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.
Serenola Forest Preserve–Gainesville’s Latest Hiking Destination
Officially opened in April, 2019 after acquisition in 2018, the Serenola Forest Preserve is the latest addition to the lands overseen by the Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT). Located south of the University of Florida, just off Williston Road, the preserve consists of 111-acres of hardwood forest, open to the public for an in-town hiking experience. Here’s …
Spend A Day At The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo—It’s Good For You!
There’s only one American Zoo Association accredited zoo on a college campus, and it’s on Gainesville‘s Santa Fe College campus. Santa Fe College offers both Associate and Bachelor’s degrees and won the 2015 Aspen Prize for Educational Excellence. It enrollment now tops 20,000 and it’s an excellent adjunct to the educational community in Gainesville, which …
Tour de Melon–Bring Your Bike to Chiefland, FL For Some Fun, June 1, 2019
Hosted by Suwannee Valley Rotary Club, The 2019 Tour de Melon in Chiefland, Florida is a great opportunity to ride the roads of Levy County with cyclists of all ages and experience. RIDE INFORMATION Choose from either a Road Route or multiple paved Trail Routes Terrain is flat. Well-marked rural highways. Route maps will be available …
Suwannee River Catfish Festival, Branford, FL, April 13, 2019
Come one, come all! To Branford’s annual Suwannee River Catfish Festival. This year’s event will be held in Greenway Park, alongside the mighty Suwannee River, in downtown Branford on April 13th. Branford is located on US27, at the river. The fun begins at 9AM and lasts throughout the day. Expect to hear live music, …
Suwannee River Paddling Festival, April 5-7, 2019
If you’re an avid paddler, you don’t want to miss this event. There are several 8-12 mile options on both the Suwannee River and the upper Withlacoochee River, all departing from Suwannee River State Park. In addition to the many paddling opportunities, attendees will experience kayak and canoe demonstrations, a silent auction, as well as …
Your Florida State Parks Annual Pass–Cheaper Than a Gym Membership!
Florida’s State Parks are some of the best in the country, and our Natural North Florida region boasts some of the finest. This year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the State Parks have begun a new initiative “Get Florida Park Fit”. While there are several ways to take advantage of the Park …
Float The Santa Fe River, Then Enjoy Music at Rum 138 Outfitters, March 2, 2019, In Fort White, FL
Doug Jipson and Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson’s Rum138 Outfitters has become a gathering spot for paddlers and music lovers in southern Columbia County. Located on CR138 (off US27, west of High Springs) at the corner of Rum Island Road, the building houses a thriving canoe and kayak rental/livery as well as some spectacular art. Out back, …
Iron Horse Mud Ranch, 2019 Events Schedule–This Much Fun Should Be Illegal!
Big powerful trucks, big wheels and tires, and lots of slimy mud–Mud boggin’ isn’t for everyone! But if noisy engines and the chance of getting really dirty doesn’t bother you, a day at a “mud ranch” might be fun! 2019 events at Taylor County’s Iron Horse Mud Ranch begin in March with the IHMR Dysfunctional …
Third Annual Suwannee Spring Reunion–American Music Festival at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, March 21-24, 2019
Our Natural North Florida region is well known for some great music festivals and events. After all, Gainesville “raised” Stephen Stills, Tom Petty, Bo Diddley and others. But at the northern end of the region, at one of the largest venues, some great “American music” can be heard at several events held at Spirit of …
Discover UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station—Discovery Days at Cedar Key, FL–2019 Schedule of Events
If you’re headed to Florida’s Big Bend, don’t miss an opportunity to head down SR24 from Gainesville, through Otter Creek, and visit Cedar Key, in Levy County. At the end of the road, you’ll see the new, 3-story, headquarters of the Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS). As a research arm of the University of …