What is not to love about a day spent in the sun with friends and healthy competition?  Port Richey and New Port Richey are world-famous for the many golf courses that are available in the area.  Whatever your skill level or budget, you’re sure to find the perfect course for a relaxing afternoon on the green.  Before you head out with your clubs in tow, keep in mind that many of the courses available are private or semi-private.  You’ll need to check with the clubs and courses before arrival to make sure that you are aware of the costs and memberships that are required for play.

One of the most popular courses in New Port Richey is the Championship at Magnolia Valley Golf Club.  This is a semi-private establishment, but the public is welcome to enjoy the course for the fairly affordable price of $18.00.  The club includes a driving range, a golf professional, rental clubs, and golf cart rental.

The Championship at Seven Springs Country Club in New Port Richey is another semi-private golf course that offers golf cart rental, golf club rental, a golf professional, and a driving range.  The price is a bit steeper than Magnolia Valley at $26.00.

If you’re looking for a shorter game at a lower price, then you should check out the Summertree Golf Course public course in New Port Richey.  This nine-hole course is open throughout the year.  The $13.00 fee is very affordable and includes the golf cart rental.  You will also find a driving range, rental clubs, and a golf professional at your disposal.  For golf in Holiday, you can visit the nine-hole public course at the Forest Hills Golf Course.  The price is $24.00, and the course offers golf cart rental, a driving range, and golf club rentals.

If you’re a night owl, but not exactly a bar hopper, then you’ll probably appreciate Insomniacs.  It’s true that the fare at Insomniacs probably isn’t conducive to curing the ailment for which the establishment is named, as this is the ultimate late-night java fix in the Port Richey area.  The coffee isn’t the only draw at Insomniacs, though, as the décor is designed to make you feel like you’re right at home.

There are squashy couches and chairs to lounge on, Internet access, and even a big screen television.  The staff is laid back and friendly, and they don’t mind at all if you bring along your favorite game console.  Why not make use of the excellent coffee, the attentive service, and the comfy chairs as you get together with friends, and save yourself the hassle of cleaning up after everyone, as you’d certainly have to do if you hosted the game night at your own place?

One more thing that you’ll notice when you’re in the shop is the incredible artwork on the walls.  These are provided by local artists and they’re pretty fantastic.  If you really like one of the pieces, you can take it home with you for a price.  Aside from creating a market for emerging artists, Insomniacs makes excellent use of the work in their decorating scheme.

If you actually are a bar-hopper, it’s really okay.  Insomniacs will still be open even after all of the bars in the area have closed.  It’s a great place to gather and sober up before going home, and the workers are really cool with the late night bar rush.  It’s nice to know that you can relax and continue the social event of the evening well on into the morning without worrying about a closing time.

When New Port Richey, Florida was incorporated, it seemed possible that the tiny town on the Gulf of Mexico might become the next Hollywood.  It was the silent screen era in 1925, and one of the biggest stars in film, Thomas Meighan, bought property to build a mansion and a theater with the hopes of convincing other screen stars to join him in New Port Richey.

Several other stars did, indeed, find New Port Richey to be to their liking.  In fact, Irving Berlin, Paul Whiteman, and Raymond Hitchcock reportedly bought land in the area.  Not much faith is put in that particular report, but the thought certainly didn’t hurt New Port Richey’s new reputation as the playground for the stars.

It became a mission of sorts to attract even more Hollywood heavy-hitters to the area.  The first step was the construction of a new hotel called “The Hacienda.”  After the major hotel in town, the Enchantment Inn, burned down, the way was clear for a newer and more luxurious hotel to take its place.  The Hacienda opened in 1927 to great fanfare, and did, in fact, draw some of the biggest Hollywood stars of all time.

The guest list for The Hacienda in 1930 included such major celebrities as Ring Lardner, Flora Zabelle, Frances Ring, Madeline Cameron, and Leon Errol.  The 1940’s saw the hotel hosting such famous names as Clarence Darrow, WJ Wells, Walter Donaldson, and Dorothy Dalton (wife of Arthur Hammerstein).

As with most sequels, Hollywood, Part II never actually lived up to the magic that was the original Hollywood.  New Port Richey has now settled into a quaint and quiet town that is more known for its beautiful views, classic Main Street, and deep sea fishing than for its famous guests of old.

In 1922, the local postmaster penned a romantic story about the lives of a Spanish boy and girl and the priest of the Calusa Native American tribe that captured them after the defeat of a Spanish expedition.  The boy and girl were later wed, and were known as Queen Chasco and her consort Pithla.  Now, it’s just a legend, but it has managed to capture the hearts and the imaginations of several generations since, and the Chasco Fiesta lives on to honor the traditions of the Native American heritage.

For eleven days every year, the Chasco Fiesta brings excitement, music, and history to the residents and visitors of the area.  There are literally dozens of events that take place throughout the festival, including a boat parade, a bowling tournament, a car show, flea markets, craft villages, a Coronation Ball, children’s villages, golf tournaments, softball tournaments, and a food drive.  There is live music, fantastic food, and opportunities to spend time with your loved ones.  Most notably, there is a Native American Powwow that will stimulate your senses and your imagination.

We’re talking eleven days of history, of music from all eras and genres, food that will appeal to every age and taste, and arts and crafts that will amaze and delight you.  There is a festive air that lingers over the crowds – an excitement that can’t be forced.  It’s an amazing sight to see the families come together and enjoy each other’s company, laughing and playing into the evening and sharing memories that will last forever.

And speaking of lasting forever – this festival will continue to keep the legend of the little Spanish boy and girl alive for years to come, as well as the colorful history, the esteemed heritage, and the pride of the Native American way of life.