Historic Jefferson County’s 25 Must-Do Ideas

There is one county in Florida that doesn’t have a single stoplight—Jefferson—my kind of place! By Florida standards, this historic county is quite old. When it was chartered in 1827, Florida was still a territory. The county was named for the country’s third president, Thomas Jefferson. The county seat, in honor of his Virginia home, …

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 …

Natural North Florida’s Gilchrist Blue Springs is Now Florida’s Newest State Park, 11/1/17

Florida now has 175 State Parks, and everyone’s excited that the transition from private to public for Gilchrist Blue Springs is now  a “done deal”.  The property, which contains six natural springs and includes approximately one mile of frontage along the Santa Fe River, has been providing recreational opportunities as a private park since 1958. …

It’s Springtime In Natural North Florida–Plan Some Festival Fun!

By the time mid-February rolls around, folks in our Natural North Florida region are really tired of all those “cold” 50-degree nights and 70-degree days.  Yes, we’re spoiled! In February we’ll have a few quick, wet and windy, cold fronts move through the area and we’ll have to bundle up with a sweater and maybe …

Going Fishing or Hunting in Natural North Florida? Don’t Forget Your License!

If you’re heading out to fish (or hunt) in our Natural North Florida region, you’ll likely need a license.  That’s especially true if you’re not a Florida resident.  Florida’s rules can be complicated, so here’s a quick look at the basics, thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Who needs a recreational …

Gainesville’s gigantic gators at Paynes Prairie

Looking for enormous alligators? You’ll find them in the home of the Gators, Gainesville, along the La Chua Trail at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

Ochlockonee State Park, Panacea

This short video gives you a look at Ochlockonee River State Park, where camping, boating, swimming, fishing and hiking make for a full day outdoors. Bring exact change when you visit: The ranger station may not be staffed, and you’ll need $4 per carload (up to eight people) to drop in the honor box. Pedestrians …