A quick turn off hectic US 19 will reward you with a delightful visit to New Port Richey. Nestled along the banks of the Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River is a bit of Roaring 20s Florida.
New Port Richey is a city of 16,000 residents (2017) along the Gulf of Mexico with 1920s historic architecture and a thriving downtown once known as the Hollywood of the East.
Located in west-central Pasco County, New Port Richey encompasses a total area of 4.6 miles. The Gulf of Mexico coastline borders the west side of the city, and the Pithlachascotee River runs through the city’s heart. New Port Richey is considered part of the Tampa Bay area and is part of Florida’s Nature Coast.
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Paddlesport Enthusiasts Unite in New Port Richey
The Cotee River Kayakers Club began as an informal meet-up group for kayakers who enjoy paddling in and around the Cotee River in 2020. It has grown tremendously in the short time it has been active and is becoming an integral part of what makes downtown New Port Richey special. Read More
Brewing New Port Richey’s Craft Beer Culture
According to the Brewers Association, craft brewer sales now account for more than 25% of the $116.0 billion U.S. beer market. Florida ranks fifth in the nation for craft brew sales at $3.8 billion. This is old news to BJ Ciper, who spent twenty years representing craft beer lines to… Read More
Entrepreneurial Inspiration, Nature Coast Style
What do you do when your livelihood is completely disrupted? Even with an emergency plan, many small businesses on Florida’s Nature Coast were unprepared for the changes brought about by the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, to our area in mid-March. On March 20, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered all Florida restaurants… Read More
Discovering The White Heron Tea & Gifts
Walking up Grand Avenue, I am always entranced by the historic buildings in downtown New Port Richey. Across the street from the Richey Theater in the center of the block is one of my favorite places, The White Heron Tea Room and Gifts. The White Heron Tea Room is quite… Read More
Paddlesport Enthusiasts Unite in New Port Richey
The Cotee River Kayakers Club began as an informal meet-up group for kayakers who enjoy paddling in and around the Cotee River in 2020. It has grown tremendously in the short time it has been active and is becoming an integral part of what makes downtown New Port Richey special. Read More
Downtown New Port Richey Year in Review
Downtown New Port Richey is defined by our resilience. In a difficult year, businesses have triumphed. We have learned to adapt. We have embraced our community as home. This year, we came together as friends and neighbors to support one another through tough times, and to celebrate triumphs. Now, we… Read More
Main Street Bakery Opens in NPR
We couldn’t have been more excited when we got the news. Main Street Bakery, one of the several commercial spaces on the first-floor of Main Street Landing, is finally open! After many months of build out, Reyna Giler is staking her claim as the first bakery… Read More
Brewing New Port Richey’s Craft Beer Culture
According to the Brewers Association, craft brewer sales now account for more than 25% of the $116.0 billion U.S. beer market. Florida ranks fifth in the nation for craft brew sales at $3.8 billion. This is old news to BJ Ciper, who spent twenty years representing craft beer lines to… Read More
Fall Seeds for Fall Gardens: Now Available in New Port Richey
Seeds for your fall gardens are now in at Rose’s Bistro and Wright’s Natural Market & Cafe in downtown New Port Richey. Fall Seeds for Fall Gardens: Now Available in New Port Richey Rose’s and Wright’s each feature seeds from Seed Savers Exchange. These are organic, heirloom seeds of the… Read More
Downtown New Port Richey New Restaurant Guide
Downtown New Port Richey is flourishing as new restaurants and shops trade vacancy signs for open signs. With so many new businesses coming into town, we picked out a few of our favorite new downtown restaurants! Best New Bites in Downtown New Port Richey Herschel’s Scratch Kitchen Chicken and Waffles… Read More
City of New Port Richey’s First Electric Fleet Vehicle
The City of New Port Richey is proud to announce the addition of its first electric vehicle to its fleet. The new 2020 Nissan Leaf will be used by the City’s Fire Department Rental Inspection Division. City of New Port Richey’s First Electric Fleet Vehicle The Nissan Leaf comes… Read More
City of New Port Richey 2020 Neighborhood Fall Clean-Up Day
The City of New Port Richey will host the annual Neighborhood Fall Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. City of New Port Richey 2020 Neighborhood Fall Clean-Up Day Dumpsters will be placed at the following locations: · Frances Avenue Park off of Louisiana… Read More
Deadline to Register to Vote or Change Your Party for the 2020 Primary Election
Brian E. Corley, Supervisor of Elections, announces the Monday, July 20, 2020 deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation for the August 18, 2020 Primary Election. Deadline to Register to Vote or Change Your Party for the 2020 Primary Election All three elections’ offices will be open… Read More
Mid Florida Community Services, Inc., Announces New Office Location in West Pasco County
Mid Florida Community Services, Inc., has a new location in West Pasco County located at 5705 Gulf Drive in New Port Richey. This new location replaces the office that was located at 14174 US Highway 19 in Hudson. Mid Florida Community Services, Inc., Announces New Office Location in West Pasco… Read More
Celebrating Iced Tea month in June
It’s no surprise that, while the rest of the world tends to favor their tea piping hot, over 80% of the tea consumed in the United States is cool as a cucumber, as in cold and refreshing. Iced tea isn’t the traditional way to consume this beautiful beverage. And… Read More
New Port Richey grants Restaurants and Retailers use of Rights-of-Way
New Port Richey City Manager Debbie L. Manns signed two Administrative Development Orders which will permit restaurants and retail shops to expand outdoor seating and display areas. These Orders were implemented in response to the Governor’s Phase I Plan to reopen Florida’s economy. The Administrative Development Orders will provide a… Read More
New Port Richey History and Currency
A quick turn off hectic US 19 rewards visitors with a delightful downtown in New Port Richey. Nestled along the banks of the Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River is a bit of Roaring 20s Florida.
New Port Richey was a magnet for the rich and famous of the 1920s, including the silent screen star, Thomas Meighan, and the famous golfer, Gene Sarazen. It is a great place to explore still today.
New Port Richey was to be the Hollywood of the East
These stars of yesteryear pictured the area as the “Hollywood of the East.” They built beautiful homes along the river and historic buildings in the downtown. One of the more famous buildings is the Hacienda Hotel, where movie stars would winter. It was designed by Thomas Reed Martin, opening in 1927.
The Mission Revival architecture bones are there, but the hotel fell into disrepair over the years. It was sold several times and was converted to an ACLF in 1986, and then closed for several years.
The Hacienda Hotel property was purchased for renovation. I was privileged to tour the property. where I happily discovered that most of its architectural embellishments have been kept in decent repair. I wonder whose coat of arms is displayed over the ornate plaster mantle above a fireplace.
Hacienda Hotel History
On Oct. 24, 1996, the Hacienda Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Many say the old hotel is haunted but I could not find any real “proof.” There is a “secret” floor that can be accessed from outside, or from a door in the kitchen. It’s called the Bordello. Additionally, there is a tunnel (no longer accessible) that goes out to the river where liquor and “ladies” could be smuggled in during Prohibition.
The Hacienda Hotel was built of “hollow tiles,” an architectural process that was popular in the 1920s. The hollow tiles are covered with stucco and painted to give a Spanish style.
In 2014 the Florida legislature allocated $1 million toward the restoration of the Hacienda.
Murals enhance Downtown New Port Richey’s Charm
There are murals on several of the downtown buildings which are fun to explore. My favorite is the one at the corner of Main and Bank Street, entitled, “A 1920’s Day on the Pithlachascotee River,” by Keith Goodson. It uses local people’s faces on the 1920’s characters.
There is a plaque on the mural that names all the participants which marries past and present. All the downtown murals are very good and worth a gander.
Sims Park features great Festivals and Live Music throughout the Year
In addition to the murals, the river and the historic buildings, New Port Richey’s downtown area has Sims Park. Sims Park borders the Cotee river, the Hacienda Hotel and Main Street, reaching over to Orange Lake.
Sims Park features a nice outdoor amphitheater and several festivals are held there each year featuring live music, vendors, and activities for residents and visitors. My favorite is the Cotee River Seafood & Blues Festival because I love blues and seafood. It is usually held near the end of April each year.
Greater New Port Richey Main Street started many of the festivals and is a great resource for downtown commerce opportunities.
Historic Richey Suncoast Theatre
The Richey Suncoast Theatre was built in 1925 at a cost of $60,000. It was originally named the Meighan Theatre after the silent film star, Thomas Meighan. Meighan’s film, The New Klondike, was the premier screening.
A pipe organ was installed in 1927. The Meighan theater was the center of a controversy about being open on Sundays in New Port Richey. A January 4, 1927 vote of the city’s citizens kept the venue open Sundays, along with baseball games being ok, but not dancing.
In 1930, a “sound system” was installed and sound movies made their debut. In 1934, the Great Depression hit and the magnificent theater was closed.
The Meighan Theatre becomes The Richey Suncoast Theater
Like the Hacienda Hotel, this extravagant building would be bought, sold, managed and change hands many times over the ensuing years.
In 1972, the theater was renamed The Richey Suncoast Theater and community theater featuring live performances began.
In 2007, a complete remodel was done on the theater’s tired interior. Air conditioning vents, lighting, carpet, walls, and seating were upgraded. The exterior was repainted and the gold dome regilded. It is beautiful and functional once again.
Live theater is active there today and it is great fun to visit downtown and see a local production. Their schedule can be found here.
Downtown Dining is Alive in New Port Richey
There several nice restaurants and taverns in the downtown area, ranging from the home-style Greek food at Christina’s Restaurant to Dulcet, a very upscale restaurant, and lounge, offering live music, requiring proper dress, and impressing everyone with their spectacular food and atmosphere. Who says you can’t put a high-end juke joint in a historic downtown?
There is pizza, fresh soups and salads, and a traditional tea room, The White Heron Tea and Gifts. The White Heron requires reservations for high tea, but offers a quiet room for walk-ins to enjoy a pot of fresh-brewed flavor.
Several bars and pubs serve food as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. An ice cream parlor, bakery, coffee shop, and shaved ice store fill out an ever-changing mix.
Recreation and Aquatic Center, Library and Parks are all part of New Port Richey
Sims Park, a favorite for events and concerts is right on the banks of the Pithlachascotee and runs behind the Hacienda. It houses a nice playground, including handicapped-accessible equipment, a bandshell, and boat launches. A great library is downtown and several blocks north of the library is a recreation and aquatic center with multiple pools, workout equipment, meeting rooms and more.
Back to the beginning of this post. Take a turn off US 19 at Main Street and enjoy one of the Nature Coast’s more famous cities: New Port Richey. Then let us know what your favorite part is.
