Savor the Season at the Newly Re-opened Little Rock Cannery
The Hernando County Growers Association welcomes you back to the Cannery! After a day of u-picking fresh produce or shopping at Florida’s Adventure Coast farmers markets, visitors can learn and enjoy the artistry of canning with the help of trained staff and professional equipment. Established in the mid 1970’s, the historic cannery is housed in a stone schoolhouse built in the late 1930’s under the WPA and President Roosevelt. Known then as the Hammock Consolidated School, the building has since served many functions such as a school for orphans and a library before becoming the Little Rock Cannery and home of the Brooksville Farmers Market held every Sunday from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Schedule a visit to tour the historic building, attend a hand-on class, or save the season in a jar!
Visit the Chinsegut Hill Historic Site
The history of Chinsegut Hill (pronounced “chin-SEE-gut”) is as rich as the ruggedly-lush ‘Old Florida’ habitat from which it emerged more than 165 years ago. Today, thanks to the endeavors of committed public and private benefactors, the extraordinary manor house museum and estate are symbols of a pioneering spirit and commitment to conservation.
Newly opened as part of the Tampa Bay History Center, it is known as the Chinsegut Hill Historic Site. This stately manor house brims with artifacts and rich history. After extensive site research, this Smithsonian Affiliate and American Alliance of Museums-accredited institution has developed historic markers and other interpretive elements to enhance your visit, whether you are touring the home or walking among the ancient oaks on the hilltop estate. Schedule a guided tour of this 1845-era estate that once hosted such luminaries as Thomas Edison, Helen Keller and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, among others.
Shop Like it’s 1928 at the Richloam General Store
Offering period merchandise and a living history experience, the Richloam General Store is a modern-day version of a dry goods merchant. Step back in time to browse a variety of quality local made products, dry goods, and period merchandise while listening to time-period music and learning the history of the town of Richloam. Built and founded by Sidney Brinson in 1922, the Richloam General Store served as both the post office and mercantile for the community of Richloam until January 31, 1936. Newly restored and opened, it now stands as an operating store was recently added to National Register of Historic Places.
Take a Walk in Weeki Wachee’s Secret Garden
One of Florida’s Adventure Coast’s best-kept secrets is the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, located just a 5-mile drive from Weeki Wachee Springs State park. A lush, shady 3.5-acre property, the Botanical Gardens boast 22 separately-themed areas, such as an Asian Tea Garden, a Bromeliad Garden, a Rose Garden and a Butterfly Garden. Visit seven days a week from dawn to dusk; the Gardens are free, open the public and allow well-behaved dogs on a leash.
The Nature Coast Botanical Gardens is proudly maintained by an all-volunteer group of talented gardening enthusiasts. Browse their photo galleries and enjoy virtual tours before adding it to your list of fun free attractions on Florida’s Adventure Coast.
Sample Fresh Florida-grown Olives
Beginning September 2020, The Olive Grove opens to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, offering private tours, samples and unique gifts. Stroll through the orchard with nine varieties of olives and over 300 trees while learning all about this amazing crop. See the olive mill where residents can press their own olives, and sample freshly milled extra virgin olive oil. A country store sells hand-made products and goods featuring farm-fresh ingredients. Olive trees are available to purchase and take home too! In October, the Olive Grove begins offering classes for small groups to enjoy hands-on learning, unique crafts and the freshest olives in Florida.
Sip Mermaid Rum & Wild Buck Whiskey in the Woods
Drive through a spectacular natural area and take a distillery tour to and see how fine, hand-crafted Florida spirits are made. Located in the 40,000-acre wildlife preserve Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, NJoy Spirits Distillery is a family-owned farm and maker of whiskey, rum and moonshine, with farm-to-table spirits proudly made from ingredients grown on-site. The handcrafted Wild-Buck Rye Whiskey and Mermaid Rum are both multiple international gold-medal award winners and make for great tastings. Visit for a tour and see why NJoy Spirits continues to win numerous prestigious awards.
