Suwannee River Rules County! 30 Fantastic Activities

Suwannee probably comes from an Indian word, “Sawani,” meaning “echo river.” Since the Suwannee River creates the northern, southern, and western borders, the county is almost an island! It is actually in the shape of half a heart (aawwww…) Even more water flows through Suwannee County; both the Ichetucknee River and the Santa Fe River …

18 of the Best Adventures in Taylor County

Taylor County is in the Big Bend of Florida—where the state curves and wraps around the Gulf of Mexico. The county has picturesque fishing villages and towns, such as Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach. And for Heaven’s sake, call it STEEN-hatch-ee. If you say it like a German beer STEIN, you’ll be marked an outsider and …

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.

Grace Manor Bed and Breakfast, in Historic Greenville, Florida

    Before I extol the beauty and comfort of Grace Manor B&B, a few words about Greenville.  Located between Monticello and Madison on US90, Greenville was an early rail hub for a booming forest products industry.  In fact, it was at one time a larger town than either Monticello or Madison, the Madison County …

Small Town Escape: Alachua, the Main Street of Natural North Florida

Don’t be fooled by all the new development, gas stations and fast food outlets when you exit I-75 at Exit #399, US441.  You’re in the town of Alachua (pronounced Al-ach-u-way) in rural Alachua County (pronounced Al-ach-u-wah).  And you’re in a real gem of a Natural North Florida town. The restoration of downtown Alachua is impressive, …

Take A Walking Tour of Historic Micanopy in Alachua County, FL

Founded in 1822, Micanopy, FL is the oldest inland settlement in the state.  And it’s still an interesting place to spend a day, just walking and shopping in the many antique and collectable shops found there.  Located about 15 miles south of Gainesville, Micanopy is located between two prominent prehistoric lake beds, Paynes Prairie and …

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 …

Head to Hagan’s Cove for Spectacular Gulf Views

If you’re heading to Steinhatchee or Keaton Beach, don’t miss a side trip out to Hagen’s Cove, a state-owned park near Perry, part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. You’ll find hordes of folks during scallop season — Hagen’s Cove is one of the few spots where you …

Holiday Lights in Natural North Florida

Two Natural North Florida holiday events grace the list of the best Christmas lights I compiled for the St. Pete Times’ Sunday travel section. Don’t miss  A Cedar Key Christmas, where Santa arrives by clam boat on Dec. 11, and Stephen Foster State Park’s Festival of Lights, which transforms the White Springs park into a …