Deal’s Oyster House in Perry, Florida–A “Must Stop” For Great Seafood!

Don’t drive too fast on US98 west of Perry or you might miss Deal’s Oyster House.  This unassuming white building is home to some of the best seafood in the region and as they tell you “The finest people in the world come through that door”.  Of course, oysters (raw or fried) top the menu …

It’s Fall–And Those Big, Tasty Redfish Are Plentiful on Florida’s Big Bend!

Fall means that our Gulf waters are beginning to cool off, and the redfish are getting frisky and into a spawning mood.  However, the big “bull” and “spawner” reds are over-slot and wouldn’t be great to eat anyway.  Reds in the 18-27-inch slot are much better at the table. If you want to eat a …

Try Kayak Fishing in the Wakulla Backwaters

Last weekend I left my flats skiff behind in Steinhatchee and joined a couple of other outdoor writers in Wakulla County for a kayak-fishing adventure. Of course, over the years, I’ve made numerous trips out of St. Marks, Panacea and Spring Creek, but never had much chance to fish the shallow, close-in flats and inshore …

Looking For Seafood In Your Area? Use the Gulf Coast Seafood Finder APP!

Looking for Gulf Seafood in your area? Check out the Gulf Coast Seafood Finder mobile APP developed by the Gulf Coast Seafood Marketing Coalition. From their website…“The Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition (Coalition) was formed by The Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. as a result of a grant from the Gulf States Marine Fisheries …

A Closer Look at Cross City’s Historic Putnam Lodge

Here’s some history of the Putnam Lodge: Putnam Lodge, built in 1927-28 by the Putnam Lumber Company, is part of a bygone era in Florida’s forestry history. Here, beside the old Dixie Highway, Putnam Lodge, part of the “company town” of Shamrock, accommodated tourists, transients and company executives and clients. The lobby and the dining …

Interested in Oysters? Head to Ouzt’s Too in Newport, FL

I’m “old school” and only eat oysters in months whose spelling includes an “R”.  Yes, I realize we now have cleaner waters flowing over oyster beds these days and have excellent refrigeration technology, but I’m still not a fan of oysters taken from warm water.  Warmer conditions mean an increased danger of contamination, and oysters …

Sweets and Treats in Natural North Florida!

There really is no place hotter in Florida than the North Florida region, particularly inland where the sea breezes have long since dissipated and there’s nothing to cool us off except the hope of an afternoon rain shower- and even then, it’s a trade-off between baking in the sun and steaming in the rain’s sticky, …

Find Your Home-Away-From-Home at the Old Fenimore Mill!

By Tamara Herchel What a beautiful weekend in North Florida! Sunny skies, not too humid, a breeze sweeping through periodically to whisk away the occasional mosquito. We stayed close to home this weekend and found ourselves wading through creeks searching for sharks’ teeth, but had we planned ahead for the perfect weather, we’d have headed …

Satchels and Springtime in Gainesville

  Hi! I’m Tammy, the newest addition to the Natural North Florida blogging team. If you’re new to our site (like me!) welcome to the Sunshine State’s most authentic resource for all things off the beaten path, the hidden gems from Gainesville to Cedar Key to Steinhatchee to Tallahassee, and every nook and cranny in …

Tony’s Famous Cedar Key Clam Chowder Now Available in Cans!

It’s not that I miss the 50-mile drive from Gainesville to Cedar Key to have a bowl of Tony’s Award-Winning Clam Chowder, but that’s not something I want to do on a weekly basis.  After all, Cedar Key’s a great little coastal town, with some darn good fishing and some nice little shops to visit. …