No visit to Florida would be complete without exploring the attractions in Brooksville Florida. It is a hidden gem with diverse cuisines, historical monuments, and natural landscapes to explore. Florida has many beautiful sights for a relaxing getaway, promising a delightful stay.
Brooksville is famous for its energetic events, historic architecture, and fun activities. It has various shops, restaurants, and places where you can brew with a backdrop of oak trees, offering a memorable experience. Its restaurants have delicious food, serving tasty local and international cuisines. Whether you’re a foodie or someone who loves to try something new, Brooksville has something for everyone.
Tourist Attractions In Brooksville Florida
1. Downtown Brooksville
Downtown Brooksville has a blend of historical and modern architecture. Its layout makes exploring exciting, whether you prefer strolling through the streets or cycling. Downtown Brooksville has many cultural attractions, local shops, and fine restaurants.
Brooksville restaurants have various delicious cuisines; from the cozy bistro cuisine and classic diner to the high-end restaurants, they have something for everyone. Local restaurants also offer Mexican, Thai food, and Chinese cuisines for those with a knack for international flavors.
In downtown Brooksville, we recommend you visit the Hernando County Courthouse. It is a classic courthouse square from 1913, surrounded by Oaks, perfect to stroll after lunch and dinner. These majestic oaks, draped in thick Spanish moss, surround the the Hernando County Courthouse, adding a touch of Southern charm to the urban landscape.
2. Tom Varn Park
The Tom Varn public park is located just west of Brooksville. With extensive woods and a cute pond with many turtles, perfect for a picnic, Tom Varn Park is one of the best attractions in Brooksville Florida. A fine place to continue a stroll around Brooksville. The park features several trails, including a 1.5-mile loop, served by covered pavilions for picnics. It also has a playground, swings, and a baseball ground. It hosts several fairs and festivals throughout the year. Their main tourist attraction in Brooksville Florida is the annual Art in the Park arts and crafts festival, which captivates everyone.
3. May Stringer House
The May Stringer House is a treat to the eyes and a treasure trove of historical relics. Its roots trace back to 1855. The Hernando Heritage Museum is housed in this grand Victorian mansion and has witnessed many changes. The mansion’s iconic ginger trim and triangular gables mesmerize visitors; this four-story architectural marvel hosts 14 rooms.
As you enter, this house will take you back in time, as these rooms have been decorated and preserved since their time. From the 1900s telegraph room and Victorian bedrooms to the 1800s doctor’s office and dining room, each room offers a unique and elegant glimpse into the past. The museum houses over 10,000 exhibits, providing a comprehensive insight into Brooksville’s foundation, settlement, and development. If you’re planning a visit, the May-Stringer House is open from Tuesday to Saturday, offering tours for visitors.
4. Withlacoochee State Forest
Brooksville shares its borders with Florida’s third-largest state forest, the Withlacoochee State Forest. This state forest stretches across almost 160,000 acres and meets five different counties. The Croom Tract is the largest and most beautiful tract within convenient reach. Here, you can explore over 20,000 acres of longleaf pine and cypress woodlands, one of the must-see sights in Florida. Here, you can witness Florida’s rich ecological diversity.
The tract is bisected on its eastern side by the Withlacoochee River, offering outdoor attractions in Brooksville Florida, like hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and kayaking. You should also visit the Good Neighbor Trail, which stands right in the heart of Brooksville. This trail follows an old railbed’s path, directly connecting Brooksville with the state forest. The trail eventually links up with the Withlacoochee State Trail near the riverbank, offering an excellent starting point for exploring nature.
5. Sweetfields Farm
During the fall season, their Fall Season Event is one of the best tourist attractions in Brooksville Florida. The Sweetfields Farm is family-owned and operated. It welcomes visitors for seasonal events in the rural countryside south of Brooksville. From late September into early November, this features a pumpkin patch and a corn maze with a different design each year. There are also hayrides, barn animals, and a haystack playground. During springtime, it becomes a spectacular sunflower maze with a slew of family activities and fresh produce. This charming farm allows visitors to engage in fun farm activities while appreciating the peace and beauty of the countryside.
6. 1885 Brooksville Train Depot
The 1885 Brooksville Train Depot is a historical monument that takes you back in time as you enter the grounds. This historic architecture is the original depot built when the Florida Southern Railway first extended its reach to Brooksville. It now serves as a museum, one of three by the prestigious Hernando Historical Museum Association.
The old ticket office and freight room are filled with railroad memorabilia and artifacts that take you back to the earlier days of the Hernando County settlement. For younger visitors, the freight dock has a bell and siren that they are invited to ring. It also has a preserved 1925 LaFrance Fire Engine – a good exhibit for any history or machinery enthusiast.
The historic box car from the swamps hauled to the site adds to the authenticity of the experience. The old railroad has been ingeniously transformed into a multi-use trail. From the depot, you can hike or ride east towards the stunning state forest. The trail ultimately connects with the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, offering endless adventure and exploration for locals and tourists alike.
7. Chinsegut Hill
The Chinsegut Hill is a ten-minute drive north of downtown Brooksville. It is one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, standing tall at 269 feet. The crown jewel of the hill is a manor house framed in the Vernacular style and built in the 1850s. This manor once served as the centerpiece of a sugarcane plantation that relied on enslaved labor. Over the years, the property has been put to various uses and now stands as a 114-acre preserve open to visitors on weekends.
It would be best if you opted for guided tours to truly relive the plantation’s history, its roles over time, and the lives of its various residents. You’ll find permanent exhibits in the museum that showcase historical artifacts. In addition, there are always temporary exhibits focused on specific themes. During your visit, you will come across engaging displays centered on the 1920s, providing a detailed look into Prohibition and the Christian revival of that era.
8. Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction
An artifact of Hernando County’s citrus industry is the Boyett’s Grove, which grew into a tourist attraction in Brooksville Florida after a frost devastated the orange crop in the 1960s. You’ll find an aviary, a mini golf course, a massive gift shop with an ice cream bar, and a dinosaur cave designed to amuse young children. However, the ultimate charm of Boyett’s Grove lies in its roots – the citrus grove.
The best time to witness this is during the citrus season, which runs from November through May. You can witness an old-school orange grove in full swing during this period, participating in activities from picking and washing to waxing and sorting the fruit, just as done over six decades ago. The experience is a fascinating step back and a salute to the county’s rich citrus industry heritage.
9. Brooksville Blueberry Festival
Brooksville is Florida’s most efficient Blueberry-producing region. The Blueberry Festival was initially a state event; however, the festival is still celebrated as a local event in Brooksville. It is celebrated in late April when the weather is typically splendid. The Brooksville Blueberry Festival brings over 300 vendors to downtown Brooksville. The festival is filled with joy, fun, and blueberries.
The most anticipated segment of the Brooksville Blueberry Festival is the Blueberry Lane, where a cornucopia of blueberry delights awaits. Visitors and attendees enjoy the blueberry treats, including shortcakes, muffins, breads, and fresh blueberries. The festival is a celebration of the town’s rich agricultural heritage and the joyous arrival of spring.
10. Hernando Oaks Golf and Country Club
Florida is famous for golfing. When the rest of the states are clearing up the snow off their porch, the people in Florida happily enjoy golfing in the pleasant weather as it is warmer, happily basking in the pleasant weather. The Hernando Oaks Golf and Country Club offers a semi-private championship course, taking the crown as Brooksville’s leading golf course.
The Hernando Oaks Golf and Country Clubs is located between a beautiful landscape of pine and live oaks; it stretches over 7,000 yards from the blue tees. The Hernando Oaks captivates visitors, giving off the sensation of playing in a stunning landscape. The clubhouse also features a well-equipped pro shop and the Oak’s Grill, with a delightful menu including burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads. This golfing haven gives the perfect Florida charm, offering a retreat for golfing veterans and newcomers alike.
11. Rising Sun Bistro and Market
Rising Sun Bistro and Market is a great restaurant in downtown Brooksville. It has delicious and reasonably priced food and a comfortable vibe. It is a family-owned restaurant with a gentle country ambiance. It is located in an elegant classic commercial building; the restaurant has a diverse menu, prioritizing local produce whenever possible. They are also famous for their coffee, which they source from local small-batch roasters and expertly blend on-site. This charming restaurant and market surely adds a unique culinary experience to Brooksville’s welcome.
12. Art in the Park
The art fair under the moss-draped oaks in Tom Varn Park is one of the creative attractions in Brooksville Florida. This annual Art fair is organized in March and projects a welcoming, laid-back ambiance, great artwork on display, and prize money. You can engage with artists and creative minds across the United States, showcasing and selling various art forms from sculpture and ceramics to painting, jewelry, fiber art, and photography. This event attracts thousands of attendees annually, providing beautiful sights in Florida.
The Art in the Park helps children explore their creativity, showcases a county-wide student art show, and features live music at various locations throughout the park. This vibrant gathering truly encapsulates the artistic spirit of Brooksville.
13. Belle Parc RV Resort
The Belle Parc RV Resort is a relaxing resort based on RVs in Brooksville, offering a resort-like ambiance. It offers many amenities, like the seasonally heated pool, a well-equipped fitness center, a cozy TV room, a fishing dock, and a hot tub. There is also a tennis court where you can enjoy your time. The resort’s location is a bonus, bringing you close to many local attractions. Whether you fancy cycling, kayaking, or exploring Brooksville’s historical sites, the Belle Parc RV Resort provides a relaxing stay with many perks.
14. Adventure Coast Welcome Center at Hernando Park
The Hernando Park adds charm to your visit to Brooksville because of Brooksville’s Adventure Coast Welcome Center. It is the perfect starting point for visitors, where the staff are friendly locals who guide you better about Brooksville. You can also get insight into Adventure Coast attractions, tours, restaurants, accommodation, and more. It opens from Monday to Saturday during regular office hours, and the center is well-stocked with brochures, maps, guides, and travel magazines, all aimed at equipping you with everything you need to explore Brooksville.
15. Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
The Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area is one of the top attractions in Brooksville Florida. It has a network of trails for visitors to explore the grounds. Biking and hiking are common activities here. They also host a hunting season here for white-tailed deer and feral hogs. In addition to this, they also have two underwater caves, Buford Springs and Eagles Nest Sink, for cave diving. However, it is risky as few died in the past.
The Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area stretches over 24,243 acres in Hernando County, Florida, and protects the natural habitat in Florida. It is an exciting place to travel in Florida as it has Florida’s Black bear, Gopher tortoises, Sherman Fox, Squirrels, and many snake species.
