Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
San Marcos de Apalache: A Peaceful Spot with a Turbulent History
This park doesn’t look like much from outside: In fact, you could walk right past it without ever realizing the fascinating, turbulent, globe-sweeping history it contains. But step inside San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park in St. Marks, and you’re swept up in a story that begins in 1528. That’s when Panfilo de Narvaez …
Shell Island Fish Camp in St. Marks: Not Just for Fishermen
For me, fishing is mainly an excuse to be around boats and water. Catching something is almost irrelevant. Nevertheless, I love staying at Shell Island Fish Camp when I visit St. Marks. You can’t beat toddling down to the marina’s store for a cup of coffee and enjoying it on the docks as the sun …
Get Outdoors Florida! Targets ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’–We’ve Got the Cure!
Come to Natural North Florida and get cured of ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’. The Get Outdoors Florida! coalition is an union of public and private partners that include federal and state land managers; state conservation, health, and education agencies; educators; healthcare providers; non-profits, and businesses. These groups realize an imperative need to reconnect communities, families and …
Join the Star Party at Cedar Key
Cedar Key’s annual astronomy event January 31-February 4 welcomes the public to scan the skies of the Gulfside town, where the lack of light pollution creates a star-gazer’s paradise. Volunteer astronomers will host free stargazing events at the Cedar Key Museum State Park on January 31 and February 4 with a slide show at 7 …
Stock Up at Gainesville’s Union Street Farmers’ Market
Downtown Gainesville comes alive every Wednesday afternoon when the vendors of fresh fruit, veggies, baked goods, and snacks all show up with their wares. Open from 4 to 7PM, the open-air market at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza (on University Avenue) attracts Gainesville residents and visitors from all walks of life. Look for seasonal specials …
Visit the Easton-Newberry Archery Center
The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex is all about athletics, especially archery! Indoor and outdoor archery events and tournaments are scheduled here year-round. Participate or just come and enjoy watching other shoot. They welcome beginners, seasoned competitors or folks just wanting to hone their archery skills. This is a world class facility with a professional staff and …
R.O. Ranch: Mayo’s Equestrian Paradise
With 2,500 acres of unspoiled wilderness and miles of trails, R.O. Ranch in Lafayette County gives horse enthusiasts reason to cheer. The visitor’s center at R.O. Ranch is still under construction, but three trails are open, including the Steinhatchee Trail, a 6-mile jaunt that ends at the scenic Steinhatchee Falls. The 5-mile Home Trail is …
Last Chance To See Crime Scene Insects!
The Florida Museum of Natural History’s creepy/fun exhibit “Crime Scene Insects” is closing January 17. Don’t miss a trip to the Gainesville museum to see this ghoulishly fascinating look into how insects tell the story of a crime’s where, when and how to help investigators catch the guilty party. Warning: this exhibit is seriously gross, …
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, …
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 …