Food
“Customer Fish”: Catch Fish–And Let Someone Else Cook Them!
Yes, you’ll still have to clean your catch, but in many coastal settlements and towns along our Natural North Florida coast, there are restaurants with “customer fish” on the menu. There’s nothing quite like fish, fresh from the Gulf, served in the comfort of a restaurant, and usually accompanied by side dishes like grits, butter …
Take a Tour and Taste a Sample at Island Grove Winery, near Gainesville
I’m a product of college in the 60’s. That means when I hear the words “local”, “southern” and “blueberry wine” in the same sentence, I think of the Boones’ Farm Apple wine and “Mad Dog 20/20” common at fraternity parties. But I’m a pretty open-minded guy and recently took the opportunity to visit Island Grove …
Don’t Miss The BBQ at Hamaknocker’s in Wakulla County, Florida!
I write about cooking and food in the monthly “Sportsman’s Kitchen” column in Florida Sportsman magazine, so I guess I’m qualified to make a comment on Florida’s BBQ tradition. That said, in my humble opinion, Florida has NO BBQ TRADITION. Yes, we have barbeque (and some folks still consider “grilling” to be barbequing), but mostly …
SCUBA Diving At Its Best at Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto Springs in Levy County, Florida
Many of Natural North Florida’s springs are unique. In fact, in our 11-county region, we have the highest concentration of natural springs the world. Many are just “seeps”, bubbling through the rock, but others, like Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto, are downright spectacular! And while many of our springs, especially those in our Florida State …
13th Annual Florida Bluegrass Festival, Perry, April 2-4, 2015
Perry’s The Music Captial of the South, so don’t miss this event if you’re at all interested in hearing some great music–and if you’re interested in some great chili. The three-day event is the highlight of Perry’s springtime activities, and you can expect non-stop food and fun! To purchase tickets, call (850) 584-5366 or go …
The Perfect End To A Long Bike Ride in Fanning Springs–Lunch At The BBQ Shack
Cycling Natural North Florida’s 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail is an excellent way to experience some of Florida’s Rails-To-Trails locations. The smooth paved trail follows several old railroad bed that joined at Wilcox, just north of Fanning Springs. This trail runs from Trenton, in Gilchrist County, through Fanning Springs and Old Town, in Dixie County, …
Headed to Cedar Key, FL? Cedar Cove Condos Is A Great Place To Stay (and Eat!)
If you’re headed to Cedar Key, Cedar Cove Condos is a great place to stay. All rooms have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s just a short walk to the shops and restaurants in “downtown” Cedar Key. It’s also a quick walk to Cedar Key’s waterfront park, where you can rent a kayak …
Try Gainesville’s Sweetwater Organic Coffee It’s Caramelized–NOT Carbonized!
There’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee. And nothing worse than one made with over-roasted and burned beans. I’m not “dissing” the big coffee chains, but many coffee drinkers just don’t know any better than drinking what many consider “carbonized” coffee beans. Not only is the coffee roasted at Sweetwater Organic Coffee tasty, …
Who-Dat Bar & Grille at Good Times Marina, Steinhatchee, Florida–A Good Choice For Lunch or Dinner!
Marina “food” can come in several iterations. At one end of the spectrum, expect to find cans of Vienna sausages, sardines and Saltine crackers. However, at the other, you’ll find quality seafood, sandwiches and even a bar serving quality liquors and beers. Add to that good service by a friendly staff of servers and bartenders, …
Fanning Springs’ Lighthouse Restaurant Re-Opened and Renewed–February 2015
You remember the old Lighthouse Restaurant, don’t you? Or did you drive by during the times when the food was not very good and the service slow and wish the restaurant would return to its former glory? Well, fret no more. New owner Jamie Griffin has brought The Lighthouse back and has come out swinging …