Stories from Florida’s Adventure Coast

Bayport Inn 4835 Cortez Boulevard Weeki Wachee 34607 352-596-1088 With front row open air seating on a spectacular coastal saltmarsh, the Bayport Inn is a local favorite. Call ahead and ask about some house specialties like fried pickles, gator, shrimp, scallops and burgers. Get your adult beverages to go too if you like. BeckyJack’s Food … Continue reading 5 To Try: Curbside Carry-Out

Beautiful weather, calm seas, nature and lots of hungry fish. What could be better? Enjoy a water day your way. Launch your own vessel, arrange a rental or charter a trip with a local guide; the choice is yours on Florida’s Adventure Coast. Hernando Beach and Weeki Wachee marinas welcome you with freshly scrubbed open-air … Continue reading Room to Roam: Florida’s Adventure Coast Open Water Awaits

Have you noticed these large birds gliding, soaring and swooping above Florida’s Adventure Coast? With their four-foot wingspan, bold black and white plumage and long, deeply forked tail, these beautiful raptors are a joy to watch. These migratory birds are spring and summer sights in Florida, typically arriving in early March to breed. Contrary to … Continue reading Kite Flying – Florida’s Adventure Coast Style

Fujiyama Hibachi Grill & Sushi Bar 12070 Cortez Boulevard Brooksville 352-596-6370 Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse is an independent restaurant specializing in hibachi style cooking and authentic sushi dishes. Guests can choose to sit around a hibachi grill and have the chef prepare their meal with an interactive show. Or, they may choose to sit in our private dining area … Continue reading 5 To Try: Japanese Cuisine

by Brittany Hall-Scharf “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.” – Chief Seattle Did you know that volunteers collected 23,396 pieces of trash from the coastal communities, dredge islands, and marine waters along Hernando County during the 2018 and 2019 Coastal Cleanups hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County? Yes – 23,396 pieces of trash in … Continue reading How to be a Kind Coastal Visitor in Nature’s Place to Play

World Migratory Bird Day is May 9, but on Florida’s Adventure Coast, it’s April that is songbird season. While there are many species of birds that live here year-round, April is the best month to look for songbirds that are migrating in the spring. These birds have spent the winter in southern Florida, Mexico, Central … Continue reading Search for Spring Songbirds

Rich in history, surrounded by natural beauty, and dripping with quintessential Old Florida hospitality, Florida’s Adventure Coast is an unforgettable wedding destination. Home to charming towns like Brooksville and Weeki Wachee, more than 200,000 acres of protected parklands, and some of the Sunshine State’s most iconic attractions, the Adventure Coast is an idyllic place to … Continue reading Your Guide to a Memorable Wedding Weekend on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Florida is home to a wide array of wondrous creatures, from endangered Florida panthers and American alligators to gopher tortoises. But, Florida’s manatees are certainly the state’s most iconic wild inhabitants. A sub-species of the West Indian manatee, the marine mammals are found in freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater ecosystems throughout coastal Florida. These waters … Continue reading Meet the Manatees: How to Spy these Amazing Creatures on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Shrouded in mystery, the origin of Valentine’s Day is rooted in the 5th century. However it began, February 14th has long been associated with love and romance. From simple construction paper cards of children to gestures of untold extravagance, love expressions can run the full spectrum on February 14th. Don’t be caught empty-handed this Valentine’s … Continue reading 7 Sweet Valentine’s Day Adventures

Becky Jack’s Food Shack 8070 Cortez Boulevard Weeki Wachee 352-610-4412 Famous for their Crunchy Fish Sandwich, Becky Jack’s they are building a family of friends one meal at a time. Florida Cracker Kitchen 966 East Jefferson Street Brooksville 352-754-8787 Florida Cracker Kitchen is a place to feed your soul and belly at the same time. … Continue reading 5 To Try: Southern Comfort

Watch colorful sights unfold and hear tales told when you slow down for a Brooksville Mural Tour. Allow time from your busy day for a leisurely stroll through downtown and get an insider view of its eight hand-painted murals. Not only will you learn each mural’s story, you will also discover some interesting history of … Continue reading Must See: Tour of Brooksville Murals and More

What is the secret to happiness? Maybe it’s maximizing your vacation time. Be happier, healthier and more connected with others. Make some plans this year! “So much to do, so little time.” While the phrase may sound like it perfectly describes our lives, research shows there actually is time. Americans universally say that vacation days … Continue reading Happiness = Taking More Vacation

Offering a montage of trail-laced woodlands, slow-rolling rivers, and biodiversity-rich wetlands, Florida’s Adventure Coast has unlimited outdoor adventures on tap. The region is overlaid with nearly 200,000 acres of protected parklands, offering an abundance of opportunities for outdoor lovers all year long. From morning birdwatching walks to family-friendly bike rides and coastal kayaking trips, there’s … Continue reading The 7 Best Ways to Get Outdoors During Your Trip to Florida’s Adventure Coast

Envelope yourself in all that is fresh and healthy on this invigorating wellness adventure. Tour waterways, wild spaces and local flavors. Walk sunshine-covered trails and let your cares slip away at a sumptuous wellness center. What is Wellness? Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling … Continue reading Well and Good on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Cafe´ Masaryktown 398 Broad Street Masaryktown, Florida 34604 352-754-2822 At Cafe´ Masaryktown, owners and staff bring family tradition and quality to every table they serve, specializing in both Cuban and Spanish style cuisine. Boasting the “Best Cubans north of Habana Cuba,” you can’t go wrong choosing among the Standard, the Havana Club, Miami Cuban and … Continue reading 5 To Try: Cuban Sandwiches

by Jan Knowles 2020 marks Hernando County’s 40th annual Brooksville Raid Reenactment.  This living history event presents the story of a battle fought here in late June 1864 during the Civil War. You can view this dramatic Raid reenactment on January 18 and 19 at Sand Hill Scout Reservation, located at 11210 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida … Continue reading The Brooksville Raid: Explosive Living History

In the Gulf waters along Florida’s Adventure Coast, something amazing lies beneath the surface. Waving with the ocean currents, vast stands of seagrass create an aquatic wonderland where manatees and sea turtles roam. The underwater plant life also supports the growth of scallops, which can be harvested for a delicious meal. It’s a magnificent environment … Continue reading 8 Can’t Miss Experiences That You Can Only Have on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Gifts that are unique, tasteful and tasty are always appreciated. For fan favorites, shop local and consider these edible and drinkable gift ideas found only here in Nature’s Place to Play. Citrus Send a box or basket of Florida sunshine. Arrange for gift fruit shipping from Boyett’s Citrus Grove. From grapefruits to tangerines and many … Continue reading Palate Pleasing Presents from Florida’s Adventure Coast

Bagels & Beyond 16272 Spring Hill Drive Brooksville, Florida 34604 352-593-4969 At Bagels & Beyond, they state that they make the freshest bagels and specialty sandwiches in Hernando County. They opened on August 16, 2009  in Brooksville on Spring Hill Drive near the Brooksville – Tampa Bay Regional Airport Business District. Since Day One, Bagels & … Continue reading 5 To Try: Baked Goods

by Brittany Hall-Scharf It is that time of year again! Manatee slow speed zones are in effect. It is important to abide by these speed restrictions between October 1 and April 30 each year. Florida manatees are slow-moving marine mammals found in shallow, coastal waters and rivers. They spend large portions of their day munching … Continue reading Be Manatee Aware: How You Can Help Protect Manatees Along Florida’s Adventure Coast

There’s always something happening on Florida’s Adventure Coast. From craft shows to culinary festivals to trail races, the region hosts a cornucopia of engaging festivals and events throughout the year. The Adventure Coast is also a hotspot for live music, particularly outdoor festivals where you get to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Every year the region … Continue reading 10 Exciting Festivals That You Must Attend on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Ample sunshine and fair weather make Florida’s Adventure Coast an excellent place to hike and bike throughout the year. Northwest Florida not only boasts great weather, but it’s also home to a vast network of trails that wind through parks, preserves, and wildlife areas. Some are paved paths along former railroad beds that give cyclists … Continue reading The 7 Best Trails on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Ahh, So Thankful for Spas An attitude of gratitude is good for your mind, body and soul. In fact, science reveals lifelong benefits of gratitude are nearly limitless. On Florida’s Adventure Coast, you can appreciate quiet natural spaces to escape the hustle of daily life as well as places devoted to pampering your body. Breathe … Continue reading 9 Places for Pampering on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Azteca Mexican Restaurant 2270 Commercial Way Spring Hill, Florida 34606 352-293-4942 Colorful, bright and attractive, a visit to Azteca Mexican Restaurant is like being in Mexico City. Authentic fresh and delicious dishes are prepared and served to order. Service and cleanliness are highly rated too. Chula’s Mexican Grill 11061 Spring Hill Drive Spring Hill, Florida … Continue reading 5 To Try: Mexican Restaurants

Grab some Stone Crabs Among many reasons to love the onset of fall in Florida is the start of stone crab season in state waters. Stone crabs can be legally harvested from October 15th through May 15th. Valued for deliciousness, fresh caught stone crab meat is a favorite among local chefs and diners.  Visit Aripeka … Continue reading Pause for Claws: It’s Stone Crab Season on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Caffé Connection Coffee & Food 4196 Mariner Boulevard Spring Hill, Florida 34609 352-293-4199 Caffé Connection is a local-owned and operated coffee shop located in Spring Hill committed to providing the premier coffee and food experience in the area by serving only the finest coffees, teas, and freshly baked goods. At Caffé Connection, they use only … Continue reading 5 To Try: Coffee & Tea

Finding a trail of good neighbors on Florida’s Adventure Coast by Kellilynn Hann “Come on, slowpoke!” I waved to my husband, Ron, encouraging him to hop on his rented bicycle and join me down the trail. We were in the heart of Florida’s Adventure Coast, an area of Hernando County snuggled between the Gulf of … Continue reading Cycling Through Life

Most wildflower species produce flowers during a certain season, with some species blooming in the spring, others in the summer and a few blooming year round. In central Florida, we usually have a dry spring followed by a rainy summer. Ample summer rainfall coupled with Florida’s long growing season provides suitable conditions for a fall … Continue reading Florida Fall Flowers, Fires and Forests

The tapestry of natural areas, parks, and preserves along Florida’s Adventure Coast support a spectacular diversity of flora and fauna. Spread along the Gulf of Mexico, the region offers 200,000 acres of protected parklands to explore, along with pristine rivers, swathes of old-growth forest, and the beautiful waters of the Gulf. From birding walks to … Continue reading The 8 Best Ways to Experience the Rich Ecological Diversity on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Breakfast & Lunch Nook 1376 Spring Hill Drive Spring Hill, Florida 34606 352-686-7686 Clean and bright with great food, low prices and a friendly staff, the Breakfast & Lunch Nook is a popular morning gathering place. In fact, one reviewer noticed how many customers were locals, especially on Sundays. Their tasty menu of comfort food … Continue reading 5 To Try: Breakfast & Lunch

Florida’s Adventure Coast is the sweet spot for a sensational September Florida getaway. Crowd-free summer fun welcomes you to affordable attractions and outdoor recreation. Thanks to a mid-August start to the school year, find more streamlined access to spots popular with families. Water Based Adventures Top reasons why September is ideal to be on, and … Continue reading Plan your September Getaway on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Florida’s Adventure Coast is renowned for outdoor pursuits, from pristine paddling along the Weeki Wachee River to avifauna-rich hikes in the Withlacoochee State Forest. But one of the region’s best-kept secrets is its vibrant dining scene. From perfectly smoked barbeque to freshly caught seafood to hand-dipped ice cream that wraps up the day on a … Continue reading How to Eat Your Way Through Florida’s Adventure Coast

Florida has been hailed as the Fishing Capital of the World, and the Adventure Coast is one of the state’s sweet spots for casting a line. A pristine paradise for anglers, the region offers a wide array of experiences, from exploring the ecologically rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico to kayak fishing the picturesque … Continue reading An Angler’s Guide to the Best Fishing on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Climb rope walls. Swing through trees. Cross wobbly bridges and zoom down zip lines in between. Safely harnessed the whole way, gain a treetop perspective at FLG X Adventure Course. FLG X Tampa is located in Brooksville and features four courses nestled among lush forest. Each course contains approximately 10 – 17 obstacles and zip … Continue reading Test your limits at FLG X Adventure Course

At these coastal cuisine restaurants, bring your fresh caught scallops to have them cooked up for you. Be sure they are shucked, cleaned and stored on ice. Becky Jack’s Food Shack 8070 Cortez Boulevard Weeki Wachee, FL 34607 352-610-4412 Becky Jack’s Food Shack is a small, local eatery popular for its crispy fish tacos, fried … Continue reading 5 To Try: Coastal Cuisine

Beyond brands You know what you’ll find at branded restaurants and stores familiar to you from other places. Here, as there, your experience will be the same – products on identical shelves and menus that list the same fare. While there is comfort in consistency, there’s special joy in novelty. Shop Brooksville on Florida’s Adventure … Continue reading Unlock the chains. Uncover unique in Brooksville, Florida

What better way to celebrate summertime (or anytime!) than with a sweet scoop, dish or shake? Soft-serve, frozen yogurt, custard or hand-crafted and dipped, indulge your sweet tooth at these frosty local favorites. Tour Florida’s Adventure Coast from east to west and north to south creating your own ice cream tasting trail. HERE IS A … Continue reading The Scoop on Florida’s Adventure Coast Sweet Spots

Things to do with scallop shells by Allison Walker It was fun diving for Florida bay scallops. The days out on the water were all you hoped they would be: finding a fruitful spot, hoisting the diver flag, swimming in the refreshing Gulf water and bagging your limit. As you gaze at your bounty, popped … Continue reading Save Your Summer Memories with Scallop Shell Art

Guido’s Pizza Café 7219 Forest Oaks Boulevard Spring Hill 34606 352-688-1018 Guido’s Italian Ristorante & Pizza Café uses the freshest ingredients to create delicious, homemade Chicago style pizzas, Italian specialties, sandwiches and salads you won’t find anywhere else. Established 1974. Luigi’s Pizza 750 South Broad Street Brooksville 34601 352-796-8700 Luigi’s Pizza is proud to be … Continue reading 5 To Try: Hometown Pizza

Home to some of the Sunshine’s State’s most iconic attractions, Florida’s Adventure Coast has been enticing visitors for decades. The region is teeming with natural wonders, from inviting freshwater springs to wildlife-rich woodlands to sun-soaked stretches of shoreline. The area also has a captivating history, and reminders of the past still dot the local landscape—especially … Continue reading How to Have an Unforgettable Family Vacation on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Ever the planner, Monica takes pride in finding unique, memorable Florida adventures for her family vacations. Beyond theme parks and beaches, she gets a thrill out of uncovering insider secrets and hidden destination treasures. This year, she’s excited to bring her vacation plan together on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee. Her family group of eight, … Continue reading Family Reunion Vacation: 10 Fun-For-All Experiences on Florida’s Adventure Coast

A mosaic of marshlands, floodplain forests, shimmering lakes, and grasslands, the Weekiwachee Preserve is an outdoor oasis for nature lovers. Spread over the southwest corner of Hernando County along Florida’s Adventure Coast, the 11,206-acre ecological treasure also serves as a fantastic destination for hiking, biking, paddling, and birdwatching. Bounded by the Weekiwachee and Mud rivers … Continue reading An Insider’s Guide to Florida’s Beautiful and Unique Weekiwachee Preserve

Backwoods Bar-B-Q 26151 Lake Lindsay Road Brooksville (Saturdays) NJoy Spirits Distillery 7237 Wild Buck Road Weeki Wachee 352-586-9199 Motto: “Available for any Hootenanny you would like!” This popular new mobile Bar-B-Q eatery splits time between Brooksville and Saturdays at Weeki Wachee’s NJoy Spirits scenic Chassohowitzka Distillery. Backwoods Bar-B-Q serves up classics like pulled pork sandwiches … Continue reading 5 To Try: Barbecue, Barbeque, BBQ, Bar B.Q.

Summertime on Florida’s Adventure Coast means scalloping. Slipping into bathwater-warm Gulf of Mexico waters at the first sight of those shells shimmering beneath brings a surge of joy unlike any other. The eagerness of discovery and success at grabbing them as they zig zag through the clear water is enough to bring giggles, whatever your … Continue reading Summer Scalloping on Florida’s Adventure Coast: So Fun!

Spend your vacation in Nature’s Place to Play and have plenty of fun without breaking the bank. Plan memorable days and evenings with this round up of  Affordable Adventure Ideas. Click on our website Plan Your Visit icon to create and map your own unique itinerary. Download the integrated app to take your plan with you! … Continue reading Affordable Outdoor Adventure Ideas

Carlisle’s Neighborhood Meat Market 7601 Horse Lake Road Brooksville 34601 352-593-5483 Owners of the popular Carlisle’s Meat Market have expanded to serve a variety of deli fare, including Cubans, sandwiches, meatball subs, pasta salads, cheeses and secret sauces. Deli service is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Cracovia Polish Restaurant 3007 Commercial Way Spring Hill … Continue reading 5 To Try: Delicatessens

From majestic trees draped in Spanish moss, to gentle manatees floating along the inland waterways, to world-famous mermaids, Florida’s Adventure Coast beckons with a magical—and unique—appeal. This stretch of the state, which encompasses Hernando County and the charming towns of Brooksville and Weeki Wachee, reaches all the way to the Gulf of Mexico on the … Continue reading 8 Reasons Your Next Vacation Should be to Florida’s Adventure Coast

Thanks to vision, volunteers, sponsors and agency partners, a derelict vessel was transformed into a marine habitat, scuba and fishing destination. Referred to as the “Ghost Ship,” remains of an old two-masted schooner joined the ten M-60 tanks that comprise Hernando County’s Bendickson Reef on April 23. (Above) An example of what this schooner may … Continue reading From schooner skeleton to seafloor sanctuary; a new Adventure Coast artificial reef

Behold: The Gentle Gopher Tortoise Find these ancient, gentle munchers-of-foliage throughout Nature’s Place to Play. A keystone species, their burrows can be shared with more than 350 other types of wildlife.  Here are some fun facts about Florida’s Gopher tortoise. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are listed as Threatened and are protected under state law. … Continue reading 4 Fun Facts about the Gopher Tortoise

The Bistro 10 South Main Street Brooksville 34601 352-345-4802 The Bistro in historic downtown Brooksville is the place for good food, good drink and good friends. Browse the ever-changing menu and dine with friends in a warm inviting atmosphere. Broad Street Market 4 North Broad Street Brooksville 34601 352-678-6767 Discover a casual urban dining experience … Continue reading 5 To Try: Freshly Harvested

Celebrate Florida’s Adventure Coast’s bounty this spring. Pick, taste and tour our harvests from berries to craft spirits. View seasonal colors of blueberry, sunflower yellow and olive green. Visit farms to pick your own; attend fairs and festivals; sample spirits; shop at farmers markets and dine on locally sourced produce. Experience the harvests Drive canopied … Continue reading Fun and Farm Fresh: 7 Spring Country Adventures

Pair your creative with your social side and savor the outcome at Spring Hill’s Once Upon a Vine. Join a growing number of folks who take the five to six-week journey from recipe to sensational results. Ordering from a restaurant wine list or purchasing from store shelves are customary ways to enjoy wine. Once Upon … Continue reading Sip the fruits of your labor at Once Upon a Vine

More than ever, family generations vacation together and Florida’s Adventure Coast is just the place to do it. Not only is it an affordable lodging base in the geographic center of the state, you need only travel a short distance for a variety of fun things to do. Share experiences and make new memories with … Continue reading You Are A Family Reunion Hero

Whatever mood you’re in, there’s a trail for you here in Nature’s Place to Play. Choose wet or dry, paved or not, long or short. Florida’s Adventure Coast is laced with scenic trails, some of which are nationally recognized.   Try them all. Explore by foot, bicycle, horseback, ATV or kayak. Let a beautiful day sweep you … Continue reading No Need For Trail Envy; There Are Plenty To Go Around

Every fall retirees Tim, Lori and their pup Penelope roll south on their own “Florida festival tour.” Towing a vintage Airstream trailer, home is wherever the music is playing. With a penchant for bluegrass and country, they’re also fans of gospel, folk and Americana. Musicians themselves, they while away blissful winters beneath Spanish moss-draped oaks … Continue reading Florida’s Adventure Coast Music Festivals and Magic Moments

Florida’s Adventure Coast is rich in unspoiled natural spaces. With outdoor recreation on the rise, ensuring environmental protection is key. On Florida’s Adventure Coast, the county Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) program was born in 1988. It is a program for the protection of natural resources and accommodating public use of those natural areas. The ESL … Continue reading Environmentally Sensitive Lands: Acres To Love And Learn From

One of Florida’s Adventure Coast’s best-kept secrets is the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens. A lush, shady 3.5-acre property, this special place is tucked off Commercial Way and easily accessible from Spring Hill Drive. Visit seven days a week from dawn to dusk; the Gardens are free and open to the public. Founded in 1994 by members … Continue reading Find Tranquility In Bloom At The Botanical Gardens

Calling all history buffs! From magnificent manors to timeless roadside attractions, Florida’s Adventure Coast is brimming with local legends and lore. Dispersed throughout the area are ten Historical Markers and eight sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Make plans to see them all. For a jump start, we’ve assembled these seven must-see highlights.   1.  Chinsegut … Continue reading 7 Must See Highlights of Florida’s Adventure Coast History

Sustainable Tourism is a growing trend that is here to stay. Using the three pillars of sustainable tourism: economic, social and environmental, we can celebrate by supporting the local communities we visit and retaining those natural habitats in a manner equal to, or better than, we found them. Florida’s Adventure Coast is a destination full of … Continue reading Sustainable Adventuring: Nature With a Side of Nice

Florida’s Adventure Coast is brimming with celebrations of cultural history. Festivals reveal a rich tapestry woven through time and place. Vibrant primaries, passionate reds, Emerald Isle greens, Mediterranean blue and a spectrum of pioneer pastels reflect local cultural influences. Under a blue winter Florida sky, Florida Classic Park transforms for the Brooksville Native American Festival. … Continue reading Celebrate Florida’s Adventure Coast’s Colorful Culture

Strawberries are ripe and ready to pick. At JG Ranch and UPicktopia, they are so plump and juicy the air is even fragrant with their sweetness. Though U-Picking treks may remind you of summertime, you’re in Florida and strawberries love cool weather. Available for picking on Florida’s Adventure Coast December through April – with March the peak – … Continue reading Pick Your Own Fresh Florida Strawberries

Here’s a view of what’s new on Florida’s Adventure Coast. Attraction Action Opening soon: Tampa Bay Extreme Adventure Course. Brooksville’s zip-line and treetop attraction, formerly TreeUmph!, will resume operations as a premier aerial adventure destination. Watch our website and facebook page for news on this developing story. Extensive renovations will conclude and Weeki Wachee Springs … Continue reading Your View of What’s New on Florida’s Adventure Coast

The weather outside is far from frightful and the lights are so delightful. Grab a sweater and plan these stops on your tour of holiday season sights around Florida’s Adventure Coast. Historic downtown Brooksville welcomes you with Christmas on Main Street. Immerse yourself in all things Christmas with amazing day and evening transformations. Don’t miss … Continue reading Top Ways to Reveal Christmas Sparkle on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Manatees are more than seagrass munching marine mammals; they are iconic, beloved symbols of natural Florida. View them in Florida’s Adventure Coast waterways, particularly during cooler times of the year. Because Florida manatees swim in both salt and fresh water, you can often catch sight of them from shore. Bayport Park, Jenkins Creek Park, Linda … Continue reading Marching Molars and More about Manatees

by Sally White, Guest Contributor Adventures of Mom “My bright blue kayak bobbed on the waves.  The wind picked up and the knot in my stomach tightened. To my left was the gaping mouth of the Weeki Wachee and Mud Rivers, and to my right was the endless Gulf of Mexico. I was but a … Continue reading Kayaking Florida’s Coastal Paddling Trail

Left or right? Deep within tall rustling cornstalks of the maze at Sweetfields Farm, it’s tricky to tell which way is toward nearby voices and which leads to yet another dead end. Will you ever get out? Find more fun in the October sunshine with hayrides, pumpkin patches and festivals as Adventure Coast area farms … Continue reading Savory and Spooky: Harvest Time On Florida’s Adventure Coast

Lowering his bike from the rack, Bob sighed with contentment. It’s beautiful weather and perfect for a long ride. He gazed at the paved trail stretching beyond his sight, knowing it’s now ten miles long and doesn’t end there; he can ride as far as he wants to. No more of the “out-and-back” that he’d … Continue reading Hello Long Paved Trail Bike Ride! Brooksville’s Good Neighbor Trail is Complete

Shooting an outdoor adventure TV show Have you ever wondered how video of a bicyclist pedaling across a bridge was filmed or what the story is behind a stunning overhead shot of a bald eagle? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “No, it never crossed my mind.” In the flow of television … Continue reading My Place For A TV Production Adventure

For four days earlier this month, over 60 media professionals from the Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA) immersed themselves in Nature’s Place to Play. From scalloping and fishing, to shooting, paddling and cycling, attendees played outdoors. Guided tours of Chinsegut Hill Manor House Museum and our Kegs, Casks & Corks Trail proved popular as well. … Continue reading Outdoor Writer Group Experiences Florida’s Adventure Coast

Florida’s Adventure Coast is a hotspot for outdoor music festivals and the Sertoma Youth Ranch is its center. Gather with new friends under open skies for a stellar lineup of performances. Find your spot to sit, sway and dance in their new 8,000 square foot pavilion. Pick your favorites throughout the year among Americana, Blues, … Continue reading Festivals Bring The Sounds Of Sertoma Alive

While there are many species of birds that live in Florida’s Adventure Coast all year around, September is the best month to look for songbirds that are migrating in the fall. These birds have spent the summer nesting and raising their chicks in the northern states and Canada, and are now passing through the county … Continue reading September’s Sensational Songbirds

Choose a cruise with Bayport River Safari Has your day been kind of busy? Maybe even a little stressful? Wind down on the water. Feel your cares melt away as you step aboard the roomy Bayport River Safari vessel. You’ll find plenty of front row seating for your panoramic Gulf of Mexico view. Captain Gary … Continue reading How Sunsets Soothe Your Soul On Florida’s Adventure Coast

Raise your glass to more reasons to raise your glass! The variety of appealing artisan beverages is growing around Florida’s Adventure Coast. From frothy beer flights to swirling wine goblets, satisfy your adventurous palate with hand-crafted beer, wine and distilled liquors. Take a seat, a taste and maybe a tour. Marker 48 12147 Cortez Boulevard … Continue reading From Wine To Shine: Try Florida’s Adventure Coast Locally Crafted Spirits

When you find something that delights you, you want more, right? If you believe more is always better, then double down with these add-on ideas. From your virtual Adventure Coast buffet, pick your favorites and then go back for seconds. If you loved the authentic Florida roadside attraction feel of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, plan … Continue reading Expand Your Experience With These Add-On Adventures

Make the most of your birding adventure! Flip through and download our 28 page Birding Sites in Hernando County guide book, created by the Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau and Hernando Audubon Society.

Do you love exploring Florida’s coastal communities? Is it a favorite pastime when visiting or revisiting parts of this peninsular state? If so, then Hernando Beach will be a revelation. Poised on the calm, relatively shallow Gulf of Mexico, Hernando Beach is a sun-baked, thriving community laced with canals. It’s where boats live and launch … Continue reading Discover Hernando Beach

Click below to check out this interactive guide to all things Adventure Coast scalloping. Links, maps instructions and more; it’s all here!

Terrain variety, natural surroundings and a shady small downtown welcome bicyclists to Florida’s Adventure Coast. Home to the Brooksville Ridge, it boasts challenging elevation changes amid miles of level terrain. Winding through forests, preserves and scenic countryside, your perfect ride awaits! New to Adventure Coast cycling? Here is what you need to know: Anything goes … Continue reading The Spin Starts Here: How to Love Adventure Coast Cycling

Who says only girls can have a getaway? We’ve cooked up a two-day Adventure Coast Itinerary filled with adrenaline-pumping, stereotypically manly activities! Your adventure begins with fishing on the Gulf Coast, followed by an afternoon at the Sportsman’s Club and touring a local brewery. On the following day, test your skills at World Woods Golf Course … Continue reading Man-cation Inspiration

Far beneath the Mermaids, Buccaneer Bay slides and visitors bustling about enjoying Weeki Wachee Springs State Park lies a vast and mysterious realm few have entered. Glide silently through sprawling caverns and narrow passageways as if strolling room-to-room in an otherworldly castle. Emerge from narrow cracks to spaces so immense that a parked jetliner would have … Continue reading View the Spectacular Secret World Beneath Weeki Wachee Springs

The Florida’s Adventure Coast coastline is more than a wonderful place to watch Gulf of Mexico sunsets or boat, fish and scallop dive. It also boasts a dynamic underwater ecosystem. Scroll through our artificial reef update for a cool, refreshing view of life beneath the surface. Scroll through the presentation  

Spend your vacation in Nature’s Place to Play and have plenty of fun without breaking the bank. Plan memorable days and evenings with this round up of 20 Affordable Adventure Ideas.   Touring: Self-Guided or Guided Historic Downtown Brooksville. Realize how life once was by touring this small Florida city. Established in 1840, Brooksville is … Continue reading 20 Affordable Adventure Ideas

Meet Kenna, Alinda and Jessica. They are some of the talented artists found at Un-Common-Ly Artsy in downtown Brooksville. Stroll among the exhibitors and find unique treasures at this monthly event located behind City Hall. Be sure to go inside and tour the UpTown Gallery too.

July 1 means it’s time to dive in to the Gulf of Mexico for Florida bay scallops, a classic summertime thrill that lasts through September 24. Here on Florida’s Adventure Coast, our professional Charter Captains know great scalloping spots and welcome you aboard for a carefree day on the water. Contact them directly to book … Continue reading Pro Tips for Scallop Diving Success from Adventure Coast Guides

Scalloping is fun, easy and requires little in the way of gear or expertise. That’s part of the reason why it’s such a popular summertime water adventure. The irresistible urge to reach out and grab the little guys is another! Florida’s Adventure Coast, on the southern part of the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s official recreational … Continue reading Your Florida’s Adventure Coast Scallop Season Primer

Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a Florida summertime family favorite. To make your day at Florida’s only spring-fed waterpark hassle-free and fun for all, keep these tips in mind: Arrive early. Summer time is prime time at Buc Bay. The Park opens at 9:00am and, upon reaching capacity, no additional admission tickets … Continue reading How To Plan Your Day At Buccaneer Bay

Gazing at the smooth Gulf of Mexico, Amanda and her sisters couldn’t wait to head out. They heard from friends how fun scalloping was but had never done it themselves. Can you swim around in shallow water and just grab them? Do they really have bright blue eyes? The girls each clutched a towel and … Continue reading Amanda’s First Scalloping Adventure

Our spectacular region of the Gulf of Mexico is inviting for many boaters. Its shallow clarity is ideal for fishing, scalloping, snorkeling or just exploring. Whatever type of craft you use on the water, from kayak to sail or powered vessel, here are four key elements to boat smart and stay safe. On the water, … Continue reading Boating On Florida’s Adventure Coast: How The U.S. Coast Guard Helps You Stay Safe

The sun. Those puffy tropical clouds that open with occasional dramatic drenching bursts. The free-form family hours of swimming, scalloping, boating or just keeping cool. All are late summertime scenes. Here are some ways to wrap the day and enjoy pretty cloud-painted evenings. Wind down from your summer days with a spectacular Gulf of Mexico water … Continue reading Florida’s Adventure Coast Evening Cool Downs

Is kayaking your favorite outdoor adventure? If so, you’re in good company and in a great place. Millions of Americans have discovered the thrill of kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. According to the Outdoor Foundation, each year shows a surge in paddlesport popularity. Top reported motivations are: to get exercise, be with family and friends, observe … Continue reading Why Paddling Florida’s Adventure Coast Is Pure Pleasure

What do a canopied roadway, box turtle, dinosaur, dolphins and mermaids have in common? They are just a few of the unique finds you can snap on this Adventure Coast Photo Scavenger Hunt. Don’t forget to post your pics with us on social media. We’d love to see them!   Snap your adventure! Whether you … Continue reading Photo Scavenger Hunt Adventure

by John Athanason Every year, Florida State Parks celebrate National Literacy Month, an important subject in this day and age of smartphones, tablets, and emails. In 2012, the agency asked each park to come up with an idea to promote the importance of reading and writing. Weeki Wachee aspired to do something unique to our … Continue reading How Mermaid Tail Mail Began

“Dude, school’s out in a few weeks. What do you have planned this summer?” “We’re going to Florida’s Adventure Coast for a week in July. My mom says I can bring a friend. Want to come?” “Cool; I’d love to! What’s that area of Florida like?” “Well, there’s fishing and scalloping in the Gulf and a place … Continue reading Great Summer Family Vacation Plans By Mom

Unleash your inner nature lover Slip into a front row seat to Nature’s Place to Play on the new Bayport – Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail. Launch your kayak, canoe or paddleboard and follow signs marking the 1.7 mile trip through this thriving coastal ecosystem. Have some more time? Make it a round-trip or take the … Continue reading A Scenic Saltmarsh Adventure

By Kathi Comandi The Little Rock Cannery is living history and a modern community asset. Farm-to-Table momentum is building and Florida’s Adventure Coast affords a time-honored way to celebrate our enormous local bounty. With loads of year round and seasonal produce, the Little Rock Cannery – one of just two remaining in Florida and a … Continue reading Our Little Rock Cannery: A Cherished Community Institution

With shimmering clarity, the Weeki Wachee is as precious as the aquamarine gem the Springs’ color resembles. Named by the Seminole Indians, the moniker is said to mean “Little Spring” or “Winding River.” Best known as home to Mermaids who have entertained audiences for generations, the entire waterway is itself a treasure on many levels, … Continue reading A Treasure to Cherish: Weeki Wachee Springs

Red shouldered hawks are year-round Florida residents that can often be heard before they are seen. When hiking around Florida’s Adventure Coast, particularly in and around deciduous, marshy forest, listen for their unique whistle. These large raptors are among the most distinctively marked – barred reddish beneath with a strongly banded tail. In flight, translucent … Continue reading Natural Wonders: Red Shouldered Hawk

Why blueberries? Why here? Florida’s Adventure Coast is the sweet spot for growing the beloved blueberry. Thanks to our cold-but-short winter and some agricultural ingenuity, blueberries ripen and reach the national market from Florida earlier each year than those grown elsewhere. Custom bred Florida blueberries are fresh, juicy and first to your spring shopping basket. … Continue reading Sweet, Blue And Good For You

Bonnie is a true Blueberry lover. She just can’t get enough of those oxidant-rich, health packed blueberries! Follow Bonnie on her quest to find the perfect Blueberry in this two-day itinerary. She knows that every farm is different so each blueberry crop may vary slightly. Which farm has the sweetest and juiciest? On Day One … Continue reading Bonnie’s Blueberry Adventure

Meet Barbara Timm, a stained glass artist. She operates Barbara’s Stained Glass Workshop in Hernando Beach. Talented and creative, she enjoys helping others discover their own hidden talents and love of this art form.          

The lush countryside of Florida’s Adventure Coast is dotted with farms just bursting with blueberries. Grab your favorite shade hat and basket to gather your own sweet April harvest. You have some comfortable, close-toed, good-for-walking-in-fields shoes, right? Good! Here are some more tips for a fruitful blueberry picking adventure. Start early Get in the mood … Continue reading Take Your Pick of Blueberry U-Picks

Florida welcomes a bumper crop of plump, juicy blueberries this year and Brooksville is its sweet spot. Fans of the tiny super food can indulge their every whim throughout Florida’s Adventure Coast in April. From picking in the fields to sampling at our Florida Blueberry Festival, the place for the nation’s first fresh blueberries of … Continue reading Celebrating Florida Blueberries

April is a popular time to cruise the blooming countryside and taste what only fresh-picked and locally-crafted can offer. Plan a blueberry and beverage tour of Florida’s Adventure Coast. Download a handy U-Pick and Farm Tours brochure and make your plans. Check out the map to see which of the eight blueberry farms best fits your route … Continue reading Sample Spring’s Harvests On Florida’s Adventure Coast

Do you consider yourself in the know when it comes to craft beverages? Does it make you happy to support the creativity of local establishments by lifting a glass or mug? If so, make plans to visit these ten places around Florida’s Adventure Coast to toast your local spirit creators, from craft beer to wine … Continue reading 10 Spirits To Sample On Florida’s Adventure Coast

“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert The United Nations’ approach to Sustainable Tourism for Development revolves around “Travel. Enjoy. Respect.”  and promotes responsible travel. When visiting natural spaces, we can all leave them unharmed or better with some simple measures. Recycling, using your own water … Continue reading How To Be A Friend To Nature

Welcome to the Sunshine State, where everything grows! Here in Nature’s Place to Play, our subtropical climate means varied – sometimes exotic – plant life. And, with a little planting planning, they can easily beautify your world with color and life. Some newcomers proud of photo-worthy yards up north face unexpected challenges with Florida lawns. … Continue reading Plant Native For Beauty, Simplicity and Butterflies

Look Up for the American Bald Eagle   Have you caught the flash of a white tail or feathered head as you look around Florida’s Adventure Coast? As stunning as they are, for those looking, American bald eagle sightings are not rare around here. Florida has the largest bald eagle population in the lower 48 … Continue reading Have You Seen A Bald Eagle Today?

Fill your senses with the pageantry of cultural celebrations and historic sites. Florida’s Adventure Coast is home to festivals and attractions that showcase the charm of yesteryear. Soak in pleasant winter weather and experience our historic diversity. Sunny sweater weather is perfect for strolling the annual Brooksville Native American Festival and Brooksville’s Heritage Day Festival. Dance your moccasins off … Continue reading 3 Ways To Explore Florida’s Adventure Coast’s Heritage

Sparkling warm days are perfect for cycling on Florida’s Adventure Coast. Celebrate with a bicycle tour. Here is all you need to know to plan two amazing days cycling award-winning paved trails in Nature’s Place to Play. Day 1: The Withlacoochee State Trail (Round Trip 33.6 miles) Download Trail Map With 46 miles of cycling pleasure, … Continue reading Adventure Coast Pedaling Pleasure

“I remember coming to Weeki Wachee Springs as a child but that was – my goodness – fifty years ago!” Mary exclaimed. “The Mermaids, this beautiful river; I can’t believe it’s all still here.” “It was my first time visiting Florida,” she recalled. “My two sisters and I were so excited after our long drive … Continue reading Sunny Adventures, Simple Times

Welcome to one of the largest contiguous tracts of old growth longleaf pines in Florida. Once the dominant tree of the South, our Big Pine Tract of the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area serves as a window to this now less-common ecosystem. Fire and harsh weather-tolerant, some of the tallest may be more than 300 hundred years old. Distinctive for … Continue reading Walk Among the Tall Pines

Any time is the perfect time for the ladies to take a well-deserved vacation! Discover culture, shopping, a winery and more on this Girlfriends Getaway Adventure. Day 1   Chinsegut Hill Manor 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road, Brooksville FL 34601   Start your girlfriend’s getaway with a scenic tour of Chinsegut Hill Museum and the surrounding … Continue reading Girlfriends Getaway

How brilliant are you to base your Florida vacation right here in the middle of the state? You win with affordability, access and outdoor adventure. Nature’s Place to Play, on the west coast, sits in the geographic center of Florida’s 832-mile length (as measured from the tip of the panhandle to tip of the keys). … Continue reading Why The Center of The State is Your Florida Vacation Sweet Spot

Gracefully draping trees throughout Nature’s Place to Play and much of the southeast U.S., Spanish moss is not actually moss at all; it’s a bromeliad, a perennial in the pineapple family. Here are six fun facts about our distinctive outdoor décor.Without roots and capable of absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air, Spanish moss is non-parasitic; only using … Continue reading Spanish Moss: A Natural Wonder

Welcome back! Even for those who’ve never visited before, the allure of time untouched welcomes you throughout much of Florida’s Adventure Coast. Nostalgia is celebrated at such places as Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Boyett’s Citrus Attraction and Mary’s Fish Camp. Stay waterside at Hernando Beach Motel and dine at Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, all of which have long called this area … Continue reading Old Florida Charm Welcomes You Back

Snowbirds for Snowbirds Pleasant winter weather also attracts northerners of the feathered sort throughout Nature’s Place to Play. Thanks to our coastline, wetlands, parks and sprawling forests, migratory and resident birds find places to gather that are also enjoyable for human snowbird viewing. Many birdwatching enthusiasts prepare by browsing the Hernando Audubon Society website, attending a meeting … Continue reading Look Around The Coast For Snowbirds Of The Feathered Variety

Chinsegut Conservation Center is funded and operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Chinsegut is unlike any other property managed by the commission as its primary role is to provide environmental and conservation education in addition to outdoor skills training. May’s Prairie, a seasonal wetland, is the central focal point of the property with … Continue reading Chinsegut Conservation Center and WEA

You’ve seen them around. At around four feet tall with a five foot wingspan, Sandhill Cranes are hard to miss. These large birds with their long legs, distinctive gray plumage, red crest and long beak like to vocally announce their presence with loud, rattling calls – often in unison. They are seen and heard widely … Continue reading Natural Wonders – Sandhill Cranes

With Spring comes the promise of new beginnings. Recent additions bring fresh reasons to explore this historic downtown. As new markets and events bloom throughout downtown Brooksville, discover why now is a great time to cruise in, shop and play. Shopping Find the antidote to Plain Jane chain shopping at the expanded House of Passage and other … Continue reading Brooksville News to Smile About: Expanding Small Town Charm

You’ve no doubt seen their unmistakable silhouette; those outstretched wings and long, graceful neck belong to the Anhinga. Learn why this sleek American darter is also referred to as a Snake Bird. Great swimmers and adept hunters, Anhingas spend a lot of time underwater. Seen in waterways, with only their beak pointed skyward and body … Continue reading Meet The Amazing Anhinga

Stay & Play Inspiration Itinerary Florida’s Adventure Coast is brimming with history. Our many historic sites include eight locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places, among others. This itinerary is sure to excite both the curious journeyer and the history buff. Explore this two-day itinerary and learn about the many cultures that took … Continue reading Marked By History

How to Unplug and Reconnect with Guests of all Ages People love having family in Florida, especially in winter!  And no time is more perfect than the holiday season for multi-generational gatherings.   Arrival means excited hugs mixed with airport or highway travel stories and surprise at how much everyone has grown and changed. After … Continue reading All Together Now

Long before today’s culturally blended society, Florida’s Adventure Coast was populated by Native Americans. It doesn’t take long to notice the lasting evidence of those original populations in the names of locations still in use today. Many of the names trace back to the Seminole Indians, reflecting the Muskogean language family, originating as either Creek … Continue reading Native American Place Names on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Wildlife Watch  Strutting casually across open fields near wooded areas throughout Nature’s Place to Play are some big beautiful birds. Some might even associate them with a certain holiday meal. They are the Osceola wild turkey. Discovered in 1890, they were named after a famous Seminole Indian chief. Also known as the Florida wild turkey, they are … Continue reading Great Glorious Gobblers

Brooksville Main Street Hosts Special Holiday Events for All to Enjoy by Barbara Manuel Come see for yourself what makes Brooksville Main Street so special; walk our tree-lined streets and browse our delightful shops, dine at our charming restaurants, and enjoy our many special holiday events…there is something for everyone to enjoy as we kick … Continue reading Downtown Brooksville: History And Southern Charm

by Brittany Hall-Scharf Florida Sea Grant, joined by community and scientific organizations, businesses, middle school students and committed individuals took special care of our coast in 2017. From marine life research and protection to coastal clean-up and shoreline enhancement, these key projects propel and protect Florida’s Adventure Coast into the future. Charter Fishermen along Florida’s … Continue reading Florida’s Adventure Coast Recent Coastal Initiatives

In 2017, Florida’s Adventure Coast proudly embraced history and nature. We welcome a major new attraction and cheered the 70th birthday of another. On top of popular sights, events, dining and adventures, enjoy this review of what was new in 2017 around Florida’s Adventure Coast. Unleashing Artificial Reefs The Gulf of Mexico off Florida’s Adventure Coast … Continue reading New To Florida’s Adventure Coast In 2017

For a thrilling one-of-a-kind adventure, plan a dune buggy tour with Croom ATV Rentals. Choose a two or a three-hour romp through the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest for a high-octane close-up of nature. Going guided scores high marks for originality. Get an outdoorsy insider perspective with your guide’s expertise and knowledge of the … Continue reading Explore Forest Trails On A Dune Buggy Tour

Stroll festive streets of downtown Brooksville for an old-fashioned holiday sensation. See for yourself why Brooksville Main Street is your “Destination Christmas.”   Not only will downtown streets sparkle with holiday décor, they will also shine through snowfall. That’s right, the weather forecasts a 100% chance of snow, starting during Thursday’s tree lighting ceremony and … Continue reading Main Street Brooksville, Florida: Destination Christmas

A mountain bike ride on forest trails is a great way to intensely enjoy nature and fitness. Grab the handlebars. Pump the pedals. Get away from it all for a social adrenaline boost. Go guided by joining rides through the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest. The group mountain bike rides lead by Crank Works Bicycle … Continue reading How To Pedal Through Nightfall in the Forest With Friends

Do you love unique shopping? Do you get excited browsing one-of-a-kind items? Sure, you can go to the mall to buy something new. But maybe you – like many – relish upcycling and repurposing special pieces. Shop for the charming and unexpected within these resale establishments around Florida’s Adventure Coast.   Airport Farmers & Flea … Continue reading Find Vintage Variety In These Florida’s Adventure Coast Shops

With the result an exquisitely packaged bottle of Rye whiskey with sipping flavor to savor, Kevin and Natalie Goff, owners of NJoy Spirits, LLC, brook no compromises in the pursuit of perfection. Part science, part art, the hand crafting begins with a secret family recipe. Pristinely maintained equipment, a highly controlled process, a touch of … Continue reading Wild Buck Rye Whiskey: Worth It

Get inspired to explore our wide variety of beautiful places to walk on Florida’s Adventure Coast. From shady trails to open water, the views are unforgettable. Get inspired to explore our wide variety of beautiful places to walk on Florida’s Adventure Coast. From shady trails to open water, the views are unforgettable.

Florida Manatee, sometimes referred to as “Sea Cows” are frequent sights around the Adventure Coast, particularly in the 74 degree Weeki Wachee River. You already know that these gentle marine mammals are large – generally about 10 feet long, 800 to 1200 pounds – and gray in color like their distant elephant cousins. But did … Continue reading 7 Manatee Fun Facts

Fresh blue days herald Autumn on Florida’s Adventure Coast. And what better place to enjoy the season of harvest than on a farm? Four area establishments welcome you with special mazes and more. From pumpkin patch picking to charting a course through challenging corn mazes, dig into the October outdoors with new energy. Farms open … Continue reading A-Maze-ing Farm Festivals

Red is a preferred color among Florida’s Adventure Coast woodpeckers. Some, like the Pileated, Red Headed, Red Bellied, Hairy and Downy species are fairly common. Thanks mainly to loss of Longleaf pine forest habitat, sightings of the once commoned cockaded woodpecker are rare. One of the first birds to be protected under the Endangered Species Act … Continue reading Natural Wonders: Red Cockaded Woodpeckers

Relax on your porch swing or join others on Florida’s Adventure Coast courses and dazzle with your golf swing. Use these professional tips, written exclusively for you, the Adventure Coast golfer, by World Woods PGA Professional, Scott Wyckoff, to improve your fairway swing. Reflect on your supremely awesome golf game on the back porch swing … Continue reading Go For Golf Swing Glory With These Pro Tips

Part of Florida’s Adventure Coast is defined as a Temperate Hardwood Forest or “Hammock.” This shady habitat contains a rich diversity of trees, shrubs and wildlife. In Florida, the largest temperate hardwood communities occur near Brooksville, Gainesville and Ocala. What is a hammock anyway? Hammock refers to stands of trees that form an ecological island … Continue reading Step Into Hardwood Hammock Habitats In Nature’s Place To Play

by Jim King Explore Unique Landscapes Cypress Lakes Preserve, in eastern Hernando County, covers 331 acres, but seems larger on foot going around the wetlands. The preserve’s value as a nature park is largely due to its unusual variety of vegetation communities and the mixture of wetlands and uplands.

Explore an amazing variety of trails throughout Nature’s Place to Play! Here are two examples of hardwood hammock ecosystems that we recommend. Watch for wildlife and unique native plants along this pair of lush and pleasant trails, each about two miles long. Florida is unique in that our climate provides blooms in both spring and … Continue reading Two Trails To Try For Happy Hiking

About Sandra and John Sandra Friend and John Keatley love natural Florida and each other. Hailing from different directions, the lifelong hikers, bikers, writers and photographers joined forces and together produce Florida Hikes! Believing “A day in the woods always beats a day in the office,” the pair have personally explored hundreds of miles of … Continue reading Florida Hikes: Paths Crossed and Shared

Visit the great outdoors as an alternative to Florida’s theme parks, beaches and cities. Here in Nature’s Place to Play, a vibrant array of spaces await your discovery. Step outdoors and into landscapes you’ll want to explore again and again. Excluded from commercial development, public lands are for human recreation and often nature’s protection. From habitats … Continue reading This Land Is All Your Land

Explore outdoors and celebrate the natural world throughout Florida’s Adventure Coast. Sample outdoor thrills on land and water. Discover something new or revisit your personal favorites. With 107,000 acres of park and conservation lands, waterways and spectacular Gulf of Mexico coastline, Nature’s Place to Play delivers plenty of outdoors to explore. The Forest The World Wildlife … Continue reading You Are The Star; The Outdoors Is Your Stage

Brazilian free-tailed bats are not just agile evening aviators, they’re astonishingly fast too, clocked at speeds up to 100 miles per hour! Free-tailed bats average 3.5 inches long and weigh in at about 0.43 ounces. Average wingspan is 11-inches. At almost half its total length, the bat’s tail stretches beyond the uropatagium (the membrane between their … Continue reading Flying Under The Radar: Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats

Some might call it fun – and it was – but for Tina and Maurice Ryman, visiting over 200 craft breweries around the country was also valuable research. They took careful note of what worked at each establishment, like the inset metal “chill plate” along the bar at a place in Montana, and what didn’t. … Continue reading A Unique Craft Brewery: Marker 48

A raptor, the Southeastern American Kestrel is the smallest of the falcons. Colorful males flaunt plumage of blue-grey wings, russet accents on the back and with black spots and white undersides with black barring. The female, slightly larger than the male, displays muted shades of brown with noticeable barring on the back and tail; the underside is creamy … Continue reading Tiny Raptor: Southeastern American Kestrel

by Keith Kolasa Community Collaboration Florida’s Adventure Coast has had a long history of artificial reef construction thanks to the support of its residents, fishing clubs, dive shops, members of the Hernando County Port Authority and the Board of County Commissioners. Through continued community support there has been a concerted effort to create viable and … Continue reading Artificial Reefs and Future Plans

Sunlight and Clear Water The Gulf of Mexico waters along Florida’s Adventure Coast boast an estimated 250,000 acres of seagrass beds. Among the most abundant in continental North America, second in area only to the Florida Keys, these underwater meadows host thriving ecosystems. Thanks in part to the relatively shallow depth of our area of the … Continue reading Seagrass Meadows: Natural Wonders

by Brittany Hall-Scharf Where are all the scallops? During scalloping season, this is one of the most popular questions that arise. About Bay Scallop Counts Abundance surveys of Florida’s bay scallop are conducted along the state’s west coast every summer by scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. During these surveys, two divers measure the … Continue reading All About Bay Scallops

Sample Stay & Play Inspiration Do you have an interest in history as well as a bit of craftiness? Consider creating a collection of gravestone rubbings from our historic cemeteries. Whether for personal genealogy purposes or to respectfully capture markers of historical significance or visual interest, it’s a popular and rewarding pastime. Florida’s Adventure Coast … Continue reading Markers & Milestones: How To Trace Family Genealogy

Legendary and Mystical Mermaids are ethereal. Like sparkling apparitions, they shimmer through the mists of time. The subject of folklore, fairytale and mystery, early mermaid visions surfaced around 1000 B.C. Sweeping back history’s veils reveals possible origins in Greek mythology. Portrayed in ancient artwork, they were legendary creatures with the tails of fish and upper bodies of humans. Usually … Continue reading Mermaids: Myth, Magic And The Man Behind The Method

The Sabal Palm is Florida’s official state tree, as designated in 1953. Widely distributed throughout coastal Florida and the southeast U.S., it is sometimes referred to as a palmetto, cabbage palmetto and swamp cabbage. It grows in almost any soil and has many uses, including food, medicine and hardy landscaping. What it is NOT is an actual … Continue reading Florida State Tree Is Not A Tree

Do you see that glow on the horizon that seems to be getting brighter? That’s not an oncoming train, it’s the approach of summertime. Those special weeks of premium family togetherness are nearly here. Are you ready to make this the best summer ever? These five mom-approved adventures are sure to deliver happy memories. Scallop … Continue reading 5 Top Mom-Approved Summer Adventures

What’s tugging at the end of your line? Is it a red, snapper, cobia, grouper, tarpon or snook? Maybe it’s a trout or mackerel. Could it be a bass, bluegill or perch? Around Florida’s Adventure Coast, it could be those or many others. Are you daydreaming right now about being out on the water or … Continue reading Epic Florida’s Adventure Coast Angling

Florida’s Adventure Coast is home to colonies of American White Pelicans. You can often spot them soaring above and gathering around area lakes and wetlands. One of the largest birds in North America with a nine-foot wingspan, they are second in size only to the California condor. With its distinctive beak, which comprises a quarter … Continue reading White Wings Against A Blue Sky: Look Up For American White Pelicans

By Tina Marie Polson When I tell you that there are places you need to go in Brooksville, this one ranks near the top. I can’t explain the feeling you get when you walk through the doors of this building. Built in the early 1900’s, it is full of historic charm with original ceiling, walls … Continue reading The Backstory: The Bistro

Sample Stay & Play Inspiration Do you have an interest in history as well as a bit of craftiness? Consider creating a collection of gravestone rubbings from our historic cemeteries. Whether for personal genealogy purposes or to respectfully capture markers of historical significance or visual interest, it’s a popular and rewarding pastime.Florida’s Adventure Coast boasts … Continue reading Markers & Family Heritage Itinerary

Hernando County Seat In December 1854 the state legislature made Bayport the county seat of Hernando County, effective June 1, 1855. It is believed that during the brief period that Bayport was the county seat, court was held in the home of Isaac Garrason. Civil War Port and Battle Site During the Civil War, larger … Continue reading Bayport: 4 Facts

Learn something new. Browse this list of 17 new-to-you adventures sure to thrill. Will this be the year you learn something new, go guided or gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access? Check out this list of 17 unique adventures to try on for size. LEARN SOMETHING NEW 1.  Learn to Fly an Airplane or Take an Aerial Tour … Continue reading Do Something New With These 17 Amazing Adventures

Many elements blend together in Nature’s Place to Play to deliver a spectacular array of butterflies. From the plants to be pollinated to the birds who who delight in tasty caterpillar meals, butterflies play a role in our thriving ecosystem. What butterflies are native to Florida’s Adventure Coast? Click on this long list from “A … Continue reading Natural Wonders – Butterflies

Energy is running high with the school year’s end and your family – like many – is probably eager to dig into those long, fun days of summertime. What will make you rush through your morning coffee and load up the cooler? Apply that sunscreen. Put on those sunglasses and embrace the outdoors with this … Continue reading Double Down with 5 Dad-Approved Adventures

Get the big picture of Nature’s Place to Play. Easily locate lodging, parks, trails and golf courses with listings on the back of our downloadable map of Hernando County. Download Map

by Capt. Josh Fritz Trout The fishing here along the Adventure Coast is great. We have a very good trout bite right now in one to four feet of water. As that cold front passes next week look for the trout to move further back into the muddy bays, rocky shore lines and around springs. … Continue reading Adventure Coast Fishing Report

For a leap away from Florida’s abundant beaches and theme parks, go off-road and conquer trails within the Croom Motorcycle Area. Part of the Withlacoochee State Forest, the 2600 acre Croom Motorcycle Area is the only state-run property devoted exclusively to off highway vehicles (OHVs). This popular attraction features miles of trails that include hardwood … Continue reading Zoom at Croom ATV Area

by Lilly Browning The first full week in May each year is National Wildflower Week and the Florida’s Adventure Coast landscape boasts an exuberant outdoor color spectrum. Look around for these stars of nature’s gardens. Late spring and early summer bring a host of blooming beauties throughout Florida’s Adventure Coast. View plenty of flowering plants … Continue reading May Flowers: Some Like It Hot