The Refuge has the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in its’ backyard to offer nature-watching from huge screened porches on lovely porch swings. Spend days enjoying all the area has to offer then return to share a bottle of wine and recount your adventures while counting the stars. Use the outdoor gas grill or the fully-equipped kitchen to cook up the areas amazing seafood. Stay in touch via the strong & reliable Wifi. We are *dog friendly*, please first read the policy & fees and bring Fido! The space Just down the street, the amazing Otter Lake beckons for kayaking, canoeing and fishing—most likely you will have the entire lake to yourself. The coast is within 1 mile from our cottage, and local beaches are 10 minutes away—Bald Point State Park, Mashes Sands, and Alligator Point. Be sure to make the trip along scenic Coastal 98 to visit historic Apalachicola and one of the world’s top 10 rated beaches on St. George Island. If golfing is desired, Wildwood Country Club is 10 minutes away or the St. James Bay Club is 30 minutes up the coast and Tallahassee has even more. Bring your boat and bikes; there is plenty of covered parking. For the young and young at heart, Panacea is home to the amazing Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, where touch tanks let you get a first-hand marine experience while learning about the sea turtles and myriad sea creatures of our unspoiled area-aptly known as The Forgotten Coast. Visit the beautiful state capital of Tallahassee and its hilly tunnel streets lined with ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. See the wonderful museums, FSU and FAMU; you are only 40 minutes away. Don’t miss Wakulla Springs State Park, one of the largest freshwater springs in the hemisphere. Swim in the crystal clear water, or take a guided boat tour of the Springs to see manatees, birds and alligators. Be sure to stop in the historic Lodge and grab a sundae at the beautiful ice cream counter or have a meal at the top-rated restaurant before leaving. Guest access You will have the entire cottage to yourself, including the secluded huge yard! And the entire property is now *completely fenced* with a gate at the driveway entrance. We are proud to say that this should add some peace of mind for our Pet parents as well as make for some vigorous games of fetch. Other things to note The Refuge is pet-friendly AND now *completely* fenced with a gate at the entrance! Bring on the fetch toys! There is a non-refundable pet fee of $15/day for each SMALL pet (30# or less) with a limit of two crate and house-trained pets per visit. We loan crates and require their use whenever pets are unattended for their safety and your piece of mind.