Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
Pack a Picnic for Steinhatchee Falls
OK, maybe “falls” is a bit grandiose. But I can tell you that there’s no finer spot than Steinhatchee Falls for a picnic, the start of a paddling trip or quiet contemplation. This favorite gathering spot has a boat ramp and the peaceful sound of the rushing river to recommend it. When you’ve got the …
Heaven Scent: Rose’s Botanicals Soap Factory and Gift Shop
The aromas of Rose’s Botanicals soaps are pleasantly subtle — they smell fantastic, but these all-natural soaps don’t knock you over the way artificial ingredients do. At the Stone Crab Festival in St. Marks, I must have smelled 25 different scents of soap: It’s that hard to choose just one. In addition to the lovely …
Keaton Beach Hot Dog Stand: Much More Than Dogs!
Don’t let the name fool you: Keaton Beach Hot Dog Stand is neither a stand nor a hot dog place. Sure, you can get a hot dog, but you’re more likely to find folks enjoying seafood, burgers and a stunning sunset at this beachside restaurant. The raw bar outdoors boasts a second-story deck with even …
When it Rains in Steinhatchee, Settle in and Love the Landing
Sitting still doesn’t come naturally to me. When I plan a getaway, it tends to have a four-page itinerary of activities — per day. So when my family (myself along with my husband, our 10-year-old son and his best friend) headed to Steinhatchee, I had a long list of places I wanted to explore and …
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, Panacea
One of Natural North Florida’s hidden treasures is Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, which I recently visited with my family. We were blown away by the variety of sea life at the aquarium and the fact that, unlike typical attractions, you can touch nearly everything there! We dipped our hands into tanks with starfish, crabs, fish …
For a Mix of Relaxed and Action-Packed, Think Jellystone
We had them at “waterslide.” My son and his best friend are squarely in the tween set now, as they’re starting middle school in the fall. Suddenly, it’s not that cool to play on playgrounds, watch cartoons or do the kind of kid stuff I happily enjoyed until I was at least 13. Or 16. …
Taste of Natural North Florida: Ruby Shaw’s Peanut Brittle
Among the many delicacies available at the Florida Folk Festival May 27-29, don’t miss Mrs. Ruby Shaw’s peanut brittle. The venerable Mrs. Shaw turns out batches by the score, and you can get yours at the festival, which is entering its 59th year at Stephen Foster State Park in White Springs. Here’s a photo from …
Econfina State Park…Great Lodging and Fishing
Bonnie Kinsey WELCOMES YOU & INVITES you to enjoy a stay at the Econfina State Park. Nature surrounds these clean, efficiency hotel rooms bordering miles of leisure activity. A comfortable rest & relaxation spot worth staying at. Flexible check in/check out times. China dishware, micro, refrig, coffee maker, linens, heat/air, two twin beds and small …
Spotted in Natural North Florida: Motorcycle Watchdog
Just as much as the wildlife, outdoor activities and Southern culture in Natural North Florida, I love the peoplewatching — or in this case, dogwatching. Here’s an “only in Natural North Florida” moment captured outside Savannah’s Country Buffet in Crawfordville. Looks like this pup is earning his keep by protecting his owners’ bike while they …
Retreat to a Cozy Log Cabin at Suwannee River Rendezvous
Whatever your preferred level of “roughing it,” from rustic to nicely appointed, Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo has the perfect getaway option. The Rendezvous offers eight different types of accommodations, from campsites to a chalet (with a hot tub!) that sleeps eight. You can wake up with a view of the Suwannee in one of …