Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
Gulf Seafood is the Perfect Choice For Big Bend Visitors!
Fresh Gulf seafood has had some bad press recently. However, since the April 2010 Gulf oil spill, inspection routines have been perfected to such a point that Gulf seafood is probably better inspected than ever before. If you’re headed out to our Gulf coast, particularly to St. Marks, Panacea, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee or Cedar …
Horses Welcome at Bronson’s Black Prong
It’s not just any resort that offers a private barn adjacent to your room. At Black Prong Equestrian Center, located in Bronson, horses are just as welcome as people. Equestrian enthusiasts flock here for its nine dressage arenas, cross-country and marathon courses, on-site trainers and the 150 miles of trails in the adjacent Goethe State …
Step into Serenity at Gainesville’s Laurel Oak Inn
Almost as much its beauty, the scents of the gracious 1885 house strike you upon walking in. The smell of breakfast baking and coffee perking in the kitchen, the warm undertone of polish and wax that keeps the place gleaming, and, upstairs, the bath salts and soaps awaiting you after a day spent exploring the …
Handmade Holiday Gifts in Gainesville
For a gift you won’t find in the mall, head to the GLAM craft show in Gainesville for handmade crafts, art, clothing, toys and beauty products. The indie craft show and sale is December 5 from 1-5 p.m. at the Thelma Boltin Community Center, 516 NE Second Avenue. From baby gear to jewelry, you’ll find …
Holiday Lights in Natural North Florida
Two Natural North Florida holiday events grace the list of the best Christmas lights I compiled for the St. Pete Times’ Sunday travel section. Don’t miss A Cedar Key Christmas, where Santa arrives by clam boat on Dec. 11, and Stephen Foster State Park’s Festival of Lights, which transforms the White Springs park into a …
Cedar Key, Florida–AKA ‘Clamalot’
Cedar Key’s reputation as a Gulf fishing destination is unparalleled. This archipelago of small islands juts into the Gulf of Mexico about 60 miles west of Gainesville and provides fishermen excellent access to both inshore and offshore waters. In addition, Cedar Key has become one of the largest producers of clams in the U.S. Clam …
Suwannee’s a Great Place for Fishing–and Eating!
Not only is Suwannee a great place to fish, but it’s also a great place to eat. For breakfast, try Sarah’s and for lunch or dinner, go to Salt Creek Shellfish Company (352) 542-7072. On a recent trip to Salt Creek, I had the soft-shell crab sandwich for lunch and a wonderful stuffed (with crab, …
Capt. Tommy Thompson, Natural North Florida’s Fishing, Food and Family Events Expert
Capt. Tommy Thompson is a licensed USCG boat captain and outdoor writer. He was previously executive director of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association and as an outdoor journalist specializing in saltwater fishing, he frequently contributes to such magazines as Florida Sportsman and Shallow Water Angler. He currently writes the monthly Big Bend Action Spotter column …
Welcome to Natural North Florida!
Our twelve-county region is rich in natural beauty, geologic wonders, rivers, springs and miles of untouched Gulf of Mexico coastline. And for those of you less inclined to head outdoors, there are events and activities almost every day, and in almost any corner of the region, for visitors of all ages. We hope you’ll enjoy …