Author: Tommy Thompson
Tom Petty Birthday Bash….Great Music in Gainesville, October 19 & 20, 2018
Gainesville, the largest city in our Natural North Florida region, has been known as a music hub. Names like Bo Diddley, Sister Hazel, Gram Parsons, Bernie Leadon, the Peyton Brothers, and Stephen Stills all come to mind. But most famous was likely “outlaw” musician Tom Petty. Since his death in October of 2017, Gainesville has …
Birding and Bird Photography in Natural North Florida
A guest blog from local bird photographer, Dr. Richard Davidson Fifty million people in the U.S. plan birding outings each year. Our area is blessed with amazing opportunities for those who observe or photograph birds. The Great Florida Birding Trail (http://floridabirdingtrail.com/) includes over 500 locations for birding in Florida, with dozens in the Natural North …
St. Marks Stone Crab Festival, October 27, 2018–Great Things To Eat in Wakulla County
The annual St. Marks Stone Crab Festival is planned for October 27, 2018. St. Marks is the southernmost town in Wakulla County, just a few miles south of Florida’s capital, Tallahassee. St. Marks, and neighboring Panacea, have long been vibrant commercial fishing hubs, specializing in both crabs and fin fish. Here are a few words …
Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausages and Butcher Shop–A Taste of Europe in Downtown Gainesville, FL
The “food scene” in Gainesville has always been pretty good and varied. However, with Adam and Tatiana Fehrenbacher’s Artison Sausages and Butcher Shop now open, your choices now include a shop with a true European flair. Located just west of downtown Gainesville at 411 SW 4th Avenue, the shop is part of the developing strip …
Get Hooked At The Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Fall Tournament, October 13, 2018
Please not that this event has been postponed due to Hurricane Michael. You don’t want to miss this event! If you’re a “yakker”, you need to paddle the backwaters of Taylor County and fish this tournament. It’s a “catch, photo and release” format, hoping to conserve our inshore fish stocks. The Gulf Coast Kayaking Club …
Steinhatchee Fishing Forecast For September and October, 2018
If you’re interested in fishing Natural North Florida’s Big Bend Gulf coast, there’s no better place to go than Steinhatchee. Located south of Perry in Taylor County, just off US19/98 (via CR361 or CR358), Steinhatchee has great facilities, including three excellent marinas, two first-rate boat ramps, and plenty of lodging and dining opportunities. There’s …
It’s Getting Cool–Expect FOOD and FUN at 2018/2019 Festivals in Natural North Florida
Fall and winter in Natural North Florida can be warm, but generally not as hot as in the summer months. And cool days and nights mean that it’s “food festival time”, with several great events on the region’s calendars. Some events revolve around drink, like the Big Bend Brewfest. Others center on food, especially the …
Paddle Natural North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail With Paddle Florida, October 19-24, 2018
North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (SRWT) starts at White Springs and follows the river for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This fall’s 65-mile trip will start at Madison Blue Spring State Park and end at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford. Expect fair fall weather and a downstream paddle, suitable for all levels …
A Sampling of Natural North Florida’s RV-Friendly State Parks
If you’re a resident, or a visitor to Natural North Florida, our 14 rural areas stretching from the Florida-Georgia border south to the Withlacoochee River and east from the Gulf of Mexico almost to the St. Johns River, and if you’re a recreational vehicle (R/V)enthusiast, don’t miss a chance to experience a camping trip at …
Don’t Miss The 63rd Annual Florida Forest Festival and Free Fish Fry, in Perry–October 27, 2018
In 1955, the citizens of Taylor County, Florida, decided to stage a county-wide “Pine Tree Festival” as an educational tool to reduce forest fires that were crippling the county’s economic base-the timber industry. Over the years, the festival grew and accomplished its aim so well that by 1965, Taylor County could boast the lowest fire …