Fisherman's Paradise on Crystal Clear Private Lake Mystic

We chose the Bristol area for our winter vacation because we wanted a rural experience away from the crowds. During the winter, southern Florida is rife with snowbirds and the coastal areas seem to have row after row of high-rise condos. But the central panhandle region is known as the old/forgotten Florida and it truly is a nature lover's paradise. If you're looking for a wilderness adventure, this is the place.
Bristol is a small village on the Apalachicola river with few businesses but you can get groceries, gas, and other essentials. We were here to commune with nature and were rewarded with myriad flora/fauna too numerous to list. We explored the marshes, beaches, and forests with our car, our bikes, and the owner's canoe. When we paddled the area creeks and rivers we felt like we were in the Amazon - wild and exotic.
A nice thing about the local creeks and rivers is that the slow current allows you to paddle in either direction, eliminating the need to spot a car. The waterways are so remote that you're unlikely to see cabins or other signs of civilization. Just what we wanted.
Nina's cottage, which she calls Innifree (after a poem by W.B.Yeats) was cozy with all the creature comforts one might need as well as an eclectic library of books, videos, and music CDs. The home is decorated with charming folk art and is only steps from the beach. If there is a downside, it's that the lake is lined with homes and cabins. But most of them seem to be "seasonal" dwellings and thus mostly unoccupied during the winter months. Even though populated, the lake was quiet and peaceful with very little activity.
We had a very pleasant stay and the property owner was charming and very attentive. If you're looking for a quiet, comfortable cottage in the woods on a beautiful lake, come to Innisfree.

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee;
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.
W.B. Yeats

We stayed at the lake house the week of Oct 13-20 and were extremely pleased. It was exactly as described and completly furnished with everything we needed. It was soo nice to have a gas grill, and the pedal boat to use. Everything was in perfect condition and we had no problems what so ever. Nina texted us twice to make sure everything was OK and gave us fishing and activitity tips. It is the perfect place for a relaxing vacation away from the crowds yet close enough to the beach and the parks to enjoy them all.

I grew up up visiting Lake Mystic. With so many wonderful memories, I wanted my family to enjoy the same experience. We loved every minute of our recent vacation and can't wait to come back. The lake is beautiful. The crystal clear water is perfect for swimming, boating and fishing. Our kids had a blast. The house was great, a home away from home with all the necessities. The screened back porch is perfect for reading and relaxing. What a special place to get away and spend time with the family. We love Lake Mystic & Innisfree. Thanks Nina!