While researching the Cross Creek area in search of "Old Florida" as part of a trip focused around Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, I learned about an old fish camp with restored cabins adjacent to The Yearling Restaurant.
We took a chance and went waaaay out of our comfort zone and booked #3: "When the Whippoorwill," named after one of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's novels. "Secret River," "South Moon Under," "Golden Apples," "Cross Creek" and "Sojourner" round out the remaining cabins.
We had planned on staying in a hotel 14 miles north in Gainesville and driving down to Cross Creek each day. However, the Yearling cabins were only minutes from each of the three towns on our Old Florida itinerary: (Micanopy, McIntosh and Evinston) and in the middle of the action. Well, there's not much action in Cross Creek but you know what I mean. It was rustic, clean, cozy, comfortable and brimming with character complete with all of the conveniences of a higher-priced hotel.
The grounds still have the old fish cleaning sinks, etc. from the old Cross Creek Fish Camp. The building now houses the laundry for the six cabins. We sat around the fire in the evening and enjoyed the creek passing by. The back of our cabin faced the road and advertised the long-gone citrus industry.
Did I say Old Florida?" The famed Yearling Restaurant was steps from our cabin. No visit to the area is complete without a visit there. As every reviewer cautions: don't let the exterior fool you. While not much has changed since the 50s, this is Old Florida at its best. The Yearling is a consistent TripAdvisor Travelers Choice restaurant. Established in 1952, The Yearling specializes in Southern Cuisine and the foods of rural Florida. Every book in the restaurant is for sale. One could spend hours looking at the collection of volumes and pictures. Also on display are Rawlings's books which are also for sale. We had our hearts set on grouper but had to compromise with red fish because of availability. Next time we’ll also order the fried green tomatoes which I understand are exceptional.
We enjoyed out stay at the cabin so much we have decided to make it an annual event to the area. So much history; so little time.
