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The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Parking available
Fireplace
Pet-friendly
Barbecue grill
Outdoor space
Air conditioning

Explore the area

Cross Creek, FL

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park
‪1 min drive‬
University of Florida
‪34 min drive‬
Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

About this property

The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,

No matter if you're a passionate angler, a wildlife lover, a Florida history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, in town for a Gator game, or simply craving peace and quiet—you’re bound to love it here! Cross Creek offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle while being just a 20-minute drive from Gainesville and Ocala. It is conveniently located equally distant from popular attractions like the Ocala National Forest, High Springs (florida springs destination), the St. Johns River in Palatka, The University of Florida and Shands Hospital in Gainesville. The legendary Yearling Restaurant is just steps away offering authentic Florida cuisine and cocktails, If you have never been it is a must. Whether you're just passing through or planning a month-long stay, I've put great effort into creating a unique and delightful experience that blends Old Florida charm with modern comforts—one you'll surely want to revisit and share with friends.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Parking available

Barbecue

Fireplace

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Kitchen
Air conditioning
Parking available
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Hawthorne

Hawthorne is home to this cottage. Micanopy Historical Society Museum and Hippodrome State Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ironwood Golf Course and Regal Royal Park. The Orange Shop and The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park are also worth visiting.

View more Cottages in Hawthorne

Cross Creek, FL

What's nearby

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
Micanopy Historical Society Museum - 22 min drive - 20.6 km
Shands at the University of Florida - 34 min drive - 36.0 km
University of Florida - 34 min drive - 36.4 km
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 35 min drive - 37.4 km

Getting around

Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

‪Circle K - ‬21 min drive
‪Eagles Nest Cafe - ‬24 min drive
The Yearling Restaurant
‪Georgie's Lakeside Restaurant - ‬24 min drive
‪Flyers Cafe - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, located?

Situated in Hawthorne, this cottage is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Orange Creek Restoration Area and The Orange Shop. Micanopy Historical Society Museum and Micanopy Cemetery are also within 12 miles (20 km).

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

31 August 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and peaceful with country charm. Thankful they allowed dogs. We like to travel with our dog and she was comfortable and enjoyed walking around the neighborhood. Not too far from Gainesville and we also enjoyed eating dinner at The Yearling which is right next door.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John E.

23 April 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil stay in “old” Florida

Had a great experience. Loved the feel of going back in time.

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James C.

7 July 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Retreat!

If you’re looking for a charming, peaceful retreat, this is the place. Packed full of charm and attention to detail, this immaculately clean and cozy cabin is right for you. Shanica is a fabulous host who welcomed us into her fabulously redone house with open arms like family. The ability to rest, relax and get away from the busy city life was like none other. However, if you don’t appreciate the quiet of nature and its beauty combined with the lovely thought and detail the host has put into the place, then this one’s not for you!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

James S.

15 April 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Historically Unique Place

Staying at The Blue Heron Hideaway is a true Florida getaway. The attention to detail and deep connection to this historic gem exceeds all expectations.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Anais V.

8 June 2025

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Beautiful Spot (with a few kinks)

Super cute spot in the Florida backcountry. We took a quick mother's day trip to enjoy a quiet, relaxing weekend while visiting the lakes and springs. Below are some pros and cons to our experience.Pros: Lovely patio, deck, and firepit area (with some firewood provided), modern amenities inside, stylish decor, easy check-in, fairly quick communicationCons: Smelly, yellow water, the TV on the patio only plays DVDs, spiders galore (inside and outside), lots of expired goodies left behind by others, and an unknown stain on one of the pillowcasesOverall, I would stay again despite the kinks but would be much more prepared to make it a smoother experience.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean S.

7 April 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday Getaway at Blue Heron Hideaway

We had a fantastic weekend at this one-of-a-kind cottage. The house was clean and well maintained. The bed was super comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed for our stay. We really enjoyed the huge deck outside with all the wildlife sounds and scenes.Shanica was incredibly responsive and thoughtful. She even left me a handwritten birthday note on the counter when we arrived. The house location was in a quiet neighborhood and conveniently located to everything I had on my birthday to do list.I especially enjoyed listening to the record player. It had a great selection of vinyl. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Chris H.

14 September 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

1st impression - Curb Appeal had us wondering what we had gotten into, a bit scary with all the flora everywhere, not knowing what slithering "eeeeks" are hiding behind or under it all! The Deck is Beautiful, it sad to see the water level on the canal so low as we had a boat to dock, but we made other arrangements to no fault of yours. The cottage was above all expectations as we entered: very clean, well stocked with everything we could have imagined, Bravo! A couple concerns: only 1 exit as all other doors were locked from the outside - outside bedroom door was not a tight seal, we put a rug along the bottom mainly for our own self comfort. Our last day there, the guys left a bit earlier than my grandaughter & I ... The guys locked the outside screen door when they left leaving us locked in.The reason for our stay : GATOR HUNTING, It was a first time for myself & my Granddaughter, Our hunt was on Lake Lochloosa - with cousins Andy & Kurt who live in this area, she & I from P.A. & Mid Florida. We had success bringing on board our boat a 10'11" - 311 lbd monster. Reminding me : The baby Gators are adorable, Yes, They Are Cute ..... All Guests, PLEASE DO NOT FEED the Gators, This makes them people friendly, not afraid, becoming a Nuisance to people near the water & those lil cuties become a BIG problem and must be removed !!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie E.

24 February 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and Tranquility

I loved everything about this place! The huge new deck overlooking the canal with all the birds calling, the huge screened lanai, the comfort of the beds and the silky feel of the sheets. The decor is so interesting everywhere you look. Shani really has an eye for lovely things and gives great attention to detail. I loved looking through and playing the vinyl record collection and reading through the book collections she has all about Cross Creek. The bathroom is beautiful and unique. We had dinner both nights at the Yearling, a very popular restaurant a few houses away. A definite place to go while you are here. The Spanish moss (which is neither Spanish nor moss) hangs heavily on all the trees in the area and really enhances the mood of "old Florida" I may just have to use Shani's Realtor skills to find me a similar place of my own!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

About the host

Hosted by Shanica Crider

I'm born and raised a few miles from Cross Creek, I always loved visiting the Yearling Restaurant as a little girl. I've traveled the world and lived in multiple states, but in 2016, I returned home to help manage my father's rental properties. One by one I renovated the rentals and grew a passion for renovation and rehabilitation of old structures. I love thrifting, visiting yard sales, crafting, and breathing new life into old treasures. I purchased this property in February 2024, and after a year of hard work, I listed it on VRBO on the anniversary of my purchase. I hope it will bring my guests as much joy as it brings me. My little oasis of peace and tranquility. I have two year old twin toddlers at home so when I visit the Blue Heron Hideaway to work it feels like a vacation. I got into vacation rentals as a form of supplemental income and hoping the interactions I have with my guests and relationships I make will contribute to my real estate career. I love to meet people and show them the beauty of the real, old Florida.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,

Photo gallery for The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property

The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

Similar properties

Harmons Landing charming 2 bedroom cabin Cross Creek

Harmons Landing charming 2 bedroom cabin Cross Creek

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Hawthorne

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

9.4/10

10/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

9.6/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

Carolyn P.

10/10 Excellent

John E.

Tranquil stay in “old” Florida

John E.

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Charming Retreat!

James C.

10/10 Excellent

James S.

A Historically Unique Place

James S.

6/10 Okay

Anais V.

Beautiful Spot (with a few kinks)

Anais V.

10/10 Excellent

Jean S.

Birthday Getaway at Blue Heron Hideaway

Jean S.

8/10 Good

Chris H.

Chris H.

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie E.

Peace and Tranquility

Bonnie E.

About the host

Hosted by Shanica Crider

Premier Host

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