DINING NOR TH CENTRAL Head to Blue Highway Pizzeria in Micanopy, where Neapolitan-style pizzas, calzones, and housemade cannoli are made with farm-fresh ingredients and local love. The Swamp Restaurant is the place to be in Gainesville on a University of Florida game day—the energy rivals the stadium’s, and the wings come extra hot. In High Springs, Great Outdoors Restaurant , located in a restored 1895 opera house, pairs an American menu of perfectly grilled steaks and burgers with live local music. Kick back with dock-to-dish bites and killer sunset views from the pier at Steamers Clam Bar & Grill , Cedar Key’s go-to for laid-back, nautical vibes. At Black Radish in Tallahassee, dishes celebrate the beauty of vegetables—seasonal shareable plates, handmade pastas, and thoughtful wines turn a meal into a creative journey. BLACK RADISH, TALLAHASSEE Orange Video OUTDOORS In lovely Live Oak, beat the heat on the scenic, spring-fed Suwannee River — perfect for peaceful paddles in a canoe, kayaking with the kids, or whipping it on a wakeboard. Follow the boardwalk trail at Falling Waters State Park in Chipley to a 73-foot waterfall—the largest in Florida—cascading into a deep sinkhole. Tubing is a sublime way to spend a day at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White, so lean back and enjoy the ride along the luminescent Ichetucknee River. In Sanderson, bond with nature at Osceola National Forest , where birdwatching, camping, and mountain biking are just some of the top activities. In White Springs, embark on a short hike in Big Shoals State Park through limestone bluff forests that lead to Florida’s only Class III whitewater rapids. ICHETUCKNEE RIVER, FORT WHITE Peter W. Cross EVENTS Every February, the Fiddler Crab Festival brings fresh seafood, local art, live music, and a spirited fishing tournament to the coastal community of Steinhatchee. In April, kick back to the twang of banjos and fiddles at the Florida State Bluegrass Festival in Perry, where top-notch pickin’ meets a fiery chili cook-off. FLORIDA STATE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, PERRY Perry-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Office Scan the QR code for a list of upcoming events: VISITFLORIDA.com/things-to-do/events 42 • VISITFLORIDA.COM
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