No Sand, No Surf, No Problem!

You hear the word “Florida,” and you think beach, right? Well, not anymore! Let me tell you about the natural areas in Alachua County. You won’t find sand or surf, but you won’t miss those beaches.

Visit Alachua County’s State Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites

In addition to being North Central Florida’s most populated (but not overpopulated!) county, Alachua County is known for its museums, fine dining, upscale lodging–and the University of Florida. But equally important and impressive are its natural assets, especially the State Parks, preserves and historic sites. The State Parks in Alachua County range from small to …

Visit A Few Of North Florida’s Preserved Historic Homes and Villages–

In spite of its international reputation for beaches, big cities and amusement parks, Florida is largely, and historically, a rural state. Soon after the Revolutionary War, settlers moved into Florida, seeking cheap land and opportunity. By the time of the Civil War, settlements had popped up all over the state. Many were based around farming …

Tom Petty Birthday Bash, A Celebration of Music, Gainesville, October 19&20, 2019

Gainesville is the largest city in our Natural North Florida region, and with its lively population of young people, it’s always been “musically inclined”.  And one of the city’s most famous musicians was Tom Petty.  Tom grew up in Gainesville, attended Gainesville High School and then went on to perform on stages worldwide.    And after …

Folk In The Springs–A Free Day of Music and Fun in High Springs, September 15, 2019

High Springs has much more to offer than its nearby springs (Poe, Ginnie, Gilchrist Blue) and it’s locally known as “the springs”.  One event, this fall, promises to be lots of fun and give visitors a good look at the downtown.  High Springs is located west of Gainesville at the confluence of US27/US441.  It’s a …

Celebrate Fathers’ Day 2019 –Take The Kids to Family Fishing Day on June 15, at UF Fisheries, Gainesville

Why not start your Fathers’ Day weekend with a fishing trip?  If you”re lucky enough to be near Gainesville and the University of Florida/IFAS Fisheries complex off Millhopper Road, head on over on Saturday morning, June 15, and take the kids fishing.  This special Fathers Day fishing day will feature a great give-away to all …

Serenola Forest Preserve–Gainesville’s Latest Hiking Destination

Officially opened in April, 2019 after acquisition in 2018, the Serenola Forest Preserve is the latest addition to the lands overseen by the Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT). Located south of the University of Florida, just off Williston Road, the preserve consists of 111-acres of hardwood forest, open to the public for an in-town hiking experience. Here’s …

Spend A Day At The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo—It’s Good For You!

There’s only one American Zoo Association accredited zoo on a  college campus,  and it’s on Gainesville‘s Santa Fe College campus.  Santa Fe College offers both Associate and Bachelor’s degrees and won the 2015 Aspen Prize for Educational Excellence.  It enrollment now tops 20,000 and it’s an excellent adjunct to the educational community in Gainesville, which …

Ask A Seafood Specialist About “Reel Variety” at Florida’s Largest Supermarket Chain (Recipe Included!)

“Florida Food” is all about seafood.  And  sources of fresh, healthy seafood can be found throughout our Natural North Florida region.  In small coastal towns like Steinhatchee (Kathi’s Krabs), Cedar Key (Robinson‘s), Cross City (Rick’s)  there are some great seafood stores.  And in Gainesville, you can’t do much better than Northwest Seafood‘s two locations–one in …