florida
Natural North Florida’s 2018 Bay Scallop Season Opens Soon!
Pinning down the dates for the 2018 bay scalloping season isn’t as easy as it’s been in past years. Essentially, our most popular scalloping areas (Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach and Horseshoe Beach) open on June 16, while northern parts of Taylor County (not including Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach) and Wakulla County open on July 1. The …
Take A Walk On The “Wild Side”– In Gainesville’s City Limits–At Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Gainesville’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park is about more than 125 acres of protected land near the intersection of South Main Street and Williston Road. The park is not only a place to connect with nature, it’s a way to protect our environment. Featuring wetlands and ponds, the park was created to improve the water quality of …
Fort White–The Good Jumping-Off Spot for Ichetucknee Springs State Park!
The Ichetucknee River and springs put Fort White on the map, so to speak. Originally settled near “Fort White”, a military post built in the 19th century at the time of the Seminole Wars, this Columbia County town is truly a gateway to one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks. Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches …
Ochlockonee River State Park–A Gem on Natural North Florida’s Western “Border”
Located off US319, about 4 miles south of Sopchoppy, Florda in Wakulla County, Ochlockonee River State Park is a great place to visit–for a day trip or an extended vacation. The State Park is bounded by the confluence of the Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers, upstream from the Gulf of Mexico and is an excellent of …
“The Granddaddy of All Tournaments”–Optimist Club of Perry Saltwater Fishing Tournament, at Steinhatchee, May 5, 2018
Now in its 27th year, the annual Optimist Club of Perry, FL Saltwater Fishing Tournament has become one of the largest fishing events on Natural North Florida’s Big Bend. While Perry is landlocked, it’s the county seat of Taylor County, which has some of the best saltwater angling in the state. And appropriately, the event …
Florida State Bluegrass Festival, April 5-7, 2018, in Perry, Florida
One of the best events in the Southeast…The Florida State Bluegrass Festival. Featuring three days of awesome bluegrass music by some of the most renowned artists in the country…a grand Chili Cook-off hosted by the Perry Police Department with all proceeds benefitting Special Olympics and the Shop with a Cop program. There will also …
Learn About North Florida’s Flora and Fauna At Gainesville’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Whether Gainesville is your Natural North Florida destination or if you’re just passing through on I-75, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. It’s located about a mile west of the Archer Road exit (SR24) on the expressway. Named for Lake Kanapaha (Timicuan tramslation: palmetto leaf and house, referring to the typical Timicua …
Gainesville’s Morningside Nature Center–Take A Walk In Our Woods
With over 7 miles of trails and one of the last-remaining examples of a fire-dependent longleaf pine forest, Morningside Nature Center is an excellent outdoor destination–within the city limits of Natural North Florida’s largest city. The largest of Gainesville’s nature parks, Morningside covers 278 acres and is easily accessed from East University Avenue and SR20. …
“Eew” – Frog Legs! A Natural North Florida Favorite!
You no longer have to be the one to catch (and clean and skin—“Eew”) frog legs. Many seafood specialty shops sell them, and I’ve even found imported, frozen frog legs acceptable and tasty. That’s a good option for visitors to our Natural North Florida region. Also, you’ll find them in many restaurants in the region. …
Relax, Hike, Camp–and Enjoy Florida’s Suwannee River State Park
Located just off US90, between the towns of Live Oak and Madison, in Natural North Florida, Suwannee River State Park isn’t one of our largest parks, but it certainly is one of the most scenic. It’s upstream of the confluence of the mighty Suwannee River and the lesser “upper” Withlacoochee River, right where the highway …