Local Places, Local Faces, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Children’s Education Center
I’ve posted about the Homosassa Wildlife Park numerous times and will probably write about it many times in the future. It’s truly a jewel in Citrus County. The park is the first thing the grandkids want to do whenever they come for a stay. One of their favorite areas is the Fishbowl, where the kids watch the fish, manatees. and the occasional scuba diver swim around them. Their second favorite place that they must go visit is the Children’sEducation Center.
Grandkids at the Children’s Education Center
All of these displays and more are in the Children’s Education Center–along with a park volunteer who is happy to explain each one to their visitors–young or old.
Outdoor activities have been a little challenging this year due to our monsoon summer. So we’ve had to cancel a few but we did recently squeeze in a kayaking trip between rainstorms. It was an incredible day. Terry and I were joined by our 14-year-old nephew William, 12-year-old grandson Riley, and Michelle for an outing on the Weeki Wachee River. Dogs aren’t allowed so Maggie had to stay home and guard the house.
William
We used our own kayaks–three single and one tandem–and launched from Paddle Adventures which is located behind the parking lot at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. In our group of five, Michelle and Riley were beginner kayakers. But that’s not a problem on the Weeki Wachee–the current is so strong that the river practically does all the work. Paddling is mainly used to get around some tight corners, avoid low hanging foliage, and steer clear of other river users. Because the boys wanted their own kayaks, Terry and I started out in the tandem kayak. I was happily snapping pictures while Terry did the paddling but then we realized that Riley was waaaaaay behind us. So I had to give up my cushy seat to Riley. And that’s when my camera must have gone overboard. None of us actually witnessed that moment but after pulling the kayaks out at the end of the trip and doing a thorough search, I had to accept that my camera was gone. So sad. This little waterproof camera usually accompanies me everywhere. Michelle had an iPhone with a waterproof case so she was then in charge of photography.
The river is beautiful with natural Florida plants and the water is clear. We saw several herons, egrets, mullet, turtles and two manatees. Most of the river is shaded by cypress trees and other tropical growth so even on the hottest day the trip is pleasant. The beginning of the river runs through the state park and after leaving the park property, there are many spots to swim in the river and enjoy the cool water.
TurtlesWe saw two manatees but no mermaids.
If you have your own kayaks, it’s just $6 each to launch from Paddle Adventures. To rent a kayak, which includes a return shuttle from the takeout point, it’s $30. The workers at Paddle Adventures explained the directions and assisted us with putting the kayaks into the water. They will also pull out the kayaks at Rogers Park–the take out point. Signs are posted along the river with mile markers plus at one tricky intersection there’s an arrow pointing to Rogers Park. So even I, who is directionally challenged, couldn’t get lost!
Everyone agreed that it was a great day and that we will be paddling the Weeki Wachee again.
Several weeks ago one of my dear friends went off on a month long adventure to Asia…so jealous! Before she left we spent an afternoon lunching and visiting as girlfriends do. She’d told me about a new little place to try in downtown Brooksville called The Tilted Teacup. Yes, it’s a teahouse. I love these tiny enclaves of femininity. We actually have more than one in our area, which is fabulous considering that we must have 50 beer n’ wing joints. Since I’ve already been to one of our other ones, which is also lovely, this was new to me and I was looking forward to seeing the differences.
First off, I love the location. I was very happy to see the old house that had been numerous business thru the years I’d live in Brooksville, transformed into something that truly fit the edifice. The Tilted Teacup sits at the corner of Ft. Dade Ave. and Lemon St. just a short walk from the Hernando County Courthouse, in a small southern home with one of the biggest live oak trees ever, in it’s tiny parking lot.
Large Live Oak at The Tilted Teacup
The restaurant is owned by a lovely young couple. Their attention to detail shows in their choice of teas and treats to serve, as well as the personal attention paid to their patrons. We had a lovely selection of tea for our ‘High Tea’ menu as well as a tiered tray filled with freshly made diminutive delights. On that day, I was honestly pretty hungry, and didn’t think that finger sandwiches was going to fill me up – but it did. In fact, the selection was so delicious, that my girlfriend and I talked and drank our tea and I hadn’t taken one photo for the blog! Oops. (Hold still little scone – I’ll get to you soon.)
Lovely and tasty teahouse yummies
The décor is so cute – who’d think to make a ‘flower chandelier’. So sweet!
One Dining Room at the Tilted Teacup
And an all-season Christmas tree in the entry pays homage to Brooksville’s late, Rodgers Christmas House.
All Season Tree
You can select one of several, equally beautiful rooms. One room had antique hats all hung in a row, another had a more country feel. There’s tea, tea pots and spoons to purchase as well as some really cute handmade aprons in a gift area.
Another lovely room at the Tilted TeacupUnique Décor at the Tilted TeacupHow cute are these aprons?
So if you find yourself in Brooksville and in need of a change of pace, or a place for a girls luncheon, give them a call for a table and reserve your afternoon to decompress in the shade of the old oak tree.
