The Chamber of Commerce is engaged in activities to advance and promote the general growth, prosperity and integrity and business development in the community...
Southeast off Highway 27 is the town of Perry. This part of Florida was built by the forestry industry, and homage is paid at Forest Capital Museum State Park, south of town on Highway 19. A small village, complete with an historic cracker homestead and tobacco barn, was created to illustrate the history of forestry. On display are ordinary household objects and farm equipment from days past. Each year in October, the Florida Forest Festival brings the town to a halt, as thousands descend on the town for the ESPN lumberjack show, pioneer and Indian village, steam engine displays, cane grinding, butter churning, arts and crafts, and best of all, the World's Largest Free Fish Fry. About 8,000 visitors chow down on fresh Gulf fish each year. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thur. - Mon.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Call (850) 584-3227.
Discover one of Florida's truly hidden treasures! Continue south of Perry on U.S. 19/98 to S.R. 51, make a right onto S.R. 51 towards Steinhatchee, pronounced (Steen-hatchee) and follow it until you almost reach the coast. Tucked within a pristine habitat of plentiful pines, moss oaks and silver palms sits the tiny village of Steinhatchee Landing Resort upon the lush banks of the Steinhatchee River, which meanders just three miles more to the Gulf of Mexico. The resort offers a soothing combination of the amenities of a fine resort within the peace of unspoiled natural surroundings, making it a perfect setting. Activities include fishing, scalloping, birdwatching, canoeing and boating in an area that abounds with wildlife. Call (352) 498-3513. You'll be glad you stopped.
One of the best ways to experience North Florida is by canoeing the Withlacoochee River. Whether you are looking for a long, lazy float or even a little white water action, the rivers in this area have something to offer every paddler.
Nature Trek
If your compass is pointing east, take U.S. Highway 90 out of Tallahassee through the circular downtown quaint Monticello, until you reach the charming town of Madison, which abounds with history and natural beauty. A historical walking tour, within six blocks of downtown's Four Freedoms Park, exhibits antebellum and late 19th Century Greek Revival architecture. Stop by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, 105 N. Range St., for a walking tour brochure. Call (850) 973-2788.
Owners Tilly and Betty ('B') are tickled pink for tourists to stop by and tour O'Toole's Herb Farm, 305 N.E. Artemesia Tr. in Madison off Rocky Ford Road. Spend a day in the country, walking amidst acres of herbs, then shop for herbal and nature-related items at the onsite gift shop. Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thurs. and Fri.; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat.; closed July - August. Call (850) 973-3629.
One of the best ways to experience North Florida is by canoeing the Withlacoochee River with Twin Rivers Outfitters. Whether you are looking for a long, lazy float or even a little white water action, the rivers in this area have something to offer every paddler. Canoe rentals from several hours to several days are available. Take S.R. 145 North from Madison for 10 miles to Pinetta. Turn right at the caution light in Pinetta onto CR 150 E. and go 4.2 miles to Twin Rivers Outfitters. Call (850) 929-4044 or (850) 929-2200 for your next adventure.
Culture Quest
Monticello's hottest ticket in town is to the Monticello Opera House, on the square at the intersection of Highway 90 and Highway 19, a rambling Victorian building and glorious performance hall for ballet, cabaret, musicals and drama productions. Show schedules vary according to season, but tours of the Opera House are throughout the year by appointment. Call (850) 997-4242. Monticello is approximately 30 minutes northeast of Tallahassee on U.S. Highway 90 (Mahan Drive), which is lined with crepe myrtles almost all the way there. Other attractions in Monticello include Confederate Memorial Park, on York Street, where the annual Watermelon Festival takes place. In the outlying areas, several antebellum plantations now stand as hunting lodges for winter residents.
Highway 98 east from West Palm Beach takes you to Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, where you drive past lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants and more in your own vehicle.
When we walked in the room, there were bowls for Annie's food and water and a brand new tennis ball with her name on it. The staff gladly offers recommendations of dog-friendly restaurants within walking distance.
