If you’ve never been to this part of the world, you might want to come a day or two ahead of time and see some of the local sights. If you’re planning to camp on site, it can be arranged for you to be able to set up early, just be sure note the dates on the registration. Here’s some local places of interest that you might want to see while here, but certainly not limited to:
- Florida Caverns State Park
Located on the North side of Marianna, just minutes from the NDOG. Florida’s only air-filled limestone cave system accessible without diving equipment, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and formations created by the Chipola River carving through limestone, with year-round 64 degree chambers.
- Falling Waters State Park
Located South of Chipley Florida, approximately 15 miles West of the NDOG. A very unique ecosystem of native Longleaf Pine and Wiregrass, typical to what this part of Florida was like many years ago long before development. Home to a large colony of Gopher Tortoise. Water flows into a large sinkhole that deposits directly into the Florida aquifer. Features allot of local history in the park area.
- World’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Located approximately 60 miles South of the NDOG. This area is known as “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” for a reason. Whether you call it the Gulf of Mexico or the Gulf of America, if you like the beach and have never seen the gulf beach…you don’t want to miss it. The ocean beaches don’t begin to compare with the beautiful water and sugar-white sand of the gulf. A really popular destination for vacationers and spring-breakers. November will be the perfect time to visit, as all the hollerin’ and screamin’ college students a weilding momma and daddy’s credit cards will be back in school.
- Jackson Blue Springs.
Located just northeast of Marianna, approximately 10 miles from the NDOG. A popular recreational area known for its exceptionally clear cool water. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
- Canoe and Kayak Liveries
The Panhandle is home to numerous creeks, many of which have beautiful natural springs feeding them water. Three notable creeks come to mind.
– Spring Creek, located on the Eastside of Marianna, about 5 miles from the NDOG.
– Holmes Creek, located about 20 miles West-Southwest of the NDOG, near Vernon
– Econfina Creek, located about 45 miles to the Southwest of the NDOG site.
All three have a livery where canoes can be rented. All three creeks boast breathtaking springs and natural beauty.
- National Peanut Festival
2026 celebrates the 82nd annual National Peanut Festival. The festival is held approximately 30 miles Northwest of the NDOG, just South of Dothan Alabama. It’s a celebration of this region’s agricultural heritage, which the peanut has played a major role in. The festival starts on November 6th and runs through November 15th and features a large midway, live concerts, agricultural exhibits, as well as livestock shows.
If you’re planning to attend the NDOG but do not want to camp on site, there’s numerous lodging available on the East side of Marianna, as well as in Chipley and Bonifay Florida, 10 to 20 miles west.
If assistance is needed in finding a place to stay, just let me know or if there’s any special needs or accommodation that might be needed to make your visit the best it could possibly be.
I’m really looking forward to seeing friends, old and new, in November!!!
Sincerely, your 2026 National Dutch Oven Gathering Host
Forrest Dilmore