Weeki Wachee Springs

[jkl2000]

Interesting article in today's New York Times about Weeki Wachi and its place in Florida's entertainment history.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/magazine/the-last-mermaid-show.html?smid=pl-share

My mother used to tell me that someone who used to work at Weeki Wachi told her they sometimes threw cabbagees in the water because they knew it gave the manatees gas which ticked off the "mermaids."

 

[Nemo14]

Interesting read! My daughter loved that place when she was a kid, but my son was terrified of the witch.

 

[englanddg]

Interesting article.

I vaguely remember that place...I think.

Also, I noted this at the beginning of the article...

"It was only a two-hour drive across Central Florida from Disney World to Weeki Wachee Springs, but the distance traveled was much further, from sleek theme parks, hotels with room service and package vacation deals to a rundown motel with broken Wi-Fi "

...and I had to comment that it seems Disney is trying to catch up with the Weeki Wachee motel!

Also, very funny about feeding the manatees cabbage. I didn't get it until I read the article. That's just foul...but funny!

 

[Nemo14]

We canoed down the Weeki Wachee river this spring. It was great fun to be paddling with the manatees (sans cabbage of course).

 

[The Mom]

Interesting read! My daughter loved that place when she was a kid, but my son was terrified of the witch.

Mine too. I still have a plate we bought there.

 

[nepalostparks]

My partner and I kayaked down the river this past October and enjoyed it. No manatees on our trip down, but we did see a number of fish and birds. We considered going into the park, but not knowing exactly what was inside, decided to skip it. Having read that article, I think the next time we'll definitely check out the "old Florida" charm and see the show.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

I would like to have seen "Mermiads on the Moon". It sounds like a movie you would see at the SciFi in HS.

 

[dukehoopsfan]

My sister and I used to spend summers with our grandparents who lived in Brooksville - only a few minutes drive from Weeki Wachee. I can't tell you how many times grandma took us to see the mermaids. We would try to memorize all the routines and then "perform" them for anyone who would watch us at home in the pool! Such great memories!

 

[Master Yoda]

I have lived in Florida for 41 years and made it to Weeki Wachee for the first just last summer. It is interesting, but there are parts of the park that look like they are completely abandoned. The Mermaid show is something every one should see at least once. Aside from that it has a pretty good swimming hole and that is about it.

 

[luv]

I've heard about it, of course, but never been. Almost went last week. Having read this, it is on the To Do list. Thanks!!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I went there this February, it is a charming place. The mermaid shows were interesting and we were able to see quite a few manatees.