Outdoors and Nature
Our Outdoor and Nature experts, Sandra Friend and John Keatley, travel around the region exploring the fabulous springs, rivers, trails, and hidden treasures that make up our ten county Natural North Florida region.
Stop and Smell the Roses: Florida’s Wildflowers
One of the prettiest things about summer in North Florida is all of the wildflowers that you see blooming everywhere. After the dreary gray of winter, the flowers of spring and summer bring a much needed splash of color back into the world. Here is a guide to identifying some of the wildflowers that you …
Kids are Welcome for Blueberry Picking at Green Meadows
A u-pick blueberry farm makes a great outing with kids, and when the blueberries are organic, you don’t have to worry about any pesticides getting on your little one’s hands — or in his mouth if he samples a few in the field (and who doesn’t?). At Green Meadows Farm in Monticello, Delores Green ensures …
Head to Hagan’s Cove for Spectacular Gulf Views
If you’re heading to Steinhatchee or Keaton Beach, don’t miss a side trip out to Hagen’s Cove, a state-owned park near Perry, part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. You’ll find hordes of folks during scallop season — Hagen’s Cove is one of the few spots where you …
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 …
On the Trail of White Squirrels in Wakulla County
Reading through the brochure the ranger gave us as we entered Ochlockonee River State Park in Sopchoppy, I noticed a brief mention of the rare white squirrels in the park. “Patient park visitors may be rewarded with a glimpse,” I read aloud to the family. No sooner had we stepped out of the car than …
Natural North Florida in Florida Trend Magazine!
Florida Trend‘s Chris Sherman highlighted scalloping in Steinhatchee in his latest Getaways article, “No Stein Unturned,” in the monthly business mag. The article describes Steinhatchee’s charm as well as top scalloping spots and the accommodations available at Steinhatchee Landing.
Cabin Camping at Madison’s Jellystone Park
We cooked breakfast in a full kitchen, then ate at a dining room table that seated six. Wait a minute. This is a campground? At Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Madison, roughing it doesn’t have to be rough at all. Sure, you can tent or RV camp, but you can also enjoy the resort …
Fishing for Dummies? Beginners Welcome with Captain Tommy Thompson
I always thought that fishing charters were for people who know how to fish. I mean, I know one end of the pole from the other, but that’s about it. But my son recently decided that he loves fishing and wanted to learn more about it, so we headed out into the Gulf off of …
‘Going Down The Road Being Bad’–Well, Maybe.
With apologies to the late, great Carl Perkins for stealing his song title…just an announcement that the travel.naturalnorthflorida blogger crew is meeting up with famous writer and raconteur Doc Lawrence later today for a grand tour of Madison, Jefferson and Leon counties. With the major emphasis on food and food producers in these northernmost Florida …
Pack a Picnic for Steinhatchee Falls
OK, maybe “falls” is a bit grandiose. But I can tell you that there’s no finer spot than Steinhatchee Falls for a picnic, the start of a paddling trip or quiet contemplation. This favorite gathering spot has a boat ramp and the peaceful sound of the rushing river to recommend it. When you’ve got the …