With its balmy temperatures, natural beauty, gracious spirit and affordable accommodations, the South has long attracted vacationing families. But as popular a destination as the region is, there are still vacation getaways known to none but a lucky few. If your family enjoys the simple pleasures of times past then they'll love the Steinhatchee Landing Resort--a re-created turn-of-the-century village on Florida's Gulf shore.

FLORIDA

STEINHATCHEE LANDING RESORT
Located on Florida's north-central Gulf Coast, Steinhatchee Landing Resort hides amid a tangle of century-old oaks and sycamores. Even if you have precise directions, this family paradise can be hard to find because the tiny fishing village of Steinhatchee (population 1,300) doesn't appear on many maps. As you drive past antique shops and roadside eateries that dish out slices of tangy key lime pie, the signs of civilization gently fade. At the end of the road lies the reason for your journey: a riverfront retreat where you can relish the pleasures of bygone days.

The gateway to a sort of Tarzan's playground, Steinhatchee Landing Resort sits on the banks of the Steinhatchee River, three miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Here, visitors can experience a bit of old Florida--a pre-theme-park haven characterized by lush vegetation, abundant wildlife and easygoing fishermen. Native palm and cypress trees line the gentle river, and rare brown pelicans and alligators keep watch on its banks.

From this untamed jungle, Steinhatchee Landing emerges like a queen. The 35-acre deluxe family retreat was developed in 1990 by Dean Fowler, a boyhood chum of President Jimmy Carter's. Set up as a turn-of-the-century southern village, it offers 21 homes that families can rent for the night or a whole season. The comfortable cottages boast tin roofs, ample windows and big front porches. They also come with 20th-century extras like air conditioning, modern furniture and appliances and an outdoor grill.

Although it's easy to just loaf on your private porch, you can also fish off the dock for crabs and catfish, rent a canoe or take a guided sunset cruise. Should you tire of the resort's pleasures, Florida's spectacular "Nature Coast" awaits. About 20 natural springs and state parks are within a two hour's drive of Steinhatchee Landing (guests receive passes to all sites). Families can snorkel, tube and spot manatees (in late fall and winter), while certified divers can explore Peacock Springs, one of the largest underwater cave systems in America. Keaton Beach, 18 miles north, is a favorite spot for Gulf swimming.

THE DETAILS: One-, two- and three-bedroom units are available; prices range from $120 to $255 nightly in low season (September 11 to May 31). Weekend and high-season rates are higher. For more information, call 352-498-3513.

Deborah Geigis Berry and her family are on the road researching FAMILYFUN'S NEW ENGLAND (A Disney Edition).

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.