What started as a family orange business decades ago has grown into one of Central Florida’s most beloved “True Florida” tourist attractions.
Written By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery
Where can you tour an orange grove, take pics with dinosaurs, enjoy a round of mini golf and top it off with a refreshing ice cream cone? Boyett’s Grove in Brooksville has all of this and more.
“Boyett’s Grove is a very family-friendly attraction,” says Co-owner Kathy Oleson. “Visiting is like a walk back in time. We are old Florida tourism at its best.”
The 1940s machinery in the packing house is still used during Citrus season, and visitors can tour the facility year-round, learning the ins and outs of one of Florida’s largest industries. In the winter and spring months, take home or ship a basket of tasty citrus fruit or join the tropical fruit club to have citrusy deliciousness delivered right to your door, including a variety of oranges, tangerines and grapefruit.
After the tour, explore the grounds where you’ll find a 5-acre wildlife park, which is home to camels, llamas, goats, monkeys and more. Make sure to snap a pic of Elvis, the 13-foot alligator. Make a stop in the aviary and the aquariums as well.
Want to take a real step back in time? The dinosaur cave is sure to excite the little ones in your group. Included with your admission to the wildlife park, the dino cave features roaring animatronics, including a pterodactyl, T-rex and brontosaurus.
The Dinomite Gold Mine is where you go to search for hidden gems and treasure as you sluice your bags of rocks. You can purchase this add-on when purchasing a ticket.
“This is a cool little spot you won’t want to miss,” says Kathy.
Boyett’s also offers 18 holes of indoor/outdoor mini golf fun. The fun props and scenes are perfect photo ops for the day.
“Come down and do something a little different for a day,” suggests Kathy. “We have a lot of old history at Boyett’s Grove combined with new and interesting attractions.”
Kathy and her husband, Jim, own Boyett’s Grove, and they have passed the tourism and hospitality gene to their boys as well. The Boyett family owns and operates two additional recreation attractions, including Kayak Weeki Wachee where visitors can choose between four different kayaking adventures (or even try them all!). Kayak rentals are available, and kayakers can hop from park to park, including the Weeki Wachee River, Pine Island Beach, the Coastal Paddling Trail and Bayport Fishing trip. Choose two days of kayaking for the price of one and three for the price of two. If you try all four trips you receive free entrance to Boyett’s Grove.
In addition, The Riverfront in Cocoa Beach offers an abundance of opportunities, from water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding to poolside lounging in the comfy cabanas. Live music adds to the ambiance and the fun. You can check out the Riverfront’s Facebook page for special events and opportunities.
Boyett’s Grove
4355 Spring Lake Hwy, Brooksville
(352) 796-2289