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 …

Pit Stop: Akins BBQ, Bell

Locals traveling from Levy County (Yankeetown, Inglis and Chiefland), Florida to “points north” on Interstate 75 typically take the “Hwy 129 shortcut” to avoid busy traffic in Gainesville and Lake City.  Hwy 129 heads north off US19/98 at Chiefland, and runs through Trenton, Bell and Live Oak before putting travelers out on I-75 just below …

“More Than The Usual” at Horseshoe Beach Marina in Dixie County

Horseshoe Beach Marina USED to be pretty typical for a place that’s off the beaten path, on a stretch of Florida’s Gulf coastline that’s known for having lots of fish, but not much more.  Before it’s purchase by Dennis Buckley, the marina rarely had gas, and the operator was torn between his (very good) guiding …

Take A “Day-Cation” on Florida’s Santa Fe River at Ellie-Ray’s

If you’re boating on Natural North Florida’s Santa Fe River or just touring US129 in Gilchrist County, stop by Ellie Ray’s for lunch–or a fun weekend.  With plenty of RV sites, a huge boat dock, a restaurant as well as  a beautiful swimming pool, Ellie Ray’s is a must-see place on the Santa Fe River. …

Get Lost (Or Not!) At Dixie County Florida’s Shired Island

Dixie County has a few “roads to nowhere”, but Hwy 357 actually goes “somewhere”.  It runs from about the mid-point of Hwy 351 between Cross City and Horseshoe Beach to Shired Island.  Shired Island is bounded by Shired Creek and Johnson Creek and connected to “land” by a short bridge over Shired Creek. Once you …

“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, …

Fishing Feature: Paddle Boat Outfitters Guide

Natural North Florida’s coastline, often referred to as the “Big Bend”, is perfect for paddlers.  Whether cruising, birding, scalloping or fishing, there are a number of outfitters in our area willing to point you to the nearest launch spot.  Some of our best paddling is along the coast, but several of our rivers are worth …

Fishing Feature: Marina, Bait & Tackle Guide

The sign of a healthy fishery like the one we have in Natural North Florida is that we have lots of resources for anglers and boaters.  And it’s not only hooks, sinkers and bait!  All the shops and marinas listed below are staffed with anglers who are willing to direct you to the best (and …

Scallop Information For A Successful 2016 Season on Florida’s Big Bend

Scalloping on Florida’s Big Bend Here are some links to “Scalloping Basics”, as well as information on lodging and marine facilities on our Natural North Florida Big Bend coast.   Recommended Reading:   Bay Scallops—The Gulf of Mexico’s Tastiest Treat www.saltwateranglersguide.com/?page_id=2215   Scalloping 101 www.saltwateranglersguide.com/?s=scalloping+101   Lodging Recommendations   Seahorse Landing Condos, Cedar Key (seahorselanding.com) …

Take The Easy Road–Rent a Boat For Scallop Season at Steinhatchee’s Sea Hag Marina

Owning your own boat has advantages.  You can use it when you want and how you want.  And if it’s bay scallop season on our Natural North Florida Gulf coast, you can launch it at St. Marks, Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee or Cedar Key and make the run to the “scallop grounds”.   But …