Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
Great Environmental Programs “On Tap”, UF Thompson Earth Systems, in Gainesville
If you’re interested in learning more about our (and Florida’s) environment, from climate change to pollution, learn more about the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute. Earth’s natural systems include the atmosphere, oceans, land, polar ice caps and glaciers, and life. Intrinsically connected, these systems affect one another and result in global change that profoundly impacts …
Tom Petty Birthday Bash, A Celebration of Music, Gainesville, October 19&20, 2019
Gainesville is the largest city in our Natural North Florida region, and with its lively population of young people, it’s always been “musically inclined”. And one of the city’s most famous musicians was Tom Petty. Tom grew up in Gainesville, attended Gainesville High School and then went on to perform on stages worldwide. And after …
Poker Anyone? Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, Monticello, Saturday, August 24th To Benefit Chamber Building Fund
What a great way to help the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Building Fund than to spend an evening with players of all skill levels in a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. The Chamber’s building is an old wooden church and is always in need of work. Recently, the wood floors were refinished and it’s a …
Folk In The Springs–A Free Day of Music and Fun in High Springs, September 15, 2019
High Springs has much more to offer than its nearby springs (Poe, Ginnie, Gilchrist Blue) and it’s locally known as “the springs”. One event, this fall, promises to be lots of fun and give visitors a good look at the downtown. High Springs is located west of Gainesville at the confluence of US27/US441. It’s a …
Favorite and Free Springs–Neighborhood Swimmin’ Holes in Natural North Florida
Our Natural North Florida region has some wonderful springs! Many are in State Parks (Madison Blue, White Springs, Ichetucknee, Fanning Springs, Manatee Springs, Troy Springs, Lafayette Blue, and Peacock Springs, for example) and are a bargain to enter. Others are in private parks, some dedicated to SCUBA diving and snorkeling (Devils Den, Blue Grotto) and …
Lazy Days and Relaxing Nights on the Suwannee River
With the warm weather at its peak, it’s time to start thinking about getting back to nature as a family. Whether you like to pitch your own tent or get a good night’s sleep in an air-conditioned cabin, we found a place that’s great for all kinds of families. My family of three enjoyed a …
Don’t Miss Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival, Perry, FL, September 20-21, 2019
The 2019 Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival is just around the corner, Septermber 20-21 at Forest Capitol Park in Perry. The Park, located on US19, south of Perry, is adjacent to the Forest Capital Museum State Park. With Free Admission, and plenty of good food and entertainment, it’s time to mark your calendars NOW! …
Don’t Miss Gainesville On Your Next Visit to Natural North Florida–It’s Where Nature and Culture Meet!
While Gainesville is our region’s largest city, it’s still relatively small compared to Florida’s “mega-cities” like Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater. Gainesville’s size is largely due to its central location, its access to US Interstate 75 and to the fact that it’s home to the University of Florida, our “flagship” university. Gainesville is the …
The Suwannee River and It’s Tributaries–The Beating Heart of Natural North Florida
Florida’s mighty Suwannee River represents the heart (and arteries) of our Natural North Florida region. It flows over 200 miles from south Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico, on the border of Dixie and Levy counties. It is fed by countless springs, each flowing from the Floridan Aquifer, as well as tributaries like …
Florida’s Big Bend Recreational Bay Scallop Harvest Underway, June 2019
Tiny bay scallops “rule” the waters of Natural North Florida’s Big Bend during the summer months. The harvest brings visitors from all over the state, as well as many internationals wishing to snorkel for these tasty treats. Snorkeling for bay scallops isn’t about filling the freezer, but it’s about having fun one the water, followed …