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.
Take Mom and Dad to Florida’s State Parks!
It was just announced that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks will offer half-price admission on both Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 8), and Father’s Day (Sunday, June 19). This is a great opportunity to take advantage of some of our best natural resources!
The Gulf Oil Spill, Its Effects on Florida’s Big Bend Fishing, One Year Later
As the one-year anniversary of the ‘Gulf Oil Spill’ and tragedy approaches on April 20, 2011, lots of folks, including potential visitors to Florida, are asking about the oil, fishing and the present quality of Gulf of Mexico waters. Yes, there were reports last year of oil ‘globs’ on a few beaches along Florida’s Panhandle, …
A Taste of Natural North Florida: Choosing the Perfect Local Honey
From roadside stands to farmer’s markets, you’ll find a variety of local honeys for souvenirs or enjoying during your trip through Natural North Florida. Here’s a look at the varieties you’ll find and what they’re best for, with descriptions from Lake City’s Thomas Honey. Gallberry: This North Florida original is great in pecan pie and …
Explore Wakulla County from the Best Western Plus Wakulla Inn & Suites
With a location conveniently located between the coastal town of Panacea and Wakulla Springs State Park, Crawfordville’s Best Western Plus is ideally situated for exploring Wakulla County on a Panhandle getaway. The hotel is near the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, with the towns of Sopchoppy and St. Marks within easy reach. Within a 15-mile …
Beauty Berry: Not Just a Weed. Insecticide, Jams, and Native Landscaping.
Callicarpa Americana more commonly known as Beauty Berry is one of the most easily recognizable backyard plants. It grows pretty much anywhere, and most people think of it as just a weed. It is easily identified by its bright purple berries, and due to its color, most people think it is poisonous. However, this is …
The Science Behind Sinkholes: How and Why Sinkholes are Formed
Many Florida residents (myself included) have a secret fear of sinkholes. The earth suddenly opens up before your feet, and decides that it is hungry for your house, your car, and your very being. Terrifying to think about, and highly unlikely to actually occur. That being said, sinkholes tend to occur in areas that have “karst” topography. What …
The Gilchrist Club–26,000 Acres in the Heart of Gilchrist County
Hunting at The Gilchrist Club is great– especially when the whole family’s involved! Gilchrist County prides itself in having only one traffic light, but that’s not all! It also has one of the nicest private hunting and fishing clubs in the state of Florida, the Gilchrist Club. More of an ‘estate’, the club encompasses almost …
The “Hart” of Gilchrist County: Hart Springs
Open year round, Hart Springs in Gilchrist County is located just off of the Suwannee River. Hart springs is a beautiful place, and is tends to be less crowded than other springs in the summer time, because it is a bit off the beaten path. There are many activities available at Hart Springs, like fishing, …
Biking St. Marks
A town as scenic, laid-back and traffic-free as St. Marks just begs to be explored on two wheels. Biking allows you to hop off and explore the places you notice along your meandering route, and you’re far more likely to notice them when you’re traveling at a relaxed pace in the open air instead of …
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Located just outside of Gainesville on Archer road is Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. With the weather just starting to turn from winter to spring, Kanapaha will soon be back in full bloom. There are approximately 1.5 miles of paths that wind through the gardens, and most of these paths are wheelchair accessible. There are 24 major collections …