Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park–Florida’s Newest State Park Now Open!

  Gilcchrist blue Springs State Park is the latest addition to Florida’s state park system.  The 400-plus acre park was previously privately owned, and in 2018 it was sold to the state of Florida.  Located just a short “run” from the Santa Fe River in Gilchrist County, the main spring is a second-magnitude vent pushing …

Natural North Florida’s 2018 Bay Scallop Season Opens Soon!

Pinning down the dates for the 2018 bay scalloping season isn’t as easy as it’s been in past years.  Essentially, our most popular scalloping areas (Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach and Horseshoe Beach) open on June 16, while northern parts of Taylor County (not including Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach) and Wakulla County open on July 1.  The …

Take A Walk On The “Wild Side”– In Gainesville’s City Limits–At Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Gainesville’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park is about more than 125 acres of protected land near the intersection of South Main Street and Williston Road. The park is not only a place to connect with nature, it’s a way to protect our environment. Featuring wetlands and ponds, the park was created to improve the water quality of …

Gainesville’s Depot Park—A Downtown Destination For The Entire Family

Depot Park is one of the latest additions to Gainesville’s South Main Street District.  Located at the old railroad depot, which now houses two food concessions, the park is a fun destination for the entire family.  Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a playground visit for the kids, or a stroll after visiting the adjacent …

Visit Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Near Williston, Florida–It’s the “Pits”!

So….what do you do with a retired hundred-plus-year-old rock quarry?  If you want to create a masterpiece of flora and fauna, you move tons of rock and divert lots of water and build a park for visitors to enjoy.  That, in a nutshell, is the history of Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, located just off …

2018 Florida Folk Festival, May 25-27, Along the Suwannee River at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

  The Florida Folk Festival is the “big event” each year in Hamilton County.  It’s widely recognized as one the the most entertaining events at any of Florida’s State Parks and is attended by visitors from the southeast US.  The Festival is all about music, art, history and fun along the Suwannee River at Stephen …

Fort White–The Good Jumping-Off Spot for Ichetucknee Springs State Park!

The Ichetucknee River and springs put Fort White on the map, so to speak.  Originally settled near “Fort White”, a military post built in the 19th century at the time of the Seminole Wars, this Columbia County town is truly a gateway to one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks.  Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches …

Ochlockonee River State Park–A Gem on Natural North Florida’s Western “Border”

Located off US319, about 4 miles south of Sopchoppy, Florda in Wakulla County, Ochlockonee River State Park is a great place to visit–for a day trip or an extended vacation.  The State Park is bounded by the confluence of the Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers, upstream from the Gulf of Mexico and is an excellent of …

Visit The Cade Museum For Creativity and Invention, Gainesville’s Newest Attraction

While the official opening of Gainesville’s Cade Museum For Creativity and Invention isn’t until May 19, 2018, the museum is holding several “soft opening days”.  Located at 811 South Main Street, the museum is adjacent to the new Depot Park and will likely become the architectural focal of new development and activity in the South …

“The Granddaddy of All Tournaments”–Optimist Club of Perry Saltwater Fishing Tournament, at Steinhatchee, May 5, 2018

Now in its 27th year, the annual Optimist Club of Perry, FL Saltwater Fishing Tournament has become one of the largest fishing events on Natural North Florida’s Big Bend.  While Perry is landlocked, it’s the county seat of Taylor County, which has some of the best saltwater angling in the state.  And appropriately, the event …