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DESTINATION: STEINHATCHEE

Looking for Old Florida at its best? Head to Steinhatchee, a town of fewer than 2,000, located about three hours north of Tampa. One of Florida's first settlements, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto and President Andrew Jackson both passed through here at one time, but today, the tiny fishing village caters to the outdoors crowd. The first thing you learn when you visit is how to say the name. Locals pronounce the "Stein" in Steinhatchee as "Steen," similar to "steam." The name is American Indian in origin. "Esteen hatchee" means river (hatchee) of man (esteen). The town has long been known for its scallops, but now that the season is closed, local fishing guides entertain tourists who come to fish the rich grass beds for trout, redfish, sheepshead, black sea bass and mangrove snapper. But the Big Bend region has more to offer than just scallops, crabs and fish. Head upstream and the Steinhatchee River provides great paddling opportunities. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and check out Steinhatchee Falls. The spot was a historic crossing point for American Indians and other settlers. In terms of lodging, the laid-back luxury of Steinhatchee Landing Resort, a village of quaint rental cottages, is worth the trip. Complete with its own dock, pool, playground and neighborhood goats, you will find it an excellent base for any adventure.

Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition Takes Trip Back in Time to Steinhatchee

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Credit Steve Newborn / WUSF News

Credit Steve Newborn / WUSF News

Ever wonder what there is to do around Steinhatchee besides Fishing, Hunting and summertime Scalloping? Our area is fantastic for Kayaking and Wildlife viewing.

Recently the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition traveled through Steinhatchee and WUSF was there to write about what the group saw. Click the link below to read the full article.

http://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/florida-wildlife-corridor-expedition-takes-trip-back-time-steinhatchee?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

“WUSF is following the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition as they bike, hike and kayak from Central Florida through the Panhandle to the Alabama state line. The three conservationists recently visited the coastal hamlet of Steinhatchee, deep in the Nature Coast. We paddled with them down the Steinhatchee River, fording some falls and getting a lesson in how much preserving the lands can spark Florida’s economy.”
— http://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/florida-wildlife-corridor-expedition-takes-trip-back-time-steinhatchee?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Light from above greets Edwin McCook of the Suwannee River Water Management DistrictCredit Steve Newborn / WUSF News

Light from above greets Edwin McCook of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Credit Steve Newborn / WUSF News

“Expedition member Joe Guthrie recounted a side trip to Hagen’s Cove, an isolated spot along the Gulf coast.

Enjoying the view of Steinhatchee
Enjoying the view of Steinhatchee
Credit Steve Newborn / WUSF News
”And there were thousands of shorebirds, all standing in water that was about two inches deep - just a plane of them, as far as you could see,” he says. “I mean they were even out of sight. It was really neat.””
— http://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/florida-wildlife-corridor-expedition-takes-trip-back-time-steinhatchee?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter