For those who think Florida is just beaches and amusement parks, a whole new adventure awaits in Pasco County — J.B. Starkey’s Flatwoods Adventure to be exact. This guided nature tour gives visitors a glimpse of a working cattle ranch and a look back at how florida used to be — all natural. These guided adventures, which began operation in 1999, are a nice change of pace for those interested in Florida’s history and nature.
This unique ecotour ventures through 1,000 acres of pine flatwoods, sand pine ridges and pastureland at the Anclote River Ranch. Visitors will enjoy this two-hour excursion from a comfy seat on a shaded Safari bus or via horseback. The tour includes an up-close, leisurely stroll through a cypress swamp on an elevated walkway.
As the tour winds through the flatwoods and highlands,the residents of these ecosystems may make an appearance. Deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, gopher tortoises, red shouldered hawks, alligators and wood storks all call the ranch home.
BIRD WATCHING AT ITS BEST
Pasco County is a great birding destination because of its west central location; birds from both the north and south Florida areas can be observed. For example, the broad-winged hawk, a more northerly species, and the short-tailed hawk, a more southern species, can both be found here. Rare birds, such as the western vagrants like the scissor-tailed flycatcher can be viewed here as well.
Bird watchers are encouraged to obtain a copy of the “Bird Watcher’s Guide to Pasco County, Florida,” a publication produced by the West Pasco Audubon Society. It can be purchased at www.visitpasco.net.
GO FISH IN PASCO COUNTY
Itching to go fishing? Pasco County has plenty of opportunities to do just that. With more than 20 miles of shoreline and numerous lakes and rivers, fishing is a popular pastime for both beginner and experienced anglers.
Deep-sea fishing charter companies, such as Rum Runner Charters, handle all of the details of your fishing excursion. Tackle, bait and licensing are all included with the ride out to sea. Spend the day fishing for numerous types of fish, while sitting back and enjoying the sunshine on these adventures.
For inland fishing, Crews lake is the largest natural body of water in Pasco and home to many species of fish including largemouth bass, bream, gar, pickerel and catfish.
Devil’s Rock Yard, with its rocky minefield guarding the approach to Fillman Bayou, is a favorite fishing spot for locals. Aripeka, a historic fishing village on the Gulf of Mexico, also attracts fishing enthusiasts from all over the county.
Ten miles northwest of Anclote park sits a fisherman’s dream. This water is home to Spanish mackerel, snook, tarpon, cobia and trout.
ANTIQUES & GOOD EATS
Tucked amid the lush rolling hills of eastern pasco County sits Dade City, the county seat. Downtown Dade City makes the perfect small town getaway with quaint restaurants and more than 50 antiques shops, gift stores and chic boutiques all within walking distance of each other.
At Dade City visitors stroll through the charming town square, they will see numerous antiques in storefront windows and on the sidewalks. In 2004, Florida Monthly magazine recognized the area as one of the best antiquing destinations in the state. With brick roads and shops occupying early 20th-century buildings and surrounding the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, this downtown creates a great atmosphere for finding old treasures.
Dade City’s eclectic lunch spots shouldn’t be missed. At the popular Lunch on Limoges, mini-muffin appetizers are served on Limoges china and the menu changes daily. if dining on fine china is not your style, how about eating inside a transformed auto mechanics garage? At Kafe Kokopelli guests enjoy southwestern cuisine while sitting at tables made out of the Ford dealership’s original garage doors.
And after a long day of sightseeing and antique shopping, enjoy Southern hospitality at the Azalea House Bed and Breakfast, graciously restored to its 1906 splendor. At this B&B, just minutes from downtown, guests can stay in one of three beautifully decorated rooms and enjoy a continental breakfast each morning.
For more information about Dade City’s attractions and monthly events, go to www.dadecitychamber.org. or contact the Tourism Office at 1-800-842-1873 or tourism@pascocountyfl.net.
