Steinhatchee
Time has stood still for thousands of years in this land of springs, dense forests that still host panthers and wild hogs, and clear skies where raptors soar. Boaters call this The Big Bend, and it’s laced with canoe trails along the coast and down such rivers as the Steinhatchee, Suwannee, Econfina, Aucilla, Wacissa, and the St. Marks.
Steinhatchee (rhymes with keen patchy) is an end-of-the-earth fishing village so far off the beaten path that you’ll have to work hard at getting here. It’s the place for a lost weekend, surrounded by wilderness and wide waters.
If you’re an avid canoeist or kayaker, write the Office of Greenways and Trails, Florida Department of Environment Protection, 325 John Knox Rd., Woodcrest Office Park Building 500, Tallahassee 32303 and ask for a brochure describing the Historic Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. It contains a sketch of the routes, information on where to get proper NOAA maps, tips on packing, and a list of access points.
Sweet Dreams
Steinhatchee Landing Resort
Settle into your own cabin, which will be surrounded by azaleas and nestled under the trees in a quiet village of Victorian homes, gazebos, and footbridges. The surroundings are next-to-nature, but the resort amenities are modern and comfortable. Go horseback riding or bicycling, dine in the fine restaurant, go fishing or boating, canoe the river, or just sit on your screened porch and catch up on all the things you need to say to each other. Cottages have kitchen, laundry, a fireplace or wood-burning stove, charcoal grill, telephone, VCR, and a stereo system. The island has some gift shops and supplies, but do your major provisioning in Perry before leaving the main highway. For cottage living, bring your own toiletries; they aren’t supplied. A coffee maker and supplies and complimentary soft drinks will be on hand. Catered meals can be ordered from The Landing’s restaurant.
