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”
Highlights Of Your Paddling Adventure On Florida’s Mighty Suwannee River
Our Natural North Florida region is blessed to have the Suwannee River as its main freshwater attraction. Yes, we have no crowded beaches or amusement park, but we have Florida’s longest free flowing river. There are no dams and just a few obstructions along its path from White Springs to the Gulf of Mexico. While …
Take a Virtual Vacation to Lake Butler and Union County, Florida
Take A Break and Take a Virtual Vacation in Natural North Florida Spring 2020 has brought a halt to Florida tourism, and tourism worldwide.. Our Visit Natural North Florida region has slowed, too, and with the restrictions of social distancing and travel we’re all dreaming of better times to come. And we hope that potential …
White Springs: Florida’s Original Tourist Destination
Set among forests and a famous river in rural Hamilton County, White Springs, Florida doesn’t conjure the image of a bustling tourist town. As the town’s Vice Mayor Walter McKenzie describes it, you had to be there. “In the late 1800s and early 1900s, White Springs was the number one tourist destination in Florida because …
Paddle Suwannee River Wilderness Trail: October 18-23, 2019–65 Miles and 6 Days
Florida’s Suwannee River is one of the great features of our Natural North Florida region. It flows from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, over 200 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s big, free flowing, has few hazards and is spectacular to view–and to paddle. Sponsored by Paddle Florida, this trip is popular, not only …
Unique Florida Art, Gifts and Decor…at “Catch The Drift” in Old Town
On your next visit to our Natural North Florida region, be sure to visit “Catch The Drift” in Old Town, near the Suwannee River in Dixie County. There, owner Emery Mills will show you around her shop, where lots of unique and original Florida items are for sale. Basically all the inventory revolves around native …
To By-pass….or Not By-pass? US301 By-pass Around Starke Relieves Traffic “Nightmare” in Bradford County
US301 is a major truck route through the center of our region, and in recent years it’s become a nightmare for visitors, especially those heading south from Interstate 10 at Baldwin, east of Jacksonville. There’s no doubt that it’s easier to head down US301, especially if headed to Gainesville, but there’s always been a time-consuming …
Paddle Natural North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail With Paddle Florida, October 19-24, 2018
North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (SRWT) starts at White Springs and follows the river for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This fall’s 65-mile trip will start at Madison Blue Spring State Park and end at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford. Expect fair fall weather and a downstream paddle, suitable for all levels …
Ride Levy County’s Goethe Forest by Horseback–An Orange Blossom Ranch Adventure!
Levy County‘s Goethe State Forest is the perfect place for your next equestrian adventure. The 53,398-acre forest is located near the gulf coast, south of Williston Four trailheads are located on County Road 337. The main trail usage is equestrian, both riders and carts. Goethe is known for its population of red cockaded woodpeckers, …
Take A Walk On The “Wild Side”– In Gainesville’s City Limits–At Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Gainesville’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park is about more than 125 acres of protected land near the intersection of South Main Street and Williston Road. The park is not only a place to connect with nature, it’s a way to protect our environment. Featuring wetlands and ponds, the park was created to improve the water quality of …
A Valuable Tool For Kayak Anglers! A Guide to Kayak Fishing Trails in the Nature Coast, From Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key
What’s small enough to carry on a kayak, waterproof, and presents enough information about kayak fishing Florida’s Big Bend to keep any angler occupied for many months? It’s the new guide to Kayak Fishing Trails in the Nature Coast, compiled by William Wolfson, a summer intern at Cedar Key’s UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station. There …