Florida…Just
For Fun!
Things
to Do in Florida Right Now
Want to
do something interesting in Florida this weekend?
Here are some suggestions!
Here are some suggestions!
Friday, March 22nd thru Sunday, March 24th, 2013
33rd
Annual Florida International Air Show – Friday, March 22nd thru
Sunday, March 24th
Punta Gorda, Florida
Airport Boulevard
Gates open at 9AM
This annual air show has consistently been ranked one of the 10 best airshows in America. The Florida International Airshow features both
military jets and acrobatic pilots.
Be sure to pack your sunscreen and event chairs. However, carry-in
packages, pop-up gazebos/tents, coolers, and pets are not permitted.
Smoking is not allowed inside the gates. I
f attending with young
children, please consider bringing ear protection (ear plugs or
silencing ear muffs) to help keep them comfortable and enjoying the
Show.
All acts may not appear due to circumstances beyond control of the
Florida International Air Show.
Pops
in the Park – Saturday, March 23rd
Islamorada, Florida
Founders Park – Bayside
MM 87
4PM
(305) 451-4530
Pops in the Park is a free
family-friendly band concert in the Florida Keys. The theme for the concert will be “Florida
Heritage”.
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and
enjoy an afternoon of music by the sea.
Sarasota
Folk and Acoustic Music Festival – Saturday, March 23rd thru Sunday,
March 24th
Osprey, Florida
Oscar Scherer State Park
Musicians from around the state will
share their love of folk music at Oscar Scherer State Park. This is the 10th annual festival and
is sponsored by the Sarasota Folk Club.
There will be workshops, jams, concerts,
food vendors and fun for the kids.
Live
Oak International – Wednesday, March 20th thru Sunday, March 24th
Ocala, Florida
Live Oak Plantation
(352) 873-9407
Come see this unique event featuring the Equestrian Combined Driving competition with leading drivers, trainers, coaches and owners from all over Europe and North America.
Live Oak Plantation is a a leading thoroughbred racing organization providing breeding, foaling, training and racing for the international equestrian community. During this one week in March, they bring together international equestrian athletes, corporate sponsors, patrons, volunteers, officials and friends to compete at this lovely location.
Live Oak Plantation expects to receive more than 7,500 attendees for their Driving and Jumping Competition and Classic Car show.
Live Oak Plantation is a a leading thoroughbred racing organization providing breeding, foaling, training and racing for the international equestrian community. During this one week in March, they bring together international equestrian athletes, corporate sponsors, patrons, volunteers, officials and friends to compete at this lovely location.
Live Oak Plantation expects to receive more than 7,500 attendees for their Driving and Jumping Competition and Classic Car show.
Moon
Over the Mounds – Friday, March 22nd
Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
8PM
352-795-3817 or 352-563-0450
Come see the archaeological mounds in a
different light! Join a Ranger,
Archaeologist or a Volunteer on a moonlit tour of Crystal River Archaeological
State Park. T
The Pre-Colombian mound complex is a
National Historic Landmark. Here’s your
chance to see it after dark.
There will be refreshments served before the walk and you can tour the museum and gift shop as well. Friday tours cancelled by weather will be
held on Saturday, same time.
This is a family friendly event. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The walk is considered easy. It’s a ¾-mile hike along a paved sidewalk and
short grass trail. There will be interpretive
stops along the way.
Bug spray and flashlights are recommended.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
is located on Museum Point in Crystal River.
From the town of Crystal River travel
north on U.S. 19 for two miles, turn west on State Park Street. Travel one
mile, turn left on Museum Pointe and follow it into the park.
Saltmarsh
Kayak Tour – Friday, March 22nd
Flagler Beach, Florida
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation
Area at Flagler Beach
10AM to Noon
$25 per person
(386) 517-2086.
Join a naturalist for a 2-hour guided paddle
along the Intracoastal Waterway and a tour of the saltmarsh. Learn about the importance of this dynamic ecosystem
while relaxing peacefully in one of the park’s kayaks!
Participants of all levels of experience
are welcome and will receive a brief safety demonstration and an introduction
to basic kayaking techniques and gear requirements.
Bring sunscreen and bug repellent and
dress appropriately for the weather.
Kids in double kayaks must be at least
12 years old. Kids in single kayaks must be at least 16 years old. All kids
must be accompanied by an adult on the tour.
There will be three double and five single
kayaks available for the program, provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are required. Please call
(386) 517-2086.
From I-95: Whether you are traveling north or south on I-95, take exit 284 (State Road 100). Turn east onto State Road 100 and travel approximately 3 miles till you reach A1A (and the ocean). At the light turn right (south) and travel approximately another 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be on the left.
From Daytona: Take A1A north to
approximately 1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line (approximately 18
miles)The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day
use beach facilities will be to your right.
From Ormond Beach: Take West Granada (40) east, across the Halifax River, to A1A. Turn left (north) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles (1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line). The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.
From Palm Coast: Take Palm Coast Parkway east across the Intercoastal Waterway (toll bridge) to A1A. Turn left (south) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles. The park is located on A1A. The Ranger Station will be on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.
Avoid the toll: Take Palm Coast parkway east to Colbert Lane. Turn right (south) on Colbert Lane and travel approximately 7 miles to SR 100. Turn left (east) on SR 100 and travel approximately 1.5 miles to A1A. Turn right on A1A and travel about 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.
From St. Augustine: Take A1A south for approximately 32 miles to SR 100. Continue straight through the light and travel approximately another 3 miles to the park. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive on your right and our day use beach facilities will be located on your left.
In-Seine
Adventure – Friday, March 22nd
Englewood, Florida
Manasota Key
Stump Pass Beach State Park
9:30AM
$5 per person
Park entrance fees apply
(941) 964-0060
Get up close and personal with the
plants and animals of an estuary. Explore sea grass flats inhabited by
seahorses, shrimp, young fish, crustaceans, mollusks and their egg casings and
other marine creatures.
This 2-hour Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS)
sponsored seining program is appropriate for adults and children ages 6 and up.
Meet at the picnic pavilion next door to
the restrooms. Reservations are required.
Please call (941) 964-0060.
Stump Pass Beach State Park is located
at the south end of Manasota Key in the town of Englewood, Florida. The 245
acre park consists of three islands and the protected channels between them.
From the north: Take the I-75 south to Exit 191 (River Road). Take River Road to Pine Street(Second traffic light after you cross US 41). Turn left on Pine Street. Take Pine Street to CR 776 (McCall Road) and turn right. Stay on McCall Road for approximately ½ mile. Turn left on Beach Road. Stay on Beach Road onto Manasota Key. When the road splits, keep to your left. This will become Gulf Blvd. Stay on Gulf Blvd till the road ends; you will be right in front of the park entrance.
From the south: take I-75 north to Exit 170 (Kings Hwy). Exit I-75 and turn left on Kings Hwy. After you pass under I-75 turn right onto Veteran's Blvd (CR 776). Stay on Veteran's Blvd approx 16 miles through Murdock, El Jobean and into Englewood (It becomes El Jobean Road when it crosses US 41). Look for McDonald's on the left side of the road. Just past McDonald's you will turn left on Beach Road. Stay on Beach Road onto Manasota Key. When the road splits, keep to your left. This will become Gulf Blvd. Stay on Gulf Blvd. till the road ends, you will be right in front of the park entrance.
Marion
County Springs Festival – Saturday, March 23rd
Rainbow Springs State Park
$2 park admission.
352-465-8555
The Marion County Springs Festival committee invites you to join us at Rainbow Springs State Park for the Annual Marion County Springs Festival. Enjoy the beauty of "THE REAL FLORIDA".
Events include live entertainment, a
Springs Song Contest, Arts and Crafts, door prize giveaways and opportunities
to hear some of Florida's premier water experts speaking about the fabulous
Florida aquifer.
Bring your friends and family for a fantastic weekend and enjoy learning about our Florida aquifer and how you can make a difference in preserving this natural resource.
Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy hiking,
canoeing, camping, bird watching and exhibits in some of the most scenic and
pristine areas in North Central Florida. Visit online at Marion County Spring
Festival for more information, Vender Applications, Exhibitor Applications,
Photo Contest Rules, and the Springs Song Contest Application.
For more information, call 352-465-8555
or mailto:Nicky.Aiken@dep.state.fl.us
Rainbow Springs State Park day use area
is located three miles north of Dunnellon on the east side of U.S. 41.
From I-75, exit at the second Ocala exit
onto State Road 40. Take State Road 40, west. Drive until it dead-ends at U.S.
41. Turn left; the park entrance is on the left-hand side of the road. From
Tampa, take U.S. 41, north. Drive through the town of Dunnellon. The
Headsprings Entrance is located on the right-hand side of the road,
approximately 2.5 miles north of Dunnellon.
From areas in the northwest, take U.S.
41 to the town of Williston. After passing through Williston, you will come to
a traffic light where State Road 40 has come to a dead-end. Go through this
light.
Annual
Fort Chokonikla Encampment – Saturday, March 23rd thru Sunday, March
24th
Micanopy, Florida
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
$2 per car plus park entrance fee
863-375-4717
Come watch as re-enactors portry the fatal attack by renegade Seminoles on the Kennedy-Darling trading post.
Demonstrations will also include how
United States soldiers, local pioneer settlers and Seminoles struggled to
survive during the mid-1800s in central Florida.
Re-enactors will demonstrate their
skills with bow and arrows and tomahawks.
There will also be exciting black powder
demonstrations with period rifles, pistols, and cannons.
The fully stocked Kennedy-Darling
trading post will be open for walk through viewing. The event will also have
vendors and plenty of food.
.
Take U.S. 17 to Bowling Green and follow
the signs at Main Street east to Lake Branch Road and the park.
Shark
Teeth – Saturday, March 23rd
East of Jacksonville
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Ribault Club
2PM
Free
904-251-2320
Come learn about these mysterious
creatures of the deep with a Park Ranger.
We’ll discuss discuss the different types of shark teeth that can be found on the area’s beaches.
This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free.
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
is located approximately 16 miles east of downtown Jacksonville on State Road
A1A, or three miles south of Little Talbot Island State Park.
Eye
Shine Hike – Saturday, March 23rd
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
6PM to 7:30PM
Park entry fee of $6 per car
(850) 267-4330
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
presents “The Eyes Come Out at Night”. Join
Ranger Tammy as you scan the forest and look for shining eyes.
Each animal has a different color eye shine and you will learn how to identify them.
Meet at tram stop 1 in the day use parking area and be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. This will be a short hike in the dark, please wear shoes you won't mind getting dirty.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is
located in Santa Rosa Beach, 10 miles east of Destin, FL.
Take I-10 to Exit 85 (Defuniak Springs)
and follow U.S. Highway 331 south. Travel 27 miles to U.S. Highway 98. Turn
right and travel approximately five miles west to scenic Highway 30A. Turn left
and go one quarter mile to the entrance on the right.
Old
Time Dance – Sunday, March 24th
Coconut Grove, Florida (Miami)
The Barnacle Historic State Park
6:30 PM to 10PM (Gate opens at 6PM)
$10 ages 10 and up; under 10 free
(305) 442-6866
Kick up your heels like its 1891! Join us for dance contras, circles, squares
and waltzes to traditional American music.
Picnics are welcome.
This is an official event of Dade
Heritage Days, a celebration of Miami-Dade’s historic places.
Gates open at 6 pm. Music and dancing
from 6:30 to 10 pm. No pets please.
The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove
(Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.
Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando will be transformed into the "Big Easy" with its annual one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration every Saturday night through April 6th.
Sun City, Florida
Little Manatee River State Park
Little Manatee River State Park
1:00PM
The "Real Florida" Run Series features 7 runs, in 7 weeks, at 7 Southwest Florida State Park. Participate in one run, or all seven. It’s up to you!
Ribbons will be
presented to the first three male and female finishers per race, per age
category.
Age categories:
0-10, 11-15, 16-20, 21-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59,
60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Grand Prize: For
runners who participate in all seven runs of the race series, there will be a
Grand Prize awarded to the top three men and women overall. There will also be
a trophy for the top three boys and girls, ages 17 and under.
Little Manatee River State Park is located four miles south of Sun City Center, off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road. From Tampa:
I-75 South to Exit 240A, East to U.S. 301, Then South 4 miles, Turn Right onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right From Sarasota/Bradenton:
I-75 North to Exit 229, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right From Pinellas County: I-275 South, cross the Skyway Bridge to I-75 North, Exit 229, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right
Little Manatee River State Park is located four miles south of Sun City Center, off U.S. 301 on Lightfoot Road. From Tampa:
I-75 South to Exit 240A, East to U.S. 301, Then South 4 miles, Turn Right onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right From Sarasota/Bradenton:
I-75 North to Exit 229, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right From Pinellas County: I-275 South, cross the Skyway Bridge to I-75 North, Exit 229, East to U.S. 301, Then North 6 miles, Turn Left onto Lightfoot Road, Park is on the Right
Key West, Florida
Each year contemporary
outdoor sculptures come to Key West.
This year artists include Nellie Appleby, Bill Wood and Ursula Clark.
Gainesville Cell Phone Tours
Daily
Department of
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Various - see website, Gainesville, FL 32601
352-393-8540
Free
Use your cell phone for a Free tour of Gainesville's nature, arts and historical attractions. You control what you hear and when. The tour is Free. (cell phone minutes do apply)
Print out a guide
and start your adventure. Pick from one of the tours available.
Tours include Historic Downtown Gainesville, Historic Thomas Center, Matheson Museum, Paynes Prairie, Evinston, Dudley Farm and Oleno State Park.
New tours in Gainesville are being introduced in 2013 so be sure to check them out!
New tours in Gainesville are being introduced in 2013 so be sure to check them out!
Learn Something New - Take A Class!
Current Offerings from Your County Extension Agent
Saturday Farmers Markets
Saturdays
Lake City,
Florida
778 NE Lake Desoto Circle
(Between Columbia County Courthouse and Shands Lakeshore Hospital
(Between Columbia County Courthouse and Shands Lakeshore Hospital
8AM to Noon
The Lake DeSoto Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 12pm in Wilson Park, 778 NE Lake DeSoto Circle, located along Lake DeSoto between the Columbia County Courthouse and Shands Lakeshore Hospital.
The market's weekly offerings include a bounty of Florida-grown fruits and vegetables along with honey, goat milk, cheese, free range eggs, herbs, and organic arugula and mixed greens for salads. There are also fruit tree's, grape vines, herb and native plants available for your garden. Local artists also share space with local farmers, beekeepers, and downtown merchants like Ruppert’s Bakery.
Jacksonville's King Street Farmers Market
Wednesday
Jacksonville,
Florida
1021 King Street
11AM to 2PM
The
King Street Farmers Market is a weekly Wednesday local food and farmers
market in the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL.
They’re located in the vacant lot next to Riverside Market Antiques
& Interiors at 1021 King Street.
Hours are from 11AM to 2PM.
Shoppers
will find fresh and organic fruits and vegetables straight from the
farm, artisan breads and baked goods, food trucks, plant and tree
vendors.
Wildwood Growers' Market
Saturdays- Year 'Round
Saturdays- Year 'Round
Wildwood, Florida
City Hall Grounds - 100 N. Main Street
9AM to 1PM
Wildwood Growers' Market is a community market sponsored by
the City of Wildwood in partnership with UF/IFAS Sumter County Extension.
The market is open 9:00 AM - 1:00PM every Saturday year
round.
The Wildwood Growers' Market has been going strong since October 2009 and
features only homegrown and homemade foods and products.
The market is located on the beautiful
grounds of Wildwood City Hall on 301 in downtown Wildwood. The street address is 100 North Main Street.
There
is easy access from I-75 or the Florida Turnpike. The Market is only a
few miles from the retirement community, The Villages.
They are always seeking local growers and artisans, within a
100 mile radius of Wildwood.
Contact Market Manager, Jerry Townsend at (352) 330-1330
x122 for a vendor application.
Saturdays and Sundays
Panama City,
Florida
Thru November 24, 2012
St. Andrews Marina
St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers Market first began as a seasonal market in 2004. Later that year, the community erected a pavilion to house the Market.
In September, 2010 a group of dedicated volunteers took the Market on as a challenge and transformed it into the current vibrant, bustling year-round market with a unique Make-It-or-Grow-It atmosphere.
In April, 2011 the market became host to St. Andrews Community Garden and together they work to promote our local agriculture, inspire healthy living and improve our regional economy.
The
first market
expansion occurred on September 10, 2011 and put the market on BOTH sides of the
water
- at St. Andrews Marina and at Smith's Yacht Basin on Beck Ave.
For $1.00 each way, shoppers enjoy 3-minute ferry service between the two market sites on beautiful St. Andrew Bay. The Market is proud to be America's only farmers market to offer ferry service to its shoppers!
For $1.00 each way, shoppers enjoy 3-minute ferry service between the two market sites on beautiful St. Andrew Bay. The Market is proud to be America's only farmers market to offer ferry service to its shoppers!
On April 15, 2012,
the market expanded to include the Grand Lagoon at Pirate's Cove operating on Sundays.
Saturday from 8am to 1pm in St. Andrews and every Sunday at Grand Lagoon from 1
to 6pm.
Ocala Farmers Market
Saturdays
Ocala, Florida
Downtown - Ocala Square
8 AM - 1 PM
Chiefland Farmers and Flea Market
Saturdays
Chiefland, Florida
Fresh produce, cool
stuff. Come on out!
Boynton Beach Community Farmers
Market
Saturdays through December 22nd
Saturdays through December 22nd
Boynton Beach, FL
9AM to 2 PM
561-737-3256
Fresh produce, plants, unique food & artisanal goodies.
Corner of Boynton Beach Blvd and Federal Hwy
Vendor Info: Call Jerry at 561-714-2745
Corner of Boynton Beach Blvd and Federal Hwy
Vendor Info: Call Jerry at 561-714-2745
Every Saturday
Sopchoppy, Florida
Sopchoppy, Florida
Corner of Rose
Street & Winthrop Avenue
Downtown Sopchoppy
11 AM – 3 PM
Have an announcement you'd like to share on Florida: Just for Fun? Tell us on Facebook!
This page is solely for entertainment - Not responsible for errors or omissions
This page is solely for entertainment - Not responsible for errors or omissions
Visit these other sites by this blogger:
City to Country - A Rural Florida Adventure
