Spring Hill is situated 30 minutes north of Tampa and 1.5 hours west of Orlando. Warm weather, sunshine and sparkling spring fed waters combine to create the setting of Spring Hill a place of tranquil atmosphere and beauty. This section of the Gulf coast in Hernando County is known as Florida's Nature Coast where there are many species of birds and animals that make their home here each year.

The county was originally home to the Seminol Indians but since Hernando De Soto's landing in the area in 1539, the Indians migrated westwards and have long since left the area. Many of the rivers and lakes, such as the Weeki Wachee River (which means winding waters) are still known by their Indian names.

There are many activities to keep everyone amused from boating and fishing to horse riding and golfing. There are also cinemas, bowling alleys, skating rinks and plenty of shopping malls.

There are two local beaches, the first at Pine Island is a sandy beach with picnic tables, barbecues, children's play area and volley ball court.

The other beach is at Hudson and this is a small beach perfect to see the sunsets. Another great sunset location is Bayport, which is also good for fishing. Bayport has a small pier and plenty of room to launch your boat.

Rogers Park is situated along the Weeki Wachee River and is great for relaxing and swimming and the water, which comes from the Weeki Wachee spring just downstream, is a constant 72 degrees.

Further south along the US19, or on the "Suncoast Parkway", about 50 minutes away you will find the "Gulf Beaches"; Clearwater, Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, Bradenton and St. Petersburg. These areas are a little more commercial than Spring Hill but nonetheless have great beaches with loungers and parasols for rent by the hour.

Attractions in the area are all based around a natural theme:-

Weeki Wachee Springs, on the US19 straight across from SR50, incorporates a wilderness river cruise along the Weeki Wachee River and a mermaid show that is viewed from a very special underwater theatre set at the very edge of this natural spring. The mermaids share their stage with fish and turtles.

Buccaneer Bay is next door to Weeki Wachee Springs and is a great water park with flumes and tube rides.

Homassassa Springs is north on the US19 about 20-30 minutes away. Here you can learn all about the endangered Manatees and get up close in the underwater viewing area. You can also learn about the native alligators and many other species indigenous to Florida.

Busch Gardens in Tampa is the sister park of Sea World in Orlando. This park is based on the turn of the century Africa and has something for everyone. For the fearless there are the Python, Scorpion, Kumba, Montu and Gwazi rollercoasters. Those who don't mind a bit of a soaking can experience the Tanganyika Tidal Wave where you don't even have to ride to get wet! Or, the Log Flume, perhaps even the Congo River Rapids, a well loved favourite at Busch Gardens. For younger African adventurous there is a park set aside just for them with their own rides and activities. Those wanting a more relaxing time can proceed to the Bird Gardens, the Myombe Reserve and the stunning Ice Show.

Adventure Island is just next door to Busch Gardens and is a fantastic water park. It boasts some excellent flume and tub rides as well as a great beach and wave pool. For those who want a nice sedate ride then the Lazy River is just for you. You can even take your own picnic to Adventure Island but no alcohol.

Silver Springs at Ocala offers some great opportunities to get very close to all sorts of snakes and spiders, as well as some other mammals and reptiles, including alligators. There are three boat rides at Silver Springs; the most famous of these is the Glass Bottom Boat where you can see lots of amazing sights while cruising the 99.8% pure waters of the Silver River. You can see seven dramatic natural spring formations including Mammoth the world's largest artesian limestone spring. As well as these stunning formations you will see several sunken film sets where films such as James Bond have been made.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is just south of Port Richey on the US19 and is a thriving Greek community. Set right on the water there is some great shopping to be had as well as boat rips out into the Gulf with sponge divers on board harvesting sponges and loofahs. There are also some good restaurants and ice cream parlous to be found.

Crystal River has a lovely beach and just a few miles inland is where the springs converge. Here, in the winter months, you might see a family of Manatee in search of warmer waters. Dolphins sometimes frequent the Crystal River area, so you might catch a glimpse or find yourself swimming with them.

However, if you prefer, there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied:-

Horse riding is available at nearby stables. The best way of choosing somewhere to ride is to look through Yellow Pages.

Golf is available in abundance in Spring Hill. Seven Hills, Oak Hill, Silverthorn and the Heathers are just a few of the courses. It is possible to play a round of golf for approximately $20 and this even includes your golf cart.

Tennis is available a the local YMCA and there are local parks such as the one on Deltona Blvd. in Spring Hill with basketball courts, picnic areas and a play area for children.

Canoe Trips are available at the back of the car park at Weeki Wachee Springs. There is a company that organises trips down the river. You can either paddle downstream or just let the current carry you down while you relax and enjoy the surroundings. You will see lots of wild life including birds, fish and, if you are lucky, you might see a Manatee. You can take a picnic and you will be picked up downstream by a jeep. A similar type of activity is available on a large river towards Brooksville, the Withalacoochee. There are also hiking trails through the state park.

Shopping is also abundant in the Spring Hill area and there is a big shopping mall just south of Spring Hill on the US19 at Port Richey called "Gulf View Square Mall". There are a variety of shops from the big department stores to small boutiques. North on the USA19 is a large shopping mall at Crystal River. Spring Hill itself has plenty of supermarkets and shops. One shop will worth a visit in Brooksville (about 15 miles away) is Rogers Christmas House. This shop is actually five themed houses selling everything and anything to do with Christmas and it is open every day of the year except Christmas Day!