20 of the Best Ways to Play Outside in Dixie County!

There is no shortage of things to do outside in Dixie County. Located in the Big Bend region of Florida, it is the perfect spot for all types of eco-tourism activities that let you “play outside.” Natural North Florida is frequently called “Forgotten Florida.” I like to think of it as Florida like it used to be, …

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 …

Big Bend Road Trip, Part 1: Natural North Florida–Yankeetown to Suwannee Town

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 …

The Best of The Best–Florida Stone Crabs

Crabs are a favorite of American diners. There are Dungeness crabs on the Pacific coast and blue crabs from Maryland to the Carolinas. But there’s no crab like Florida’s stone crab, Menippe mercenaria. Found off both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, stone crabs are not killed during the harvest of their claws. Harvesting is accomplished …

LET’S GO FISHING ON FLORIDA’S BIG BEND! LESSON #3: SPOTTED SEA TROUT

On Natural North Florida’s Big Bend, there’s no argument about the most popular and sought-after fish. Without doubt, it’s Spotted Sea Trout. In terms of sheer numbers, they outnumber all other species, with the exception of bait fish, upon which they prey. And they’re great table fare, too! Another reason Spotted Sea Trout are popular …

LET’S GO FISHING ON FLORIDA’S BIG BEND! LESSON #2: SNOOK

Story by Capt. Tommy Thompson Until recently, there was nothing “common” about catching common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) on our Big Bend Gulf of Mexico coast. Historically (at least in my 70 years!) snook were pretty much limited by cooler water to the Gulf of Mexico south of Anclote Key in Tarpon Springs. But, in the …

LET’S GO FISHING ON FLORIDA’S BIG BEND! LESSON #1: COBIA

Story by Capt. Tommy Thompson Cobia, or ling, are a species of fish found both inshore and offshore in Florida. They’re terrific fishters and when the fight’s over they’re excellent table fare. 8iuccessful cobia hunters make a point of idling around every channel marker they encounter.  Big tripod-style markers are few and far between, but …

2020 Bay Scallop Season Opens on Florida’s Big Bend, June 15

2020 Bay Scallop Season Opens on Florida’s Big Bend, June 15 The annual bay scallop harvest is the largest economic driver for our Natural North Florida/Big Bend Gulf counties. Snorkelers, hoping for a meal of these tasty mollusks travel from far and wide to take part in what many consider an “underwater Easter egg hunt”! …

Take A Virtual Vacation to Wonderful Wakulla County, Florida—An Outdoor Paradise

Take A Break and Take a Virtual Vacation in Natural North Florida Spring 2020 has brought a sllowdown to Florida tourism, and tourism worldwide.. Our Visit Natural North Florida region has slowed, too, and with the restrictions of social distancing and travel we’re all dreaming of better times to come. And we hope that potential …