Hart Springs Park, Gilchrist County, Florida–New and Improved For 2018!

Florida’s State Parks are excellent, but often crowded.  However, we have a number of very fine county-operated parks in Natural North Florida that are generally less crowded, with the same spring access as the bigger state parks.  Hart Springs, in rural Gilchrist County, is alongside the famous Suwannee River, and has recently been renovated. The …

Love Music? Don’t Miss 2018 Suwannee Roots Revival at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, October 11-14

Music lovers, mark your calendars!  This year’s Suwannee Roots Revival at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park near Live Oak, in Suwannee County, looks to be one of the best “revivals” ever!  With plenty of RV or tent camping,  several music venues, as well as an all-star lineup of musicians, there’s not a slow moment …

Catch A Suwannee Bass On The Santa Fe River

If you’ve already added largemouth, smallmouth and shoal bass to your “bass bucket list”, consider Suwannee bass.   And why not? They’re local to much of Natural North Florida, and while they rarely exceed three pounds, they’re lots of fun to catch. Suwannee bass (Micropterus notius) are found mainly in the coastal rivers of the Big …

Cool Weather Brings Good Spotted Seatrout Bite to Natural North Florida’s Gulf Coast

A typical winter day near Steinhatchee’s  Sea Hag Marina! Everyone wants a limit of spotted seatrout! Cool air temperatures that follow the arrival of cold fronts to Natural North Florida’s west coast usually drop Gulf and river water temperatures down a degree or two.  Feeling that drop, and the likely onset of winter, spotted seatrout …

Take The Slower Road…US90—Live Oak to Lake City, Florida

If you’re driving east or west along Interstate Highway 10, just south of the Florida/Georgia border, you’ve likely missed two small historic cities in our Natural North Florida region.  Yes, there are signs west of I-75 directing you to Live Oak and some to the east,  pointing towards Lake City.  But if you just keep …

Don’t Miss a Trip to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida

Located in a grove of oaks and pine trees, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is one of the Natural North Florida destinations you don’t want to miss!  While the Cafe is open daily, try to time your visit during one of the many festivals and music events held there throughout the year.    Typical …

Big Parks, Big Springs–Small Parks, Small Springs–A Few Suwannee River Favorites!

The Swanee River (Old Folks at Home) words and music by Stephen C. Foster (1826-1864) FIRST VERSE Way down upon de Swanee Ribber, Far, far away, Dere’s wha my heart is turning ebber, Dere’s wha de old folks stay. All up and down de whole creation Sadly I roam, Still longing for de old plantation, …

Paddle Florida’s Big Bend Coastline At The 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure, October 11-14

If you’re an avid paddler, consider joining 99 others at the 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure.  This year’s 4 day trip will depart the Steinhatchee River and head south to Yankeetown, on the scenic Withlacoochee River.  On the trip, you’ll see wildlife and “Natural North Florida” at places like Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, and Cedar Key.  …

Jump In At These Gilchrist County Springs!

Gilchrist County has many spring-related parks along both the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers.  Ginnie Springs Park, near High Springs off CR340 is private, with lots of Santa Fe River shoreline and several springs.  It’s busy, but well organized and is a destination appreciated by the “younger” crowd.  Blue Springs Park, just up the road …

Natural North Florida Paddling Guides and Outfitters

Paddling kayaks and canoes on Natural North Florida’s Gulf coast, its rivers and its springs can be the highlight of your visit.  In our 14 county region, we have several rivers, including the mighty Suwannee, as well as the largest concentration of first-magnitude springs in the world.  And if those places don’t get you excited, …