Welcome to Our Backyard!
That is the Standard greeting guests receive when arriving at Choctaw Lodge Bed & Breakfast Retreat. Owners Ron and Kathryn Hardy are always delighted to share their "place In Paradise" with nature enthusiasts in search of a unique encounter with the natural beauty of the Choctawhatchee River. The Hardy's have much to offer their guests including bird watching, nature and plant photography, swamp tours, fishing, boating, canoing, kayaking, and much more in an area relatively unknown to most people. "It is the best kept secret in the Panhandle of Florida," the owners explain, "and our goal is to preserve it in its pristine and natural state as long as we are here."
Choctaw Lodge is located on the banks of the Choctawhatchee River between Ebro and Bruce, FL. Though secluded, guests are only 25 minutes away from Panama City Beach and 35 miles away from Destin, Seaside, and Grayton Beach. The EO Wilson Biophilia Nature Center at Nokuse Plantation is only seven miles from the Lodge and borders much of the Nokuse Conservation property. The Choctaw Lodge river front property includes three houses nestled among an array of indigenous trees including cypress, cedar and hard woods. Many species of flowers, birds (some rare) and animals can be viewed on this beautiful river. Through guided tours you will discover hidden natural springs and lakes only the locals know about or you may venture out on your own exploring in canoes and kayaks. Your days end with sunsets around the fire pits or a sunset cruise in one of our tour boats. When weather does not permit activities in the open boats, there is always the lodge's own 48' houseboat, "The Choctaw Lady".
With only a handful of dwellings between the lodge and Highway 20, Choctaw Lodge is surrounded by tens of thousands of acres dedicated to the preservation through water management plus the Nokuse Plantation with their 48,000 acres of protected land, assuring the survival and conservation of this beautiful area.
"This is not your typical Bed and Breakfast," explains Kathryn, "It is a "RETREAT" offering so much more and is dedicated to the conservation of this beautiful and rare part of Northwest Florida. It is a peaceful, tranquil lifestyle we have grown to love and it is our pleasure to make sure your stay at Choctaw Lodge is memorable. After your initial visit, we will anxiously await your return as everyone who experiences this river and Choctaw Lodge, does return!"
With only a handful of dwellings between the lodge and Highway 20, Choctaw Lodge is surrounded by tens of thousands of acres dedicated to the preservation through water management plus the Nokuse Plantation with their 48,000 acres of protected land, assuring the survival and conservation of this beautiful area.
"This is not your typical Bed and Breakfast," explains Kathryn, "It is a "RETREAT" offering so much more and is dedicated to the conservation of this beautiful and rare part of Northwest Florida. It is a peaceful, tranquil lifestyle we have grown to love and it is our pleasure to make sure your stay at Choctaw Lodge is memorable. After your initial visit, we will anxiously await your return as everyone who experiences this river and Choctaw Lodge, does return!"