florida
Spend The Night and Spread Your Wings From Lake City, Florida
Lake City, Florida is more than a convenient stop for travelers to the state at the junction of I-75, I-10 and US90. It’s the county seat of Columbia County and a great place to stay a few days to explore many of Natural North Florida’s wet and wild wonders. I’m not sure exactly when it …
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 …
LET’S GO FISHING ON FLORIDA’S BIG BEND! LESSON #3: SPOTTED SEA TROUT
On Natural North Florida’s Big Bend, there’s no argument about the most popular and sought-after fish. Without doubt, it’s Spotted Sea Trout. In terms of sheer numbers, they outnumber all other species, with the exception of bait fish, upon which they prey. And they’re great table fare, too! Another reason Spotted Sea Trout are popular …
Park Your RV—and Enjoy The Chiefland, Florida “Neighborhood”
Located in northern Levy County, just south of the Suwannee River, is a naturally diverse county. It has springs, State Parks, and Chiefland, its largest city, offers plenty of amenities valuable to RV’ers heading to Natural North Florida. Five RV parks come to mind when thinking of staying in Chiefland. Four are close in, and …
RV ALERT! Heading To Natural North Florida in 2021? Plan Ahead!
Jayco? Wanderlodge? Casita? What’s your RV? No matter your “ride”, you’ll find our Natural North Florida region perfect for outdoor living. But, be aware that some of our RV parks and campgrounds fill up quickly and often take reservations well in advance. That’s especially true of our Florida State Parks and at private campgrounds near …
LET’S GO FISHING ON FLORIDA’S BIG BEND! LESSON #2: SNOOK
Story by Capt. Tommy Thompson Until recently, there was nothing “common” about catching common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) on our Big Bend Gulf of Mexico coast. Historically (at least in my 70 years!) snook were pretty much limited by cooler water to the Gulf of Mexico south of Anclote Key in Tarpon Springs. But, in the …
LET’S GO FISHING ON FLORIDA’S BIG BEND! LESSON #1: COBIA
Story by Capt. Tommy Thompson Cobia, or ling, are a species of fish found both inshore and offshore in Florida. They’re terrific fishters and when the fight’s over they’re excellent table fare. 8iuccessful cobia hunters make a point of idling around every channel marker they encounter. Big tripod-style markers are few and far between, but …
Visit A Few Of North Florida’s Preserved Historic Homes and Villages–
In spite of its international reputation for beaches, big cities and amusement parks, Florida is largely, and historically, a rural state. Soon after the Revolutionary War, settlers moved into Florida, seeking cheap land and opportunity. By the time of the Civil War, settlements had popped up all over the state. Many were based around farming …
Art, Science and Culture–All A Part Of Gainesville’s Museum Offerings
Art, Science and Culture–All A Part Of Gainesville’s Museum Offerings There’s little argument against the fact that Gainesville is the “museum” capital of North Central Florida. Not only is the city historic, with roots into the 19th century, it’s a university town with lots of interest in science and art. ••• Gainesville’s world-class museums are …
2020 Bay Scallop Season Opens on Florida’s Big Bend, June 15
2020 Bay Scallop Season Opens on Florida’s Big Bend, June 15 The annual bay scallop harvest is the largest economic driver for our Natural North Florida/Big Bend Gulf counties. Snorkelers, hoping for a meal of these tasty mollusks travel from far and wide to take part in what many consider an “underwater Easter egg hunt”! …