Food and Dining
Let Tommy Thompson, our Food and Dining blogger and “Sportsman’s Kitchen” columnist for Florida Sportsman Magazine, point you toward the best eats in Natural North Florida.
Gainesville’s “Top” Restaurant: The Top in Downtown Gainesville
If you’re looking for a great meal in downtown Gainesville, The Top is one of the best places to go. The menu has plenty of options for anyone. The menu has something for everyone, including a great selection for vegans and vegetarians. The ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, and the sweet potato fries dipped …
Boiled Peanuts at Maria’s Dixie Nut House in Oldtown
Located at the intersection of US 19 and 55A, the owners of Maria’s Dixie Nut house have been serving up boiled peanuts for 34 years. They started at a roadside stand and eventually moved into the building you see today. They have green peanuts from May-October, and they get them from local sources whenever possible. The Jumbo peanuts …
U-pick Fruits and Veggies, Summer at its Finest!
In today’s world of supermarkets and mega marts, why pick your own produce when you can just go out and buy it? Well, first of all, they’re fresher. Less than 24 hours from the farm to your belly. Second of all, the produce is likely of a higher quality. When farmers pick for supermarkets, the …
Keaton Beach Hot Dog Stand: Much More Than Dogs!
Don’t let the name fool you: Keaton Beach Hot Dog Stand is neither a stand nor a hot dog place. Sure, you can get a hot dog, but you’re more likely to find folks enjoying seafood, burgers and a stunning sunset at this beachside restaurant. The raw bar outdoors boasts a second-story deck with even …
A Bit About Tupelo Honey, a Natural North Florida Original
As you’re exploring the backroads of Natural North Florida, you might see a roadside stand – or just a pickup truck – selling tupelo honey. You might also notice that it’s more expensive than grocery-store honey – about $50 a gallon, not that you have to buy so much. In April and May, tupelo trees …
Mayhaw Jelly: A Southern Delicacy
Relatively rare (if not entirely unknown) in commercial grocery stores, Mayhaw jelly is a must try for visitors to the South East. The jelly is made from a plant that is commonly considered a weed that grows in swampy areas around the Florida/Georgia border. The berries of the plant ripen and turn red in late April …
Capt. Tommy Thompson, Natural North Florida’s Fishing, Food and Family Events Expert
Capt. Tommy Thompson is a licensed USCG boat captain and outdoor writer. He was previously executive director of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association and as an outdoor journalist specializing in saltwater fishing, he frequently contributes to such magazines as Florida Sportsman and Shallow Water Angler. He currently writes the monthly Big Bend Action Spotter column …