The Big Bend Scenic Byway links a big national wildlife refuge, three state parks, three historic lighthouses, one of the best beach islands in Florida and picturesque fishing towns. It winds through an area that sees fewer tourists, and offers rustic Old Florida delights at every turn–from black bears to white squirrels.
Northwest Florida
Fort Gadsden, ‘Negro Fort’ history buried in Apalachicola National Forest
One of Florida’s least accessible historic sites, Fort Gadsden, also known as “The Negro Fort”, is a tale of war — and the deadliest cannonball in American history.
7 RV campgrounds in Florida State Parks along Interstate 10
Driving Florida’s northern tier on Interstate 10 is 400 lonely miles, so finding a comfortable, well-appointed Florida state park campground is an ideal overnight plan.
Cedar Key Art Festival, April 17-18, 2021: Small town festival; big-time art
Like Cedar Key itself, the Cedar Key Art Festival is a slice of authentic Old Florida. This historic small town is located on an island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The festival attracts serious artists and art will be the focus of the 2021 festival, which is being held with “adjustments” to make it safer.
Apalachicola & St. George Island: Delightful town; spectacular beach
Apalachicola is a charming, walkable small town full of history, good food & shops. It’s 20 minutes from miles of wide splendid beach on St. George Island.
12 unique Florida State Parks campgrounds near I-75
These 12 Florida State Parks campgrounds are a short hop from Interstate 75 and offer unique experiences — roaming buffalo, a disappearing river and one even memorializes a strange and wacky cult.
5 campgrounds in Florida’s Panhandle worth exploring
Campgrounds in Florida’s Panhandle offer a taste of the seasons without summer’s crush of visitors from Southern states. Don’t expect beach weather, but it’s easier to book a campsite.
2021 Pensacola Seafood Festival dates not yet set
The 2020 Pensacola Seafood Festival, postponed from its original date in September, is set to go this weekend, November 6-8, after changes were made to accommodate the coronavirus.
Coming to Florida in your RV? Take a break after crossing the state line
Crossing the Florida state line is something to cheer about, but there’s a lot more road ahead. Here are a few suggestions for overnight stays at these RV campgrounds.
Six things to do in Cedar Key, a charming, historic, off-the-beaten path spot
It’s a long way from just about anywhere — and that’s part of its appeal. But it’s also a great place to bicycle, kayak, hike, watch sunsets and spot birds. The 1859 hotel, now a charming B&B, is reason enough to go.
Crystal River manatees: How to see, kayak or swim with manatees
The magic of manatees draws thousands to the Crystal River on the Gulf Coast each winter. Here’s a practical guide to manatee experiences in Three Sisters Springs and Kings Bay — kayaking with manatees, swimming with manatees or admiring them from a boardwalk.