Outdoors and Nature
Our Outdoor and Nature experts, Sandra Friend and John Keatley, travel around the region exploring the fabulous springs, rivers, trails, and hidden treasures that make up our ten county Natural North Florida region.
Highlights Of Your Paddling Adventure On Florida’s Mighty Suwannee River
Our Natural North Florida region is blessed to have the Suwannee River as its main freshwater attraction. Yes, we have no crowded beaches or amusement park, but we have Florida’s longest free flowing river. There are no dams and just a few obstructions along its path from White Springs to the Gulf of Mexico. While …
Take A Virtual Vacation to Wonderful Wakulla County, Florida—An Outdoor Paradise
Take A Break and Take a Virtual Vacation in Natural North Florida Spring 2020 has brought a sllowdown to Florida tourism, and tourism worldwide.. Our Visit Natural North Florida region has slowed, too, and with the restrictions of social distancing and travel we’re all dreaming of better times to come. And we hope that potential …
See North Florida’s Wilder Side at Carson Springs Wildlife Park
If you’re interested in rare and endangered species, a trip to Carson Springs Wildlife should be on your bucket list. You must plan your visit in advance, as the facility is open only on select days and hours. Tours are available every Saturday at 10AM. Tour prices are $25 for adults and $8 for kids …
White Springs: Florida’s Original Tourist Destination
Set among forests and a famous river in rural Hamilton County, White Springs, Florida doesn’t conjure the image of a bustling tourist town. As the town’s Vice Mayor Walter McKenzie describes it, you had to be there. “In the late 1800s and early 1900s, White Springs was the number one tourist destination in Florida because …
Birding and Bird Photography Opportunities in Natural North Florida
Blogger Note: Despite over fifty years as a photographer, my expertise in the art of bird photography is lacking. I thank my friend Rick Davidson, for this story and some excellent photos. I wish I had his patience! Our area is fortunate to have so many parks and wildlife management areas, but we’re also fortunate …
Paddle Suwannee River Wilderness Trail: October 18-23, 2019–65 Miles and 6 Days
Florida’s Suwannee River is one of the great features of our Natural North Florida region. It flows from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, over 200 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s big, free flowing, has few hazards and is spectacular to view–and to paddle. Sponsored by Paddle Florida, this trip is popular, not only …
Suwannee Roots Revival, October 10-13, 2019 at Live Oak, Florida
When you first arrive at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, just north of Live Oak Florida, on the Suwannee River, you might be intimidated by the size of the event. With a huge number of headline acts, playing on several stages and in several venues, the Suwannee Roots Revival, now in its fourth year, …
Fun and Games! Labor Day Weekend 2019 at Suwannee River Rendezvous, in Lafayette County
There’s something for everyone at Lafayette County’s Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort! Located just east of the town of Mayo, at 828 NE Primrose Rd, the resort is just about a mile off US27 on the shores of the beautiful Suwannee River. The main feature of the original resort, opened ten years ago, is Convict …
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 …