Use Your ‘Down Time’ to Refresh Your Boating Skills
From the US Coast Guard Auxiliary: Are you patiently waiting for the ice to thaw or the weather to warm up so you can finally get your boat back on the water again? Then why not use the down time productively and take a boating safety class conducted by your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla? …
Looking for a Valentine’s Day Getaway–Come to Steinhatchee Landing Resort
Looking for a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day? Bring your sweetheart to the Steinhatchee Landing Resort. Nestled along the beautiful Steinhatchee River, we offer many amenties for a long weekend of romance. Take your sweetheart for a beautiful canoe trip or just relax in the spa. Cottages are still available. Call now to make your …
Eat at Ike’s Old Florida Kitchen at the Izaak Walton Lodge in Yankeetown
Eat at Ike’s Old Florida Kitchen at the Izaak Walton Lodge in Yankeetown by Capt. Tommy Thompson on Feb.02, 2012, under Yankeetown and Waccasassa Mitch and Lorraine Simmons have recently opened up a restaurant in the long-closed Izaak Walton Lodge in Yankeetown. The menu looks great, and I’m sure the food’s as good as in …
Head Down Dixie County’s ‘Road to Nowhere’ For Some Excellent Paddling
Dixie County’s ‘Road to Nowhere’ is the southern extension of CR361 that runs from Casey’s Corner in Jena (just across the river from Steinhatchee) and dead ends about 12 miles south, inshore of the Pepperfish Keys. If you’re traveling from the south, come to Jena via CR358 from US19/98 and bear left onto CR361 when …
Even in Florida, Cold Weather Boating Requires Extra Caution and Preparation
From the US Coast Guard Auxiliary: While the majority of boaters in colder parts of the country have winterized their boats or put them into storage until spring, many of us in Florida still rely on our vessels for hunting, fishing or necessary transportation in cold weather, substantially increasing our risk of a deadly accident. …
Crane Viewing at Payne’s Prarie!
Now through the end of February, head out ot Payne’s Prarie to get a glimpse of Florida’s real “snow-birds”. Thousands of migratory sandhill cranes are making their winter home right outside of Gainesville on Payne’s Prarie. The best times to go are at either sunrise or sunset, as you’re likely to see the most birds …
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
See one of Florida’s most unique, and most threatened ecosystems at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. Scrub habitats are easy to spot, because they look like a patch of beach or desert even though you’re nowhere near the water. Scrub habitats resemble mini-islands, because when Florida was still mostly underwater, these bits of scrub are …
Alachua Farm & Lumber–An Excellent Source for Fishing Gear
In business for many years, Alachua Farm & Lumber (AFL) has expanded into the fishing tackle business. Located at 14101 NW 145th Ave in Alachua (just off Main Street), they stock a good selection rods and reels by Shimano, Penn, Daiwa and Carrot Stix as well as artificial baits by MirrOlure, Rapala, Bass Assassin and …
Take a Trip to Horseshoe Beach…and Fish Florida’s Last Frontier
From Capt. Tommy Thompson’s Saltwater Angler’s Guide to Florida’s Big Bend and Emerald Coast (UPF 2009): “Horseshoe Beach has no beach, unless you count the twenty-foot strip of white sand next to the county boat ramp. You will find horseshoe crabs there. A small commercial fishing village, Horseshoe Beach is located on a small spit …
Lunch at The Florida Cafe In Downtown Micanopy
After a hard day of antiquing, treat yourself to a late lunch at the Florida Cafe in downtown Micanopy. A small cafe with lovely porch seating, the Florida Cafe serves soups, salads, and sandwiches to hungry customers every day. The BLT is especially good, with perfectly cooked crisp bacon and fresh red tomatoes. The tables …