Located
along central Florida’s west coast, Inglis
and Yankeetown are the centers of activity
in Levy County. These Gulf Coast seaside
towns harkens back to slower days.
The history of the area is steeped with colorful characters. In 1919, A.G. Knotts one of the wealthy city planners of Gary, Indiana bought approximately two-thousand acres here as a spot to live as well as for the prolific fish, game and wildlife. During the next decade a trail was cut through the lush vegetation, which eventually became a paved road. Knotts then built the historic Izaak Walton Lodge, named after the writer, who was an avid fisherman.
It
didn’t take long for folks up north to
figure out Knotts was on to something. Often
referred to as a “Northern beachhead on the
sacred shores of the South” it was
eventually granted a charter by Florida
legislature under the name “Yankeetown”.
Although there are a little less that a thousand residents here, little about the natural charm of the area has changed. Inglis and Yankeetown remain popular destinations for fishermen, hunters and those seeking the ultimate Florida eco-tour.
The
Withlacoochee River runs through
Inglis and empties into the Gulf
of Mexico. The Withlacoochee is
on of only a handful of rivers
in the world that flow north.
Starting as freshwater and
ending in the salty waters of
the Gulf of Mexico, the
Withlacoochee offers the best of
both freshwater and saltwater
fishing. Bass, bluegill, trout,
redfish, sheepshead, Spanish
mackerel, bluefish, and even
grouper, kingfish and world
record tarpon are plentiful just
a short boat excursion out to
sea. Endless creeks, grass flats
and salt flats offer up
diversity like no other. The
Cross Florida Barge Canal hits
the Gulf of Mexico right here as
well. If you have never taken a
boat ride through the massive
locks, you are in for a
surprise. The Barge Canal is
great for mullet, perfect for
smoking.
Adjacent to Inglis and Yankeetown is the Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area with over 24,000 acres of some of the best-managed hunting in Florida. Game include wild hogs and turkeys, deer, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, opossum, otters, skunks, bobcats, quail as well as endless waterfowl and even bear and coyote.
Fishing
and hunting are not the only
activities available. There are
several biking, hiking and
walking trails throughout Levy
County. One of the newest is the
Withlacoochee Bay trail
(offering kayaking and canoeing
in addition to the trail
itself). Don’t forget to have
your picture taken on the
“Follow That Dream” parkway,
named after the 1962 Elvis movie
where it was filmed. There is
also Riverside Drive, a romantic
canopied street meandering
through Inglis and Yankeetown.
There
are several places for
accommodations and fine food
including the Izaak Walton
Lodge, Pine Lodge Bed and
Breakfast, Big Oaks River Resort
as well as the Withlacoochee
Motel for those on a budget.
Several RV Parks are available
also. Izaak Walton’s offers
excellent seafood dining. There
is also the locally famous
December’s Restaurant.
With little changing here in the past one hundred years, it is the steep history and small town charm that attracts more and more vacationers and residents. And being just minutes away from the larger cities of Dunnellon, Ocala, and Crystal River, Inglis and Yankeetown are increasingly becoming desirable places to live.
If
a slower pace is what you’re
after, Inglis is perfect for
you. Waterfront homes in Inglis
are still affordable compared to
other Florida waterfront
communities making property here
a great investment. And
virtually no crime makes the
area ideal for raising a family
or for that dream retirement
home. Yankeetown was a great
little town for Lucy to grow up
in. Let her and Team Barnes show
you what Inglis and Yankeetown
have to offer you!
