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October has arrived with a full calendar of events! It kicks off at the Iron Horse Mud Ranch this weekend (October 8-11th) with a Super Bog. The Following weekend is the annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival, October 17-18th. The next weekend brings the Florida Forest Festival In Perry, October 24th. Finally, month ends the weekend of the 31st with Halloween! Should be a fun month for the whole family to enjoy some great events in the region.

We are introducing some new monthly features this month. Dr. Chandra Kenyon Hill, Vitalogy Chiropractic, will be bringing us a monthly article on tips and tricks from the all encompassing lifestyle of Chiropratic which takes into account the interconnectedness of the mind to body, nutrition, connection to the earth, and more. We are excited to have Dr. Chandra join us and we look forward to reading her contributions each month. Another new addition is the Cedar Key Monthly Happenings Page. We have partnered with Ryan Edrington, Living Cedar Key and Lisa Cutler, I Love Cedar Key to bring you informative information each month from this funky little town by the sea. A big thanks to both of them being part of this and we ask that you please support both of these outstanding businesses who do a lot to promote the area.

We also have an excellent article on Ms. Lynn’s Old Pavilion RV Park in Keaton Beach, and another informative article from the Cedar Key Dolphin Project. Look for the Dolphin Project at the CK Seafood Festival later this month as well.

Some new and Old customers in with us for this month; Robin Jones Realty, Mangrove Landing at Cedar Key, Tails of Cedar Key, School Works Custom Rods and Deb’s Deli. Thank you to everyone for your support!

Finally we wanted touch base on one other item that we haven’t spoken much about on this blog. Our monthly fishing publication, The Fishing Lowdown continues to grow at a fast pace! We now have contributors in 11 Gulf Coast Counties from Wakulla south to Manatee! If you have never seen this publication, please pick one up when you are out and about (copies are usually placed with the Hidden Coast and Hidden Coast Real Estate Magazines) or you can read the entire edition online at www.thefishinglowdown.com. This would be a good month to check it out because it is packed with fishing reports, tournaments and businesses that cater to the outdoor recreation in the area.

Until the next time, Enjoy the beautiful season on The Hidden Coast!

Fall is upon us and the hustle and bustle of the 2026 Scallop Season slowly is fading. By all accounts it was a rousing success for the area, and we couldn’t be happier! These folks deserve every bit and, as of today, there are no hurricanes even on the map.

Although the scallop season is over that doesn’t mean it slows down completely in the coming months. Just this month alone we have four great events upcoming. These include the 37t Central Florida Peanut Festival in Williston, The Nauti-Girls All Leader Fishing Tournament in Steinhatchee, Smokin’ In the Pines in Perry and Iron Horse Mud Super Bog in Perry. Throw on top of that continued excellent fishing in the area, great restaurants offering incredible entree’s and cool weather that makes this area the best in Florida if the whole Southeast.

Catch up the latest from the Cedar Key Dolphin Project, Some incredible layouts from Phoenix Park Models (on our Real Estate Cover), a feature article on Deb’s Deli in Old Town and our newest customer Georgia Mud Motors in Valdosta.

We appreciate your continued support of our publications and look forward to the fall and holiday season coming up fast.

Until then, enjoy The Hidden Coast.

This summer was one for the books. All of our publications, starting in May, exceeded sales goals, brought in new customers, picked up new subscribers and flew out of the racks throughout the region. Thank you to everyone, customers, readers, advertisers and vendors, for a great summer season! It was so good to see everyone come together to celebrate our 250th birthday last month, but more importantly to see all the local towns and cities busy again with great weather, big crowds and a successful scallop season so far.  

We are fresh off a few days of R&R and ready to move into the fall months. We have our covers already planned for the rest of the year and these will include some of the annual events and festivals in the area, plus spotlights on some of the individuals who make this region so special. 

Our current cover spotlight The Gilchrist Blueway Trail. This project was put together by Donna Creamer, and the Gilchrist County TDC. A 55-mile trail that defines rural Gilchrist County. This has been a work in progress for a while and the finished project, a 24×36 brochure, is dynamite! Filled with photos, maps and infographics to help you navigate your way through the trail. See more on this incredible project at https://visitgilchristcounty.com/blueway-trail/

We also have a spotlight article on Dilly Dally Gally and Harbour Master Suites in Cedar Key. Located right on Dock Street, these businesses have been a staple in the community for many years. Amy Henderson, owner, brings us the history of these two iconic businesses. 

We thank all of our advertisers who continue to support us as we are now half through our 10th year. On a sad note we said goodbye to Shelby Robb in July. She worked with us since 2025 and did an incredible job selling advertising. She worked and lived in Steinhatchee for many years, but like many she was uprooted after the hurricanes. She expanded her real estate career while working with us (obtaining her brokers license) and finally decided to move to the panhandle to be closer to family and some work opportunities. Thank you Shelby, and you will indeed be missed! 

Until the next time, enjoy the waining days of summer and we will see you next time. 

What better way to kick off July than with that combination! We celebrate America’s 250th birthday this month and what a time it is going to be on The Hidden Coast. Every community in the region will be having events and festivities for the 4th of July so get out and enjoy (responsibly). We are blessed to be living in the greatest nation on earth, but even more blessed to be living in this part of the country. So much to do, beautiful surroundings and welcoming residents make this part of the state like nothing else. No wonder we always get people that tell us, “We wish we could keep it hidden.” 

On the flip side of the issue is the annual scallop season. A big draw for area businesses that rely on visitors for the summer months. From what we have seen it has been a success so far, and if you’ve never been make it point to try it this year. It’s a fun event for the whole family, that doesn’t take a lot of expense. Several local businesses offer boat rentals as well as lodging for a fair price, and on top of that you have some incredible locally owned restaurants up down the coastline. We are happy to be spotlighting one of them, Kathi’s Krabs in Steinhatchee, in our July edition. Owners Tom and Melissa Willits are celebrating 10 years and what a business they built. If you have never been make sure to stop by the next time you are in the area, and you can read the entire article on our website.

Finally, a big thank you to Victor Blanco. Victor is a Marine Extension Agent III for UF/IFAS Extension in Taylor County and he has supplied us with 4 pages of information the scalloping season. Please take the time to read up on the “whatnots and how-tos” for this season. Victor is a great asset to the area and we appreciate his longtime support of our magazine. 

Until the next time. Have happy 4th of July, stay cool and we will see you in August!  

Hard to believe we are half way through 2026 already. On the flip side, we are excited about this issue, for it’s been a work-in-progress for a while – America’s 250th celebration! A how and where guide to celebrate this monumental occasion on The Hidden Coast! We reached out to all of the local communities and several sent back their schedule of events for the July 4th weekend. Needless to say, there will be lots going on to celebrate our country’s birthday. And don’t forget to get your shirts from our online store, or the Steinhatchee Chamber of Commerce. Two great designs to help you get that U-S-A feel! Wherever and whatever you plan to do, please celebrate safely and leave the driving (cars or boats) to someone else if you plan to drink.

Another big part of our June edition is our 2nd annual Hurricane Preparedness section. We have evacuation routes, shelters, flood zones and additional information to keep you and your family prepared (and safe). Please plan to hold on to this edition and we will also have it on our website for the remainder of the 2026 Hurricane Season. A shout out to Elizabeth Burr, our staff writer, for updating all of the information this year.

Next month we will focus on the 2026 Scallop Season and include all of the information, tips and tricks that you will need to make this season a successful (and safe) one!

Until the next time. Enjoy the summer, Happy Birthday America and be safe out there.

This year continues to fly by at warp speed and we are now facing the summer months. This year we expect a very busy season, not only because of the annual scallop season, but also America’s 250th celebration. We will have information and schedule of events from all the festivities planned for July 4th. We will also be including our annual Hurricane Preparedness Section for this issue as well. Our July edition with be all Scalloping as we focus in on Steinhatchee and the kick off of the 2026 season. So many events planned the for the region already and we know it will be a fun time for the whole family – wherever you celebrate.

Palms Medical Group is on our cover this month. They several locations throughout North Central Florida and go by the tagline, “Making medical service more accessible to rural North Florida.” How true and certainly well-needed in the area which continues to grow leaps and bounds every year. 

We welcome several new customers in with us for May; Coppertone Creations RV Site and Water Slip Rentals, Jamilyn Monica, Hometown Realty, Dewey Hatcher, Hatcher Realty Services and Nancy Zubler-Turner, Big Bend Home & Land. Thank you to all for being part of our publication!  

We also have several old friends back in with us including Eleanor Oaks RV Park, Cross City Dental, Big Z RV Resort and Ami Sams, EXP Realty.

Summer is coming and we have several rental options and as well RV parks in with us. If you’re coming to the area this year make sure to make your reservations early!

Finally, don’t forget our 250th items on our online store. Shirts and decals to help you and your family (or office staff) celebrate this historic event for America! 

Until the next time, keep the rain dances going and follow the rules local county burn bans. 

Spring is officially here. The cool weather from this winter seemed to hold on, even until the very end last week. Not a real big fan of cold weather anymore but I know we will all be clamoring for it by mid-July!

We kick the new season with lots of events. The 24th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival is this weekend, followed by the Cedar Key Arts Festival in April and The Cedar Lakes Woods and Garden 11th Annual Garden Show and Spring Fest and the Cedar Key Small Boat Meet happening in early May. These are all fun events geared towards the whole family so please make plans to get out and enjoy one or all (and also our beautiful weather)!

We welcome in some new customers and along with some old friends getting back in with us as well. Palms Medical Group, Ms. Lynn’s Old Pavilion RV Park, Candis Langford, Sky Monkey Media and PBJ Home Inspections. Thank you to all for your support!

We also have some great articles on the region for April staring with our cover feature on The Putnam Lodge. As the article states “A Hidden Gem in the Area” and that could not be more true. Beverly and Ed Pivacek, owners, have done an amazing restoring the property. If you have never been it is truly worth the visit. In addition to the Lodge, they also have an in-house restaurant and bar plus and RV Park on site. We also have short features from from The Cedar Key Dolphin Project, and Discount Residential Services.

Finally, we added some new products to our online store and we are super-excited about them! America’s 250th Celebration is now part of The Last of Old Florida apparel and die-cut stickers. Celebrating this area along with the best part of this beautiful country – our freedom!  Check them out on our website and be on the lookout for new items as summer gets closer. https://thehiddencoastmag.com/store-2/

Until the next time, we appreciate your continued support and Happy Spring!

March along with April brings several events locally including the Cedar Key Arts Festival, The Lower Suwannee Art & Nature Festival and the Horseshoe Beach Music Festival. The weather is warming up and these are all fun family events. Please make plans to attend one of them and help support the hard working volunteers who put these events on every year.

We have another good round of spotlight articles this month. They include Iron Horse Mud Ranch, Tails of Cedar Key and Citrus Lending. All local small businesses who make this region so special. If you are out and about stop by and see them and let them know you saw them in The Hidden Coast!

We welcome some old advertisers back in with us this month as well. Harbour Master Suites and Dilly Dally Gally in Cedar Key and Amy and Kevin Garver representing United Country Real Estate and Dock to Dwell respectively in Steinhatchee.

We look forward to celebrating America’s 250th this year and look for some exciting news coming from us later in the spring. It’s St. Patricks Day this month as well. Don’t forget your Last of Old Florida apparel and memorabilia  to “O’Celebrate”. https://thehiddencoastmag.com/store-2/

Finally, don’t forget our new Classified Pages in the Fishing Lowdown, our inaugural Restaurant Guide in April and the March Madness advertising deal leading into the summer. Buy an ad in our April and May editions and get June FREE!

Until the next time, Happy Spring!

Not sure about everyone else, but I am very happy January is behind us. It was almost like a “hangover” month from the holidays of November and December. Those were so different for us this year (dynamics, surroundings, family) I guess it just took a toll on me. January’s edition was probably the hardest issue I think I have done in 10 years of doing this magazine (we didn’t distribute it until the 22nd of the month). Craziness for us, but it is behind us now. Our February edition has already been printed and distributed and we are moving full steam ahead.

February always kicks off what we call the “Festival Season” on The Hidden Coast. Starting this month and moving into April you have the Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival, Cedar Key Chocolate Tour, 9th Annual Lower Suwannee Art & Nature Festival and The Old Florida Celebration of Arts. So much to do and see so please make plans to attend one, if not all, of these fun events. Hopefully the cold weather is behind us and these all benefit the local communities still reeling from the hurricanes of 2023 and 2024.

We welcome new customers Tails of Cedar Key and realtor Monja Slater in for our February edition and several old friends coming back in with us as well including;  Kathi’s Krabs, Big Z RV Resort and Ms. Lynn’s Old Pavilion RV Park. We are also excited to announce that we have Our Local Flavors Pages back to two pages this month. These are speciality pages that highlight locally owned and operated restaurants in the region and it has been a staple of our for many years. A big thanks to the Old Mexico Restaurant and The Tea Room At Fiddler’s Resort for getting us over the top!

We are Spotlighting two of our long time customers this month: Burgandy Arrington, Hatcher Realty Services and Megan and Mark Ennis, Citrus Lending. Excellent reads on two great companies who give so much to their local communities.  We also have an informative article on the Lower Suwannee Art and Nature Festival (our cover feature for this month).

A couple of items to note, Our 3rd annual 2026 Business Card Directory is out. Our biggest one yet! Thank you to all the businesses who participated this year. You can view the entire edition online or look for copies wherever you pick up copies of our magazines each month. We will also be promoting every business who took part this year with weekly spotlights on Facebook and Instagram.  Don’t forget our Classified Pages in The Fishing Lowdown too. A great way to buy, sell, promote or just browse.

Finally, we are planning another special publication this year, The Hidden Coast Restaurant Guide. This will follow the same size and setup as the Business Card Directory and hopefully be an annual piece starting this year. Look for details on our website and social media pages. Drop date is scheduled for the first week of April.

Until then, thanks for reading and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Happy new year and happy anniversary to us! 2026 marks 10 years of The Hidden Coast magazine. Our first publication of which now there are four in our library. When we started our journey 10 years ago we were hoping to continue on the road we had been on for almost 20 years before then. We were able to do that, plus some.

Being creative through art and design is all I’ve ever know and I am forever grateful I have been able to make it a life-long career. Of course, many thanks to our readers, followers, advertisers and vendors for their support over the last decade. As I have said many times before, “We couldn’t have done it without you.”

We have have big plans for all of our publications this year. We hope to expand them in their own unique way. This includes additional feature articles, spotlights on local business owners and leaders, continued growth with our online publication The Hidden Coast Brief, adding classified pages for The Fishing Lowdown and specialty publications every quarter. We will continue to balance our presence in both print and online as the year moves forward.

Our January edition includes a fantastic cover compliments of the North Florida Trails. This been a collaborative effort of several counties in the Hidden Coast area over the last year and finally finished up by Kay McCallister of the Dixie County Tourist Development Council. Our January edition only scratches the surface of information offered for this project so we urge you to visit their website for an abundance of additional information, photos, stats and maps. https://www.northfloridatrails.com/

We also feature Miller Homes Public Adjusting in this month’s edition. With Miller Homes PA, you gain an experienced public adjuster who knows how to document, value, and negotiate your claim for its true worth—fighting on your behalf to secure the fair settlement you deserve. Something we all need living in Florida and the history of hurricanes over the past few years.

Finally we were talked into doing an article on “us”. Several advertisers as well as friends and family thought it would be a good idea to let the region know who we are along with our history of starting The Hidden Coast Magazine 10 years ago. I went into this kicking and screaming, I am not one for the spotlight, but in the end Elizabeth Burr, our staff writer, did an excellent job brining our journey to paper. A big thanks to her as well as my family (all mentioned in the article) for their tremendous support and help over the years – it goes way beyond the 10 years of this magazine. 

Until the next time, stay warm out there!