Take a Virtual Vacation to Cedar Key, Florida

Take A Break and Take a Virtual Vacation in Natural North Florida Spring 2020 has brought a halt to Florida tourism, and tourism worldwide.. Our Visit Natural North Florida region has slowed, too, and with the restrictions of social distancing and travel we’re all dreaming of better times to come. And we hope that potential …

Don’t Miss Taylor County’s ONLY Craft Beer Festival March 2020!

Craft beer and craft beer festivals are really gaining popularity in the Big Bend.  So it just makes sense, that Taylor County, in the heart of the Big Bend, hold the Big Bend Brewfest event, one of the largest and most popular in this region.  Beer lovers from all over will travel to the small …

Fiddler Crab Festival, Steinhatchee, February 14-16, 2020 — Bigger and Better!

Steinhatchee’s annual Fiddler Crab Festival has become the big event for this small coastal fishing community. From the very beginning, rain or shine, the event has attracted thousands of visitors to the riverside between Taylor and Dixie counties, in Natural North Florida. Steinhatchee is located in southern Taylor County, at the mouth of the Steinhatchee …

Cooler Weather = Hot Fishing on Florida’s Big Bend Gulf Coast

There’s something about cool weather fishing on Florida’s Nature Coast. Gulf of Mexico waters cool rapidly as cold fronts hit the coast on an almost-regular 3 day cycle. Air temperatures vary from the high 30’s to the 80’s as the Holiday season approaches, and water temperatures soon follow. In many cases, the Gulf water temperatures …

Out of the Way but Worth the Journey

Historic Cedar Key is a unique Florida community. Located, at the end of State Road 24 on the Gulf Coast of Florida, 60 miles SW of Gainesville . Visitors do not discover Cedar Key because they are passing through on their way to another destination. Instead, they usually have to plan to journey the extra …

See North Florida’s Wilder Side at Carson Springs Wildlife Park

If you’re interested in rare and endangered species, a trip to Carson Springs Wildlife should be on your bucket list. You must plan your visit in advance, as the facility is open only on select days and hours. Tours are available every Saturday at 10AM. Tour prices are $25 for adults and $8 for kids …

Christmas Lights Are Spectacular in Natural North Florida

The Holiday Season is a highlight is Florida’s Natural North Florida region. Small towns are well lit, with holiday parades and festivals. Several our State Parks are lit with holiday decorations and private venues hold holiday special events. Here are a few for your consideration:​ The 8th Annual Christmas Train at Kirby Family Farm Hosted by …

It’s All About Seafood….Florida’s Big Bend Shellfish Trail

Experience fresh, local seafood along Florida’s Big Bend Life on Florida’s Big Bend, especially in the coastal communities of Taylor, Dixie and Levy counties revolves around seafood, especially shellfish. Not only are oysters, clams, shrimp and crabs available at local eateries, they’re available at seafood retailers, often “fresh off the boat”. Certain species. like bay …

White Springs: Florida’s Original Tourist Destination

Set among forests and a famous river in rural Hamilton County, White Springs, Florida doesn’t conjure the image of a bustling tourist town. As the town’s Vice Mayor Walter McKenzie describes it, you had to be there. “In the late 1800s and early 1900s, White Springs was the number one tourist destination in Florida because …

Birding and Bird Photography Opportunities in Natural North Florida

Blogger Note: Despite over fifty years as a photographer, my expertise in the art of bird photography is lacking. I thank my friend Rick Davidson, for this story and some excellent photos. I wish I had his patience! Our area is fortunate to have so many parks and wildlife management areas, but we’re also fortunate …