swimming
Enjoy Natural North Florida’s “Pocket Beaches”
When representatives of Visit Natural North Florida speak at travel shows, we often tout the fact that we have “no crowded beaches”. That’s partly true–we have a few “pocket beaches”. And, they’re not crowded. If you take a look at a map of Florida, you’ll notice that there are no barrier islands between Hernando County’s …
Coming Soon! Best Western Premier Hotel in Fanning Springs, Florida
The town of Fanning Springs is located in Gilchrist County, at the junction of SR26 and US19/98, and on the banks of the mighty Suwannee River. Located here, with its namesake State Park, Fanning Springs State Park, it’s the logical place to begin your explanation of the Natural North Florida Region. The 95-room Best Western …
Fun and Games! Labor Day Weekend 2019 at Suwannee River Rendezvous, in Lafayette County
There’s something for everyone at Lafayette County’s Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort! Located just east of the town of Mayo, at 828 NE Primrose Rd, the resort is just about a mile off US27 on the shores of the beautiful Suwannee River. The main feature of the original resort, opened ten years ago, is Convict …
Favorite and Free Springs–Neighborhood Swimmin’ Holes in Natural North Florida
Our Natural North Florida region has some wonderful springs! Many are in State Parks (Madison Blue, White Springs, Ichetucknee, Fanning Springs, Manatee Springs, Troy Springs, Lafayette Blue, and Peacock Springs, for example) and are a bargain to enter. Others are in private parks, some dedicated to SCUBA diving and snorkeling (Devils Den, Blue Grotto) and …
Lazy Days and Relaxing Nights on the Suwannee River
With the warm weather at its peak, it’s time to start thinking about getting back to nature as a family. Whether you like to pitch your own tent or get a good night’s sleep in an air-conditioned cabin, we found a place that’s great for all kinds of families. My family of three enjoyed a …
Don’t Miss Gainesville On Your Next Visit to Natural North Florida–It’s Where Nature and Culture Meet!
While Gainesville is our region’s largest city, it’s still relatively small compared to Florida’s “mega-cities” like Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater. Gainesville’s size is largely due to its central location, its access to US Interstate 75 and to the fact that it’s home to the University of Florida, our “flagship” university. Gainesville is the …
The Suwannee River and It’s Tributaries–The Beating Heart of Natural North Florida
Florida’s mighty Suwannee River represents the heart (and arteries) of our Natural North Florida region. It flows over 200 miles from south Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico, on the border of Dixie and Levy counties. It is fed by countless springs, each flowing from the Floridan Aquifer, as well as tributaries like …
The Early Bird Gets To Swim Without The Crowds at Fanning Springs State Park!
Florida’s State Parks are some of the most popular in the U.S. and needless to say they can get crowded during the summer months, especially if they feature springs, like many in our Natural North Florida region. Fanning Springs State Park can be crowded for several reasons. One, it’s proximity to US19/98 just south of …
Spend A Leisurely Day in Union County and Lake Butler, Florida
Hart Springs Park, Gilchrist County, Florida–New and Improved For 2018!
Florida’s State Parks are excellent, but often crowded. However, we have a number of very fine county-operated parks in Natural North Florida that are generally less crowded, with the same spring access as the bigger state parks. Hart Springs, in rural Gilchrist County, is alongside the famous Suwannee River, and has recently been renovated. The …