Performing Arts
In Spring Hill, the musical and non-musical classics come to stage at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., tel. 352-683-5113, www.stagewest.net. Individual regular season tickets in its two theaters cost $10-$18.
Beaches, Parks & Natural Areas
Although you don't find beaches along the Nature Coast like you do, say, along the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, they are here. One of the most popular in these parts, Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park, tel. 352-754-4031, lies on Rte. 495 off 550 and works well for families or anyone interested in swimming in the river, playing a little volleyball, swinging, and relaxing on the waterfront. Entry fee is $2 per vehicle.
Hernando Beach Park, 6400 Shoal Line Blvd. (Rte. 597) also lays down a sand blanket for visitors, and has an observation tower.
Family Fun
One of the region's prime attractions is Weeki Wachee Springs Water-park, at the intersection of Hwy.19 and Rte. 50, tel. 877-GO-WEEKI or 352-596-2062, www.weeki-wach-ee.com. Its underwater mermaid show is a classic, appealing to kids with stories of Pocahontas, the Little Mermaid, and other kid heroes. Spectators watch from an underwater theater as the pretty young mermaids perform in the natural setting of clear spring waters. Other shows around the park involve exotic birds and birds of prey. A river wilderness cruise, a petting zoo, springs beach swimming, bumper boat rides, and flume slides complete the many ways to have fun at Weeki Wachee (just saying the name is fun!). Hours vary, so call or check the website in advance. Admission for the springs and water park is $22.95 for adults, $15.95 for children aged three to 10, plus tax. When the water park is closed (November-mid-March), prices are $13.95 and $10.95. Parking is $3. The get-wet portion of the park, known as Buccaneer Bay, is open only in summer and on weekends and holidays in the spring.
