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Get Away
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 16, 2003
Hernando County has plenty to offer beyond the Brooksville Raid's beating drums and blasting cannons. Here are a few suggestions:
Rogers Christmas House Village, 103 S Saxon Ave. (off State Road 50A), Brooksville. Open every day of the year except Christmas, the Christmas House is known for its unique holiday decorations and gift ideas. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (352) 796-2415.
Antique shops are centered on the intersection of S Broad Street (U.S. 41) and Main Street in downtown Brooksville. Among the options: the Antique Sampler Mall at Main and Liberty streets; Courthouse Antiques and the Purple Cow antique store. Most shops are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
Whistle Stop Station, 5324 Spring Hill Drive (just east of U.S. 19). A family owned store, the Whistle Stop is known for hard-to-find gifts and collectibles. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday. (352) 686-4942.
Weeki Wachee Spring, 6131 Commercial Way (at U.S. 19 and State Road 50), Weeki Wachee. This historic roadside attraction is famous for its underwater mermaid shows, the River Wilderness Cruise and an animal show. Admission is $12.95 for adults; $9.95 for children 3-10. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (352) 596-2062.
World Woods Golf Club, 17590 Ponce de Leon Blvd. (U.S. 98), north of Brooksville. These two 18-hole courses have been recognized by Golf Digest as among the best public courses in America. Greens fees run up to $95 per round. Call (352) 796-5500.
Withlacoochee State Trail, eastern Hernando County. Now the longest paved walking and biking trail in Florida, it extends into Citrus and Pasco counties. The primary access point is off State Road 50 near Ridge Manor, about a mile east of Interstate 75.
Suncoast Parkway Trail, central Hernando County. The 12-foot-wide trail parallels the Suncoast Parkway toll road and is landscaped with native pines and oaks. Access at State Road 50.
Nellie's Restaurant, and its sister cafe, Nellie's Too, Weeki Wachee and Spring Hill. Locals go for the home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The original is at 6234 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. (352) 596-8321. Nellie's Too is at 4279 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. Opens 6 a.m. daily. (352) 684-6200.
Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant, 6244 Spring Lake Highway, east of Brooksville, just south of State Road 50. A longtime favorite for its wide range of Italian specialties, including seafood. Reservations recommended. Open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. (352) 799-3904.
Mykonos II, 1740 E Jefferson St. (State Road 50A), Brooksville. Greek, Italian and Cuban dishes. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sundays. (352) 799-3154.
Armadillo Cafe, 5242 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill (between State Road 50 and Northcliff Boulevard). Eclectic entrees, including steaks, seafood and Southwest dishes. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 4 to 9 p.m Sundays. Reservations recommended. (352) 666-4696.
Michael's Bistro, 2410 Commercial Way (U.S. 19), Spring Hill. Pleasant ambiance and varied continental menu. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. (352) 683-8420.
Ye Olde Fireside Inn, 1175 S Broad St. (U.S. 41), Brooksville. The restaurant is set back in the woods in an old Florida home with wood and brick floors. Fine dining, but in a comfortable atmosphere. The Fireside specializes in Iowa beef; seafood entrees also available. Reservations recommended. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. (352) 796-0293.
Pappy's Galley and Oyster Bar, 4417 Calienta St. (off Shoal Line Boulevard), Hernando Beach. Located on the shrimp docks along the Gulf of Mexico; serves seafood and steaks; also duck and quail. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. Dinner reservations recommended on weekends. (352) 597-2227.
Backwaters Seafood and Steakhouse, 6024 Cortez Blvd. (west of U.S. 19), Weeki Wachee. Cajun and seafood dishes as well as steaks, salads, burgers and pasta. Open noon to midnight daily. (352) 597-5457.