Brooksville, Florida
Quick Brooksville, Florida History
Brooksville, Florida 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.
Brooksville’s 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 hand.
Things to Do in Brooksville, Florida
There are several downtown restaurants and coffee shops, along with legal and banking offices, a library and a park. Brooksville has been working hard to revive its downtown to attract more visitors and became a Florida Main Street community in 2016.
For those looking for things to do in Brooksville, the Main Street organization holds several events in Brooksville’s downtown area as well as farmers and artist markets, and a simply magical holiday celebration of all things Christmas during the month of December with everything from musical trees to performing artists, decorations galore and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Local art is displayed in several downtown businesses and buildings, as well as murals painted throughout the downtown area. A walking tour map of the downtown murals may be found here.
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 when looking for things to do in Brooksville, Florida, 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. (Please note that the Hernando Chamber of Commerce has moved to the airport. The guide is dated, but the history and map are accurate.)
Historic homes are throughout the downtown area and a tour has been mapped out. There are two B & Bs, including this one, known as the Mirador.
Another popular thing to do in Brooksville, Florida, is to 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. There are daily tours Tuesday — Saturday led by docents and the price of admission is only $10 for adults, $5 for children.
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.
The May Stringer House houses a historical museum that is well worth a tour in Brooksville. It is said to be haunted.
Included in your admission to the May Stringer house is admission to the historic train depot. Next to the historic train depot museum is a one-room schoolhouse to visit on Russell Street.
Continue east to find another wonderful shopping area, featuring the Hawkins House, Transformed Treasures, and the Florida Cracker Trading Company and Tap Room. There is even an old-fashioned Coney Island where it is rumored that Elvis Presley may have eaten many years ago.
The Florida Mermaid Trail
In 2020, a Mermaid Trail was created in downtown Brooksville, which is part treasure hunt and part walking tour. It is an easy activity for one or more to get out and enjoy the historic brick streets and well-kept homes and businesses. Each February, a Mermaid Festival is held in the Hernando Park, where residents and visitors compete for best-dressed mermaid, with and without their pets, and meet the real mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The maps for the Mermaid Trail can be found at the Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitor Center, adjacent to the park.
Expanding Beyond Brooksville’s City Limits
You may want to travel north on US 41 to visit the historic Chinsegut Hill Historic Site and rediscover the magic that caused its last private owners to name it Chinsegut, meaning, “a place where lost things are found.” Learn their story of courage and civil rights for all, as well as a historic timeline of occupation during significant national events. And it’s beautiful, and somewhat magical.
*Please note that Chinsegut Hill Museum is open on weekends for tours, as well as some outdoor events on select weekdays. An Emancipation Celebration is held in May.
Originally constructed in the early 1800s, then added onto by subsequent owners, the Chinsegut Manor House was renovated in 2013–2014 and has been restored to the splendor of its glory days. Image by Diane Bedard.
Don’t forget the Ice Cream
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 on the Nature Coast.