We had planned to meet our fellow RVer friends, the Roseberry’s, at a location about midway between our winter locations. They stay near Orlando and we are on the Gulf Coast. The close to halfway point was the town of Brooksville, Florida. And the restaurant was a very popular and quaint place called the Florida Cracker Kitchen.
Brooksville, FL
This small town is located in west central Florida and has a population of about 8,000 people. It has a long history going back to 1840 with a settlement protected by Fort DeSoto.
Fort DeSoto, established to give protection to settlers from Native Americans, was located at the northeastern edge of present-day Brooksville. The fort was also a trading post and a regular stop on the Concord stagecoach line which ran from Palatka to Tampa.
The fort was built on top of a heavy bed of limestone, a fact which they were unaware of at the time. This made it exceedingly difficult to obtain water, thus causing the location to be abandoned. Interesting fact.
In the 1900’s, the citrus industry took off with a focus on the tangerine. Not that many citrus groves anymore.
My Pat at Patricia’s! 
Downtown courthouse 
The old train station. Of course, it was closed
Suzanne and Calvin
We first met these guys back in Nov 2017 in Destin Florida and have been getting together each year since. Meeting in places like Williamsburg, Va, Washington DC, Boston, MA, Taos NM, and some locations in Colorado. And of course, they found a spot for us in their RV park when it all hit the fan in early 2020 as RV parks were shutting down due to Covid.
We have many common interests. Calvin worked in the accounting field and they have a Bighorn 5th wheel similar to ours.
Plans were discussed for a possible Michigan trip this summer. We will see as it is already a very busy year.
Randy, Pat, Sue, and Cal 
This restaurant harkens back to an earlier Florida 
Brooksville History Museum
If there is a history museum we will find it. This one has three volunteer docents that take you on a guided tour back through time. It is great that that have this feature. Not many do that anymore.
One of our museum docents 
Three phone systems from 3 different periods 
Pat is holding an old ballet box 
A round ice box. It soon became obsolete when they discovered ice came in large rectangular blocks
The museum is located in a 1855 seven gable house, the May-Stringer house. The May-Stringer House is a 4 story, seven gable, gingerbread trim, 14 room “Painted Lady” Victorian era home overlooking the City of Brooksville. And it is filled with displays from the time period, but not all from the house.
Seven gables. Beautiful home but a roofing nightmare
Wrap Up
Next up, should be a couple of recent events at the RV park. Take care and God Bless.
Looks like a nice visit. I didn’t know that Patricia had her own shop. Hope it’s doing well.
I sure do enjoy reading your blogs about your trips!
Thanks Heather! Good to hear from you.
Another great time with our friends! Beautiful day to tour! Thanks Pat & Randy! Can’t wait until next time!
Big competition back in day between rectangular vs circular ice? Looks like a great visit. Nice to see your friend is a Hokie!
Big competition back in day between rectangular vs circular ice? Looks like a great visit. Nice to see your friend is a Hokie!
Yes, he is a Hokie fan from Pulaski originally, but lived in Williamsburg during his working years.