Category: Parks (Community/State/National)

National Hiking Day

Debbie Roney Smith on
Ocala National Forest

Today is National Hiking Day! This is an excellent time of year to go out and explore the wilderness around you. Here in the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas, there’s a number of unique ecosystems to explore at local, state, and national parks. Here’s a list of just a few of the beautiful places to explore today:

Candlelight Tour of Amelia Island’s Historic Fort

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Fort Clinch, located on Amelia Island, became one of Florida’s first state parks in 1935 due to historic conservation efforts. Now, Fort Clinch State Park is a 1,400 acre park featuring diverse nature, a historic fort, and a variety of outdoor activities. Tomorrow, visitors can register to participate in a candlelight tour of the fort. The fort has quite the ambiance with its narrow underground passageways, spiral staircases, and furnished bunkhouse. It also offers a gorgeous view of the Atlantic coast and Cumberland Island. Learn more about reserving your spot HERE. 

Additionally, the First Weekend Federal Garrison is occurring this weekend. During the Garrison, living historians dress and act as the Union soldiers who occupied the fort during its construction in 1864.

Dogs & Drinks

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Dogs & Drinks is a relatively new membership-based dog park and bar. Located in downtown Panama City, it’s a community opportunity for dogs and their human companions. In order to visit, you must purchase a day, month, or annual membership. The membership includes all the dog amenities and access to the human bar – pet friends for the dog, refreshing beer, wine, or cocktails for the human! Dogs & Drinks frequently hosts food trucks and scheduled events such as Paint Your Pet, Puppy Day, and Foam parties. Call (850) 215-4522 to learn more or email dogsndrinks@gmail.com. You can also visit their website HERE. 

 

Dog Parks in Panama City

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Looking for a way to get your dog more social time? Need a new trail to take your high-energy pups on? Try one of the dog-friendly parks below:

  1. Frank Brown Park and Dog Park (16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy) – Leashed dogs are welcome throughout Frank Brown Park including on the hiking trails and the onsite dog park for off-leash playtime. The dog park has separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, benches, water, and cleanup stations.
  2. Aaron Bessant Park (500 W Park Dr) – This park is a dog-friendly recreation complex that welcomes leashed, well-behaved pets. The park features 70 acres of fun for the whole family to enjoy.
  3. A.L. Kinsaul Park (1146 W 5th St) – A relatively new pet-friendly park next to an idyllic location. There are two separate areas for large and small dogs. There is a water fountain on site. 
  4. Al Helms Dog Park (1022 Balboa Ave) – This park features three separate fenced areas: one for small (under 30 lbs) dogs, one for large (over 30 lbs) dogs, and one for shy dogs. The park also features double gates, running water, a water station, benches, and cleanup stations. 
  5. Zollie Young Dog Park (4430 Mill Bayou Rd) – The park features a large, fenced in area for the dogs to roam safely off leash. 

2024 North Florida Wildflower Festival

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The North Florida Wildflower Festival is held annually on the last Saturday of April in Blountstown, Florida. This year, that means it falls on April 27th. Blountstown is located in the heart of the Panhandle, just an hour from Tallahassee, Panama City, and Dothan, Alabama. Held in the picturesque Magnolia Square and surrounding streets, the event will run from 9am-2pm. 

The festival features over 100 vendors specializing in flowers, plants, garden and outdoor items, handcrafted goods, jewelry, home décor, artwork, apparel, food, and more!

VENDOR REGISTRATION is now open! Apply HERE. The event is coordinated by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. 

Caverns Cultural Celebration: Rescheduled

Debbie Roney Smith on

We posted about the Caverns Cultural Celebration last December but the event was canceled due to extreme weather. Luckily, you can still enjoy the event! It has been rescheduled for March 2nd. Come out to learn about blacksmithing, woodworking, beekeeping, flintknapping, candlemaking, and more. There will also be food and interesting vendors selling their rural crafts and other homesteading goods. The Caverns Cultural Celebration will take place at the Florida Caverns State Park. 

Field Day Music Festival

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The Field Day Music Festival is coming soon! This annual event is a chill music festival held at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Come to Tallahassee on February 25th for a relaxing afternoon of great music, food trucks, field games, and more. Live music will be presented by The Lil Smokies, Sugarcane Jane, and Revival. There will also be a Beer Tent featuring pours from Lake Tribe Brewing. Additionally, there is an opportunity for you to enjoy the festival as a VIP; the VIP tent includes a full dinner, bar, and covered seating areas. Learn more by visiting the festival website here.

PCB Mardi Gras

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The Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival is happening this month! Taking place on January 26-27th, the Festival will take place in conjunction with the Krewe of Dominique Youx’s Great Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade. There will be float tours, parades, a Mardi Gras 5K, a kids’ parade, live music, food, beads, and fireworks!!! To see the complete schedule with times and locations, visit the event page HERE. Registration for the Fun Run 5K will close on January 24th; register here. 

Wakulla River Manatee Viewing

Debbie Roney Smith on
Join Harry Smith Outdoors and fellow paddlers on a leisurely trip down the beautiful, spring-fed Wakulla River in search of manatees! The trip will be a 3 mile, 2.5 hour float perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned kayakers alike. For the price of $60/person, you get a knowledgeable guide, transportation (if needed), shuttle service, sit-on-top kayaks, a paddle, and a life jacket.
The trip begins at the “upper” bridge along Shadeville Highway and continues 3 miles down to the “lower” bridge where the shuttle will be waiting to transport everyone back. Please note: we recommend avoiding cotton in the cooler months. Additionally, we recommend bringing:
  • Water/weather-appropriate clothing & footwear
  • Wide-brimmed hat or ball cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water or your drink of choice. There is plenty of room in the kayaks for a small cooler. Alcohol is not allowed.
  • Lunch and/or snacks depending on the length of trip
  • Waterproof camera
  • Small dry bag (Ziplocks work great!) for personal belongings (ie. keys, wallet, phone, etc.)
  • Any personal items you may want and/or need (ex. medication, inhaler, etc.)

We look forward to guiding you on a unique, enjoyable, safe, and memorable experience! Have questions? Contact the event host, Harry Smith Outdoors, by phone – (850) 559-3400 – or email at hsoutdoors@hotmail.com. 

Visit the Facebook event page to learn more or message Harry Smith Outdoors, LLC via Facebook direct message.

New Year, New Hikes

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Florida State Parks are hosting a series of hikes on the first of January 2024. They want to help individuals, friends, and families start the new year off with a breath of fresh air. The walks are free with state park admission and are guided by rangers. Guests are encouraged to wear sensible shoes and bring binoculars, water, camera, bug spray, and sunscreen.

  • Anastasia State Park (Jan. 1, St. Augustine): Guided 2-mile hike on two of Anastasia’s iconic trails: the Marsh Trail and the Ancient Dunes Trail. 
  • Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park (Jan. 1, High Springs): A guided mile-long hike that educates on the importance of natural springs.
  • St. Andrews State Park (Jan. 1, Panama City Beach): Guided mile-long hike along the park’s Heron Pond Trail that includes a discussion on the park’s natural plants and wildlife. 
  • Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park (Jan. 1, Pensacola): Guided, leisurely mile-long hike along the ADA-accessible Tarkiln Bayou Trail that includes a discussion of the park’s native plants. 
  • T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (Jan. 1, Port Saint Joe): Guided 1.6-mile loop hike with views of St. Joseph Bay through the park’s various terrain.
  • William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area (Jan. 1, Port Saint Joe): Rather than a walk, the Rish Recreation Area would like to invite you to enjoy the first sunset of 2024 on the beach. Bring a chair, blanket, or towel. There will be games of cornhole, bocce ball, and more available for entertainment.