old Town, Florida
Old Town embodies the unspoiled essence of “Old Florida,” with its quiet riverside charm and proximity to Dixie County’s natural wonders. Kayak or canoe the Suwannee River to spot manatees, otters, and bald eagles in their native habitat, or launch from nearby ramps for a half-day paddle to ancient limestone bluffs. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the blackwater river’s bass and bream populations—charter a guide for a sunset trip. Hike or bike the Florida Cracker Trail, a historic route through pine forests and wetlands, evoking pioneer days. Visit the remnants of the steamboat era at the Suwannee Riverfront, where interpretive signs detail 19th-century commerce, or unwind at local spots like the Old Town Tavern for fresh seafood and live acoustic music. In spring, catch the bloom of wild azaleas along river trails, a fleeting display of the region’s subtropical beauty. For a deeper dive, explore nearby Hart Springs for swimming in cool, limestone-fed pools, appreciating the fragile aquifer that sustains Florida’s ecosystems.
