Trailblaze Through Natural North Florida

Gilchrist County is home to the largest collection of springs in north Florida. It’s located less than an hour away from Gainesville, FL, and features many hiking trails, scenic landscapes and an assortment of recreational amenities. Below is a one-day-trip guide that highlights the best of Gilchrist’s natural northern countryside: Gilchrist County Blueway Trail The …

Small Town Escape: Newberry in Western Alachua County

Many consider Newberry to be a “suburb” of busy Gainesville, the county seat of Alachua County, Florida.  Located at the crossroads of US27 and SR26, it seems Newberry is often overlooked by folks traveling through the downtown.   Newberry’s official Main Street is US27, but it’s along east/west SR26 (Newberry Road/University Avenue if you’re heading west …

Small Town Escape: Alachua, the Main Street of Natural North Florida

Don’t be fooled by all the new development, gas stations and fast food outlets when you exit I-75 at Exit #399, US441.  You’re in the town of Alachua (pronounced Al-ach-u-way) in rural Alachua County (pronounced Al-ach-u-wah).  And you’re in a real gem of a Natural North Florida town. The restoration of downtown Alachua is impressive, …

It’s Officially “Spring-Time” In Natural North Florida’s State and County Parks

Easter weekend means lots of things to lots of people.  In Natural North Florida, especially in our State and County parks, the Easter weekend and the passage into springtime really means “Spring-time”! Florida’s Karst geology has created a complex (and fragile!) underground network of rivers that course through limestone rock, occasionally popping up in the …

Visit A Natural North Florida Wonder–Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park near Gainesville, is a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. A significant geological formation, …

Take A Walking Tour of Historic Micanopy in Alachua County, FL

Founded in 1822, Micanopy, FL is the oldest inland settlement in the state.  And it’s still an interesting place to spend a day, just walking and shopping in the many antique and collectable shops found there.  Located about 15 miles south of Gainesville, Micanopy is located between two prominent prehistoric lake beds, Paynes Prairie and …

Re-Live The Past at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park Near Gainesville

Located in Cross Creek, just a short drive from Gainesville (and historic Micanopy), the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is a look back into the time when the famous author penned classics like her Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Yearling.  The Rawlings home at Cross Creek has been restored and is of interest to …

Look Into The Past at Perry, Florida’s Forest Capital Museum State Park and Cracker Homestead

Forest Capital Museum State Park has a diverse set of attractions, including a historical cracker settlement to walk around, an indoor museum with dioramas telling the story of the turpentine industry and it’s importance to Florida. Turpentine, or “naval stores” was an important industry in Natural North Florida until after the Civil War.  Used in …

Headed to Cedar Key, FL? Cedar Cove Condos Is A Great Place To Stay (and Eat!)

If you’re headed to Cedar Key, Cedar Cove Condos is a great place to stay.  All rooms have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s just a short walk to the shops and restaurants in “downtown” Cedar Key.  It’s also a quick walk to Cedar Key’s waterfront park, where you can rent a kayak …

The Green Giants of Goethe State Forest

Deep in the heart of more than 53,500 acres of forested preserve, a stand of ancient trees is crowned by the Goethe Giant, one of Florida’s largest cypresses