18 of the Best Adventures in Taylor County

Taylor County is in the Big Bend of Florida—where the state curves and wraps around the Gulf of Mexico. The county has picturesque fishing villages and towns, such as Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach. And for Heaven’s sake, call it STEEN-hatch-ee. If you say it like a German beer STEIN, you’ll be marked an outsider and …

Treasure Hunting (for Bay Scallops!) in Taylor County, Florida

By: Dawn V. Perez Picture the scene, you are heading out to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico by either the Keaton Beach Canal, the Steinhatchee River or the Econfina River in Taylor County,  watching the seagulls fly, the fish jump in the water and enjoying a fresh salt breeze coming from the …

Enjoy Natural North Florida’s “Pocket Beaches”

When representatives of Visit Natural North Florida speak at travel shows, we often tout the fact that we have “no crowded beaches”. That’s partly true–we have a few “pocket beaches”. And, they’re not crowded. If you take a look at a map of Florida, you’ll notice that there are no barrier islands between Hernando County’s …

Big Bend Road Trip, Part 2: Natural North Florida–Suwannee Town to Panacea

Florida’s Big Bend has long been a preferred destination of travelers and tourists. This unspoiled region we call “Natural North Florida” encompasses the Gulf of Mexico coastline, and has developed largely along the spine formed by US19 and US98. On it’s interior US27, US90, US 301, US441 and Interstate Highways 75 and 10 have attracted …

Get Hooked at Gulf Coast Fishing Tournament, October 12, 2019

If you’re a saltwater angler and paddler, avid or otherwise, you don’t want to miss the upcoming “Get Hooked…In Taylor County” catch, photo, release kayak fishing tournament. Sponsored by and hosted by the Gulf Coast Kayaking Club, Walter B’s store, Taylor County TDC and the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce this event will be held …

Florida’s Big Bend Recreational Bay Scallop Harvest Underway, June 2019

Tiny bay scallops “rule” the waters of Natural North Florida’s Big Bend during the summer months.  The harvest brings visitors from all over the state, as well as many internationals wishing to snorkel for these tasty treats.  Snorkeling for bay scallops isn’t about filling the freezer, but it’s about having fun one the water, followed …

2019 Florida Big Bend Bay Scallop Harvest Season Announced and Scallopers Are Optimistic!

Florida has one of the few recreational scallop harvests in the US, and it’s all centered around Natural North Florida’s Big Bend.  While the scallop region extends from Gulf County (in the panhandle) to the Anclote Key lighthouse (off Tarpon Springs), the epicenter of the harvest is in Dixie and Taylor counties, west of Gainesville. …

Scallop Harvest Forecast Numbers Will Be Released At The 2018 Scallop Seminar at Steinhatchee, June 15, 7PM

The BIG summertime event on Natural North Florida’s Big Bend is the recreational bay scalloping harvest.   Our best waters are found between Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County and Steinhatchee in Taylor County.  Bay scalloping is also allowed in Wakulla County, near St. Marks and Panacea.  General information regarding the scallop harvest can be found at …

Plan Ahead For 2018–FWC discusses regional bay scallop seasons on Big Bend

This information may not be “official”, but our guess is that it will likely become so before Florida’s recreational bay scallop season begins in 2018: At its December meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed draft changes that would create regionally-specific bay scallop open seasons and would allow a trial …

Fish Taylor County’s Lonesome (and Shallow!) Gulf Coastline

Taylor County, Florida has a a long and rugged Gulf of Mexico coastline, taking up a good portion of the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the lower 48 U.S. states.  Beginning at the fishing village of Steinhatchee and stretching towards the mouths of the Aucilla and Econfina rivers, it’s not only lonesome for anglers, …