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 …

Headed West To Horseshoe Beach? Don’t Miss Lily Creek Store on Hwy 351

Located about halfway between Cross City and Horseshoe Beach, Fl, Lily Creek General Store and Cafe is a “must stop” if you think you’ll need any supplies for your vacation or fishing trip.  While there are some supplies available at the Horseshoe Beach Marina, you might consider stopping and browsing at Lily Creek Store before …

“Mainline”: The Back Roads of Dixie County, Florida

Originally cleared years ago as logging roads in rural Dixie County, the Dixie Mainline and the Bowlegs Mainline are still a functional, albeit sometimes rough, set of roads. Now they shortcut  the long travel between Steinhatchee and Horseshoe Beach and Horseshoe Beach and Suwannee.  And they cross some beautiful backwaters and forests. For many years, …

Warmer Winter Afternoons Make For Great Fishing in Dixie County’s Horseshoe Cove

Sometimes the best fishing is where it’s hard to go.  That’s especially true of Horseshoe Cove, south of the Horseshoe Beach community in Dixie County.  And when the day starts out cold and warms through the early afternoon, it’s worth a trip to Horseshoe Cove! Whether you’re launching your boat at Horseshoe Beach (there are …

Shired Island–Dixie County’s Hideaway-And A Great Spot To Fish Natural North Florida

What Florida’s Dixie County doesn’t have in the way of population or big cities (Cross City is the “big city”!), it makes up for in laid-back and remote coastal towns.  While Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach are the most prominent spots on the map (they have restaurants, marinas, condos to rent and  boat ramps), Shired Island …

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 …