The Cure Tribute, Luxury River Cruising, Dark American Dream, Manatee Festival & More! #LocalVendors

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Adventure Coast Explorer
The Cure Tribute, Luxury River Cruising, Dark American Dream, Manatee Festival & More! #LocalVendors
Discover the Ultimate Tribute to The Cure, Free Tree Giveaway, Luxury River Cruising, Classic Hymns with a Modern Twist, Assassins, Manatee Festival, Guided Kayak Tours, Nest Box Building, and More at Spring Hill Farmers Market!

Trivia Question❓

What unique natural phenomenon can be found in Adventure Coast, Florida that involves thousands of luminescent creatures lighting up the water at night?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Encore Entertainment & Sparacia Witherell Winery present The Cure Ultimate Tribute with special guest First Wave - Sounds of Depeche Mode on Friday, January 16th at 6pm.

Relive The Cure experience with LOVESONG, a tribute band that recreates the band's sound and stage presence.

Sing along to hits like "Friday I'm in Love" and "Just Like Heaven" while enjoying deep cuts for dedicated fans.

The event will be held at Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyards in Brooksville, Florida.

VIP tickets include upfront seating and a meet & greet with the band.

General admission is $25 and VIP tickets are $40.

Address: 21509 Snow Hill Rd, Brooksville, FL.

Arbor Day 2026 with UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County is on January 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM.

The event includes a Tree Workshop and free tree giveaway at the Master Gardener Nursery in Brooksville.

Registration is required on Eventbrite for a free tree from the limited options available: Flatwoods Plum, Yaupon Holly, or Fackahatchee Firebush.

Only one tree per registration is allowed and trees must be picked up at the nursery on January 17, 2026.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Quote Of The Day

"Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you."

Experience luxury river cruising with AMA Waterways, offering first-class amenities and award-winning service.

Explore breathtaking ports of call in Europe, Asia, and Africa for a truly unique vacation experience.

With personalized service and exclusive benefits when booking through AAA, get ready to unwind and explore in style.

RSVP online at AAA.com/Events or call 352-683-3446 to book your unforgettable river cruise adventure with AMA Waterways.

Tim Zimmerman and The King's Brass perform classic hymns with a contemporary twist, featuring a unique blend of trumpets, trombones, tuba, percussion, and keyboards.

Critics praise their concerts as "superb" and "innovative." The group, formed in Detroit over 40 years ago, consists of professional musicians from across the country who use their talents to lead worship.

Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, they travel extensively for over 150 concerts annually.

Their latest album, Festive Brass, showcases their talents alongside guest organist Diane Bish.

The group is currently celebrating its 47th Anniversary Season with a diverse selection of music. Click HERE to book!

Stage West Playhouse is showcasing the musical "Assassins" from January 16 to January 24.

The play examines the lives of individuals who tried to assassinate American presidents, providing a unique perspective on American history.

The show challenges audiences to reflect on the complexities of the American dream.

Showtimes are Jan.

16, 17, and 22 at 7:30 PM, and Jan.

18, 23, and 24 at 2:00 PM.

Tickets are available for purchase HERE

Joke Of The Day

Why did the fish go on vacation to Adventure Coast, Florida?

Because it wanted to see the world beyond the scales!

The Florida Manatee Festival takes place on January 17-18, 2026 in downtown Crystal River.

Enjoy live entertainment, discounted manatee boat and kayak tours, children's activities, food vendors, and more.

Admission is $10 for adults, children 12 and under are free.

Look for a $5-off coupon in the Citrus County Chronicle on January 17th.

Stay in Crystal River for dining, shopping, and other adventures.

The festival is well-organized with a variety of vendors and food options.

Visitors praise the festival for its fun atmosphere, friendly staff, and entertainment options.

Don't miss the music lineup and schedule for a great experience.

Join Paddletail Waterfront Adventures in Crystal River, Florida for a 2-3 hour guided kayak tour through Kings Bay.

Explore the natural habitat of manatees on a single kayak with a knowledgeable guide.

Learn kayaking tips, discover interesting facts about manatees, and immerse yourself in the rich ecosystem of Crystal River.

Perfect for nature lovers of all skill levels.

The tour is priced at $50 and runs for approximately 3 hours.

                                              Book Here

Learn how to build a nest box for an Eastern screech owl in a workshop presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.

You will learn about nest box placement, nesting habits of Eastern screech owls, and fun facts about the species.

The workshop costs $25, including processing fees, and registration is required.

The program will be held in the auditorium, with a short drive to the parking lot and a brief walk to the auditorium.

Refunds are not available if you cannot install the nest box in your desired location.

Attendees can team up to build one nest box per group.

The Weekiwachee Preserve features a variety of habitats, including rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes.

There are over 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking, with additional access points available.

Birdwatchers can spot various sparrow species, while black bears roam the property.

Butterfly enthusiasts may see a variety of species.

Canoes, kayaks, and boats with electric motors are welcome, with a small launch provided.

Visitors should be respectful of the limited access research area to avoid disturbing wildlife.

The site is managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Size: 12,817 acres.

At our outdoor market, we aim to support small local farms and businesses, providing them with a platform to sell their products and services.

Our hardworking vendors, who range from weekend enthusiasts to retired individuals, play a crucial role in keeping the market running.

Their dedication and creativity are evident in the quality of goods they offer.

By supporting these vendors, we are investing in our community and helping these individuals generate income that can benefit the community as a whole.

We hope that customers and the community recognize the value these vendors bring to the market.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Bioluminescent plankton, also known as dinoflagellates, create a spectacular light show in Adventure Coast's waters when disturbed, leading to the magical experience of glowing water.
Adventure Coast Explorer

© 2026 Adventure Coast Explorer.

Adventure Coast Explorer is a community newsletter dedicated to Florida’s Adventure Coast region — covering Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, and surrounding Gulf communities. Each issue explores the best of local events, outdoor adventures, hidden gems, dining, and community stories, helping readers stay connected to the natural beauty and culture of Hernando County and beyond.

© 2026 Adventure Coast Explorer.