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, …

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 …

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”! …

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 …

Horseshoe Cove–A Hidden Fishing Destination On Natural North Florida’s Gulf Coast

Florida’s Big Bend coastline is the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline in the lower 48 states, and Horseshoe Cove and the surrounding area is an excellent example of a place that hasn’t been overdeveloped or encroached upon by “civilization”. I like that—and so do the fish! It’s located south of the “forgotten” village of Horseshoe …

Big Bend Shellfish Trail–Florida’s Working Waterfront Communities

Shellfish harvest and consumption in Florida is an important facet of the maritime heritage of many coastal towns. Natural North Florida’s Big Bend has several towns that still harbor local shellfish fisheries. These working waterfront communities are places where present day fishers carry on the traditions of past generations. The Big Bend Shellfish Trail Map …

Paddle Florida’s Big Bend Coastline At The 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure, October 11-14

If you’re an avid paddler, consider joining 99 others at the 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure.  This year’s 4 day trip will depart the Steinhatchee River and head south to Yankeetown, on the scenic Withlacoochee River.  On the trip, you’ll see wildlife and “Natural North Florida” at places like Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, and Cedar Key.  …

Hike, Bike or Drive on Dixie County’s Mainline Roads

“I’m often asked by visitors to recommend a drive, hike, or bike ride that best exemplifies the ‘Natural” in our Natural North Florida region.  In my opinion, there are two distinct, but actually interconnected, routes–Dixie County’s Bowlegs Mainline and Dixie Mainline” Tommy Thompson Dixie County‘s mainline roads were originally built to haul harvested timber from …