, (it’s humble beginnings) had to be torn down.
Local favorites
Large outdoor and inside flea market. Set up by locals—A little of everything! Produce, Plants, Thrift, Antiques, Food, you never know what you can find!
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Airport Farmers & Flea Market
17375 Spring Hill DrLarge outdoor and inside flea market. Set up by locals—A little of everything! Produce, Plants, Thrift, Antiques, Food, you never know what you can find!
For extended stays, About a 30 minute drive north on Hwy 19. Open on weekends. Antiques, produce, collectibles, food, a little bit of everything
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Pasar Howards
6373 S Suncoast BlvdFor extended stays, About a 30 minute drive north on Hwy 19. Open on weekends. Antiques, produce, collectibles, food, a little bit of everything
Weeki Wachee Preserve
2345 Osowaw BlvdBiking and hiking.
Taman Linda Pedersen
6400 Shoal Line BlvdOld Florida. Views of the marsh
Jenkins Creek
Boat ramp, views of marsh
Zip lines and lots more. New Course. On our bucket list!
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FLG X Adventure Course - Tampa
6440 Cedar LnZip lines and lots more. New Course. On our bucket list!
Go Carts! Arcade, Mini Golf. Fun for the entire family!
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Adventure Coast Fun Park
9227 County Line RdGo Carts! Arcade, Mini Golf. Fun for the entire family!
Never done it, but worth looking into if you like scalloping, deep sea fishing. Close by in Hernando Beach
Angling Adventures Deep Sea Offshore Grouper Fishing Charters, Scalloping Trips & Inshore Flats
3510 Gulfview DrNever done it, but worth looking into if you like scalloping, deep sea fishing. Close by in Hernando Beach
On our list to checkout. Sunset cruises, dinner/lunch cruises. Close by in Hernando Beach. Prices are reasonable. Great reviews on trip advisor
Marina Rose Enterprises, LLC
4139 Shoal Line BlvdOn our list to checkout. Sunset cruises, dinner/lunch cruises. Close by in Hernando Beach. Prices are reasonable. Great reviews on trip advisor
River Tips
Tip—Miss the crowds! Paddle early! River is so peaceful and serene in the morning! Most of the rental kayaks start from the Springs and don’t start reaching our area for at least 2 hours. You will see more (wildlife). This is what paddlin is about! You will be glad you did! Make sure you bring water and a snack!
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Weeki Wachee River
Tip—Miss the crowds! Paddle early! River is so peaceful and serene in the morning! Most of the rental kayaks start from the Springs and don’t start reaching our area for at least 2 hours. You will see more (wildlife). This is what paddlin is about! You will be glad you did! Make sure you bring water and a snack!
140ft deep hole. Popular site for divers. You will pass by on your way down river (before Rogers Park on your left). Usually a rope swing there. Can get very crowded with boats
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Hospital Hole
5490 Darlene St140ft deep hole. Popular site for divers. You will pass by on your way down river (before Rogers Park on your left). Usually a rope swing there. Can get very crowded with boats
Food scene
On your way to Pine Island—Bayport Inn--"Old Florida" local seafood restaurant with Inside and Outside dining. Live music and view of the swamp. You may see a gator! $10 all you can eat fish special everyday. Monday’s 2 for $25 seafood specials. All you can eat shrimp special on Wed. After dinner a short drive to Pine Island or Bayport Pier/Park.
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Bayport Inn
4835 Cortez Blvd
On your way to Pine Island—Bayport Inn--"Old Florida" local seafood restaurant with Inside and Outside dining. Live music and view of the swamp. You may see a gator! $10 all you can eat fish special everyday. Monday’s 2 for $25 seafood specials. All you can eat shrimp special on Wed. After dinner a short drive to Pine Island or Bayport Pier/Park.
Locals favorite! Overlooks river at Rogers Park. Dine inside or on balcony outside. Only 1 Mile.
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Upper Deck
5386 Darlene StLocals favorite! Overlooks river at Rogers Park. Dine inside or on balcony outside. Only 1 Mile.
You will pass by if heading from 19 and Hwy 50. Eat inside or outside or popular for takeout. Family owned. Locals love it!
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BeckyJack's Food Shack
8070 Cortez BlvdYou will pass by if heading from 19 and Hwy 50. Eat inside or outside or popular for takeout. Family owned. Locals love it!
Walking distance. May want to call first for reservation. Gets very busy!
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La Bella Napoli Restaurant
7390 Shoal Line BlvdWalking distance. May want to call first for reservation. Gets very busy!
Brian's Place
3430 Shoal Line BlvdThe Drunken Mullet
3306 Shoal Line BlvdZigZag Scallop
4417 Calienta StOn our list to tryout
If your visiting Brooksville, check out this old roadside drive inn. Famous footlong hot dogs since 1960. Check out their Facebook page for specials. Elvis ate here in 1961!
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Coney Island Drive Inn
1112 E Jefferson StIf your visiting Brooksville, check out this old roadside drive inn. Famous footlong hot dogs since 1960. Check out their Facebook page for specials. Elvis ate here in 1961!
Rentals
These are our neighbors a short walk up the street. Paddle board rentals, tours, instruction. Very nice folks! Tell them you’re staying at Paddlin The Dream”
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SUP WEEKI
6895 E Richard DrThese are our neighbors a short walk up the street. Paddle board rentals, tours, instruction. Very nice folks! Tell them you’re staying at Paddlin The Dream”
Located on shoal line near Rogers park. Motor boat rentals.
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Weeki Wachee Marina
7154 Shoal Line BlvdLocated on shoal line near Rogers park. Motor boat rentals.
Hernando Beach Marina
4139 Shoal Line BlvdRent a pontoon boat
Blue Pelican Marina
5000 Calienta StBoat Rentals
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Bring water Shoes!! Sunscreen! Wide Brim Hat! Bug Spray!
Water shoes are a lifesaver! Stairs, decks, docks, get slippery and can get very hot in the sun! Protect your feet on the river too. Sunscreen is a must. Floppy or wide brim straw hat will protect you from the sun and also comes in handy if you get stuck in a Florida rainstorm. More than one swimsuit! It’s nice to change into a dry one! Always bring water on the river!
Water proof pouch for phone, camera, etc. (Many people tip over and lose valuables on the river—so keep that in mind)
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Life jackets for small children
We do not supply life jackets for children under 30lbs. Make sure they have a coast guard approved life jacket. We recommend all children wear life jackets on the river as the current can be very strong on the river.
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Grocery stores, chain restaurants
There is a Winn Dixie on US Hwy 19/Hwy 50 (Cortez Blvd) at the light you turn left and it on the right. There is also a Publix south on US Hwy 19.
Within 15-20 Minutes on Hwy 50 is Texas Roadhouse, Carrabas, Chili’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, Five Guys, Cici’s Pizza, Cheddars, Bonefish Grill, Bob Evans, Chick Filet, Morning Glory, Chinese Buffet and more. Also in the same area is Walmart, Sams Club, Hobby Lobby, Dicks Sporting Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dollar General, Bealls (my favorite store!) Dollar Tree. US Hwy 19 South is Cracker Barrel, Sonny’s, Golden Corral Applebees
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Weeki Wachee Boat Rentals
Will deliver an inflatable or aluminum Jon Boat to the dock. 24 hour rental. Will give you instruction and river tips also. Go to Weekiwacheeboatrentals.com