Poe Springs State Park: Hiking, Kayaking, Swimming, and Family Fun
Poe Springs is a great place to visit, especially for those in the Gainesville area. It is one of the largest springs in the Gainesville area, and tends to be one of the least crowded. Now that the weather has started to heat up in North Florida, it is a great time to start visiting the springs. The cool water …
For a Mix of Relaxed and Action-Packed, Think Jellystone
We had them at “waterslide.” My son and his best friend are squarely in the tween set now, as they’re starting middle school in the fall. Suddenly, it’s not that cool to play on playgrounds, watch cartoons or do the kind of kid stuff I happily enjoyed until I was at least 13. Or 16. …
Taste of Natural North Florida: Ruby Shaw’s Peanut Brittle
Among the many delicacies available at the Florida Folk Festival May 27-29, don’t miss Mrs. Ruby Shaw’s peanut brittle. The venerable Mrs. Shaw turns out batches by the score, and you can get yours at the festival, which is entering its 59th year at Stephen Foster State Park in White Springs. Here’s a photo from …
Econfina State Park…Great Lodging and Fishing
Bonnie Kinsey WELCOMES YOU & INVITES you to enjoy a stay at the Econfina State Park. Nature surrounds these clean, efficiency hotel rooms bordering miles of leisure activity. A comfortable rest & relaxation spot worth staying at. Flexible check in/check out times. China dishware, micro, refrig, coffee maker, linens, heat/air, two twin beds and small …
Learn How to Take Better Fishing (and Outdoor) Photographs–A Program by Capt. Tommy Thompson, May 24, 2011
Don’t miss my program at the May 2011 meeting of the Gainesville Offshore Fishing Club on the 24th. I’ll cover digital file types, file sizes for publication, good posing techniques, photo editing software, keeping your gear dry, underwater cameras– and how to win photo contests. There will also be a brief discussion of digital video …
Weighing Anchor the Easy Way
From the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary: Weighing anchor doesn’t have to be difficult. The Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends these simple steps: • Motor up to the anchor until the line is vertical • Pull up the anchor • If the anchor is stuck motor across the anchor location. This will usually break the anchor loose • If …
Spotted in Natural North Florida: Motorcycle Watchdog
Just as much as the wildlife, outdoor activities and Southern culture in Natural North Florida, I love the peoplewatching — or in this case, dogwatching. Here’s an “only in Natural North Florida” moment captured outside Savannah’s Country Buffet in Crawfordville. Looks like this pup is earning his keep by protecting his owners’ bike while they …
Plant Spotlight: Cherokee Bean or Coral Bean
Despite its name, Cherokee Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is not an edible legume. Parts of the plant are edible, but it is not advisable to eat them unless you really know what you’re doing because it can be toxic. However, it is one of the prettiest native plants for landscaping. When it is not blooming, Cherokee …
“Good Vibrations”–All About Making a Racket While Fishing Florida’s Big Bend Shallows
Someone asked me the other day about my favorite lure color. Of course, my standard answer is, “light colors for clear water and dark colors for stained waters.” That’s probably a good general summary, but I remarked that while color (and smell) is important, noise might be a bigger factor in getting fish to bite …
Retreat to a Cozy Log Cabin at Suwannee River Rendezvous
Whatever your preferred level of “roughing it,” from rustic to nicely appointed, Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo has the perfect getaway option. The Rendezvous offers eight different types of accommodations, from campsites to a chalet (with a hot tub!) that sleeps eight. You can wake up with a view of the Suwannee in one of …