Get to Know Wewa
Wewa is a one-of-a-kind place. Wewahitchka is said to mean “watery eyes,” a reference to Lake Julia and Lake Alice, the two lakes in the center of town that resemble eyes when viewed from above.
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, plan a stop here. Wewa may be small, with fewer shops and storefronts than you'll find along the coast, but the beauty of its waterways more than makes up for it.
Wewa is known for two things in particular: tupelo honey and the Dead Lakes. Some call the honey “liquid gold,” while others describe the Dead Lakes as eerie but peaceful. Both are part of what makes this little town so special.
Find Your Peace on the Dead Lakes
Often called a “graveyard” of trees, the Dead Lakes is a 6,700-acre blackwater reservoir filled with thousands of skeletal bald cypress trees.
Some say the Dead Lakes offers some of the best bass fishing around, and I can personally attest to that. There's something peaceful about being out there, hearing birds sing, catching the splash of a bass hitting a topwater lure, or watching a gator or turtle slip into the water.
Taking in the sights and sounds of nature truly makes you stop and appreciate what's around you.
While many find paradise on our beaches, some don't realize what they're missing beyond the beach.
Stop In for a Little Local Insight
For a little local insight, stop by Wewa Outdoors & Pawn. The folks there have stories to share about their experiences in the northern end of the county, along with tips on some of the best places to cast a line for freshwater fish.
Gaskin Park is another local gem. Some families come simply to enjoy the playground, while others launch their boats to explore the surrounding waterways, including the Chipola River, Apalachicola River, and Dead Lakes.
Take the Scenic Route
Heading toward Port St. Joe from Wewa, you'll find the small community of Howard's Creek, tucked away off the main highway before you reach the White City bridge.
It's a fishing and golf cart community, to say the least. If you go that way, stop at Howard's Creek Country Mart and grab a bite from the deli before heading out on the water.
What many people may not realize is that the waterways around this tucked-away community also connect to Lake Wimico.
Many boaters launch at the Intracoastal Waterway in White City and head toward the lake, but putting in at the lower landing in Howard's Creek offers a more scenic route, in my opinion. It may take a little longer, but the scenery is worth it.
Discover Your Kind of Paradise
Whatever adventure brings you to Gulf County, whether it's the rivers or the beaches, you'll find something special here. Wewahitchka and Port St. Joe each have their own personality, and you'll find locals ready to welcome you with that Southern hospitality we all love.
So next time you're here, leave a little room in your plans to explore beyond the beach. You might just find a different kind of paradise in Wewa.
