Events and Family Activities
Our Events and Family Activities expert, Tommy Thompson, tells you about upcoming and ongoing events across our ten county area.
Winter Fishing’s Best Bet–Spotted Seatrout on Florida’s Natural North Florida’s Gulf Coast
I’m no expert on spotted seatrout biology or mortality, but for some reason the Big Bend saw a decided decline in that fishery this past year. At first, trout were scarce from Tampa Bay to Apalachicola, and then they started to bite. However, anglers catching a hundred a day only caught three or four keepers. …
Mark Your Calendars for the 17th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook-Off, 4/5-6, in Perry
The 17th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival is coming to Perry, in Taylor County, April 4-6, 2019. This is a “don’t miss” event, with three days of professional and amateur music, food, music workshops, arts and crafts–AND a CHILI Cook-Off! Tickets are available for each day as separate purchases, and there’s a three-day pass, …
Suwannee Lights — December 2018 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, Florida
Each holiday season, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, celebrates with a huge lighted display the entire month of December. There are options for visitors to walk through the park, drive in autos or rental golf carts, or even camp in order to visit several nights. There’s even an option for free admission, offered …
Downtown Christmas Open House and Parade–Perry, Florida–December 7, 2018
Leave it up to our friends in Taylor County to come up with a new “twist” on Christmas. This year, in addition to a “Santa’s Little Helpers” parade, there will be a tribute to “Sheriff Taylor” at the “MayPerry Christmas” festivities. Perry, the vibrant County Seat of Taylor County, is the perfect place to …
“Light Up Madison”–A Holiday Celebration in Natural North Florida, December 1, 2019
The town of Madison, in Madison County, always goes “all out” for Christmas. Not only do local businesses dress up their storefronts, but folks from neighboring towns and counties enjoy an afternoon of shopping, dining and watching an elaborate Christmas parade. The events begin at 4PM and end with the spectacular nighttime parade. Madison …
Christmas On The Square, Live Oak, Florida–Nov. 29 & 30 and Dec. 1, 2019 (Expect SNOW!)
Winters in our Natural North Florida region are never harsh or especially cold. For the most part, it’s shorts and short-sleeve weather. However, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce wants everyone to get in the Christmas Spirit and are again (for the 34th year!) hosting “Christmas On The Square“, Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. …
Spend A Leisurely Day in Union County and Lake Butler, Florida
Tom Petty Birthday Bash….Great Music in Gainesville, October 19 & 20, 2018
Gainesville, the largest city in our Natural North Florida region, has been known as a music hub. Names like Bo Diddley, Sister Hazel, Gram Parsons, Bernie Leadon, the Peyton Brothers, and Stephen Stills all come to mind. But most famous was likely “outlaw” musician Tom Petty. Since his death in October of 2017, Gainesville has …
Birding and Bird Photography in Natural North Florida
A guest blog from local bird photographer, Dr. Richard Davidson Fifty million people in the U.S. plan birding outings each year. Our area is blessed with amazing opportunities for those who observe or photograph birds. The Great Florida Birding Trail (http://floridabirdingtrail.com/) includes over 500 locations for birding in Florida, with dozens in the Natural North …
St. Marks Stone Crab Festival, October 27, 2018–Great Things To Eat in Wakulla County
The annual St. Marks Stone Crab Festival is planned for October 27, 2018. St. Marks is the southernmost town in Wakulla County, just a few miles south of Florida’s capital, Tallahassee. St. Marks, and neighboring Panacea, have long been vibrant commercial fishing hubs, specializing in both crabs and fin fish. Here are a few words …