🌴 Old Florida Adventures: Because Your GPS Said “Good Luck” Between Cedar Key & Tallahassee

This week, the road has led me into some interesting, strange, and different locations. I am in Perry, Florida, visiting some amazing friends

Perry is a part of Taylor County, located on the gulf side of the state. Between Tallahassee and Tampa, Perry is the county seat, doesn't offer much in the way of tourism, but is close enough to everything that we have been able to explore some. Originally full of industries such as timber, logging, and manufacturing of cellulose. Now, Perry's industries have faded away but it's still known for the Florida Heritage Festival, a tradition since 1955.

In an area that is full of hunting, fishing, nature preserves, and even the Big Bend National Forest, Taylor County offers many outside adventures for the nature lover. Beaches, boating, and the like are available too, although several beaches are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. She came ashore right at the mark of the Big Bend, hitting Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, and her winds stretched even further inland towards Gainesville.

Monticello Courthouse

So far this week, we have visited:

Keaton Beach and seen both the damage and recovery as people rebuild their homes. Known as a great scalloping area, it's a great destination for fishing, but the beaches aren't your normal Florida style.
the great town of Steinhatchee. A wonderful historical fishing village also great for fishing and scalloping!
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park, located outside Monticello, contains Florida's tallest Native American Ceremonial Mound. Most likely built by the Weedon Island people, the ceremonial mounds that still exist today were part of a complex and villages. Mounds served as the center of communities- for gatherings, religious purposes, learning and play.
Monticello. This cute little town offers a small historical walking tour, museums, and even an opera house! Festivals, Ghost Tours, and other opportunities to explore the region exist.
Tallahassee: While we only went in for a great Thanksgiving Day lunch; this city offers opportunities for sports, arts, culture, and more! Two universities, museums, entertainment and outdoor adventures are all here for you.

All of this area is considered "Old Florida." It's less developed, there's a slower pace of life, and there is a LOT of history. There is still great food, lots to do, and interesting people to meet!

Want a different type of Florida trip? Consider the Gulf Side between Cedar Key and Tallahassee. So much to do!