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, laid-back and surrounded by nature. Stroll the lanes of these quaint coastal towns, and you will see stacked crab traps, clam bags laid out to dry, and other indications that the Big Bend is a haven for fresh seafood. For more information on these delicious Gulf treats, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.

TheBig Bend is Florida’s Hidden Coast, a rural area of undeveloped rivers andcoastlines that spill into the Gulf of Mexico. The islands have a long historyof dependence on shellfish for survival, attested to by the large Indian moundsscattered among the islands. Hunting is accessible on federal and state landsduring the year. Visit their websites for more information if hunting is yourhobby.

1. Pick Up Your Supper

No,that isn’t a misprint, and I don’t mean in the local market. Get out in thewater and pick up some scallops! The short season only runs from July 1 through September 10,so plan accordingly—it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

2. Jump on a Boat for a Day Outside

Youcan explore a little further (and faster!) by motorboat. The Suwannee Riverflows beside Dixie County until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. You can rent aboat locally or bring your own. There are plenty of boat ramps and docks availablefor use. Dixie County has waterways that are the perfect place to set off fordiving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. The county is bordered onthree sides by water, practically making it an island! On one side, there isthe Steinhatchee River, on the other, the Suwannee River, and on the third sideis the Gulf of Mexico.

TheDixie Blueway Trails are a variety of paddlingand small boat trails in the area. There is the Suwannee River Trail,Steinhatchee River Trail, and the Gulf Coast Paddling Trail. Natural NorthFlorida has a useful spiral-bound PaddlingGuide;you should request a copy if you are a serious paddler. The Friends of the Lower Suwannee have created mapsavailable on their web page. Bonus:  thereare overnight stops about every 10 miles along the Suwannee for the trulyadventurous. 

3. Bring your bike (or your walking shoes, or even your horse!) for your day outside

Thereare plenty of places to ride, bike, or just walk. Numerous trails allow you toexperience Natural North Florida. The Florida Rails-to-Trails Nature Trail is afavorite choice that follows an abandoned rail line. This trail includesrestrooms, water fountains and has wheelchair-accessible sections. Fun Fact:  Florida has 846 miles of rails-turned-trails,with 441 more miles coming!

TheCR 349 Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge has five unique trails for atotal of 29 miles! They will tour you by seven river habitats. The shortest isthe 1.3-mile Yellow Jacket Loop, and the longest is the limerock Weeks Landingtrail beside the Suwannee River. It is 1.5-miles one way, ending at a smallboat ramp with views of Fowlers Bluff. Stay alert—you may find alligators orsnakes on this trail (it is awildlife refuge, after all!)

TheNature Coast Greenway Trail, which starts only 2,000 feet from the Cross CityAirport, is another popular choice. You can bike the Mainline but ride withcaution because that is also used by automobiles.

Informationis available by calling the Dixie County Tourist Development Council orvisiting their website.

4. Eat a Michelin-quality Meal

Atthe PutnamLodge,you will dine in style! The gorgeous 1927 inn, the staff, the foods…it’s nowonder people plan their trips through Florida to coincide with dinnertime! Checkthe blackboard for specials—but order the Osso Bucco—trust me! The Putnam FriedBrussel Sprouts in a special sauce make my mouth water just writing about them!And let the chef order your glass of wine—he’s a pro, after all! Arrive earlyfor your reservation. I promise you will want to spend time at the stunningcopper bar.

5. Drive the Cross City Mainline Loop

This85-mile Loop drive starts in Cross City on the Nature Coast State Trail. The Looptakes you to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, through the town ofSuwannee, and on to Horseshoe Beach before returning to Cross City. The “Mainline” route between the Town of Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach isunpaved, so you can enjoy exploring Florida the way you picture it in yourmind! But stay alert—bicyclists also use the Loop.

This85-mile Loop drive starts in Cross City on the Nature Coast State Trail. The Looptakes you to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, through the town ofSuwannee, and on to Horseshoe Beach before returning to Cross City. The “Mainline” route between the Town of Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach isunpaved, so you can enjoy exploring Florida the way you picture it in yourmind! But stay alert—bicyclists also use the Loop.

6. Sleep Tight

Spend the night at the historic Putnam Lodge in Cross City—if it’s good enough for Al Capone…well… *smile.* Yes, the notorious Prohibition-era gangster kept two rooms reserved and had a dumb waiter for delivering product to his second-floor abode! Rumor has it that the area springs had “sweet water,” perfect for distilling premium moonshi…uh…medicinal products! While you’re there, take the house tour to learn more!

The rooms are quiet and tastefully decorated. The common areas are original, complete with columns made from pecky cypress and hand-painted by Seminole Indian artisans. Take a stroll around the backyard to work up your appetite (or walk off your dinner!) The fountain provides white noise to enjoy your privacy.

7. Eat or Sleep – or both!

WhoDat Restaurant is located at the Good Times Motel in Jena, right on the banksof the Steinhatchee River. Great food, great drinks, and a great view!

8. Living Outside on the River

The Suwannee River Bend RV Park in Old Town offers river life at its finest if you are camping. The park features 50 waterfront lots shaded by ancient live oaks. Imagine stepping out of your “house” and stepping into the Suwannee River. You can dock your boat, kayak, or canoe just steps from your door, and the Nature Coast State Trail is right there. Plus, there are trails for biking or walking in this natural spot. Fanning Springs is just across the river. There are plenty of fish in that water too, so with just a little luck, you can catch your supper!

9. Explore an Underwater Archaeological Preserve

Ifyou are a diver, you’ve come to the right place! North Florida is filled withsprings and underwater caves. The Dixie Artificial Reefs hold divingopportunities. And in Dixie County’s section of the Suwannee is the City of Hawkinsville. No, it isn’t a town;it’s a sunken steamboat! The ship became Florida’s third UnderwaterArchaeological Preserve in 1992 and was listed on the National Register ofHistoric Places in 2001. It is the only Preserve located in Natural NorthFlorida.

Inthe 17th century, steamboats were the primary mode of shipping materials, goods,and even the U. S. Mail from Cedar Key up the river to Fort White and Columbus.This route ran through dangerous shoals. Today that area is well-known forswift water canoeing.

Morethan 50 steamboats ran the Suwannee for over a hundred years, and the remainsof a dozen or more line the river’s bottom. The City of Hawkinsville was thelargest and the last steamboat stationed on the Suwannee River. She was inservice until 1922 when railroads began to replace river transportation. 

Thisghost ship lies in shallow water on the west bank of the river, just south ofthe Old Town railroad trestle. The current is strong, and visibility is low, sodo your research before you plan your dive; this is a trip for advanced divers.The 1896 steamer was instrumental in transporting the lumber for the bridgeconstruction, so I find it fitting that her final resting place lies in silentwatch over the bridge.

10. Pack Binoculars and Your Telephoto Lens

Ifyour passion is birding, you will be amazed by the variety of birds in the area,especially raptors. I spotted herons, egrets, anhinga, double-crestedcormorants, pileated woodpeckers, peregrine falcons, osprey, and eagles in justtwo days. Not to mention armadillos, deer, and peacocks (pets roaming around atthe Putnam Lodge!)

Beautifulplaces for landscape photography are easy to spot. Keep your camera ready asyou explore the Big Bend Shellfish Trail. The coastal villages arepicturesque, and there are breathtaking vistas (yes, in Florida!) Check out theroad to nowhere!

11. Visit the Last Frontier

Horseshoe Beach is a Gulf-front communityshaped, you guessed it, like a horseshoe. It has easy access to Florida’sbackcountry for serenity or wildlife viewing in this untouched place. Famousfor its scalloping, plan to visit during the summer months to give it a try.

12. Walk the Plank

Well, ok, it’s a pier. Walk the Shired Island pier. Maybe even toss a line in the water. Or relax outside on the beach, swing awhile, and just soak up the sea air. Shired Island Campground has camping spots available, a beach, restrooms, and public picnic shelters. It is an excellent place for heron- and osprey-watching, too!

13. Stay on the Steinhatchee River

The Steinhatchee River Club has private ramps and slips for your boats and exclusiveriver access. No boat? No problem! They rent pontoons, tritoons, skiffs, andsee-through kayaks. Spend your time in your own RV or stay in one of theluxurious cabins on the property.

14. Catch Your Limit

Some of Florida’s most pristine fishing grounds are found in Dixie County. Try your luck in the creeks, inlets, and oyster bars where you can catch red drum, spotted seatrout (yum! I hooked some of those!), sheepshead, and flounder. You can fish from the bridges along the road, and fill your cooler that way! Further out, among the artificial reefs, you will find grouper, seabass, snapper, and mackerel. The county has three communities along the Gulf waters. Experienced fishing captains are ready to take you out, even if you just want to cruise the river and do some birding. A local company to contact is Suwannee Guides & Outfitters in Suwannee.

Stayin the peaceful community of Suwannee at Bill’s Fish Camp Motel & Campground, and fish right in yourfront yard. Bill’s has a dock on a canal that provides the perfect spot forfishing or just watching the sunset. There is also a fire pit for those chillynights. The mouth of the Suwannee River is only a five-minute boat ride fromBill’s, providing access to saltwater and freshwater in only a matter ofminutes.

15. Watch the Sturgeon Jump

TheYellow Jacket RV Resort, right on the SuwanneeRiver in Old Town, offers natural views under moss-laden oak trees. YellowJacket has the space to accommodate all types of campers from primitive topull-through. The resort has cottages, so if you are a non-camper (like me!),you can still enjoy a stay right next to the wildlife refuge. Yellow Jacket hasriver access to nearby native springs, and public beaches on the Gulf. No boat?They have you covered—they offer boat rentals on the premises. Oh…did I mentionthe heated pool and spa? Ahhhh…

16. Buy Your Supper

Ifyou lack those fishing and scalloping skills (like me!), you’ll be relieved toknow you won’t have to survive on PB&Js. There are no less than six seafoodmarkets in Dixie County. Just google it, or check the BigBend Shellfish Trail brochure for a complete list! If you are staying in a cabin,most have access to a kitchen so you can enjoy cooking an occasional meal.

17. Dine, al Fresco

Dining outside on the dock at the Suwannee Belle Landing is a must-do. And what you must do is order the bowl of shrimp and grits. The lunch size can easily feed two. And it is oh, so good! Plus, it sticks to your ribs, as they say, so that means you can paddle all afternoon free from hunger pains. Before you leave, take a photo in the biggest deck chair you ever saw!

18. Don’t Miss Sunset

Diningat Salt Creek Restaurant & Marker 29 lets you sit back andenjoy the sunset on the Suwannee River. The deck is the perfect place to capturesunset over the water—with your camera or just with your heart.

19. Go Back to School

Visitthe Dixie County Historical Society Cultural Center, housed in the Old TownElementary School. David McCullough says, “History is who we areand why we are the way we are.” Learn about the history and view theartifacts of Dixie County. This two-story, four-classroom school was built in1909 and served the children of Old Town until 1999. Truly of local construction,even the bricks were fired on site.

20. Party Hearty

Ifyou happen to be a “festival junkie” like I am, plan your visit to coincidewith these dates:

• Lower Suwannee Arts & Nature Festival, Suwannee, 3/12 (localartists, crafters, food vendors, and music. Maybe even sign up for a guidedpaddling trip!)
• Cross City Airport Fly-In, 4/2 (think helicopter and plane rides,flyovers, and plenty of excitement!)

Natural North Florida—let the adventurebegin!  Old Florida isthere for you to explore. Contact the local tourist development office to request information andstart planning your trip!

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