Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA
For those who traveled anyplace in 2023, then you definately in all probability seen the way it appeared like everybody on the earth was touring on the identical time. Yep. Greater than somewhat overwhelming and overbearing.
In 2024, it’s time to hunt out the extra undiscovered locations for extra of a quieter retreat the place we will escape the crowds, reconnect with the unspoiled wonders of nature, and bask in out of doors adventures.
On this submit, we’ll take you to a few lesser-known gems of Florida, which we found when exploring Pure North Florida in 2020 (you realize that difficult 12 months!) in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA.
From the pristine landscapes of Taylor County to the meandering waterways of Suwannee County, and the coastal treasures of Levy County, every area guarantees a singular escape from the hustle and bustle.
We fell in love with this space’s untamed magnificence and alternative to retreat into an expertise that gave us journey and treasured household bonding time, with out the overwhelm that comes with busy and in style locations. That is what our souls crave most.
The place are these undiscovered Florida locations?
Taylor, Suwannee, and Levy County are a part of an space of Florida referred to as Pure North Florida. This area lies between Gainesville to the east, Sopchoppy to the west, Cedar Key to the South, and the Florida-Georgia state line.
You may simply go to all three locations in a single journey. We suggest a minimum of per week (3 nights in every vacation spot), so you’ve gotten time to merge with the unhurried tempo of the area.
Cedar Key (Levy County)
Slip into your flip flops, let go of your wound-up tensions, and give up to a extra leisurely rhythm.
We’re heading again to the times of Previous Florida, paying homage to the Key West you yearned to expertise throughout Hemingway’s period. It’s uncooked and genuine, devoid of glamor or synthetic vacationer points of interest.
The serene fishing village of Cedar Key, nestled amidst the Cedar Islands, sits 4 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, and exudes a uncooked, heat, and unhurried allure.
Your arrival throughout a collection of bridges and picturesque salt marshes will convey you into a various neighborhood, the place artisans, nature lovers, and people searching for a extra unhurried tempo coexist harmoniously.
Unmissable Experiences in Cedar Key
Aside from the plain lazy seaside days, listed here are just a few unmissable issues to do in Cedar Key.
Kayak to Atsena Otie
Cedar Key is only one island of 13 within the Cedar Key Nationwide Refuge. Probably the greatest methods to discover them is by way of kayak which you’ll be able to lease from Cedar Key Adventures.
A half-mile paddle will take you to Atsena Otie, the closest and most accessible of the refuge islands. There’s not quite a bit to do aside from strolling alongside the seaside to see the crumbling stays of an previous pencil manufacturing unit.
You may hike to the center of the island underneath the cover of dwell oaks to achieve an previous cemetery, nevertheless it’s extremely doubtless the mosquitos will carry you out of there! With extra time, you possibly can paddle 1/5 miles across the island and discover the distinctive inside of the salt marshes.
Bold paddlers can go on to different close by islands of the Cedar Key Nationwide Refuge, that are stated to have stunning seashores. (You may also discover these islands by boat.)
You get beautiful views of Cedar Key on the return paddle, and if fortunate, may even see a dolphin or two!
Simple Mountaineering
Go straightforward on the inclines – that’s not how we do issues at Cedar Key. If you become bored with all that chillaxing on the seaside, there are just a few trails on the island so that you can stretch your legs.
- A brief 0.3 mile path will take you thru the jungle to the Shell Mound, which was developed over a 1,000 12 months interval as much as 1,800 years in the past by Woodland Native cultures discarding their oyster and clam shells.
- The Dennis Creek Path is one other 1-mile loop with a boardwalk that takes you over a salt barren to a coastal island.
- The 1,200-foot-long Cemetery Level Park Boardwalk takes you thru marsh land adjoining to one of many again bays and channels of the keys. It’s a 3.5-acre property with a sandy shore so that you can swim or kayak.
Eat Clams with a View
Since Cedar Key’s a serious producer of clams nationwide, raking in additional than $34 million yearly, you possibly can’t go to this Florida island with out consuming clams!
Steamers Clam Bar and Grill on the Huge Dock presents prime place for Gulf Views over Atsena Otie, and a number of the finest clams – and clam chowder – on the island.
We will extremely suggest the clam bowl steamed in white wine and garlic and the seafood broil, washed down with a glass of wine or craft beer.
On the slim deck, there are a number of non-public nooks to really feel the balmy breeze in your pores and skin and luxuriate in dolphins frolicking in entrance of you.
Give up to Dawn and Sundown
The magic of a Cedar Key trip is you get to witness dawn and sundown over the water.
Dawn is simple – simply watch that from the deck of your lodging (talked about beneath) – espresso in hand, or mimosas in case you please.
You’re on the Florida Gulf Coast so sundown is the principle occasion! Locals say you can’t beat the sundown and quirky vibes from the Tiki Bar situated simply exterior the bridge into city.
Sadly, for us it’s an grownup solely bar, so we traded in the very best place for sundown in Cedar Key to the following finest, which is simply in entrance of the pink Seashore Entrance Motel.
The sky lights up in fairly oranges and pinks because it units behind the lands and water of the Cedar Key Nationwide Refuge.
The place to remain in Cedar Key
There’s no higher place to remain in Cedar Key than on stilts over the water with 270-degree expansive views over close by islands.
We cherished our spacious, two-bedroom Sea Pearl Suite at Harbour Masters with a residing space and full kitchen. And inside straightforward strolling distance to all over the place – the Cedar Key Means!
One of the best characteristic was its enormous wrap-around porch, excellent for morning espresso and dawn, and a spot for afternoon drinks. We had one other hidden screened-in porch that missed D avenue for later at evening when the ocean views have been gone and the individuals watching simply began.
You might also like: Manatee Springs State Park
About 45-minutes northeast from Cedar Key’s Manatee Springs State Park, one other spotlight of Levy County.
It’s a well-liked place to chill off with a swim or do some open water or cavern diving. There are 8.5 miles of nature trails winding via the cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands. And naturally there are manatees – normally seen within the colder months.
There’s a 800-foot boardwalk that runs via a cypress forest and overlooks the gorgeous first-magnitude spring. This might be stopover level in your technique to the following Undiscovered Florida place to go to, Steinhatchee….
Cedar Key Video
Don’t miss seeing the enjoyable we had in Cedar Key within the video beneath:
Steinhatchee (Taylor County)
It’s possible you’ll not have heard of Steinhatchee. We didn’t both till we visited and we quickly found a pleasant fishing village on the sting of the undeveloped Steinhatchee River within the Huge Bend area of Florida.
Like Cedar Key, I may have simply spent a number of days having fun with the sluggish tempo of life and leisure actions on the water. That sluggish tempo is inspired, with indicators warning you,
“Gradual motion. Manatees round“.
Think about sitting in your resort’s riverside backyard and seeing certainly one of Florida’s favourite wildlife species swim by. For those who’re fortunate, you might even see an alligator or two! It’s Pure North Florida, in spite of everything!
Recognized for its laid-back ambiance, pure magnificence, and out of doors leisure alternatives, Steinhatchee is a well-liked vacation spot for these looking for a tranquil escape and a style of Previous Florida allure.
Unmissable issues to do in Steinhatchee
For those who can pull your self away from stress-free by the river, listed here are just a few enjoyable issues to do within the Steinhatchee space.
Go Diving for Wild Scallops
Taylor County is named the scallop capital of the USA, and yearly from June to August individuals can free dive for scallops within the grassy shallows.
Our ladies are glad to inform you that scalloping within the Gulf of Mexico with Captain Mike was “probably the most enjoyable ever!”
For a complete of 4 hours, we snorkeled via the turtle grass to find and seize hidden scallops with our naked palms. After a short time, we have been in a position to determine their camouflaged presence via their rhythmic opening and shutting actions.
Captain Mike, along with his easy-going and pleasant demeanor, was glorious on our scalloping journey.
As soon as we arrived on the marina, he organized for our collected sea scallops to be shucked. Then the cooks at Fiddler’s Restaurant, situated at our resort, ready, and cooked them to perfection. We savored our scallop feast accompanied by wine and dwell music on the deck overlooking the river.
Leisure scalloping is permitted from June fifteenth till Labor Day, making it undoubtedly one of many high family-friendly actions to get pleasure from whereas visiting Florida. Ask for Captain Mike at Sea Hag Marina or discover him at Reel Track Charters.
Discover Steinhatchee River
The Steinhatchee River, a picturesque waterway winding via the guts of Steinhatchee, Florida, is a serene and welcoming vacation spot for exploration.
Boasting clear, tea-colored waters, this river supplies a scenic backdrop for a wide range of out of doors actions.
Kayaking and canoeing lovers can embark on leisurely paddles alongside the river’s mild currents, immersing themselves within the lush, pure environment. It’s applicable for starting paddlers and canoes though windy circumstances and tidal results could also be encountered when the river meets the Gulf.
The Steinhatchee River can also be a haven for anglers, providing alternatives for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Alongside its banks, nature lovers can observe various wildlife, together with birds and marine creatures.
For these looking for a extra leisurely expertise, a ship tour or sundown cruise alongside the river supplies a tranquil and informative journey, permitting guests to understand the great thing about the Gulf Coast’s estuarine ecosystems.
Probably the greatest instances to cruise down the Steinhatchee River is at sundown. Head to the mouth of the river and see the crimson and orange orb sink beneath the Gulf of Mexico horizon. Pack a picnic and a few bubbly (not for the motive force) and luxuriate in it. We noticed loads of boats cruising up and down throughout sundown. The colours alongside the river are simply as fairly.
Paddlers may additionally just like the 6-mile, Aucilla River Canoe Path, on the jap fringe of Taylor County. It’s somewhat tougher with swift currents, scattered shoals and rapids dropping a number of toes. Much less intense is the 4-mile stretch on the Ecofina River State Park exterior of Perry, the seat of the county.
Breakfast and donuts at McDavid’s Café
After all, you want donuts as a snack to your wild scallop diving journey! Our ladies have been thrilled to hop aboard the boat with a field full of heat cinnamon donuts from McDavid’s Café. We stopped in there for a hearty breakfast earlier than the tour, so we’d have loads of power for diving.
McDavid’s Cafe is all about serving beneficiant parts of Southern delicacies with Southern hospitality to match. And we might have picked up one other field for the drive after leaving Steinhatchee for our subsequent vacation spot.
The place to Keep in Steinhatchee: Fiddler’s Resort
For a laid-back serene lodging expertise, examine into Fiddler’s Resort nestled alongside the scenic Steinhatchee River.
Lodging characteristic screened-in porches and adjoining grassy areas adorned with outsized Jenga, cornhole, inviting swinging chairs, and comforting fireplace pits.
The workers at Fiddler’s Resort exemplify heat and hospitality, providing useful insights into the encircling space.
A not-to-be-missed spotlight in Steinhatchee is the nightly dwell music on the expansive deck overlooking the water. Each artists we had the pleasure of listening to have been extraordinary, offering the proper conclusion to a splendid day in North Florida, basking within the sunshine and the attract of the pure panorama.
The resort additionally has a restaurant with scrumptious southern consolation type seafood. Don’t overlook they will prepare dinner up no matter your day’s catch is!
It’s possible you’ll like: The Annual Florida Forest Pageant
Held yearly in October, this pageant is all about selling the advantages of state forests and celebrating all those that work in them and defend them.
It started in 1955 by Taylor County residents to teach and assist cut back forest fires. By 1965, Taylor County had the bottom fireplace document within the nation, and it was given the moniker Tree Capital of the South. Why not middle a Florida trip round honoring bushes?
Reside Oak (Suwannee County)
Suwannee County, with its mixture of pure points of interest and community-oriented way of life, supplies a particular Florida expertise for these looking for a break from extra bustling city areas.
It’s a spot the place the Suwannee River weaves via the panorama, making a backdrop for out of doors adventures and a way of connection to Florida’s pure heritage.
Reside Oak, the seat of Suwannee County is shaded by the canopies of historical oaks, dripping with Spanish moss. It has a small historic downtown middle with native retailers and eating places.
As with all of the locations talked about on this Undiscovered Florida submit, Suwanee invitations you to interchange busy and structured with ebb and movement (and so they have enjoyable music festivals, while you wish to amp up the power).
Unmissable issues to do in Suwannee County
For those who can tear your self away from festivals and firepit gatherings on the campsite, you’ll get pleasure from the next issues to do in Suwannee County.
Swim within the Springs of Suwannee County
Probably the greatest issues to do in Suwannee County is to swim in any of the pure springs that may be discovered alongside the river valley.
The fixed temperatures and pure water of the Springs supply a refreshing escape from the sweltering warmth, surrounded by lush greenery and an abundance of wildlife.
Floating gently downstream or diving into the cool depths, is the proper exercise to go away behind modern-day stresses and really feel tranquility wash over you.
- Royal Springs is without doubt one of the prettiest with a platform you possibly can run and bounce from into the 52′ basin.
- Little River Springs is a broad and shallow spring basin excellent for swimming with picturesque views.
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a well-liked place to go tubing, in addition to swimming. Observe the boardwalk subsequent to the Headspring Path, which is able to lead you to a bigger and deeper first-magnitude spring – the Blue Gap.
Swim at Madison Blue Springs
Need to swim at what’s been known as “the very best swimming gap within the US” by USA In the present day? Solely 20 minutes from Reside Oak is Madison Blue Springs State Park, a top-notch gem amongst North Florida points of interest!
Okay, so possibly we missed the complete glory of the everyday luminous blue hues due to greater river ranges and darker water, nevertheless it didn’t put a damper on our love for this spot as the proper escape from a scorching Florida day.
Brace your self for that preliminary shock – the water maintains a refreshing 68-degree temperature year-round. Belief me, as soon as your lymphatic system adjusts, it’s downright divine! Seize your float, chill, and simply let the world drift away.
Picnic tables are scattered round, so in case you’re feeling it, flip this into an all-day affair. Assured gorgeous views and serenity all spherical.
Hike and Play in Suwannee River State Park
The Suwannee River State Park , close to Reside Oak, supplies distinctive alternatives for backcountry canoeing alongside the Suwannee River.
This Florida State Park boasts picturesque mountaineering trails winding via wooded areas alongside the river, encompassing historic ghost cities, Civil Warfare battlements, and remnants of a nineteenth Century steamboat.
A simple path is the 1-mile Suwannee River Path with views of the swiftly flowing waters and dwell oaks wearing Spanish moss dripping over the banks.
For a singular expertise, proceed your hike to Balanced Rock, a formation that plunged into the water years in the past and is seen when the water ranges are low.
Do you have to encounter excessive waters, retrace your steps by way of the Lime Sink Run path previous a Florida freshwater spring via a hardwood forest teeming with various vegetation and wildlife.
A pleasant reminder: You should definitely convey your mosquito repellent alongside for a extra snug out of doors expertise!
Eat Finger-licking BBQ at Huge Wooden BBQ & Grill
Head into Reside Oak for dinner on the family-run Huge Wooden BBQ & Grill. As you possibly can think about, it’s all concerning the BBQ meat right here: spareribs, child again ribs, pulled pork, sliced pork, beef, turkey, and sausage. They put together their very own blends of dry rub seasoning and BBQ sauces.
We have been impressed by the scale and high quality of the meals. All of us selected one thing completely different: blackened shrimp, child again ribs, ribeye steak, and sliders – all have been unbelievable. The seasoning on the grilled greens and baked potato was excellent.
The place to Keep in Reside Oak
The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a vacation spot as a lot as it’s a place to remain. This campground sits on 800 acres of peaceable, wooded land on the banks of the Suwannee River.
It’s not only a place to unwind and reconnect with nature, nevertheless it’s additionally rated as one of many USA’s high out of doors music venues. It hosts a number of out of doors music festivals every year, plus common concert events, and campfire pickin’ periods.
Having a lot enjoyable right here, you actually don’t wish to depart? You don’t must, the park additionally has miles of mountaineering and horseback using trails, disc golf course, and canoeing and kayaking on the river.
We cherished our little self-driving tour of the huge property and discovering issues like out of doors amphitheater and levels, stunning fishing lakes, hidden campgrounds, and river.
You by no means know what cool issues you might uncover on the music park. After we visited, they’d these big trolls within the forest. They’re now not there, however who is aware of what you might discover.
You may pitch a tent, park your RV, or keep in cabins like we did in a cushty 2-bedroom cottage.
It’s possible you’ll like: Paddle the Suwannee River Wilderness Path
A multi-day journey for individuals who love exploring the wilderness with few individuals round, tenting within the backcountry, and exploring the allure of small cities dotted alongside the best way, then a paddle alongside the Suwannee River Wilderness Path is for you.
The Path begins at White Springs, Florida’s first vacationer city, and continues for 171 miles via towering pines, stately cypress lining the riverbanks, excessive limestone outcroppings, salt marshes and gently slowing banks because it widens on its strategy to the Gulf of Mexico.
Alongside the best way are eight hubs, or stopping factors, principally state parks and small cities providing actions and companies for the path blazers.
Whereas it’s principally for paddlers, different explorers can enterprise alongside on bike, horseback, or foot.
In Abstract: Embrace the Pure Tranquility
As we return to relaxation and rejuvenation in 2024, we hope you enterprise away from the favored vacationer spots. To discover a special aspect of Florida spots and immerse your self within the tranquility of Levy, Taylor and Suwannee Counties.
Right here, uncover the enjoyment of gliding alongside meandering rivers in a kayak, indulging within the crystal-clear attract of radiant blue pure springs, and embarking on memorable scallop-catching adventures alongside the Gulf shoreline.
These huge open areas will mean you can expertise an unmatched sense of peace and calm and offer you reminiscences to final a lifetime!
Supply: Breaking Travel News