North of Panama City, this little-known trail is a real gem. I discovered it last month while canvassing the region for new places to hike, and what a delight to find a trail that showcases some of the best geology this area has to offer. The Econfina Nature Trail starts at Pitt Spring off SR …
Fat Bellys
Every hiker raves about Fat Belly’s, the go-to barbecue in White Springs
Gator growl at La Chua
In the heart of Gator Country, a deep sinkhole swallows the waters of Paynes Prairie at its northeastern rim in Gainesville: La Chua Sink. A brand new boardwalk now provides a closer look.
Get Outdoors, Florida!
In late March, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission launched Get Outdoors, Florida!, an important statewide initiative to encourage Floridians – and all members of their families – to get outside and enjoy our outdoors. I encourage you to take a look at their website and see what they have to offer as to …
Naval Live Oaks to add wheelchair-accessible trail
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola is the fortunate recipient of federal stimulus funds for National Parks, according to a story in the Pensacola News-Journal. Part of the funds will be used to replace an existing natural surface trail with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. My guess is that it will provide access from the visitor center …
New addition to the National Scenic Trail system
The 220-mile New England National Scenic Trail is the first new National Scenic Trail to be established since the Florida Trail was designated as one in 1983.
PEAR Environmental Park and Hontoon Island
Two new Central Florida hikes are now available at Florida Hikes! Both offer virtual tours, so be sure to click on the Tour tab for an armchair walk through each hike. Hontoon Island State Park is the only Florida State Park reached by a free ferryboat; the island is in the middle of the St. …
Pitcher plants at Tarkiln Bayou
At Tarkiln Bayou State Park, the showy blooms of pitcher plants are on parade each spring. The boggy Perdido Pitcher Plant Prairie is ground zero for these beauties.
Secrets of the Springs
Last month, en route to the Alabama Hiking Trails Conference, I stopped to do a handful of hikes to the west of Tallahassee. This was a new one on me, but I knew there was a trail here, and no real information available about it. I spent several hours reveling in the weird and wonderful …
Stuckeys
On my way home from Pensacola, I had to stop in Bagdad to visit Florida’s last real Stuckeys. When I was a kid and my family did road trips to Florida down the East Coast every year, we’d always stop at Stuckeys. The distinctive yellow-roofed shops were filled with treats, had clean restrooms, and often …
Support your Independent Outdoor Retailers
In these tough economic times, the squeeze is on for outdoor retailers, especially the small independent folks who’ve been your reliable local source for gear when you need it fast. Over the years, I’ve visited many Florida retailers, and it’s my experience that small local shops beat the big chains every time when it comes …
The Pint-sized Ponces of Punta Gorda
Now we know people centuries ago were short. Just take a look at antique beds and pioneer cottages. I’d be hitting my head on the lintel every time I ducked through the door! I had that trouble in Nepal, in fact, in every cab, bus, and shop. And I’m only 5’5″. Still. Ponce de Leon …