At Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, visitors can explore a late Victorian-era pioneer homestead, Native American burial mound, archaeological dig, 19th-century chapel and cemetery and the remnants of a turn-of-the-century estate’s formal gardens. Further south, the delightful island village of Venice offers beaches that are rarely crowded and avenues graced by northern Italian architecture and fine shopping centers. In North Port, visitors can take a rejuvenating dip in one of nature’s original health spas, Warm Mineral Springs. Relax in 87-degree, mineralized water that soothes aches and pains right away.
Driving along the fresh-smelling back roads of Florida’s three Nature Coast counties — Citrus, Hernando and Pasco — travelers will be enchanted by glimpses of small-town America. Floral City’s village-like atmosphere is accentuated by the Avenue of Oaks, a cathedral of trees planted in the 1880s. The Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame, located in the Citrus County town of Hernando, is also worth a stop. Baseball buffs will love the museum’s memorabilia and may even catch sight of Williams himself, who lives nearby and annually picks new inductees into his hall of fame.
For more than 50 years, the beautiful mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs have captivated crowds with their legendary performances in the world's only underwater spring theater. Located in Hernando County, the park also features a wilderness river cruise, exotic bird show and petting zoo. Next door, Buccaneer Bay Waterpark offers cool refreshment as the state's only natural spring-fed family waterpark. Road-weary travelers can plummet down giant slides into the spring's cool waters or relax on a lazy river ride.
Tucked amid Pasco County’s green pastures and gentle, rolling hills, travelers will find the charming antique district of Dade City, featuring unique shops in early 20th-century cottages and houses. With names like "Tickle Your Fancy," "Bea’s Antiques and Sweets" and "The Picket Fence," shops sell everything from collectible dolls and folk art to vintage clothing and handmade chocolates. Visitors can also peruse old-fashioned hardware stores selling pitchforks and plows or watch potters work on the wheel at Glades Pottery and Gallery. Just a mile from downtown, passers-by can stroll through the hilltop grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum, stopping to inspect horse-drawn buggies and a steam-powered locomotive. The museum also features the replicated office of a pioneer doctor and a miniature doll collection of Florida’s first ladies in their inaugural gowns.
At Skydive City in nearby Zephyrhills, adventurous vacationers can leave the beaten path altogether for the experience of a lifetime. Join the ranks of skydiving enthusiasts who travel from across the globe to the world-famous "drop zone" for a plunge through Pasco’s brilliant blue skies. Expert training, full equipment, group rates and video and photography services are available.
