Brooksville is a reflection of “the Old South.” It grew from two communities: Fort DeSoto and Pierceville. In 1843, Hernando County incorporated what is today known as Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. Visiting Brooksville today brings southern hospitality to fun, adventure, shopping, dining and a myriad of discoveries.
Quick Brooksville History
Brooksville was originally known as Melendez and then Benton. Incorporated in 1856, it is a wonderful city featuring a hilly terrain that ranges in elevation from 175 to 274 feet. There is a long history of successful planters, growers, and cattlemen in and around Brooksville.
Its southern background is reflected in its name, honoring South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks who is best noted for hitting abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner on the head with his cane.
The downtown area features the iconic Hernando Courthouse, along with great shopping in unique stores featuring everything from antiques, outfits, high-end resales, stationery, flowers and bric-a-brac to formal gowns – and a centennial hardware store. Some streets still show the Augusta bricks laid by slaves in the 1800s.
Browse Brooksville Articles:
Improving Lives with The Arc Nature Coast
In 1973, a small group of Hernando County residents sought a better way to care for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled citizens of the area. Many of these families had children or relatives who had been labelled “retarded” and were living in dark institutions away from their loved ones. These… Read More
Hiking the Chinsegut Hill Trail: Here’s what we Found
It was a beautiful day in May, sunny and a bit humid (but this is Florida and that’s how we roll). After a delicious lunch at the Chinsegut Hill dining hall, my son, David, and I were to go exploring on the “hidden” Chinsegut Hill trail. Renee Berger was our… Read More
Taming the Neff Lake Monster at the Spring Lake Memorial Classic May 25
In 2007, the idea to hold a foot race and fun run/walk in the beautiful area surrounding The Arc Nature Coast’s Neff Lake Campus was born. The roads surrounding this nonprofit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities were hilly and shaded, with minimal traffic, and so the Spring Lake Classic… Read More
Helping Veterans and Homeless Dogs
With a national suicide rate for American Veterans of twenty per day, and twenty-two daily for vets with PTSD, there needs to be an intervention. In addition, thousands of homeless dogs are euthanized at shelters each month. Could one help the other? “I’ve had such a passion for dogs from… Read More
Hernando County Utilities Water Awareness Series Begins a New Season
Hernando County residents are invited to attend a free seminar, “Awesome Autumn Colors in the Florida Yard” on Friday, October 11, 2019, 10:00 am 12:00 pm Hernando County Utilities, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, 34613. Hernando County Utilities Water Awareness Series Begins a New Season Join Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator… Read More
Only 127 Additional Live Oak Season Tickets Are Available
Only 127 additional season tickets for Live Oak Theatre’s 2019-2020 season are available. Season tickets offer reserved seating for each show. All performances are now held at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34601. Only 127 Additional Live Oak Season Tickets… Read More
Child advocate volunteers sought for Guardian ad Litem program
The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is currently seeking volunteers to be a volunteer–based, neglected or abandoned children whose cases are in the court system. Child advocate volunteers sought for Guardian ad Litem program The GAL program is a State- and County-funded volunteer-based organization that trains lay persons to… Read More
Tickets are Now on Sale for Cheaper by the Dozen
Live Oak Theatre announces that tickets are now on sale for its season opener, Cheaper by the Dozen, the Christopher Sergel play adapted from 1948 autobiographical book of the same name written by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. Tickets are Now on Sale for Cheaper by… Read More
Chinsegut Conservation Center September 2019 Programs
Chinsegut Conservation Center September 2019 Programs Sept 6th 10:00 AM UF/IFASFall blooming Natives: Master Gardener Rita Grant will introduce you to the beautiful variety of fall-blooming natives to brighten your landscape. This is a free one-hour program, no registration required. Sept 6th 7:30 PM Night Hike: Ages 16+ are welcome… Read More
Live Oak Conservatory Begins Its Second Year of Classes
Live Oak Theatre announces that it begins classes registration for classes at the Live Oak Conservatory the week of August 19at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34601. Although registration remains open during the entire first term, it is always recommended to… Read More
Live Oak Theatre Offers Program: Introduction to Acting
The Live Oak Theatre Company announces that it will offer a program in Introduction to Acting. The program will consist of four one-hour classes, held from 5 to 6 pm on Mondays, August 19, 26, September 2 & 9. The program will be held at the Carol and Frank Morsani… Read More
Live Oak Theatre offers Acting Classes
Live Oak Theatre is pleased to announce that it is continuing to offer classes in acting for ages 8 through 18 on Saturdays from 10 am to 11 am. Students explore the art of acting through the study of various dramatic techniques including perfecting the monologue, theatrical movement, developing… Read More
Read to a “Pawsome” Dog at Hernando County Library
The Hernando County Public Library System (HCPLS) announces the launch of a new program for children: “Read with Jesse & Turbo”, featuring two therapy dogs that have been trained to allow children to read to them. All reading sessions are free of charge but registration is required for each… Read More
Improving Lives with The Arc Nature Coast
In 1973, a small group of Hernando County residents sought a better way to care for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled citizens of the area. Many of these families had children or relatives who had been labelled “retarded” and were living in dark institutions away from their loved ones. These… Read More
LifeSouth needs blood donors to help
LifeSouth thanks donors who have donated to help the community blood supply and the emergency need for blood, however the need for all blood types continues to alleviate local and national blood shortages. LifeSouth needs blood donors to help LifeSouth and LifeSouth blood donors help patients at our local… Read More
Hernando County Library Adult Programs
The Hernando County Public Library System (HCPLS) announces the following program recommendations. All events are free and the public is encouraged to participate. Ukulele Strum & Play Join Tampa Bay Ukulele Society guest instructor Gayle Grindey for this fun program! Bring your own ukulele or use one of our class… Read More
Visiting Brooksville Today
There are several downtown restaurants and coffee shops, along with legal and banking offices, a library and a park. Brooksville is working hard to revive their downtown to attract more visitors and became a Florida Main Street community in 2016.
They hold several events in the downtown area as well as host farmers and artist markets.
Local art is displayed in several downtown business and buildings, as well as murals painted throughout the downtown area. The Brooksville City Hall building houses a changing art exhibit in The Uptown Gallery, and all are welcome. There is no charge.
The architecture is interesting in several buildings and a wonderful historic walking tour can be had for the simple act of following the map here. If you would like more information about each building on the historic tour, download the complete guide here.
Visit the May Stringer Museum, located at 600 West Jefferson. Housed in the 1850 Stringer House, a Queen Anne masterpiece with a four-story tower, this historic building is reputed to be haunted.
F. L. Stringer was a State Senator and judge. With thousands of historic artifacts and regular tours, it commemorates the Civil War era and provides a glimpse at the lifestyle and relics of a gone but not forgotten segment of American history. Ghost tours are held on Friday and Saturday nights by reservation.
There are a historic train depot museum and one-room schoolhouse to visit on Russell Street.
Continue east to find another wonderful shopping area, featuring the Hawkins House, Peace Tree Trading Company, Rogers Christmas House at Saxon Manor, The Wired Bird, and the Florida Cracker Trading Company and Tap Room. There is even an old-fashioned Coney Island.
Expanding Beyond Brooksville’s City Limits
If you travel north on US 41, you can visit the historic Chinsegut Manor House at the Chinsegut Retreat Centerand rediscover the magic that caused its last private owners to name it Chinsegut, meaning, “place where lost things are found.” Learn their story of courage and civil rights for all.
Then spend the night in one of the unique cabins on the former plantation’s grounds.
Head back south on U.S. 41 and then travel east on S.R. 50/U.S. 98. Make a right on Spring Lake Highway (541) and follow it to the top of the hill. On the left is Boyett’s Grove Citrus and Timeless Attraction. Here you will find a wonderful zoo where you can feed the animals, a dinosaur cave, aquariums, birds, snakes, alligators and more.
A putt-putt golf course winds through part of this fun-filled tourist trap. There’s even a snack bar, ice cream parlor, and an old fashioned Florida gift shop! It’s one of my favorite places in the Nature Coast.
