"Palm Beach shopping is absolutely fabulous. The boutiques are unique, the shopping centers are brilliant…even the thrift shops are posh! ..." Samhara V., Birmingham, England Read more
Discover North Florida's Natural & Cultural Riches
Steinhatchee River
Breathe in the sweet fragrance of southern magnolia trees. See the shadows of Spanish moss cast on historic antebellum mansions. Explore an archaeological dig or take a plunge in a crystalline spring. Sip sweet tea at the corner café. It’s the best of America’s southern charm and hospitality – north Florida style. From the Tallahassee area to the Gainesville area, and all the unique communities in between, this part of north Florida offers history, culture, art and a world of natural beauty.
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy North Florida
#1: Mission San Luis
At Tallahassee’s Mission San Luis, Florida's only reconstructed Spanish mission, journey back to a time when Apalachee Indians ruled the land and Franciscans came to minister to them. Inside the Council House, the fire still burns as it did centuries ago. History comes to life as smoke curls up towards the opening in the thatched roof five storeys above.
#2: Tallahassee Downtown MarketPlace
For
Kayaking
the lively Tallahassee Downtown MarketPlace, local artists, farmers, chefs and musicians gather in Ponce de Leon Park (from March until November) to display their skills and wares. See sunrise captured in a painting, buy fresh vegetables, taste sweet and savoury barbecued food and listen to the sounds of local musicians.
#3: Southern Plantations
Restored Southern plantations in the Tallahassee area are the legacy of America's aristocracy. Killearn Plantation, now Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, features formal gardens, while Goodwood boasts fine European furnishings. Bellevue housed relatives of Napoleon. Melhana, The Grand Plantation, hosted the first private screening of the American classic Gone with the Wind.
#4: Florida Museum of Natural History
In a rainforest echoing with the sound of waterfalls, blue butterflies spread their metallic wings. The Butterfly Rainforest is one of the many exhibits that enthrals and delights at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. See a Calusa chieftain, wander through a cavern and explore a mangrove
Ichetucknee River
estuary to experience Florida's natural wonders.
#5: Cross Creek
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek is named after the American author of The Yearling, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1939. Tour the pioneer-style, former home of Rawlings, now a Federal Historic Landmark, and walk along the nature trail. At Dudley Farm Historic State Park in Newberry you can explore an authentic pioneer homestead.
#6: Suwanee River Wilderness Trail & Ichetucknee River
On the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, canoe or kayak the Suwannee River or go hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, sailing, wildlife watching and riverside camping. Nearby, hire a tyre inner tube and float down the clear, cool Ichetucknee River, one of Florida's most pristine stretches of water.
#7: Gainesville Town Centre
Stroll along the brick streets of Gainesville town centre. Sip a milkshake at Wise Drug's soda bar or visit Panache for apples, cheese and wine. After a spicy tuna steak
Gainesville city centre
at the Paramount Grill, head for the Hippodrome State Theatre, known for its contemporary plays and Classical Revival architecture.
#8: Haunted Monticello
The haunted town of Monticello is known for its ghosts, history and charm. The city's centrepiece is a re-creation of Thomas Jefferson’s impressive Virginia estate, Monticello. Nearby, a spirit known as Aunt Sarah has supposedly taken up residence in the John Denham House, now a bed and breakfast, and she still entertains the guests.
#9: North Florida Arts Trail
Tour Gadsden County’s North Florida Arts Trail and uncover treasures in picturesque small towns. See Quincy’s Victorian homes, explore Havana’s eclectic shops and tobacco barns and admire the colourful murals in Chattahoochee’s town centre. The Gadsden Art Centre is at the heart of the trail.
#10: Nature Coast Trail
Explore the Nature Coast Trail, a corridor of railway history connecting Chiefland, Trenton, Fanning Springs and Cross City. Each stop contains a historic depot and an old-fashioned trestle crosses the Suwannee River. Along the way, enjoy scenic forests and take a dip in the clear, blue springs at Fanning and Manatee Springs state parks.
VISIT FLORIDA® is a registered trademark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation.
