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 …

Crane Viewing at Payne’s Prarie!

Now through the end of February, head out ot Payne’s Prarie to get a glimpse of Florida’s real “snow-birds”.  Thousands of migratory sandhill cranes are making their winter home right outside of Gainesville on Payne’s Prarie.  The best times to go are at either sunrise or sunset, as you’re likely to see the most birds …

Camping at Shell Mound State Park

With the cooler weather on its way, October is the perfect time for camping in Florida.  Shell Mound County Park in Suwannee County is a great place to camp out.  Aside from the fishing, boating, biking, and birdwatching, the park is right next to the Shell Mound Archaeology Site.  The shell mound is the largest prehistoric shell midden site …

Cofrin Nature Park: Get Outside in Gainesville

Located in the middle of Gainesville off of 8th avenue, just across from the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center is a 30 acre strip of land called the Cofrin Nature Park.  The park offers a 1/2 mile trail for hiking which goes through several different habitats including hardwood hammocks and seepage wetlands.  The wetlands are …

Float Down the Chipola River With Bear Paw

Located about an hour outside of Tallahassee, the Chipola river is a spring fed run that makes a great day trip for anyone who is looking to spend some time outside. Bear Paw is an adventure company based in Marianna, Florida that offers full service river trips including drop off and pick up. Canoes can …

Poe Springs State Park: Hiking, Kayaking, Swimming, and Family Fun

Poe Springs is a great place to visit, especially for those in the Gainesville area.  It is one of the largest springs in the Gainesville area, and tends to be one of the least crowded.  Now that the weather has started to heat up in North Florida, it is a great time to start visiting the springs.  The cool water …

“Ti Amo” Loves Fresh Local Ingredients: Dinner and a Show!

One of the highest rated places on the restaurant scene in Gainesville, Ti Amo is located downtown about a block away from the Hippodrome Theater.  The restaurant specializes in fine dining, and the menu has a decided mediterranean twist.  Ti Amo is a somewhat pricey restaurant, with full size entrees averaging about $20.  However, for smaller …

The “Hart” of Gilchrist County: Hart Springs

Open year round, Hart Springs in Gilchrist County is located just off of the Suwannee River.  Hart springs is a beautiful place, and is tends to be less crowded than other springs in the summer time, because it is a bit off the beaten path.  There are many activities available at Hart Springs, like fishing, …

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Located just outside of Gainesville on Archer road is Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.  With the weather just starting to turn from winter to spring, Kanapaha will soon be back in full bloom.  There are approximately 1.5 miles of paths that wind through the gardens, and most of these paths are wheelchair accessible.  There are 24 major collections …