Author: Tommy Thompson
Christmas Lights Are Spectacular in Natural North Florida
The Holiday Season is a highlight is Florida’s Natural North Florida region. Small towns are well lit, with holiday parades and festivals. Several our State Parks are lit with holiday decorations and private venues hold holiday special events. Here are a few for your consideration: The 8th Annual Christmas Train at Kirby Family Farm Hosted by …
It’s All About Seafood….Florida’s Big Bend Shellfish Trail
Experience fresh, local seafood along Florida’s Big Bend Life on Florida’s Big Bend, especially in the coastal communities of Taylor, Dixie and Levy counties revolves around seafood, especially shellfish. Not only are oysters, clams, shrimp and crabs available at local eateries, they’re available at seafood retailers, often “fresh off the boat”. Certain species. like bay …
Birding and Bird Photography Opportunities in Natural North Florida
Blogger Note: Despite over fifty years as a photographer, my expertise in the art of bird photography is lacking. I thank my friend Rick Davidson, for this story and some excellent photos. I wish I had his patience! Our area is fortunate to have so many parks and wildlife management areas, but we’re also fortunate …
Trunk Or Treat–Halloween in Perry, Florida
“Trunk or Treating” is an excellent way to meet you neighbors and to get ready for All-Hallows Eve, on October 31. This year (2019), the city of Perry is planning an all-out festival in the downtown, featuring lots of vehicles, a costume contest and a carved pumpkin contest. Expect to see plenty of ghouls, movie …
It’s Mackerel Season on Florida’s Big Bend!
This fall, as pods of baitfish move along the Big Bend, anglers can count on some great action from pelagic species like king and Spanish mackerel that follow them. The early summer days of scrawny “snakes” have passed and these eating machines have fattened and in some cases reached record sizes. If you see fish …
Cedar Key 2019 Seafood Festival, October 19 & 20
Fall is here and in Natural North Florida, that means several things! One, it’s cooler and second, the annual Cedar Key Seafood Arts and Crafts Festival is getting ready to happen, October 19 and 20, 2019. In the early ’90s, there was doubt that the city of Cedar Key would survive the official banning of …
64th Annual Florida Forest Festival (and Free Fish Fry!), at Perry, FL October 26, 2019
Yes, that’s a helicopter in the background of this photo of the two-man lumberjack competition at the 2018 Florida Forest Festival in Perry. And there’s more! You can expect to see lots of really spectacular logging gear, military vehicles this year as well as eat some gret food. You’ll also be able to climb aboard …
Get Artsy and Fall-Artsy—Gaineville’s Downtown Festival and Arts Show, November 16 & 17, 2019
There’s no better way to spend a cool fall day than attending the 38th Annual Gainesvlle Downtown Festival and Art Show. The event is planned for Saturday and Sunday November 16 and 17. You, and thousands of participants, can tour booths filled with art (think Christmas presents!), listen to music and eat delicious food from …
Paddle Suwannee River Wilderness Trail: October 18-23, 2019–65 Miles and 6 Days
Florida’s Suwannee River is one of the great features of our Natural North Florida region. It flows from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, over 200 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s big, free flowing, has few hazards and is spectacular to view–and to paddle. Sponsored by Paddle Florida, this trip is popular, not only …
Suwannee Roots Revival, October 10-13, 2019 at Live Oak, Florida
When you first arrive at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, just north of Live Oak Florida, on the Suwannee River, you might be intimidated by the size of the event. With a huge number of headline acts, playing on several stages and in several venues, the Suwannee Roots Revival, now in its fourth year, …