Known as flatwoods because there is virtually no elevation change, Osceola National Forest [24874 US-90, Sanderson, FL 32087] is home to cypress-hardwood swamps and pine flatwoods, a perfect place for the endangered red cockaded woodpecker. Only 50 miles from Jacksonville the forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love […]
North Florida
22 posts
The only major civil war battle to happen in Florida occurred 50 miles out of Jacksonville in February of 1864. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park [5815 Battlefield Trail Road Olustee, FL 32087] commemorates this battle and does a great job teaching the story of the campaign leading up to it. […]
A birders paradise. A place of unique beauty. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is an outdoor haven for everyone. Whether you’d like to hike, fish, boat, or just take a scenic drive – this preserve has you covered. Located adjacent to JFK Space Center, NASA obtained a large tract of […]
A mom and pop shop that’s got everything you need. That is, if you subsist off of homemade food and pinball, of course. Café One [403 US 1 Ormond Beach, FL 32174] is tucked away in an unsuspecting little strip, just north of Daytona Beach. Parking is a cinch. We […]
Once the largest plantation in East Florida, visited by John Audubon to paint the greater yellowlegs shorebird, now a set of ruins ripe for exploring with an interesting history lesson. Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park [3501 Old Kings Road Flagler Beach, FL 32136] is a short drive down a […]
Where the Tolomato and Guana rivers meet and pour out into the ocean is an estuary of significant interest. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve [505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082] or… GTM for short is located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It has over ten miles […]
I was on a mission, somewhat of a mystery, for the stuff. It took me thirty minutes from Jacksonville to reach my destination. Time couldn’t go fast enough. A dark and quiet country-esque road, a breeze coming off the intracoastal. I’d made it to Barbara Jeans Restaurant [15 S Roscoe […]
What’s a vacation without a trip to the arcade? If pinball is your game (you know it’s mine) look no further than Anastasia Bowling Lanes [3245 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080]. It’s located a bit out of the main strip in town, which means it’s much more laid back […]
Step inside a historic Henry Flagler’s railway building and get ready to unwind. San Sebastian Winery [157 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084] is not a place you would stumble on, because it’s a bit out of the main town – but still walking distance. They have a parking lot […]
The essence of southern charm, The Floridian Restaurant [72 Spanish St, St. Augustine, FL 32084] was such a treat from start to finish. Ambiance is classy yet casual, decor effortlessly vintage, and the local menu changes seasonally. All the southern classics I could hope for were available. A special for […]
One of the best and most interactive historical experiences you can have in St. Augustine is visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. It’s the only existing 17th century military construction in the United States, and its oldest masonry fort. San Marcos is designed in the Bastion System, of 15th […]
St. Augustine is the kind of place you can do some easy McDonalds tourism in. You’ll find pirate museums, wax museums, the fountain of youth, fudge, and t-shirts all on one block! Don’t be turned off if that’s not your kind of thing. Fight through the crowds, there are some […]
+Veterans United Craft Brewery, 8999 Western Way #104, Jacksonville, FL 32256 You’d never find it if you weren’t looking. You’ll almost feel like your GPS is taking you on a ride. But faithfully there, is some of the best beer brewed on site in Jacksonville. I’m not in the military, […]
+Whit’s Frozen Custard, 1232 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Not ice cream. I know this post is supposed to be about ice cream, but this is frozen custard and they are not the same thing. Frozen custard is creamier, thicker, and smoother than ice cream. It uses a higher […]
What was your first concert? Britney Spears was mine. But why are we getting so personal? You’ll have to be open to visit Maple Street Biscuit Co, they are going to ask you a question like this or: …Your favorite vacation spot? …Your first model of car? …Who do you […]