“Christmas Trout” on Natural North Florida’s Big Bend

On our Big Bend, in warmer months, slot-sized spotted seatrout tend to roam the grass-covered bottom from Yankeetown to St. Marks, feeding on pinfish, shrimp and just about anything that gets within range. That includes a myriad of artificial lures and baits, ranging from soft plastics rigged under popping corks to hard-bodied lures, retrieved with …

Hike, Bike, Swim, Camp and Paddle at Florida’s O’Leno State Park

One of Florida’s first state parks, O’Leno State Park was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, and features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, …

Don’t Miss These 2015 Holiday Events in Lake City, Florida

Lighting of the Park & Santa in the Park (All of December) Olustee Park Downtown Lake City, FL 386-752-3690 www.lakecitychamber.com     Lake City Snow Day and Christmas Parade (December 12, 2015) Downtown Lake City, FL 386-752-3690 www.lakecitychamber.com      

Give The Gift Of A Santa Fe River Paddling Trip This Holiday Season–or Anytime

Natural North Florida’s Santa Fe River can be crowded during the warmer months (we really don’t have cold month!) so late fall and winter are the perfect time to enjoy the solitude and beauty of the river.  An easy and fun trip is from the US27 Bridge in High Springs to Columbia County’s park at …

Jump Start Yourself, Your Friends, And Your Holiday Shopping–With Sweetwater Organic Coffee

There’s no question about it:  Food makes an excellent Holiday gift.  And tasty food’s even better if it’s harvesting and sales represent an effort to do good and to help people.   Sweetwater’s coffee is small-batch artisan-roasted in Gainesville, and is available at many regional outlets (Ward’s Grocery and Lucky’s in Gainesville, for example.), as well …

Steinhatchee Fishing Forecast, December 2015 From Capt. Davidson

Fishing has really picked up on Florida’s Big Bend Gulf coast.  Here’s a forecast from Capt. Rick Davidson at Steinhatchee’s Sea Hag Marina: It’s always exciting, because even with the mild temperatures we’ve had, there are already some trout being taken in the river. When we get to more normal temperatures for December, especially after …

Natural North Florida RV Parks and Campground Info Available, December 2015

There are numerous RV Parks and Campgrounds in our 12-county Natural North Florida region.  Some offer primitive camping and others offer cabins and full RV hookups.  We also have several State and County Parks with camping, as well as private campgrounds. We have recently published a limited number of brochures listing the RV Parks and …

Shop Waldo’s Antique Village For Unique Holiday (Or ANY Day) Items!

Waldo’s Antique Village is located just north of Waldo in northern Alachua County, Florida.  When you enter the grounds, and if you have blinders on your eyes and look straight ahead into the Farmers’ Market, you might miss the shop and the display of antique farm machinery and the log cabin, to your left.  But …

3-Day Trip: Dive into North Florida Aquatic Adventure

The Sunshine State is the ideal location year-round for underwater exploration. It’s no secret that Florida is surrounded by the vast bodies of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean; however, the state is also home to some hidden locations for those who seek more intimate, authentic aquatic experience. Dive into the caves, …

3-Day Trip: North Florida Landscapes: Parks, Trails, and Springs

The roads of North Florida are not only extremely navigable, but also showcase the beautiful landscapes of Florida’s northern countryside. These highways and byways make for perfect family road trips, weekend excursions for couples or adventures for individual travelers. The roads cut through countless outdoor activities, which make for great spots to get out of …