Today is National Blueberry Pancake Day! Pancakes are one of the world’s oldest foods. According to historical evidence, humans have been making flat, fried dough cakes since the Stone Ages.(1)
The word ‘pancake’ first appeared in the English language in the 15th century. By the 19th century, ‘pancake’ experienced a steady incline in usage in the United States. Pancakes are also known as johnnycakes, hoecakes, griddle cakes, and flapjacks. Adding blueberries is a time-honed tradition. Blueberries are one of the only native North American berries to still be eaten today. Even better, there are a large number of Florida native blueberries that you can grow and harvest from. Spring is coming soon and is a great time to plant blueberries so you can benefit from the late summer-early fall harvest.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, packed with nutrients, and have been linked to a number of health benefits including lower blood pressure, improved insulin response, and reduced risk of cancer. There are three popular methods of adding blueberries to the pancakes: 1) fold them into the batter, 2) add them after pouring the batter into the pan, and 3) top the pancakes with whole blueberries. Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, vanilla, blueberry syrup, or chia seeds for a little something extra.
Sara Gramlich is leading a Paint & Pour event at Salty Oak Brewing Co. this week. From 6-8pm on January 26th, Gramlich will guide participants through the creation of an elephant painting. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Painting materials will be supplied. The Salty Oak Brewing Co. will be open and serving, so bring money for food and drink. The event costs $30 per person. Purchase your tickets 
The PC Marina/Civic Center is showing Top Gun Maverick this Friday, January 27th from 7-9pm. This is a FREE event with spots determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking opens at 6pm with the movie starting promptly at 7pm. SPACE IS LIMITED; there are only 100 spots available, so please RSVP. It is recommended that participants bring chairs/blankets to sit on in the event that they arrive after the parking spots are full. Please note that RVs and Trailers are NOT allowed. 
Please note that the movie REQUIRES the downloading of the free, all-new Cinewav App for audio. Scan the QR code to download the app; it allows the movie to be heard through Bluetooth or headphones. The movie will be available in English and Spanish. 
Florida’s “winter season” is the perfect time to stand over a hot grill for hours on end and enjoy the delicacies those grills can make. Are you looking for a celebration of barbeque? Check out Butts & Clucks, Apalachicola’s annual BBQ festival. Today and tomorrow, come by 1 Battery Park. There will be four smoked meat categories with $12,000 in cash and prizes. Not a nationally-renowned grill master? No worries! Come out to enjoy a variety of delicious food vendors (BBQ and more!) or shop for merchandise. Learn more by visiting 
National Gourmet Coffee Day is celebrated on January 18 every year. 
Gainesville’s 36th annual renaissance festival starts tomorrow! Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will be held at 9409 SW Archer Rd for the next three weekends. Open January 14-15, 20-21, and 27-29, come by to bring 2023 in ye olde style. There will be NINE stages with live entertainment including full-flight falconry, aerial acrobatics, jugglers, knife throwers, and gypsy dancers. Over 160 artisans and craftsmen will be selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, stone carvings, leather crafts, and period fashions in the medieval marketplace. But that’s not all! There will also be living chess board matches, carnival rides, and a fully-stocked food court. Look forward to trying blooming onions, giant turkey legs, fresh-baked pastries, sweet potato fries, succulent ribs, and MORE. Learn more by visiting the 
Looking for some family fun to ring in the new year? Come to Cascades Park Amphitheater for Countdown Downtown! Starting at 6pm on December 31st, the festival has TWO separate fireworks shows. The 7pm showing is perfect for families with young children. The 9:45pm show is perfect for all ages. There will also be live music, food trucks, activities, a photo booth, and more. Beverages are allowed but please note the event is BYOB. The event is FREE to everyone but bring cash/card for the food trucks and activities. Visit the event website 
The last 30A Farmers’ Market will be next Thursday, December 29th. Come by Rosemary Beach for an end-of-the-year holiday market. It will run from 9 am to 1 pm. Please note that the market will be CLOSED on December 25th and January 1st. Follow the