Last updated on July 29th, 2021 at 01:17 pm
YANKEETOWN — For almost 40 years, this tiny Gulf Coast community (population 629) has been attracting visitors to their remote village on Florida’s Nature Coast for their annual seafood festival.
If you’re looking for “Old Florida,” this could be your destination on the banks of the Lower Withlacoochee River, just three miles from the Gulf.
The festival, which usually takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving, features locally caught Gulf seafood, entertainment, arts and crafts.
Sponsored by the Inglis-Yankeetown Lions Club, net profits support charitable causes: local, state, national and international, in that order.
Kayaking, hiking, boating and fishing
[mappress mapid=”309″ alignment=”left” initialopeninfo=”false”] Yankeetown offers boating access on the Withlacoochee River at its own public boat launch as well as two additional launches at Yankeetown Marina and B’s Marina and Campground.
There is also Gulf access at the Levy County boat ramp on County Rd. 40 as well as a small public beach suitable for canoe and kayak launching.
The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve in Yankeetown is a 413-acre swatch undeveloped wetlands, consisting of mixed hardwood, pine, and cabbage palm forest, tidal marshes, and several salt ponds.
The Preserve has a 30 foot observation tower, salt pond boardwalk, Gulf accessible canoe/kayak dock, and a 4500 square foot education center.
Camping
B’s Cypress Marina and Campground, 15 RV sites for overnight visitors with full hookups ($42) (5 tent sites with water and electric); Restrooms, showers, laundry, boat ramp, dock, kayak and pontoon boat rentals; Pets OK. 6621 Riverside Drive, Yankeetown. 352-447-5888
Big Oaks River Resort and Campground. 21 full hookup RV sites ($35 and up); cabins ($55); 5 tent sites with water and electric; Restrooms, showers, laundry, cable TV, pool. Pets OK. 14035 West River Road, Inglis. 352-447-5333
Eleanor Oaks RV Park. 60 wooded RV sites with full hookups ($32); 15 tent sites ($25). Restrooms, showers, laundry, swimming pool, Wi-Fi. 42 Cattail Lane, Yankeetown. 352-447-3050.
Other Accommodations
Nature Coast Inn., 649 West Highway 40, Inglis. 352-447-7463
Withlacoochee Motel. 66 HWY 19 South, Inglis. 352-447-2211
The Magnolia House. ($89) Yankeetown, FL, 352-477-4820.
Hotels.com Search for other nearby accommodations
Fishing Guides
Yankeetown Marina, 352-302-4725
Captain’s Cove Outfitters, 352-447-5610
Captain Rick’s Fishing Charters, 352-629-3605
Related Links
2016-17 Florida Seafood Festival Calendar
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From the Editor:
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PATRICIA FUHRMANN
Tuesday 15th of September 2020
Who do I contact to rent table for festival Nov 21-22
Bob Rountree
Wednesday 16th of September 2020
Patricia, You need to contact the festival directly. There is a link on this page.