Florida Magazine...

STEINHATCHEE LANDING:

A PEACEFUL PLACE TO GET AWAY

(OR STAY AWAY)

The northwest central Gulf Coast is a throwback to an earlier Florida, when fishing for seafood rather than tourists was (and is) a way of life. Called Florida's 'Nature Coast' and 'Original Florida,' towns like Steinhatchee are quiet, friendly, and outdoors-oriented. It's a far cry from the masses and mass-produced entertainment of some other areas in Florida.

Don't come to this area expecting bright lights and big cities. Small communities like Steinhatchee have a relaxed feel to them, where people have time to talk, walk, and enjoy the outdoors. Accommodations at Steinhatchee Landing serve to enhance this feeling.

Steinhatchee Landing is reason enough to head to Steinhatchee for an escape to another Florida. This unique Victorian cottage community, developed by transplanted Georgian Dean Fowler, features 20 wonderful accommodations throughout the property. Located on the peaceful Steinhatchee River, Steinhatchee Landing offers a total of 20 one- and two-bedroom freestanding two-story houses; two-bedroom condominiums and townhouses; and three-bedroom houses (one of which former president Jimmy Carter and his family used as a retreat).

All of the cottage accommodations feature full kitchens and modern amenities. The quiet and slow pace is accentuated by a proliferation of screened porches, canoeing opportunities out your front door, bicycles, walking paths and footbridges, horse stables, several pools, and a health spa. Dean and his staff serve as friendly hosts and can help with any arrangements throughout the Steinhatchee area, including fishing, boating, bike trips, horseback riding, and much more.

For dinner on your first night, just walk over to The Landing's Restaurant. Located right in the resort, this award-winning restaurant is a casual fine dining eatery that offers fresh seafood, steaks, poultry, pasta, and very popular desserts.

After dinner at The Landing's Restaurant, there's little to do in Steinhatchee beyond strolling around the resort and the area, enjoying the river, and sitting on your porch listening to the sounds of a night in the country. On this night or another night during your stay, be sure to arrange a trip out on the Steinhatchee Landing pontoon boat to enjoy a marvelous Gulf sunset.

Be sure to buy supplies from one of the local convenience stores, so you can fix breakfast in your cottage. There's nothing better than sitting out on your own porch with a steaming cup of coffee. If your idea of a vacation doesn't include making your own coffee or breakfast, head up to Roy's (see below) for some local cooking and company.

The outdoors options abound in Steinhatchee and the staff at Steinhatchee Landing can arrange any of the options outlined above. A canoe trip on the Steinhatchee River provides an outstanding introduction to the stunning nature in the area (drop-offs are easily arranged and then you paddle back to Steinhatchee Landing). Fishing is the most popular activity in the fall, winter, and spring. Come summer, scalloping reigns as the most enjoyed activity for all ages. Steinhatchee Landing also offers specific nature tours, ranging from outings to other small towns to exploration of local springs.

Again, a freshly-prepared meal back in your cottage is the most popular mid-day choice. You can also prepare a picnic to carry in your canoe, for enjoyment on the river.

A lazy afternoon on the river is an ideal way to spend time in Steinhatchee. Outdoors excursions or something as simple as reading a book are among the easy options. The Steinhatchee Landing staff can also recommend short excursion possibilities to other small towns, including Keaton Beach and Horseshoe Beach, where life is even simpler and quieter than 'bustling' Steinhatchee.

For another dinner, Steinhatchee's most popular local restaurant is called Roy's, which is located just up the road from Steinhatchee Landing. Roy's specializes in whatever seafood happens to be fresh, as well as many other fish options. Entrees come with a good salad bar and lots of local flavor. A visit to Steinhatchee wouldn't be complete without a meal or two at Roy's (they're also open for breakfast and lunch).

Use another morning (if you're smart, you're staying for more than two nights) to simply enjoy the peace and quiet of this small river cottage community. There aren't too many places like this left in Florida. Before leaving, be sure to get directions down to Suwannee.

Like Steinhatchee, Suwannee is another one of those quiet Gulf coastal towns. It's easily reached by taking US 19 back south to Old Town and then turning right on State 349 for the short drive out to Suwannee.

You'll probably arrive in this small fishing village around lunchtime, so head to the Salt Creek Shellfish Co. on State 349. Located right on Salt Creek, with tables outside and inside, this local seafood spot offers huge fried combination dinners (choices of scallops, shrimp, oysters, gator tail, frog legs, crab fingers, softshell crab, crab cake, fish, and quail). Steamer pots of oysters, crabs, shrimp, or in-season stone crab claws are also popular. On a cool day, the oyster stew is hard to beat.

Be sure to take a drive around Suwannee. Of particular interest is Miller's, located right on the water. This bustling business includes unique houseboat rentals, fishing cabins, and camping. The houseboats are very popular, allowing up to 8 people to explore and live on the Suwannee River. The 44-foot fully-equipped houseboats allow you to cruise up to 70 miles up the Suwannee in style. Along with other accommodations options, the friendly staff at Miller's can help with any other fishing, boating, or outdoors pursuit you have in the Suwannee area.

Back in Steinhatchee, you may never have to leave. You don't have to. The cottages that welcome visitors also welcome buyers. Many active retirees have come for a quick getaway and never left. Of course, there are also other real estate opportunities in Steinhatchee. It's easy to see why. It's a great place to get away (or stay away).

--Contact Steinhatchee Landing at P.O. Box 789, Steinhatchee, FL 32369; 904-498-3513.

--Also owned by Steinhatchee Landing, the Steinhatchee River Inn (P.O. Box 828; 904-498-4049; inexpensive) provides      a less-expensive hotel-like experience right in town and across the street from the water. There are 17 modern hotel            suites.

--Miller's (P.O. Box 280, Suwannee, FL 32692; 904-542-7349 or 800-458-BOAT), described above, provides                houseboat rentals on the Suwannee River, fishing cabins, and camping. The houseboats provide a particularly unique            option and the Miller family serves as ideal hosts.

--For general information about the region, contact The Original Florida, P.O. Box 1300, Lake City, FL 32056-1300.          904-758-1555.

--For further information about Steinhatchee, contact the Steinhatchee Landing Visitor Center at P.O. Box 789,                      Steinhatchee, FL 32359; 904-498-3513.