Mayhaw Jelly: A Southern Delicacy

Relatively rare (if not entirely unknown) in commercial grocery stores, Mayhaw jelly is a must try for visitors to the South East.  The jelly is made from a plant that is commonly considered a weed that grows in swampy areas around the Florida/Georgia border.  The berries of the plant ripen and turn red in late April …

Take Mom and Dad to Florida’s State Parks!

It was just announced that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks will offer half-price admission on both Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 8), and Father’s Day (Sunday, June 19).  This is a great opportunity to take advantage of some of our best natural resources!

The Gulf Oil Spill, Its Effects on Florida’s Big Bend Fishing, One Year Later

As the one-year anniversary of the ‘Gulf Oil Spill’ and tragedy approaches on April 20, 2011, lots of folks, including potential visitors to Florida, are asking about the oil, fishing and the present quality of Gulf of Mexico waters. Yes, there were reports last year of oil ‘globs’ on a few beaches along Florida’s Panhandle, …

Big Bend Bound For Some Great Fishing?–Fly Into Gainesville Regional Airport

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is an excellent choice for visiting anglers heading to the Big Bend.  With service from Atlanta (Delta), Charlotte (USAir) and Miami (American) and a good supply of rental cars, the airport is convenient to some great fishing spots.  It’s only about an hour from Yankeetown and about an hour-and-a-half from Cedar …

About Anchoring–Good Advice From The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

More good advice  from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: There are two reasons to anchor: 1.) to attach a boat to the bottom and 2.) to keep a boat in position when there is an emergency. What anchor is best?  That depends on the boat, the kind of anchoring needed and bottom conditions.  While a …

Fishing in Hot Weather? How Much Ice is Too Much Ice?

From the April 15-17, 2011 Florida Sportsman Big Bend Fishing4Cast, by Tommy Thompson With the temperatures getting close to the low ‘90s over the past weekend, it’s time for anglers to start thinking about ice. Not ice as a result of weather, but ice to protect and preserve the fish you catch. Did you ever …

A Taste of Natural North Florida: Choosing the Perfect Local Honey

From roadside stands to farmer’s markets, you’ll find a variety of local honeys for souvenirs or enjoying during your trip through Natural North Florida. Here’s a look at the varieties you’ll find and what they’re best for, with descriptions from Lake City’s Thomas Honey. Gallberry: This North Florida original is great in pecan pie and …

Explore Wakulla County from the Best Western Plus Wakulla Inn & Suites

With a location conveniently located between the coastal town of Panacea and Wakulla Springs State Park, Crawfordville’s Best Western Plus is ideally situated for exploring Wakulla County on a Panhandle getaway. The hotel is near the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, with the towns of Sopchoppy and St. Marks within easy reach. Within a 15-mile …

Beauty Berry: Not Just a Weed. Insecticide, Jams, and Native Landscaping.

Callicarpa Americana more commonly known as Beauty Berry is one of the most easily recognizable backyard plants.  It grows pretty much anywhere, and most people think of it as just a weed.  It is easily identified by its bright purple berries, and due to its color, most people think it is poisonous.  However, this is …

“Downtime” is Good Time to Check Your Boat’s Safety Gear

from the good folks at our U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: “Downtime” is Good Time to Check Safety Gear WASHINGTON – Don’t arrive at a launch ramp and find your on-board safety equipment missing or in need of repair.  Use “downtime” to check your boat’s safety equipment and make sure it’s in top operating condition. The …