Author: NaturalNorthFlorida.com
Alfred B. Maclay State Park: Swimming, Canoeing, Fishing and more!
While it is most famous for its gardens, Alfred B. Maclay state park has many other activities to offer. When the weather warms up in a few months, the recreation area on the shore of Lake Hall will be a great place for residents of the Tallahassee area to visit. The recreation area offers several …
Tastes of Natural North Florida: Part 1
This post begins a series on the one-of-a-kind tastes of Natural North Florida: From restaurants to homegrown produce to sweet treats and delicacies you’ll find in the area. Our first featured delicacy is the unbelievably rich shiitake mushroom pate’ from Gainesville’s Abundant Edible Landscapes. Whether you partake in the carnivorous version of pate’ or not, …
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: The Beginning of Blooming Season!
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is located right on the outskirts of Tallahassee, and offers year-round opportunities for visitors to experience outdoor Florida. The Park offers many different activities that should not be overlooked (see this post for details!) including several hiking trails, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and five miles of biking trails. However, it is the gardens themselves that …
Manatee Springs State Park: Perfect in Winter
A trip to the springs is a no-brainer in hot weather, when the 72-degree water provides a welcome retreat from the heat. But camping at the springs is a lot more pleasant in winter and spring, even if swimming isn’t part of the attraction. So what do you do at Manatee Springs State Park in …
Plant Spotlight: Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is one of the most notorious and commonly found plants, but it can be difficult to identify for those who do not have much experience outdoors, as it comes in a variety of sizes and is easily confused with other plants. The most commonly seen plants are the juveniles, and the leaves on these …
Don’t Miss a Meal at Rachel’s Restaurant in Steinhatchee, FL
Rachel’s is open for breakfast (on weekends), lunch and dinner and has become a great hangout for folks wanting a homecooked meal in Steinhatchee. I’ve listed it in the Fishing and Boating category because one of their specialties is ‘guest fish’–not that the fish are ‘guests’, but that they’ll happily cook your catch for lunch …
The La Chua Trail, Sandhill Cranes, Alligators, and More!
The La Chua Trail is on the East side of Gainesville, and is one of the best locations in the area for winter wildlife viewing. The trail is located on Paynes Prairie which is home to many different species which can be viewed from the platform at the end of the trail. The sandhill crane …
Gulf Seafood is the Perfect Choice For Big Bend Visitors!
Fresh Gulf seafood has had some bad press recently. However, since the April 2010 Gulf oil spill, inspection routines have been perfected to such a point that Gulf seafood is probably better inspected than ever before. If you’re headed out to our Gulf coast, particularly to St. Marks, Panacea, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee or Cedar …
San Felasco Hammock: Two Hikes, One Great Trip
San Felasco Hammock is a 7000 acre preserve that hosts one of the few remaining mature forests in the state of Florida. Located just outside of Gainesville, San Felasco makes a great day trip for casual hikers and pet owners. There are two different trail options on the North Side of the Park, the Moonshine …
Horses Welcome at Bronson’s Black Prong
It’s not just any resort that offers a private barn adjacent to your room. At Black Prong Equestrian Center, located in Bronson, horses are just as welcome as people. Equestrian enthusiasts flock here for its nine dressage arenas, cross-country and marathon courses, on-site trainers and the 150 miles of trails in the adjacent Goethe State …