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, …

Splash Into Summertime in Natural North Florida!

by Tamara Herchel Memorial Day is approaching, and if you’re like me you’ve been planning your waterfront escape for weeks. I’ve broken in my new flippy-flops (they’re Rainbows, and they’re pink, and I love them. Just sayin’.)  My favorite tote is spilling over with towels, sunscreen and sunglasses; I’ve inflated the tires on my daughter’s …

Taylor County Florida Artificial Reefs!

Just in time for summer and some great offshore fishing! Taylor County’s offshore marine environment draws diving and fishing enthusiasts from all over the Southeast. With over 50 miles of coastline, Taylor County is in a position to reap major recreational and economic benefits from a successful artificial reef program Volunteers are the heart of …

Steinhatchee is all about recreational fishing!

Steinhatchee is all about recreational fishing.  Just a short drive from US19/98, this one-ramp fishing village sits at the mouth of the Steinhatchee River, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico between Cedar Key and St. Marks.  What’s between Cedar Key and St. Marks?  Not much—thus the popularity of Steinhatchee to anglers from far and …

Fish Shired Island, near Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County, Florida

I always thought Horseshoe Beach was an out-of-the-way and rather desolate spot to begin a fishing trip—until I discovered Shired Island.  Located about 5 miles south of Horseshoe Beach at the southern end of Horseshoe Cove, mile-long Shired Island is likely an ancient kitchen midden composed of discarded shells.  Prehistoric Americans no doubt found plenty …

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 …

A Day at the Beach? Or a Day at the Bars? Go Fishing at Keaton Beach in Taylor County, Florida

Yes, there’s a small beach at Keaton Beach.  However, that small stretch of sand isn’t what brings folks from all over the state to this small Taylor County coastal town in March.  It’s the bars—and not the drinking kind. Anglers understand the concept of ‘structure’ and the rugged shoreline to the northwest of Keaton (Locals …

Wade Fishing in Natural North Florida

I’m fortunate to have fished much of Florida’s shallow shoreline, and have noticed one big difference between our Big Bend and the rest of the state’s west and north Gulf coast—a decided scarcity of wading spots that are accessible to those without boats.    The advantage that non-Big Benders have is barrier islands and their beaches.  …

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 …

Try Yankeetown For An “Old Florida” Fishing Experience

As winter comes to an end at Yankeetown and southern Levy County, game fish move from the confines and protection of the Withlacoochee River and it’s feeder creeks into the bays.  There, they await the first appearance of bait fish and pause to enjoy the warmth of the dark bottom of Waccasassa and Withlacoochee Bays.  …