5
Nature Lovers Dream
We chose the Steinhatchee 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 panhandle area seems to have row after row of high-rise condos. But the big bend region of Florida (Steinhatchee/Suwannee) is known as the forgotten coast. I think it's been forgotten because there are so few sandy beaches and little in the way of modern conveniences. Some might say it's...desolate. But it truly is a nature lover's paradise. If you're looking for a wilderness adventure, this is the place.
Steinhatchee is a small fishing village with few businesses but you can get groceries, gas, and other essentials. There are inns and marinas for boaters and charter fishing. And there are several restaurant/bars in town if you feel the need to socialize. But we were here to commune with nature and were rewarded with flora/fauna too innumerable to list. We explored the marshes, beaches, and forests with our car, bikes, and canoe. When we paddled the creeks and rivers we felt like we were in the Amazon - wild and exotic.
A nice thing about the Steinhatchee river is that the slow current allows you to paddle in either direction, eliminating the need to spot a car. The farther upriver you go, the fewer cabins you'll see until eventually there are none.
Our cabin (the"Rustic"), was cozy with all the creature comforts one might need. If there is a downside, it's that the well water, while drinkable, has a strong sulfur odor. But jugs of drinking water can be bought in town which is just a few miles down the road. No biggie, that!
We think the cabin's highlight is the spacious balcony/deck overlooking the river. If you're quiet, it isn't long before the myriad creatures come alive. At night? Stars - millions of them! That balcony is a front row seat to the best show on Earth.
There are neighboring cabins but they appear to be seasonal "get-aways" and were unoccupied during our stay (Feb/March) so things were very, very quiet. Just what we wanted. Did I say quiet? The cacophony of night noise sent shivers up our spines. Wow!
We had a very pleasant stay and owner Bethany Mousadi was charming and attentive. If you're looking for the Taj Mahal, this ain't it. But if you want a quiet, comfortably rustic cabin in a wooded area right on a beautiful river, this is the place.
We'll be back!
Bud and Chris Beeler
Oxford, Michigan
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 16/16
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