Rolling With Rudy

Brooksville, Florida
Story by Rudy Ferraro
Photos by Adel Assily

Courthouse in Brooksville

How can you tell if where you live isn't healthy for you? Well, you could go through a battery of medical tests to determine what ails you…OR. Visit Hernando County Florida's quaint little town of Brooksville.

Although beginning to boom, it's still a town of just under 8,000 people and hasn't yet lost the charm and warmth of the friendly old south. It's truly a town that's good for the heart and soul. While the enchanting character of the gorgeous historic architecture leaves you with a lot of phrases that begin with "WOW", the warmth and friendliness of the people of Brooksville takes care of the rest. From the wise and powerful courthouse building standing proud in the town square, to the pretty rolling hills of some of the most picturesque land in Florida Brooksville is a warm and safe place to live and visit.

Christmas Parade

I was lucky enough to make our visit to the town just as the 33rd Annual Christmas Parade was inching its way around the post-card like square. The school marching bands filled the street with color and inspirational harmonies while real-life ballerinas danced as toys that popped out of a huge gift-box shaped float. There were horses and dancers and walking nativity scenes as the Disney-like show moved carefully by the hundreds of people cheering and awing at an event they'd not soon forget.

Yankees and Confederates meet in the square

Peace, harmony and fun filled the square as both Union and Confederate soldiers engaged in neighborly chat while leaning on the real civil war cannons guarding the stately courthouse building. Even Elvis made an appearance singing "Love Me Tender" on the corner of Liberty and Main. I suppose one can tell quite a bit from a town's Christmas parade and Brooksville's grand little procession is no exception.

Although just under an hour jaunt from the Tampa Bay area, Brooksville isn't lacking in necessities. In addition to the adorable cafe's, shops and coffee house of the down town square area, there's plenty of business and culture in the Brooksville to fill virtually any market's needs. The Hernando County Airport is just a few minutes from down town and there's no lack of golf or things to do in the area.

Elvis in Christmas Parade

A quiet ride or walk down S. Broad Street, just off the square will fill your soul with a passion of Victorian and Colonial architecture you'll not soon forget. Elegance and charm surround the neighborhood with huge white columns, wrap-around porches, bell-tower rooms and ancient live oaks dripping with gray moss like tinsel tossed on Christmas trees. The cobblestone streets and antique street lamps make the most of a scene even Hollywood could envy.

So how can you tell if your town isn't healthy for you? Visit Brooksville and if you find yourself having second thoughts about going back home, you've got your answer.

www.co.hernando.fl.us/visit
Hernando County Tourism & Welcome Center
30305 Cortez Blvd.
Brooksville, FL 34601
800-601-4580