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 …

Megalodon–and More–at Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville

I recently saw “The Meg”, a terrible sci-fi movie based around the reemergence of an extinct super-sized shark and its proclivity for biting submarines. Fun, but fiction! 100 million years ago, the “Meg” did exist. It roamed the seas and feasted mainly on large mammals, like whale. Now, all that’s left of it is a …

Art, Science and Culture–All A Part Of Gainesville’s Museum Offerings

Art, Science and Culture–All A Part Of Gainesville’s Museum Offerings There’s little argument against the fact that Gainesville is the “museum” capital of North Central Florida. Not only is the city historic, with roots into the 19th century, it’s a university town with lots of interest in science and art. ••• Gainesville’s world-class museums are …

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 …

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 …

Great Environmental Programs “On Tap”, UF Thompson Earth Systems, in Gainesville

If you’re interested in learning more about our (and Florida’s) environment, from climate change to pollution, learn more about the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute. Earth’s natural systems include the atmosphere, oceans, land, polar ice caps and glaciers, and life. Intrinsically connected, these systems affect one another and result in global change that profoundly impacts …

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 …

Don’t Miss Gainesville On Your Next Visit to Natural North Florida–It’s Where Nature and Culture Meet!

While Gainesville is our region’s largest city, it’s still relatively small compared to Florida’s “mega-cities” like Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater.  Gainesville’s size is largely due to its central location, its access to US Interstate 75 and to the fact that it’s home to the University of Florida, our “flagship” university.  Gainesville is the …

A Sinkhole Like No Other–Devils Millhopper Geological State Park, in Gainesville, Florida

When there’s a news story about a sinkhole in Florida, it’s mostly about one “eating” a house or a car dealership.  But there are thousands more, and none at quite the scale of Devils Millhopper, just west of downtown Gainesville..  This huge, 120-foot deep, sink, no doubt opened eons ago by a cave-in of the …

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 …