Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
Big Bend Shellfish Trail–Florida’s Working Waterfront Communities
Shellfish harvest and consumption in Florida is an important facet of the maritime heritage of many coastal towns. Natural North Florida’s Big Bend has several towns that still harbor local shellfish fisheries. These working waterfront communities are places where present day fishers carry on the traditions of past generations. The Big Bend Shellfish Trail Map …
Don’t Miss Panacea’s “Cluster Shuck” Oyster Fest, October 22, 2017
The date has changed due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Nate! We hope to see you on the 22nd! There’s an “R” in “October”– –and that means it’s time to eat oysters! What a great way to spend an October afternoon than to eat oysters at one of Natural North Florida’s premiere fishing communities, Panacea. Located in …
Save The Dates: Natural North Florida’s Fall 2017 Music Festivals
As summer winds down in Natural North Florida, residents and visitors alike flock to our famous music and food festivals. It seems that every year, the number of events increase, as do their quality and breadth. In 2017, three are of particular note. In Hamilton County, just north of I-10 and east of I-75, the …
Paddle Florida’s Big Bend Coastline At The 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure, October 11-14
If you’re an avid paddler, consider joining 99 others at the 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure. This year’s 4 day trip will depart the Steinhatchee River and head south to Yankeetown, on the scenic Withlacoochee River. On the trip, you’ll see wildlife and “Natural North Florida” at places like Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, and Cedar Key. …
Jump In At These Gilchrist County Springs!
Gilchrist County has many spring-related parks along both the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers. Ginnie Springs Park, near High Springs off CR340 is private, with lots of Santa Fe River shoreline and several springs. It’s busy, but well organized and is a destination appreciated by the “younger” crowd. Blue Springs Park, just up the road …
2017 Bay Scalloping On Florida’s Nature Coast–An Abundance of Tasty Bivalves!
It’s July, and Natural North Florida’s 2017 recreational bay scallop harvest is off to a roaring start. The harvest began on June 16 for the waters from Suwannee (in Dixie County) to the Fenholloway River (in Taylor County) and ends on September 10. The remainder of Taylor County, all of Levy County, Jefferson and Wakulla …
Three Natural North Florida Springs–Free For All!
Some of the best things in our Natural North Florida region are free, and that’s especially true when it comes to three of our smaller springs. While we have the largest concentration of first and second magnitude freshwater springs in the world, these county-maintained “swimming holes” in Jefferson, Columbia and Alachua counties are fun–and FREE! …
Natural North Florida Paddling Guides and Outfitters
Paddling kayaks and canoes on Natural North Florida’s Gulf coast, its rivers and its springs can be the highlight of your visit. In our 14 county region, we have several rivers, including the mighty Suwannee, as well as the largest concentration of first-magnitude springs in the world. And if those places don’t get you excited, …
Heading to Natural North Florida With Your RV?–Set Up Alongside The Historic Suwannee River
The banks of the historic Suwannee River offer cool breezes and relaxation to RV’ers coming to enjoy Natural North Florida. Many of the campgrounds offer tent camping as well. Yellow Jacket Resort, on CR349, between US19 and the Town of Suwannee, is a full-service RV campground, alongside the beautiful Suwannee River
Rent a Boat At Steinhatchee For 2017 Recreational Scallop Season
Florida’s 2017 recreational bay scallop harvest begins on June 16 and lasts until September 10 in Taylor County Gulf waters, including Steinhatchee. While there are other Big Bend/Natural North Florida ports that offer access to scalloping grounds, it’s Steinhatchee that’s truly worked hard to make the experience a great one for everyone. One advantage that …