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.
Florida’s 2019 Recreational Scallop Season, at Steinhatchee, Opens June 15th….Reserve Your Lodging at Sea Hag Marina 1/1/19~
Scallop Season dates in Steinhatchee are June 15th-Sept. 10th! We will open our reservation calendars for Scallop Season 2019 on January 1st, 2019! (352) 498-3008 www.seahag.com
Enjoy Your R/V Adventure Along The Mighty Suwannee River
There are more options than just parking your R/V or setting up camp along the shores of the mighty Suwannee River. Florida’s longest unobstructed (no dams or locks) river begins its journey in the Okefenokee Swamp in south Georgia and flows over 200 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. For the most part, the river …
Free* Kayak Eco Tours at Cedar Key
Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Paul King, a Florida Coastal Master Naturalist, Tom Liebert at Kayak Cedar Keys and the folks at the University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station, visitors can arrange free guided kayak Eco-tours of the area around the Cedar Key archipelago. Paddlers may bring their own boats or rent from …
Spend A Leisurely Day in Union County and Lake Butler, Florida
Great Southern Biscuit Company Opens New Location in High Springs, Florida
It’s often said that it takes a brave (and sometimes foolish) individual to open a new restaurant. As a food writer for Florida Sportsman magazine, I sometimes receive invitations to try new restaurants, and on many occasions they’ve closed before I get there. I’m happy to say that what follows may be a success story! …
Birding and Bird Photography in Natural North Florida
A guest blog from local bird photographer, Dr. Richard Davidson Fifty million people in the U.S. plan birding outings each year. Our area is blessed with amazing opportunities for those who observe or photograph birds. The Great Florida Birding Trail (http://floridabirdingtrail.com/) includes over 500 locations for birding in Florida, with dozens in the Natural North …
It’s Getting Cool–Expect FOOD and FUN at 2018/2019 Festivals in Natural North Florida
Fall and winter in Natural North Florida can be warm, but generally not as hot as in the summer months. And cool days and nights mean that it’s “food festival time”, with several great events on the region’s calendars. Some events revolve around drink, like the Big Bend Brewfest. Others center on food, especially the …
Paddle Natural North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail With Paddle Florida, October 19-24, 2018
North Florida’s Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (SRWT) starts at White Springs and follows the river for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This fall’s 65-mile trip will start at Madison Blue Spring State Park and end at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford. Expect fair fall weather and a downstream paddle, suitable for all levels …
A Sampling of Natural North Florida’s RV-Friendly State Parks
If you’re a resident, or a visitor to Natural North Florida, our 14 rural areas stretching from the Florida-Georgia border south to the Withlacoochee River and east from the Gulf of Mexico almost to the St. Johns River, and if you’re a recreational vehicle (R/V)enthusiast, don’t miss a chance to experience a camping trip at …
Don’t Miss The 63rd Annual Florida Forest Festival and Free Fish Fry, in Perry–October 27, 2018
In 1955, the citizens of Taylor County, Florida, decided to stage a county-wide “Pine Tree Festival” as an educational tool to reduce forest fires that were crippling the county’s economic base-the timber industry. Over the years, the festival grew and accomplished its aim so well that by 1965, Taylor County could boast the lowest fire …