alachua county
No Sand, No Surf, No Problem!
You hear the word “Florida,” and you think beach, right? Well, not anymore! Let me tell you about the natural areas in Alachua County. You won’t find sand or surf, but you won’t miss those beaches.
A High Springs Hiatus
It seems that all roads lead to High Springs, Florida, where Highways 27, 441 and 41 intersect. Located about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville in Alachua County, High Springs is a crossroads for those traveling through North Central Florida. If you find yourself near this part of the state, linger for an afternoon or weekend. …
Have a “High Time” in Downtown High Springs, Florida
The small city of High Springs is considered by many to be the nexus of springs and paddling adventures in Natural North Florida. While the region has the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the US, High Springs has several within just a few miles of town. Visitors to Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, Ruth B. …
Don’t Miss Gainesville On Your Next Visit to Natural North Florida–It’s Where Nature and Culture Meet!
While Gainesville is our region’s largest city, it’s still relatively small compared to Florida’s “mega-cities” like Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater. Gainesville’s size is largely due to its central location, its access to US Interstate 75 and to the fact that it’s home to the University of Florida, our “flagship” university. Gainesville is the …
The Suwannee River and It’s Tributaries–The Beating Heart of Natural North Florida
Florida’s mighty Suwannee River represents the heart (and arteries) of our Natural North Florida region. It flows over 200 miles from south Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico, on the border of Dixie and Levy counties. It is fed by countless springs, each flowing from the Floridan Aquifer, as well as tributaries like …
Experience the Magic of Micanopy Minutes off I-75
By Nancy Moreland When you see the Micanopy exit off I-75 in North Central Florida, it’s tempting to drive on by. Especially if you think it’s just another nondescript stop or small Florida town along the highway. That would be a mistake. Take exit 374 (about 20 minutes south of Gainesville) and within minutes, …
Great Southern Biscuit Company Opens New Location in High Springs, Florida
It’s often said that it takes a brave (and sometimes foolish) individual to open a new restaurant. As a food writer for Florida Sportsman magazine, I sometimes receive invitations to try new restaurants, and on many occasions they’ve closed before I get there. I’m happy to say that what follows may be a success story! …
It’s Getting Cool–Expect FOOD and FUN at 2018/2019 Festivals in Natural North Florida
Fall and winter in Natural North Florida can be warm, but generally not as hot as in the summer months. And cool days and nights mean that it’s “food festival time”, with several great events on the region’s calendars. Some events revolve around drink, like the Big Bend Brewfest. Others center on food, especially the …
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 …
Alachu-Way or Alachu-Wuh?–A “Must Stop” Stop on Your Visit to Natural North Florida
If you’re driving south along Interstate 75 in North Florida, at about mile marker 410, you’ll cross the Santa Fe River and enter Alachua County. The name of the county is pronounced “Alachu-Wuh”, derived from the Timucua word for “sinkhole” or “spring” which pepper the geography of the region. There’s also a town, at the …