Small Town Appeal

Enjoy a relaxing road trip through Micanopy, McIntosh and Cross Creek — three small towns south of Gainesville that simply ooze Southern charm and historic cracker style.

>>> Read More

Tags: Central Florida | Cross Creek | food | Gainesville | ice cream | McIntosh | Micanopy | road trip

On a recent early morning road trip in North Florida I found myself driving along a stretch of Gulf coast in Panama City Beach when hunger pains set in. Like a mirage in front of me, a funky food stand with glaring lights appeared in the hazy dawn. The big blue-and-white sign read: Thomas' Homemade Donuts (850.234.8039). I thought I died and went to heaven.

>>> Read More

Tags: food | Northwest | Panama City Beach

Two weekends ago, I headed out to Palm Coast to explore the Florida Agricultural Museum (myagmuseum.com). Now before you yawn, let me point out that this so-called museum is tucked inside 460 acres of Florida wilderness and horseback riding is the best way to explore it - so giddy up. Riding Breeze, one of the stable's oldest quarter horses, I traveled a green trail across I-95 (see photo) to the Clark Homestead, an old Cracker House where Cracker cattle, a sassy dog named Sally and a hen house do a great job of portraying rural life in 1890.

>>> Read More

Old Florida charm fills sleepy Flagler Beach. The place for the best coffee in town and good eats is Java Joint (javajointflagler.com), just across Highway A1A from the beach. With seating inside and out, the place is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lunch and breakfast are served all day. When there's a full moon, they're known for throwing the best party in town (check your lunar calendar).

>>> Read More