Discover Brooksville, FL: Small-Town Vibes with Big Outdoor Adventures

• What is Withlacoochee State Forest?
  • Withlacoochee State Forest spans more than 157,000 acres throughout the western central portion of Florida, located near the cities of Brooksville, Inverness, Lecanto, and Dade City.
• Why is Withlacoochee State Forest notable?
  • The forest has been named as one of the World Wildlife Fund's 10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America.
• When was Withlacoochee State Forest established?
  • The forest was originally acquired by the United States government between 1936 and 1939 and was managed by the United States Forest Service until its transfer to the Florida Board of Forestry in 1958.
• What recreational activities are available at Withlacoochee State Forest?
  • Visitors can enjoy an extensive network of hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails, along with river trails for canoeists, kayakers, and paddlers.
• What trails are featured in Withlacoochee State Forest?
  • Trails include the Florida Trail, which showcases native forest species such as slash and longleaf pines, bald and pond cypresses, oaks, and maples.
• What historic sites can be found in Withlacoochee State Forest?
  • The forest preserves remains of several Florida pioneer-era ghost towns, including Mannfield, Oak Grove, Croom, Stage Pond, and Clay Sink.
• Where is Withlacoochee State Forest located?
  • Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-797-4140

• What is The Hernando Historical Museum?
  • The Hernando Historical Museum is a historic and cultural museum located within the preserved May-Stringer House, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
• What organization oversees The Hernando Historical Museum?
  • The museum is one of three regional historic facilities overseen by the Hernando County Historical Museums nonprofit organization.
• What is the history of the May-Stringer House?
  • The museum preserves the intact 1855 four-story home constructed by John May, which was later expanded by Dr. Sheldon Stringer. In 1981, the home was sold to the Historical Museums organization by owners Earl and Helen Hensley.
• What artifacts are displayed in The Hernando Historical Museum?
  • The museum displays more than 11,000 historical artifacts, including artifacts from the American Civil and Vietnam Wars displayed within its war room and medical equipment connected to Stringer's medical practice, which operated out of the house for several decades.
• What special exhibits are featured in the museum?
  • A 1900s communication room is showcased, along with a room recreating the environment of a turn-of-the-century one-room schoolhouse.
• When can visitors tour The Hernando Historical Museum?
  • Visitors can tour the museum Tuesdays through Saturdays as part of 45-minute guided tours.
• Does The Hernando Historical Museum offer ghost tours?
  • Yes, special seasonal ghost tours are offered on select Friday and Saturday evenings with advance registration.
• Where is The Hernando Historical Museum located?
  • 601 Museum Ct, Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-799-0129

• What is Sweetfields Farm?
  • Sweetfields Farm is a family-owned farm in Masaryktown, operated by Lisa and Ted Kessel since 2008.
• What does Sweetfields Farm focus on?
  • The farm focuses on the production of organic produce throughout the year, striving to create a welcoming, family-friendly educational farm atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
• When is Sweetfields Farm open to the public?
  • It is open to the public throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
• What U-Pick opportunities are available at Sweetfields Farm?
  • The farm offers U-Pick produce picking, allowing visitors to peruse the farm's plantings and pick their own seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs, ranging from peppers and zucchini to watermelon, sunflowers, and fresh basil.
• What seasonal attractions does Sweetfields Farm offer?
  • During the spring months, a unique labyrinth sunflower maze is operated, while during the autumn months, guests can try their hand at completing a traditional five-acre corn maze.
• What additional activities are available at Sweetfields Farm?
  • Other activities include hay rides, a farm animal petting zoo, a treehouse play area, and a spiderweb rope maze.
• Where is Sweetfields Farm located?
  • 17250 Benes Roush Rd, Masaryktown, FL 34604, Phone: 352-279-0977

Unique Attractions

• What is Sparacia Witherell Family Winery and Vineyard?
  • Sparacia Witherell Family Winery and Vineyard is one of Florida's highest-elevation wineries, located at a height of more than 275 feet above sea level.
• Who operates Sparacia Witherell Family Winery and Vineyard?
  • The family-operated vineyard is overseen by Brooklyn natives.
• What farming practices does the winery use?
  • The vineyard is known for its biodynamic farming practices, which emphasize sustainable agriculture and minimal intervention in the growing process.
• What types of wines are produced at Sparacia Witherell Family Winery?
  • Native muscadine and hybrid grapes are used to produce delightful sweet wines with floral and fruit notes, including the winery's Sicilian Punch blend and honey-infused Honeymoon.
• Does the winery produce fruit wines?
  • Yes, fruit wines are also produced, highlighting blueberry and black currant flavors.
• When is the winery's tasting room open?
  • The winery's tasting room is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays beginning at noon, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• What special events are hosted at Sparacia Witherell Family Winery?
  • Special events include live music performances and Sunday afternoon barbecues.
• Where is Sparacia Witherell Family Winery located?
  • 21509 Snow Hill Road, Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-650-8466

• What is the 1885 Russell Street Train Depot?
  • The 1885 Russell Street Train Depot preserves Florida's rich railroading history, housed within Brooksville's historic train depot since 1991.
• Who oversees the 1885 Russell Street Train Depot?
  • The nonprofit museum is overseen by the Hernando Historical Museum Association.
• What railroad companies are featured in the museum?
  • The museum showcases the history of companies such as the Florida Southern Railroad and the Atlantic Coast Line, which operated throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• What artifacts can visitors explore at the depot?
  • Museum visitors can explore the depot's freight room, which houses artifacts related to the state's early railroading and technology industries, including historic telegraph machines, freight scales, and 19th-century tools.
• What historic structures or exhibits are available for touring?
  • A utility train car from the 1880s may be toured, along with a replica cracker house and cobbler's shop.
• What exhibits are available for young visitors?
  • Two model train exhibits are offered for young visitors, along with a display area for family photos within a restored 1925 fire engine.
• Where is the 1885 Russell Street Train Depot located?
  • #70 Russell Street, Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-799-4766

• What is the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area?
  • Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area spans 850 acres just north of the city of Brooksville, home to a plethora of native wildlife species year-round.
• When is the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area open to the public?
  • The WEA is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the morning and afternoon hours.
• Who oversees the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area?
  • The WEA is overseen by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• What wildlife species can be found at the WEA?
  • The area protects species such as bobcats, white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, turkeys, and sandhill cranes.
• What can visitors explore at the WEA?
  • Visitors can explore the WEA's 408-acre Conservation Center Tract, which is home to nature trails and the spacious May's Prairie area.
• What educational programs are offered at the WEA?
  • Wildlife educational programs are offered throughout the year, including nature hikes and outdoor skills programming.
• Can school groups book tours at the WEA?
  • Yes, school groups can book tours and programs by appointment throughout the year with advance reservations.
• Where is the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area located?
  • 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-754-6722

• What is the Chinsegut Hill Museum?
  • Chinsegut Hill Museum, also referred to as the Chinsegut Hill Manor House, is a historic living history museum site located just north of Brooksville atop nearby Chinsegut Hill.
• What other names has the Chinsegut Hill Museum been known by?
  • The estate is also referred to as Mount Airy and The Hill.
• When was the Chinsegut Hill estate originally developed?
  • The estate was originally developed in the 1840s on 160 acres by Colonel Byrd Pearson and constructed in its present manor house form in 1854 by Colonel Russel Snow.
• Who made expansions to the Chinsegut Hill estate?
  • Several owners throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries made substantial expansions to the estate.
• When did the University of Florida acquire the estate?
  • The estate was sold to the University of Florida in the mid-20th century to serve as a branch library.
• Who manages the Chinsegut Hill Museum today?
  • In 2008, the home was transferred to the care of the Friends of Chinsegut Hill association for extensive renovation and conversion to its present museum state.
• When are guided tours available at the Chinsegut Hill Museum?
  • Guided tours of the home are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, showcasing its rich history.
• What historical events and figures are associated with Chinsegut Hill Museum?
  • The museum highlights its involvement in the 1959 Red Scare and its lineage of hosting famed international luminaries such as Thomas Edison.
• Where is the Chinsegut Hill Museum located?
  • 22495 Chinsegut Hill Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-799-5400

Attractions for Couples

• What is JG Ranch?
  • JG Ranch has been family-owned and operated by the Casey family since its purchase in 2001 by George and Joan Casey, an extension of their family dairy farm in nearby Largo.
• Who operates JG Ranch today?
  • Today, the farm is operated by the next generation of the Casey family.
• What animals and crops are found at JG Ranch?
  • The farm is home to a large herd of Angus cattle, along with nine acres of you-pick orchard space containing tens of thousands of strawberry, blueberry, and thornless blackberry plantings.
• When are public picking times available at JG Ranch?
  • Public picking times are offered in season throughout the year between November and June, with buckets and bags provided for picking and transport.
• Are there picnic areas at JG Ranch?
  • Yes, day-use picnic areas are offered for guests throughout the orchard area.
• What products can visitors purchase at the JG Ranch farmstand?
  • Inside the facility's farmstand, guests can purchase locally-sourced produce, honey, and free-range eggs by the dozen.
• Where is JG Ranch located?
  • 17200 Wiscon Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-799-0556

• What is the McKethan Lake Recreation Area?
  • McKethan Lake Recreation Area is part of Florida's Withlacoochee State Forest public recreation section, located along the banks of the 57-acre lake of the same name.
• Where is McKethan Lake Recreation Area located?
  • The recreation area is located within the forest's Headquarters Tract just north of Brooksville.
• What picnic facilities are available at McKethan Lake?
  • The area offers three picnic pavilions and a number of day-use picnic sites, perfect for relaxing with lunch in the beautiful wilderness scenery.
• What trails are available at McKethan Lake Recreation Area?
  • A paved single-lane nature trail circles the lake, with vehicular access offered to reach picnic sites. A two-mile nature trail also provides opportunities to view native wildlife.
• What wildlife can be seen at McKethan Lake?
  • Visitors can observe native wildlife such as hawks, owls, and white-tailed deer.
• What fishing opportunities are available at McKethan Lake?
  • Anglers can enjoy excellent fishing opportunities along the lakeshore.
• Is there a playground for children?
  • Yes, families with young ones can enjoy the area's children's playground.
• Where is McKethan Lake Recreation Area located?
  • 15019 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601

• What is Boyett's Grove?
  • Boyett's Grove is a delightful citrus grove and all-ages attraction located in Hernando County near Brooksville, easily accessible from Interstate 75.
• When was Boyett's Grove established?
  • The family-favorite complex was originally opened as a fresh citrus stand in the 1960s and has evolved into a massive entertainment center.
• Who owns and operates Boyett's Grove?
  • Boyett’s Grove is owned and operated by married duo Kathy and Jim Oleson.
• What fresh fruit is available at Boyett's Grove?
  • Guests can purchase fresh oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and kumquats between November and May.
• What can visitors observe at Boyett’s Grove?
  • Visitors can watch as fresh fruit is waxed, polished, and sorted according to historical picking methods.
• What children's attractions are available at Boyett's Grove?
  • Attractions include a wildlife feeding park and aviary, a Gulf species aquarium, a themed dinosaur cave, a gold mine panning attraction, and a challenging family miniature golf course.
• What shopping and dining options are available?
  • An old-fashioned Floridiana gift shop sells unique souvenirs, while a homestyle ice cream parlor serves hand-dipped cones and cane-sweetened sodas.
• What additional attractions does Boyett's Grove offer?
  • Other attractions include an art gallery showcasing the unique works of family business partner James Oleson Jr..
• Where is Boyett's Grove located?
  • 4355 Spring Lake Highway, Brooksville, FL 34601, Phone: 352-796-2289