![](https://floridasadventurecoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_3097-scaled.jpg)
Shopping for Local Christmas Ornaments on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee
Trimming the Christmas tree is a festive time spent with family and friends; Christmas music playing in the background, and an endless supply of eggnog and Christmas cookies. At least that’s what I envision it to be. Maybe I’ve watched one too many Hallmark Christmas movies.
Every year I strive to live out that perfect tree-trimming experience, but sometimes feel underwhelmed or that it’s a chore. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the time spent with my family decorating the tree, but my attention would quickly wander. I wondered how I might keep that festive spirit going?
Reflecting on Christmases past, I recall gravitating to the special ornaments, those with a story. Our family has a tradition of bringing home an ornament from each vacation; a reminder of the fun and adventures we shared. As we carefully hung each ornament, we would reminisce about where it was acquired and when; each one a nostalgic memory of special times past. Once the “good ones’ were all hung and all that was left was the random box of ho-hum ornaments, I quickly grew bored.
That’s when it hit me. It was the ornaments. The fun I had hanging our special personalized ornaments gave me joy and so much more. I decided to set out on a quest on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee, to find local and unique ornaments to make my entire tree-trimming experience a joyful one.
![Water Tower ornament](https://floridasadventurecoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/water-tower-ornament-300x239.jpg)
Florida Makers Mercantile
My journey began in Brooksville, and my first stop was Florida Makers Mercantile. A brand-new boutique which offers a one stop location to shop and support local artisans. There were many options to choose from when it came to ornaments. Many more when it came to holiday gift ideas. I was looking for an ornament that was local and distinctive. It was then I found an ornament hanging on a Christmas tree display that read, “Just a small-town Christmas,” with an image of the Brooksville water tower. I knew this was the one.
![Boho ornament](https://floridasadventurecoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_3088-300x225.jpg)
Boho Gift Shop Candles & More
My next stop took me to Boho Gift Shop Candles & More. A lovely little shop which is part of the historic Saxon Manor shops. There, I found cute little hand-made ornaments by a local artist, uniquely themed for the holidays. I was off and running!
![transformed treasures ornament](https://floridasadventurecoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_3094-300x225.jpg)
Transformed Treasures & Distressed Designs by Diana
I decided to go across the street to Transformed Treasures & Distressed Designs by Diana, A charming log cabin bursting with treasures. Upon entering, I was greeted by the resident Pomeranian. As an animal lover, I felt right at home. It didn’t take me long to find myself captivated by the custom collectibles they had to offer. I could have taken all the hand-crafted ornaments I discovered, but settled on one, only to leave the others for years to come.
![florida cracker ornament](https://floridasadventurecoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_3096-300x225.jpg)
Florida Cracker Trading Company
My last stop in Brooksville was non other than Florida Cracker Trading Company, located next to the Florida Cracker Kitchen. Their iconic upside-down cowboy boot has become synonymous with great food and the Old Florida Cracker Culture; A simpler time where everyone is treated like family. I knew I had to have this one on the tree.
![scallop ornament](https://floridasadventurecoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_3098-300x225.jpg)
Silver Dolphin Restaurant & Country Store
To represent all that Florida’s Adventure Coast had to offer, I knew I had to make my way to the other side of the County to find something unique and coastal. I knew just where to go. The Silver Dolphin Restaurant & Country Store. First, because I was hungry for their famed Silver Dolphin Burger, second because they have charming Country Store, filled with a variety of handcrafted ornaments that represent the coastal living of Hernando County. As a little boy, my father used to take me scalloping off the gulf coast, so when I saw a scallop-shell ornament, all those memories of fun times with my father flooded back and I knew, this was the one.
As I headed home with my collection of new ornaments, I was excited to deck the tree with old memories and new treasures. Gone are the days of hanging the ho-hum ornaments. Now I can enjoy the entire process of decorating the tree, sipping on eggnog, and reminiscing with the family about how and when we acquired each ornament. And this year I have some new stories to share with them.