Cold Outside? Paddle Natural North Florida Springs–They’re “Warm” Year-Round

Most of us in North Florida are chickens!  Not about getting outdoors, but about cold weather.  Yes, we have a decidedly cooler climate in winter than our neighbors in the central and southern parts of the state, but we also have over 200 constant-temperature (72-degrees) springs that actually feel warm in winter. Several of our …

Adventure Outpost in High Springs Offers More Than Paddling!

High Springs, in northern Alachua County (just a quick trip from Gainesville) is a quaint village that attracts visitors for lots of reasons.  Of course, there are great restaurants, galleries and even a hardware store with an excellent selection of fishing tackle.  But don’t miss stopping by Adventure Outpost–even if you don’t need to rent …

Paddle Alachua County’s Santa Fe River from Canoe Outpost

  Located right next to the US441 bridge over the Santa Fe River in High Springs, you’ll find Jim Woods’ Santa Fe River Canoe Outpost.  Jim’s been renting kayaks and canoes there for as long as I can remember, and he and his staff are bound and determined for you to have a great time …

Kate’s Fish Camp–Alachua County’s Newnans Lake Is Not Just For Fishin’

Whether you want to go fishing, cycling, canoeing, or camping, Kate’s Fish Camp is the place to be for outdoor fun for the whole family. Kate’s Fish Camp is conveniently located on State Road 20 near Prairie Creek, Newnan’s Lake, and the Gainesville-Hawthorne  State Trail so it is the perfect place for camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing …

Cold Air Temperatures Making You Shiver? Take a Dip In a “High Springs” Spring!

Take a short drive west from High Springs, Florida and you’ll find yourself confronted with 3 choices for swimming or snorkeling in 72-degree spring water.  Florida’s springs, fed by the constant-temperature Floridan Aquifer (the largest self-replenishing aquifer in the world), are comfortable year-round, especially when the air temperatures drop and the water is warmer than …

Deal’s Oyster House in Perry, Florida–A “Must Stop” For Great Seafood!

Don’t drive too fast on US98 west of Perry or you might miss Deal’s Oyster House.  This unassuming white building is home to some of the best seafood in the region and as they tell you “The finest people in the world come through that door”.  Of course, oysters (raw or fried) top the menu …

Put on a Sweater–and Paddle the Big Bend Saltwater Trail!

The weather’s cooling down, so it’s time to head to the coast and do some paddling.   Sea kayakers have long known of the multi-day expedition possibilities along Florida’s Big Bend Gulf Coast. The area boasts one of the longest and wildest publicly-owned coastal wetlands in the United States, and a striking array of bird …

It’s Fall–And Those Big, Tasty Redfish Are Plentiful on Florida’s Big Bend!

Fall means that our Gulf waters are beginning to cool off, and the redfish are getting frisky and into a spawning mood.  However, the big “bull” and “spawner” reds are over-slot and wouldn’t be great to eat anyway.  Reds in the 18-27-inch slot are much better at the table. If you want to eat a …

Steinhatchee River Designated Florida’s 50th State Paddling Trail

With the addition of the Steinhatchee River, Florida now has 50 state paddling trails. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways & Trails designated the Steinhatchee River during the Taylor County Commission meeting on Sept. 16. The Florida Paddling Trails Association also presented signs designating the communities of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee as …

Paddle Natural North Florida’s Springs and Spring-Fed Rivers

With our abundant springs, spring runs and spring-fed rivers, the Natural North Florida region is the perfect place to spend a lazy day paddling. In the southern regions, there are several springs that feed the mighty Suwannee River.  County parks at Otter Springs and Hart Springs attract paddlers to their quiet waters.  The State Parks …