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.
Keaton Beach Hot Dog Stand: Much More Than Dogs!
Don’t let the name fool you: Keaton Beach Hot Dog Stand is neither a stand nor a hot dog place. Sure, you can get a hot dog, but you’re more likely to find folks enjoying seafood, burgers and a stunning sunset at this beachside restaurant. The raw bar outdoors boasts a second-story deck with even …
Cofrin Nature Park: Get Outside in Gainesville
Located in the middle of Gainesville off of 8th avenue, just across from the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center is a 30 acre strip of land called the Cofrin Nature Park. The park offers a 1/2 mile trail for hiking which goes through several different habitats including hardwood hammocks and seepage wetlands. The wetlands are …
When it Rains in Steinhatchee, Settle in and Love the Landing
Sitting still doesn’t come naturally to me. When I plan a getaway, it tends to have a four-page itinerary of activities — per day. So when my family (myself along with my husband, our 10-year-old son and his best friend) headed to Steinhatchee, I had a long list of places I wanted to explore and …
Float Down the Chipola River With Bear Paw
Located about an hour outside of Tallahassee, the Chipola river is a spring fed run that makes a great day trip for anyone who is looking to spend some time outside. Bear Paw is an adventure company based in Marianna, Florida that offers full service river trips including drop off and pick up. Canoes can …
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, Panacea
One of Natural North Florida’s hidden treasures is Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, which I recently visited with my family. We were blown away by the variety of sea life at the aquarium and the fact that, unlike typical attractions, you can touch nearly everything there! We dipped our hands into tanks with starfish, crabs, fish …
Poe Springs State Park: Hiking, Kayaking, Swimming, and Family Fun
Poe Springs is a great place to visit, especially for those in the Gainesville area. It is one of the largest springs in the Gainesville area, and tends to be one of the least crowded. Now that the weather has started to heat up in North Florida, it is a great time to start visiting the springs. The cool water …
For a Mix of Relaxed and Action-Packed, Think Jellystone
We had them at “waterslide.” My son and his best friend are squarely in the tween set now, as they’re starting middle school in the fall. Suddenly, it’s not that cool to play on playgrounds, watch cartoons or do the kind of kid stuff I happily enjoyed until I was at least 13. Or 16. …
Econfina State Park…Great Lodging and Fishing
Bonnie Kinsey WELCOMES YOU & INVITES you to enjoy a stay at the Econfina State Park. Nature surrounds these clean, efficiency hotel rooms bordering miles of leisure activity. A comfortable rest & relaxation spot worth staying at. Flexible check in/check out times. China dishware, micro, refrig, coffee maker, linens, heat/air, two twin beds and small …
Plant Spotlight: Cherokee Bean or Coral Bean
Despite its name, Cherokee Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is not an edible legume. Parts of the plant are edible, but it is not advisable to eat them unless you really know what you’re doing because it can be toxic. However, it is one of the prettiest native plants for landscaping. When it is not blooming, Cherokee …
Retreat to a Cozy Log Cabin at Suwannee River Rendezvous
Whatever your preferred level of “roughing it,” from rustic to nicely appointed, Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo has the perfect getaway option. The Rendezvous offers eight different types of accommodations, from campsites to a chalet (with a hot tub!) that sleeps eight. You can wake up with a view of the Suwannee in one of …