Florida's Big Bend
Resting between the northern coastal community of Port St. Joe and the laidback natural surroundings of Cedar Key, Florida's "Big Bend", is the ideal destination for travelers wanting a more natural vacation experience. By proclamation of the Governor of Florida, this area has been designated as "Florida's Nature Coast".

Port St. Joe, a small coastal deepwater port community rich in both history and resources. Known as "The Constitution City," Port St. Joe lives in history books because it was here in 1838 that delegates from all counties in Territorial Florida assembled to draft Florida's first State Constitution. In fact, this document was the basis of Florida government until the Civil War.
Their present constitution (1885) embodies the basic plan and many of the provisions of the first Constitution that was drafted and signed in Port St. Joe. The City of Port St. Joe is in a transitional stage from primarily industrial to a more tourist-friendly community focusing on its natural resources.

In Port St. Joe travelers will hear the soft drawl of southern accents but don't let the region's slow charm fool you, the area features snow white beaches, sapphire blue waters, unique area parks, fishing (freshwater and salt), camping, hiking and hunting.

Cape San Blas, which holds a #1 ranking in the Continental United States by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, more commonly known as "Dr. Beach", is truly a vacationer's paradise.
The "Cape", is truly, what "discover Old Florida" is all about. A rare, beautiful peninsula nestled in a curve of the big bend where sugar white sands await visitors.
More than 17 miles of white sandy beaches border the peninsula; Cape San Blas has remained virtually untouched. The area is low in density, featuring mainly single-family homes, ideal for a retreat or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Wildlife abounds in this scenic haven offering a view of the majestic bald eagle, the loggerhead turtle laying its eggs, an osprey that has a fish in its talons or to see a dozen bottle nosed dolphins frolicking in the bay. These magnificent sights that were taken for granted not too long ago, are truly a rare event in today's world.

Best of all this is an area with limited commercialism, motels do not exist here. Rentals in quaint and lovely cottages, cabins, and beach homes are available. Favorite activities on the Cape are swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing, seashell hunting, snorkeling, and exploring.

Apalachicola, established in 1931 when shipping cotton was the area's largest industry, soon became the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico. By the 1850s, the waterfront was lined with brick warehouses and broad streets to handle the loading and unloading of cotton. Steamboats laden with cotton came down the river and were unloaded. Then small shallow draft schooners (lighters) shuttled the cargo to ships moored offshore.
By the end of the 19th century, oysters and seafood became an important industry. Today, Franklin County harvests more than 90 percent of Florida's oysters and 10 percent of the oysters consumed in the nation. Shrimp, blue crab, and finfish are also very important commercially, bringing in more than $11 million worth of seafood to Franklin County docks annually.

Tallahassee, one of the more populous communities along the Big Bend, is also best known as Florida's Capital city. Geographically closer to Atlanta than Miami, Tallahassee oozes Southern charm, antebellum estates, and unexpected delights around every corner. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy adventures including boating on area lakes, rivers, ponds, and on the Gulf, which is just 30 minutes away.
Cultural interests are sparked by widely-acclaimed museums and galleries. Sportsman can enjoy 117 holes of golf on eight courses and a proliferation of tennis courts.
Serving a scrumptious selection of tantalizing menus ranging from fast food to five-star, visitors with an appetite can try everything from melt-in-your-mouth steaks to succulent fresh seafood.
Whether it’s luxury economy, rustic "gentleman" lodges or and familiar hotel chains, accommodations are plentiful in the area.

Steinhatchee, situated 65 miles to the west of Gainesville offers endless outdoor activity. Manatees mate in Kings' Creek in late summer while owls, eagles, wild boar, and fox enjoy the area year round. Birding is a popular pastime with blue herons, white pelicans, and the kite bird prevalent. While these animals can be enjoyed from the shoreline of the Steinhatchee River, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities. Visitors also enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, and camping. For those wanting a more luxurious escape with nature, Steinhatchee Landing Resort features individual Cracker-style cottages amid 35-acres of serene and natural landscape.

Cedar Key is one of the oldest ports in the state, and when Florida's first railroad connected it to the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber products to the northeast. Today it has become a haven for artists and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their work. Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets, browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous, and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local waters. Annually, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in April, the Fourth of July Celebration, and the October Seafood Festival.
Nature Coast visit www.naturecoastcoalition.com.