Lunch at Trenton’s Cracker Box Restaurant is Always a Treat!
If you’re in Gilchrist County, make a point of stopping for breakfast or lunch at The Cracker Box restaurant in Trenton. They’re located just off Hwy 26, just west of US129 in an old house. They serve great breakfasts and lunch, 7 days a week (open at 6AM, close at 2PM). When it comes to …
Horseback Riding in Monticello: Connor Carriages and Occasions
Located just a short drive outside of Tallahassee, Connor Carriages and Occasions in Monticello is a great place to get out of thie city and play outside for the day. Trail rides are $35 per person and are available by reservation only. No previous experience with horses is necessary, as the ride is guided. If …
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 …
Heaven Scent: Rose’s Botanicals Soap Factory and Gift Shop
The aromas of Rose’s Botanicals soaps are pleasantly subtle — they smell fantastic, but these all-natural soaps don’t knock you over the way artificial ingredients do. At the Stone Crab Festival in St. Marks, I must have smelled 25 different scents of soap: It’s that hard to choose just one. In addition to the lovely …
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 …
Cofrin Nature Park: Get Outside in Gainesville
Located in the middle of Gainesville off of 8th avenue, just across from the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center is a 30 acre strip of land called the Cofrin Nature Park. The park offers a 1/2 mile trail for hiking which goes through several different habitats including hardwood hammocks and seepage wetlands. The wetlands are …
When it Rains in Steinhatchee, Settle in and Love the Landing
Sitting still doesn’t come naturally to me. When I plan a getaway, it tends to have a four-page itinerary of activities — per day. So when my family (myself along with my husband, our 10-year-old son and his best friend) headed to Steinhatchee, I had a long list of places I wanted to explore and …
Float Down the Chipola River With Bear Paw
Located about an hour outside of Tallahassee, the Chipola river is a spring fed run that makes a great day trip for anyone who is looking to spend some time outside. Bear Paw is an adventure company based in Marianna, Florida that offers full service river trips including drop off and pick up. Canoes can …
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, Panacea
One of Natural North Florida’s hidden treasures is Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, which I recently visited with my family. We were blown away by the variety of sea life at the aquarium and the fact that, unlike typical attractions, you can touch nearly everything there! We dipped our hands into tanks with starfish, crabs, fish …
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 …