Learn About North Florida’s Flora and Fauna At Gainesville’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Whether Gainesville is your Natural North Florida destination or if you’re just passing through on I-75, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.  It’s located about a mile west of the Archer Road exit (SR24) on the expressway. Named for Lake Kanapaha (Timicuan tramslation: palmetto leaf and house, referring to the typical Timicua …

“Eew” – Frog Legs! A Natural North Florida Favorite!

You no longer have to be the one to catch (and clean and skin—“Eew”) frog legs. Many seafood specialty shops sell them, and I’ve even found imported, frozen frog legs acceptable and tasty.  That’s a good option for visitors to our Natural North Florida region.  Also, you’ll find them in many restaurants in the region. …

Wild Florida Adventures, December 2017 Events

Greetings Outside Enthusiasts! I’ve just updated the Wild Florida Adventures event calendar for the rest of the month of December with the link here www.localendar.com/public/bbarker This weekend we’re planning two fresh water paddles as the coastal tides aren’t that conducive to good water levels. Plus with the lower temps, its better to paddle venues that …

See Gainesville’s Butterfly Rainforest–And Be Swept Away By Beautiful Creatures

As part of the Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville‘s Butterfly Rainforest is truly one of the wonders in our Natural North Florida region.  The immense screened-in facility, full of flowers and plants (and butterflies!) serves not only as a destination for nature lovers and photographers, but as an adjunct facility for the research team …

Don’t Miss Gainesville’s Downtown Festival & Art Show, November 11 and 12, 2017

North Florida’s art scene swings into high gear on Saturday , November 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the arrival of the highly acclaimed Downtown Festival & Art Show. The streets of historic downtown Gainesville, from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre …

Way Down Upon The Santa Fe River–A Suwannee River Alternative!

Spring has “sprung” and while our Natural North Florida region is largely rural, crowds flock to our rivers to boat, fish, or simply float.  The Suwannee River begins in south Georgia’s Okeefenokee Swamp and meanders downstream to the Gulf of Mexico for over 240 miles.  About 170 of those final miles are in our region …

Natural North Florida Ultimate Springs Guide Now ONLINE

Our Natural North Florida region has a greater concentration of freshwater springs than almost any area its size in the world.  Ranging from smaller springs along the Suwannee, Withlacoochee and Santa Fe Rivers to major springs bubbling up in what looks like dry land, our springs provide incredible opportunities to snorkelers, swimmers and paddlers.  And …

Begin Your Cycling Adventure at Gainesville’s New Depot Park

At first glance, Gainesville’s new Depot Park seems to be just a great big playground.  It is, but for adults as well as kids.  The formerly-semi-industrial site of the Gainesville train depot, located on South Main Street, is also the Trail Head for the Gainesville-Hawthorne Bike/Hike trail that follows an old railroad route. The trail …

10 Wonderful Waters For Summer Heat in Natural North Florida

For folks looking to escape the summer heat, Natural North Florida provides countless opportunities to cool down with its extensive collection of springs, rivers, lakes, and coastline. Most of Florida’s 700 identified freshwater springs are located in North Florida or along the Gulf Coast, and more than 40 are open to the public. Our section …

“Long Road To Freedom: The Florida Black Heritage Trail” Exhibit, Gainesville, 2/7 – 3/18/16

​Long Road to Freedom: The Florida Black Heritage Trail February 9 – March 18, 2016 – FREE ​ This original exhibition and related programs examine the hidden histories of sites on the Florida Black Heritage Trail in and around Alachua County, ranging from Union Academy to Rosewood. Gallery Talk Sunday, February 21, 2016 2:30 pm FREE Please …