Off The Beaten Path
“Roads to Nowhere” and dead ends often lead to special places in Natural North Florida. Blogger Tommy Thompson writes about places that are interesting, out-of-the-ordinary, and “off the beaten path”
Dudley Farm HIstoric State Park in Alachua County is a Florida Gem
When driving on SR26 (Newberry Road) between Gainesville and Newberry, Florida, the casual observer is likely to overlook the less-than-imposing entry and driveway that leads to Dudley Farm Historic State Park (For your GPS: 18730 W. Newberry Road, Newbery, FL 32669). What lies at the end of the quarter-mile drive is astounding in terms of …
Summering in Simmering Suwannee Sound, Levy County Fishing At It’s Best!
Many anglers write off fishing our Big Bend waters in summer, simply giving in to the crowds of scallopers who invade our coastal ports, boat ramps, restaurants and motels. But we do have excellent summertime fishing opportunities in our less-busy darker waters. And Suwannee Sound, between the towns of Suwannee and Cedar Key, tops my …
Take a Ride in Bicycle-Friendly Lake Butler, in Union County, Florida
If you’re looking for a quiet, low-key place to have a leisurely bicycle ride, head to Lake Butler, in Florida’s Union County. Union County is small and rural, but there are plenty of sights to see from either the Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail or the not-very-busy city streets. The trail’s western terminus is in downtown …
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 …
“Meat and Three” at Bett’s Big T Restaurant in Chiefland, Florida
“Meat and Three” restaurants are a southern tradition. In many parts of Florida, they’re dying out and being replaced by fast-food enterprises, especially in the more urbanized areas. But if you’re traveling through (or hopefully stopping in) our 11 county Natural North Florida region, you’ll find several of these classic eateries. A good example is …
Small Town Escape: Alachua, the Main Street of Natural North Florida
Don’t be fooled by all the new development, gas stations and fast food outlets when you exit I-75 at Exit #399, US441. You’re in the town of Alachua (pronounced Al-ach-u-way) in rural Alachua County (pronounced Al-ach-u-wah). And you’re in a real gem of a Natural North Florida town. The restoration of downtown Alachua is impressive, …
Bike, Hike or Ride Your Horse at San Felasco Hammock State Park, in Alachua County, Florida
This preserve has one of the few remaining mature forests in Florida. The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys, and many species of songbirds make their homes in the 18 natural communities found in the …
Open House at Cedar Key’s Seahorse Key Marine Laboratory, July 18, 2015