Summering in Simmering Suwannee Sound, Levy County Fishing At It’s Best!

Many anglers write off fishing our Big Bend waters in summer, simply giving in to the crowds of scallopers who invade our coastal ports, boat ramps, restaurants and motels. But we do have excellent summertime fishing opportunities in our less-busy darker waters. And Suwannee Sound, between the towns of Suwannee and Cedar Key, tops my …

Lunch, Dinner and Country Atmosphere at Levy County’s 19/98 Grill & Country Store

When you’re traveling on US19 headed north from Inglis and the Withlacoochee River, in the lower stretches of our Natural North Florida region, you’re also traveling on US98.  The road has both names until they split at Perry, in Taylor County, with US19 heading towards Monticello (in Jefferson County) and US98 heading west towards Wakulla …

“Meat and Three” at Bett’s Big T Restaurant in Chiefland, Florida

“Meat and Three” restaurants are a southern tradition.  In many parts of Florida, they’re dying out and being replaced by fast-food enterprises, especially in the more urbanized areas.  But if you’re traveling through (or hopefully stopping in) our 11 county Natural North Florida region, you’ll find several of these classic eateries.  A good example is …

“Early Birds” Catch The Fish–Summertime Fishing on Florida’s Big Bend

There are several reasons to get up early and go fishing on hot summer days.  One, if you’re fishing from one of our busy scalloping areas (Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, St. Marks), you’ll beat the crowds to the water.  Another, the weather is more likely to be calm, unlike the afternoons when thunderstorms usually develop. The …

Cyclists! Ride Tour De Melon, Chiefland, June 6, 2015

Excitement fills the air when communities unite for a worthy cause. Suwannee Valley Rotary Club holds this very exciting event each year on the first Saturday in June to unite the Tri County Area and involve hundreds of cyclists from all across the country. Our annual “Tour de Melon” event corresponds with Chiefland’s popular, well …

61st Annual Watermelon Festival, Chiefland, FL–June 6, 2015

The 61st Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival is coming up on June 6th. There will be contests, a parade, music, entertainment for the kids, and of course watermelon! This event will be taking place at the Train Depot Park in Chiefland from 8am to 2pm The Annual Watermelon Festival is perhaps the biggest event in Chiefland …

10th Annual Williston Ranch Rodeo, May 22 & 23, 2015

  Heading towards Natural North Florida this weekend? Florida’s Levy County is “cowboy country” and the 10th annual Williston Ranch Rodeo is taking place May 22 & 23 at 8pm at Williston Horseman’s Park. There will be shopping, concessions, and kids’ events. Check out the flyer for more information on rodeo events.

On The Hunt For Big Seatrout and Redfish in Natural North Florida? Try Soft Plugs!

Getting a wary seatrout or redfish to attack an artificial lure isn’t always a problem.  However, if they’re big and trophy-sized, they’ll often spit the lure out just as they get to the rod tip.  Years ago, in a faraway place called Texas, Mr. Paul Brown, a retired postmaster, handmade soft lures called “Corkys” and …

SCUBA Diving At Its Best at Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto Springs in Levy County, Florida

Many of Natural North Florida’s springs are unique.  In fact, in our 11-county region, we have the highest concentration of natural springs the world.  Many are just “seeps”, bubbling through the rock, but others, like Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto, are downright spectacular!  And while many of our springs, especially those in our Florida State …