Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
Swim, Snorkel, SCUBA, Paddle, Camp, Play at Florida’s Manatee Springs State Park
The first-magnitude spring at Manatee Springs State Park produces an average of 100 million gallons of clear, cool water daily. In winter, West Indian manatees swim upriver to the warmer waters of the springs. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are also a great spot for swimming. The spring run …
Paddle With PaddleFlorida on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail: October 22 – 27, 2015
Natural North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers a unique opportunity to see and paddle one of America’s great rivers. The Suwannee River starts its journey in Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp and meanders through north central Florida until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico at the town of Suwannee. One important yearly kayak event is the …
Country In The Pines Music Festival, Perry, Fl, September 25 & 26, 2015
This year’s Country In The Pines Music Festival is going to be a great, two day event, with music, good eats and lots of fun. The event will take place September 25 and 26, 2015 at the Forest Capital Park in Perry, FL. The schedule of events is still being put together, but should …
Small Town Escape: Newberry in Western Alachua County
Many consider Newberry to be a “suburb” of busy Gainesville, the county seat of Alachua County, Florida. Located at the crossroads of US27 and SR26, it seems Newberry is often overlooked by folks traveling through the downtown. Newberry’s official Main Street is US27, but it’s along east/west SR26 (Newberry Road/University Avenue if you’re heading west …
Boat Rentals at St. Marks and Steinhatchee on Florida’s Natural North Florida Gulf Coast
Not everyone has a boat (AKA a hole in the water in which to pour money!). And not everyone needs to have a boat if they only use it a couple of times each year. Florida’s recreational bay scallop season, running from June to September each year, is the perfect time to rent a boat …
Open House at Cedar Key’s Seahorse Key Marine Laboratory, July 18, 2015
Going Scalloping On Our Natural North Florida Gulf Coast? Plan Ahead!
Participating in Florida’s bay scallop harvest (see: Bay Scallops: The Gulf of Mexico’s Tastiest Treat) is lots of fun, but before you head out the door and head to Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, or St. Marks (all in Natural North Florida!), you’re advised to do some preliminary planning. Other than the “simple stuff”, like having your …
Cool Off In Gornto Springs–A Dixie County Favorite!
There are many “plain ‘ol swimmin’ holes” left anymore. Many have been privatized and others (for the better) have been turned into state parks. One of my favorites is Gornto Spring, sometimes referred to as Guaranto Spring, in Dixie County, alongside the Suwannee River. Gornto Spring Park has nice restrooms, picnic facilities and a boat …
Be Safe on the Water This Summer
By: Bill Mahan, Florida Sea Grant Agent – UF IFAS Extension Bay County It’s that time of the year when our beaches and waters fill up with folks who want to enjoy their time soaking up some rays and playing in the water! However, the water can be a dangerous place, so be alert to …
World Sea Turtle Day Celebration, Gainesville, FL–June 20, 2015
World Sea Turtle Day Celebration Jun 20th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Florida Museum – 3215 Hull Road, SW 34th Street and Hull Road Gainesville, FL 32611 GET DIRECTIONS Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day with the Sea Turtle Conservancy! Children and families are invited to tour the Museum’s sea turtle exhibit with …