Natural North Florida’s Bay Scallop Harvest Underway! Good 2018 Mid-Season Catches in Taylor, Jefferson, Dixie and Wakulla Counties

  The 2018 bay scallop abundance survey results are in, and the epicenter of this year’s short harvest season is along Natural North Florida’s Big Bend coast.  Each summer, biologists assess bay scallop populations along the Gulf coast of Florida, located in open and closed recreational harvest areas. Surveys are usually initiated in June and …

Don’t Miss The Annual “Smokin’ in the Pines” BBQ and Music Festival, Perry, Florida, September 21 and 22, 2018

Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival Sep 21 – Sep 22 · Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival Forest Capital Park, Perry, Florida     Southern Rock & Country Music, featuring Andy Pursell, the Micheal Miller Band, Band of Brothers, Frayed Knot and much more. Craft vendors, BBQ tasting, sampling and People’s Choice. Competitions with …

Satchel’s Pizza–Gainesville’s Best Pizza, Salad, Music and Entertainment

As is the case with many college towns, Gainesville has many pizza joints.  Some are national and regional chains, but there are a few “independent operators” with a single location.  And, Satchel’s Pizza, at 1800 NW 23rd Avenue, on Gainesville’s East Side, is one of the best!  Not only does Satchel’s serve excellent pizza (don’t …

It’s Time For Natural North Florida’s Bay Scallop Harvest…

….and the 2018 season promises to be one of the best.  Especially at Steinhatchee, in southern Taylor County!   We’re always cautious to put out information in advance of the season, and now, by July 1, we’re certain that this year’s scallop harvest at Steinhatchee will be one of the best in recent years.  This …

Gainesville’s Depot Park—A Downtown Destination For The Entire Family

Depot Park is one of the latest additions to Gainesville’s South Main Street District.  Located at the old railroad depot, which now houses two food concessions, the park is a fun destination for the entire family.  Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a playground visit for the kids, or a stroll after visiting the adjacent …

Don’t Miss Panacea’s Blue Crab Festival, May 4 & 5, on Florida’s Big Bend

The first weekend in May is almost upon us, which means the annual Panacea Blue Crab Festival is right around the corner! The 44th staging of this great event will take place on May 4th-5th at Woolley Park in downtown Panacea, and it promises to be one of the most exciting community gatherings of the …

Don’t Miss the Inaugural (First, Premiere, First Annual!) Big Bend Brewfest in Perry, FL, March 3, 2018

Join us for the Annual Big Bend Brewfest Event at Rosehead Park in Perry Florida. This is an annual fundraising festival, featuring beer, food, and music at Rosehead Park in Perry, FL. This event is held by the Perry Rotary Club, with the proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club and the City of Perry Police …

A FEW WADE OR PADDLING OPTIONS FOR FISHING NATURAL NORTH FLORIDA’S GULF COASTLINE

Updated page, originally posted 10/7/17   While Florida’s Big Bend boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental United States, it has surprisingly few places one can fish without a powerboat. There are several paddleboat launches, ranging from primitive to improved, but with no beaches or barrier islands, wade-fishing is a limited option. …

“Eew” – Frog Legs! A Natural North Florida Favorite!

You no longer have to be the one to catch (and clean and skin—“Eew”) frog legs. Many seafood specialty shops sell them, and I’ve even found imported, frozen frog legs acceptable and tasty.  That’s a good option for visitors to our Natural North Florida region.  Also, you’ll find them in many restaurants in the region. …

Visit Panacea, Florida and The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab and Museum

  Panacea’s Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory is the “real deal”, founded by Jack Rudloe in the early 1960s to provide marine specimens to scientists and researchers.  The facility has grown over the years, to become a full-fledged tourist attraction, while still delivering sea creatures of all sorts to educators and scientists.  A trip through the …