Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Following is information you should find useful as you learn more about Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center, or plan your visit to Hernando County. If your question is not answered here, please contact us.

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What is Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center is a unique event venue in Hernando County on west Central Florida’s Adventure Coast. The historic 115-acre property offers rustic lodging, meeting space, and dining facilities for weddings, reunions, getaway weekends, religious and spiritual retreats, artist retreats, and corporate retreats. Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center is an ideal overnight location for groups of bird-watchers, cyclists, hikers, and golfers who seek a casual environment in a scenic Old Florida landscape. Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center is located on the Brooksville Ridge, one of the highest elevations in Florida, and is an easy drive from Tampa and Orlando.

How do you pronounce Chinsegut? What is the origin of the name?

Chinsegut (Chin-SEE-gut) Hill is an Intuit Indian word that means “the spirit of things lost and regained.” The property was so-named by Raymond Robins and his sister, Elizabeth Robins, who bought the property in 1905. The original estate was established as a plantation in the 1850’s by Col. Bird Pearson, a lawyer from South Carolina.

Who operates Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?
Who plans events at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Whether you are seeking a location for a corporate retreat, a day-long business meeting, a reunion or a casual getaway weekend with friends, rest assured that choosing Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center will result in a memorable excursion on Florida’s Adventure Coast in Hernando County. Visitors from Tampa, Orlando, Ocala and Gainesville will find Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center a convenient and laid-back venue for:

Where is Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center is in Hernando County, the heart of Florida’s Adventure Coast. Hernando County is 45 minutes north of Tampa and one hour west of Orlando. Five major highways run through Hernando County: U.S. 19, U.S. 41, I-75 and the Suncoast Parkway all run north and south; State Road 50, also known as Cortez Boulevard, runs east and west and intersects all four north-south highways. U.S. 19 parallels the Gulf of Mexico coastline on the western edge of Hernando County and is a direct route from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area. U.S. 41 runs through the heart of Hernando County and historic downtown Brooksville.

Can Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center be used for photo shoots?

Yes, we invite individuals and photographers to use Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center as a backdrop for photo shoots in Hernando County! We kindly ask that any individual or photographer interested in using Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center for photos contact our Retreat Manager and give advance notice. Don’t forget to check-in and tag us on Facebook at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center!

Are there any fees associated with using Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center for photo shoots?

No, there is no cost to use Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center for photo shoots in Brooksville and Hernando County. We kindly ask that any individual or photographer interested in using Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center for photos contact our Retreat Manager and give advance notice. Don’t forget to check-in and tag us on Facebook at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center!

What should I know about Hernando County history?

Hernando County was established on February 27, 1843, two years before the 28th Congress of the United States approved Florida’s statehood. The county was named after Spanish Explorer Hernando De Soto, who led an expedition through the area in 1539.

What other activities and attractions are near Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

There are many entertainment options within a short distance of Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center. Championship golf courses await on The Brooksville Ridge. Antique shopping, and delicious dining are minutes away in historic Brooksville, Spring Hill, Floral City, and Inverness. The world-famous Weeki Wachee mermaids perform daily in the underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and endangered manatees are waiting to greet visitors at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Some of the best equestrian trails in Florida can be accessed in the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, and fishing, hiking, cycling, and bird-watching trails are plentiful and easily accessible from Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center.

How can I learn about upcoming events in Hernando County?

Visit the Hernando County Tourism Bureau’s website for the latest information about festivals and current events in Hernando County.

How do I make a reservation for an event at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?
Please contact the Retreat Manager by completing the contact us form or you may call 352-238-9186 for additional information.
Is there overnight lodging at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

There are seven cottages at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center. Each cottage has four bedrooms with two twin beds each, accommodating a total of 56 guests. Each bedroom has a private bathroom and shower. Guests in each cottage share dining and living areas, and a kitchenette supplied with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.

If I need to house more guests, are there other lodging options near Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Hernando County has a variety of accommodations that will suit your needs and your budget. These listings of hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals include details on their proximity to local attractions, amenities, and which accommodations are pet-friendly.

Can I use the dining hall at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

The dining hall is available to our guests, with meals being catered by an approved caterer.

Are there restaurant and dining options near Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Restaurants on Florida’s Adventure Coast are as diverse as the people who live here. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after an outdoor adventure, or getting gussied-up for a special dinner, Hernando County restaurants are sure to please your palate.

What are the metropolitan areas near Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Hernando County is the geographic center of Florida, which places it within easy driving distance of Tampa Bay and Orlando. Both those metropolitan areas have professional sports teams, world-class art museums, concert venues, major universities, and culturally-diverse culinary and entertainment options.

Can I bring my pet to Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Service dogs only are permitted at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center; otherwise, it is a pet-free facility.

Is smoking allowed at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center is a smoke-free facility; however, there is a designated smoking area for individuals who should need to utilize it.

Where can I get a map of Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Check out this map of the Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center grounds, or contact the Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center staff. The Hernando County Tourism Bureau also has numerous maps and travel guides. Check out these interactive maps online.

What’s the weather like in Hernando County?

According to record-keepers at The Weather Channel, on average, the warmest month in Hernando County is June (92 degrees F). The average coolest month is January (42 degrees F).

What is Hernando County’s population?

The 2010 Census declared a population of 179,144 for Hernando County. Unincorporated Spring Hill and Hernando Beach are the largest Hernando County communities with a population of approximately 98,600. The City of Brooksville, the county seat, has 7,719 residents.

What is the size of Hernando County?

Hernando County is 506 square miles, including the city of Brooksville. Unincorporated areas include Weeki Wachee, Spring Hill, Ridge Manor, Ridge Manor West, Bayport, Aripeka, Pine Island, Lake Lindsey, Masaryktown, and Hernando Beach. The county stretches 37 miles from east to west to the Gulf of Mexico, and 18 miles from north to south.

What should I know about historic Brooksville?

Brooksville is Hernando County’s monument to southern charm and hospitality. It is just 5 miles south of Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center. Brooksville was incorporated in 1880. Today, about 8,000 residents enjoy easy access to the historic section, which includes brick-paved streets, antique stores, cafes and restaurants, art galleries, the Florida Mermaid Trail, festivals, a historic courthouse, and antebellum homes. Some of the city’s oldest buildings have been painted with murals that depict historical events such as the Brooksville Raid, which is the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida. Antique shoppers and history buffs enjoy walking tours and grabbing a bite to eat at area restaurants.

Can I enjoy bird-watching at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?
Absolutely! Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center is at the epicenter of bird-watching in Hernando County, which is one of the premiere bird-watching habitats in west Central Florida. A wonderfully diverse and populous menagerie of species are recorded annually by the Audubon Society. Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center lies between two clusters of the Great Florida Birding Trail: The Gulf Migrants Cluster in western Hernando County, and the Green Swamp Cluster to the east.
Does Hernando County have sports facilities?

Hernando County is an ideal location to host team sporting events. Well-groomed, multi-functional sports venues include baseball, softball, soccer, and football. Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center offers a fun, affordable overnight lodging option for coaches to bring their teams.

Does Hernando County have a beach?

Yes. Pine Island Beach, also known as Alfred McKethan Park, is a public facility that has sugar-sand beaches kissed by shallow-water waves from the Gulf of Mexico. The county-owned-and-operated facility has covered picnic tables, small grills, an outdoor shower, restrooms, and a walk-up cafe that serves food and beverages. Visitors also may rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. It is about a 40-minute drive from Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center.

Is the Croom Motorcycle Area near Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center?

Yes! The Croom Motorcycle Area, a 2,600-acre site in the Withlacoochee State Forest, is only about a 15-minute drive. It is the only state-run property in Florida that caters exclusively to off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and ATVs. Trails include hardwood hammocks, scrubland, and jump areas that were created from mining pits. There also are separate trails for BMX and mountain bike riders.