Don’t Fear The Gators in Melrose, Florida. Eat Them For Dinner at Blue Water Bay Restaurant or Try This Recipe!

One of the most common questions asked about Florida when Visit Natural North Florida’s volunteers are asked when making presentations around the U.S. and Europe is “Do you have alligators?”  And according to Capt. Russ McCallister, whose travels along the Suwannee and other rivers as guide for Suwannee Guides & Outfitters, the answer is “Yes, …

Don’t Miss Gainesville’s Downtown Festival & Art Show, November 11 and 12, 2017

North Florida’s art scene swings into high gear on Saturday , November 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the arrival of the highly acclaimed Downtown Festival & Art Show. The streets of historic downtown Gainesville, from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre …

Big Bend Shellfish Trail–Florida’s Working Waterfront Communities

Shellfish harvest and consumption in Florida is an important facet of the maritime heritage of many coastal towns. Natural North Florida’s Big Bend has several towns that still harbor local shellfish fisheries. These working waterfront communities are places where present day fishers carry on the traditions of past generations. The Big Bend Shellfish Trail Map …

Don’t Miss Panacea’s “Cluster Shuck” Oyster Fest, October 22, 2017

The date has changed due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Nate!  We hope to see you on the 22nd! There’s an “R” in “October”– –and that means it’s time to eat oysters! What a great way to spend an October afternoon than to eat oysters at one of Natural North Florida’s premiere fishing communities, Panacea.  Located in …

Take A Scenic Drive Along Natural North Florida’s US90–Monticello to Madison

When visitors come to Natural North Florida, they’re often surprised to find rolling hills and historic towns with no beaches or amusement parks. However, a drive across Florida’s Jefferson and Madison counties can easily change your perception of our little-known and lightly-traveled region. US90 is a major American highway.  In fact, it begins in California …

Paddle Florida’s Big Bend Coastline At The 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure, October 11-14

If you’re an avid paddler, consider joining 99 others at the 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure.  This year’s 4 day trip will depart the Steinhatchee River and head south to Yankeetown, on the scenic Withlacoochee River.  On the trip, you’ll see wildlife and “Natural North Florida” at places like Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, and Cedar Key.  …

Three Natural North Florida Springs–Free For All!

Some of the best things in our Natural North Florida region are free, and that’s especially true when it comes to three of our smaller springs.  While we have the largest concentration of first and second magnitude freshwater springs in the world, these county-maintained “swimming holes” in Jefferson, Columbia and Alachua counties are fun–and FREE! …

Cycle Lake City, Florida–The Best of Urban and Rural Cycling

Go for a ride and take in our culture, sights and majestic wildlife.  Lake City is the county seat of Columbia County, in Natural North Florida.  And there’s no better way to see it than to hop on your trusty “steed” and ride the 17.7-mile Lake City Lakes Loop.  You’ll see the best of Lake …

Natural North Florida Paddling Guides and Outfitters

Paddling kayaks and canoes on Natural North Florida’s Gulf coast, its rivers and its springs can be the highlight of your visit.  In our 14 county region, we have several rivers, including the mighty Suwannee, as well as the largest concentration of first-magnitude springs in the world.  And if those places don’t get you excited, …

Take a Lazy Paddle on Natural North Florida’s Springs, Lakes, Rivers or Gulf Coast

On our vast network of springs, lakes, rivers and Gulf of Mexico coastline, paddling a kayak or canoe is an excellent way to slowly take in the sights and sounds of Natural North Florida. Whether you intend to putter around the spring run at Blue Springs in Gilchrist County or take 10 days to paddle …