tommy thompson
Sailing South? Transient Sailors Welcome at Steinhatchee, FL
If you’re sailing (or motoring) south towards Florida’s southwest coast there’s a big gap (about 130 nautical miles!) between the end of the southbound Intracoastal Waterway at Carrabelle and Tarpon Springs, where it assumes it’s marked route. That being the case, it’s always nice to find safe haven and anchorage, especially if the weather starts …
Greater Amberjack–Natural North Florida’s “Reef Donkeys”
Amberjack are found throughout Florida’s offshore marine environment. The species is very strongly associated with wrecks and artificial reefs in waters that exceed 60 feet in depth. Amberjack swim in schools and feed on baitfish, squid and crabs. Anglers typically use 50 to 100 pound tackle, but lighter tackle can also be used in many …
Consider Renting A Boat at Steinhatchee, Florida
If you don’t fish, boat or even scallop more than ten or so days a year at Steinhatchee, on our Natural North Florida Gulf Coast, it might pay you to consider renting a boat rather than owning one. First, there’s the cost of owning and maintaining a boat–and likely a trailer. It’s common knowledge …
Pretend You’re Elvis–On Levy County’s “Follow That Dream” Parkway
The sleepy little town of Yankeetown was re-awakened in 1961 when Elvis Presley arrived to film segments of the movie, “Follow That Dream”. Yankeetown is located on the Levy County, FL coast, just west of Inglis and US19/98. It’s a quick trip on Hwy 40 through Inglis and into the heart of Yankeetown, where several …
Experience Satchel’s Pizza–Now A Gainesville, FL Landmark!
Satchel’s Pizza has become a Gainesville, FL landmark. No, there’s no “historic” marker, but the place is pretty “hysterical”. I think of the place as Gainesville’s (and possibly all of North Florida’s) “South of the Border”, with the exception that it has great food to go along with the interesting scenery. Located at 1800 NE …
Take Advantage of Natural North Florida’s Warm Winter Waters–Go Wade-Fishing!
It may be cold where you live, but we’re having a nice, comfortable winter here in Natural North Florida. Christmas and New Year’s saw daytime temperatures approaching 80-degrees F and Gulf of Mexico water temperatures in the mid-60’s. That’s “cool” for us, but it’s perfect for species like black drum and redfish. These cousins (redfish …
Dine Riverside in Yankeetown, FL–At The Riverside Inn at The Izaak Walton Lodge
The “old” Izaak Walton Lodge at Yankeetown, Florida was quite a place. That is, until it burned down in 1999. But that’s what happens to many almost-100-year-old pine framed buildings! The fire was devastating and local residents were horrified to lose the lodge, a landmark and gathering place. Frankly, it was just about “wore-out” and …
Want To Paddle Natural North Florida? Kayak and Canoes Available for Rent!
There are hundreds of paddlecraft (kayak and canoe) launches along our Natural North Florida waters, inland and coastal. And there are a number of outfitters willing to help you learn local waters. Fishing is an option, but there’s also some excellent touring along some of the most uninhabited rivers and coastline in the southeastern U.S. …
Drive Florida’s Dixie Mainline–Hardly A Road To Nowhere!
If you’re driving from the Dixie County Big Bend coastal community of Suwannee to Horseshoe Beach (or vice-versa), you have two options. The first involves traveling at least a 20-mile trip back to US19/98, heading to either Cross City or Old Town and then another 20-plus miles to your destination. The other is a simple, …
Yellow Jacket RV Resort–Serenity By The Suwannee River
If you’re looking for a place to “camp” in your RV that’s on the lower Suwannee River, consider the Yellow Jacket RV Resort west of Old Town and US19/98, on CR351 in Dixie County, Florida. The Yellow Jacket is located on a beautiful piece of riverside property and is a first-rate RV park, with full …