Page 91 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

ANNUAL EVENTS
ROAD TRIPS
The belly of this region is so sparsely populated that almost any paved road is a good place for a run, two-wheel journey or a leisurely drive. The roads are rimmed with wildflowers that endlessly pass farm fields and pastures of grazing cattle, horses or goats.
The main east-west route I-10 roughly follows ancient paths used since pre- Colombian times. Old roads that parallel the interstate pass through charming communities where the clock stopped once the interstate opened. Starting at Lake City, perhaps with a loop up to White Springs, take U.S. 90 westward, stopping in Live Oak for fried chicken at the Dixie Grill and a visit to the museum in the old railroad depot.
Continue west to Suwannee River State Park on the site of a vanished community called Columbus. Hiking trails take you past Civil War-era fortifications, sawmill remains and an old cemetery. The highway then leads you through Madison with its stately courthouse and antebellum homes. The small downtown grid has antique shops and a few restaurants.
West of Madison off U.S. 90, the Hixtown Swamp Conservation Area is a major wintering spot for wading birds. Public access allows wildlife viewing, fishing, picnics and hiking. Like Madison and Live Oak, Monticello is the county seat, centered by a grand courthouse. Drive around the small historical district, enjoy a meal and buy a bag of treats at Tupelo’s Bakery & Café. There’s also a museum in the old jail that’s worth checking out.
U.S. 27, the original highway from Miami to the Midwest, provides an interesting north-south road trip through this region. Known by different names, including Claude Pepper Memorial Highway through- out the region and the Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee, it links High Springs with its funky restaurants, B&B inns and old opera house, to Perry, home of Forest Capital Museum State Park. Little towns along the way include Branford, where cave divers find lodgings and outfitters, and Mayo, where you’ll discover authentic country food and captivating antique shops.
BRADLEY'S ANNUAL FUN DAY NEAR TALLAHASSEE • BRADLEY'S COUNTRY STORE
JUNE
Blueberry Festival, Wellborn
Jefferson County Watermelon Festival,
Monticello
Wild Blackberry Festival, Jasper
JULY
4th of July fireworks, region wide
SEPTEMBER
Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival, Perry
OCTOBER
Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival Florida Forest Festival, Perry Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival Pioneer Day Festival, Mayo
NOVEMBER
Bradleys Country Store Old Fashioned Fun Day, Tallahassee
Cane Boil and Fiddle Fest, Gainesville Downtown Festival & Art Show, Gainesville
DECEMBER
Christmas on the Square, Live Oak
Festival of Lights, Stephen Foster Folk Culture
Center State Park
Maclay Gardens Camellia Christmas, Tallahassee Market Days, Tallahassee
JANUARY
Annual Camellia Show, Gainesville MLK Day Parade, Tallahassee
FEBRUARY
Fiddler Crab Festival, Steinhatchee Olustee Festival, Wilson Park, Lake City
MARCH
Bradford County Strawberry Festival, Starke Hogtown Craft Beer Festival, Gainesville Red Hills International Horse Trials,
Tallahassee
Spring Festival, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens,
Gainesville
Suwannee Spring Reunion, Live Oak
APRIL
Cedar Key Fine Arts Festival
Down Home Days Festival Parade & Rodeo,
Madison
Florida State Bluegrass Festival, Perry LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival,
Tallahassee
Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival Springtime Tallahassee
Suwannee River Jam, Live Oak Word of South Festival, Tallahassee
MAY
Florida Folk Festival, White Springs
2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 89