Author: Tommy Thompson
Visit Gainesville’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens–You’ll Be Surprised!
While the names Bellingrath, Callaway and Selby bring to mind some of the south’s great botanical gardens, Gainesville’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is often overlooked by even the most enthusiastic garden lovers. Florida’s climate is generally tropical, and Gainesville can be hot, but being north of Tampa Bay, where the “tropics” start and it really …
Don’t Miss Octoberfest 2015 at Alachua County’s Rogers’ Farm!
Rogers’ Farms is a culinary landmark in the Gainesville, Florida area. Known far and wide for its strawberries (in the spring) and its late summer crop of peas, Rogers also maintains a healthy stock of healthy fruits and vegetables throughout the year. But October is special! The 2015 Rogers’ Farm Fall Festival, AKA Octoberfest, is …
Gainesville Area’s “Big City” Farmers’ Markets Bustle in Fall
While mostly rural, the 11-county region we call “Natural North Florida” has one large urban area. Gainesville and Alachua County are large, that is, if you count the 75,000-plus college students at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. Without those venerable institutions, you’d see fewer Publix Supermarkets and more roadside farmers’ markets! Not …
Downtown Festival & Art Show, November 14 and 15, 2015
North Florida’s art scene swings into high gear on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the arrival of the highly acclaimed Downtown Festival & Art Show. The streets of historic downtown Gainesville, from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre will be transformed into a celebration of …
Great Kayak Fishing Access at Rocky Creek, on Dixie County’s “Road to Nowhere”
At Casey’s Corner Store, on Highway 358, in Jena, on the way to Steinhatchee, you can veer left onto the “Road to Nowhere”, CR361. About 5 miles south you’ll cross Rocky Creek, but just before you reach the creek, you’ll see a sign marking “Rocky Creek Boat Ramp Road”. If you’re a small craft boater …
Join The Fun at the Wood and Swink Preservation Society “Paint Out”, October 19-24, 2015
The Wood and Swink Store and Post Office in Evinston, FL is a cultural landmark in Alachua County, Florida. Located in the southern part of the county, almost adjacent to Orange Lake, the building is considered by many to be one of the few remaining examples of “original Florida architecture”. In recent years, the building …
Gainesville’s “Free Fridays” Concert Series–Lots of Family Fun!
Each summer and fall, Downtown Gainesville comes alive every Friday night from 8-10 pm as our local and regional bands and performing arts are showcased under the stars. Each year thousands come out to enjoy the FREE live concerts and shows in a family friendly environment. For …
Looking For “Dallas Creek” in Taylor County? Try Spelling It, “Dallus”!
Don’t ask me, but Dallus Creek’s name is spelled with a “u” and not an “a”. I’ve never seen it done that way, so I suspect someone went to Texas, had a bad time, and came home to “dis” the Texans! No matter, Dallus Creek is located between Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach, Fl. It starts …
Florida’s 2015 Recreational Scallop Season to Close 9/24, But Don’t Despair!
In early June, the “buzz” along Florida’s Nature Coast is all about recreational scalloping. The season usually opens the last Saturday in June, and folks at our Big Bend ports gear up for a busy season. This year’s season was no exception, and limits of bay scallops just kept coming in, almost to the end …
Where’s The Beach?—at Horseshoe Beach!
If you’re heading to Horseshoe Beach, forget about swimming and sunbathing along sandy shores. But if you’ve got fall fishing on your mind, you’re heading in the right direction. This small fishing village is located at the dead end of CR351, about 25 miles southwest of Cross City and US19/98, on a small peninsula jutting …