Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The First Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cookoff

Amelia Island, Florida is featuring a brand new event on the 27th & 28th of August, 2010. The First Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cookoff will be held at the Main Beach with BBQ and entertainment for the whole family.

Championship BBQ
Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, the Great Southern Tailgate Cookoff will have more than 50 teams  competing for up to $20,000 in prizes, and will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, the 27th. A special award will be given to the team with the best decorated booth. Convert some cash into Piggy Bucks that can be used to purchase BBQ and other southern delicacies, and then place your vote for the People's Choice. Please support the event by leaving your refreshments outside and enjoying the award winning cuisine prepared by the participants.




Entertainment
The Jacksonville Jaguar's Jaxon Deville and the Jaguar Cheerleaders will be on hand for the opening events, and several local bands will provide free entertainment on both days. Scheduled performers will The Swingin' Medallions, Karl W. Davis, Touch of Grey, and more. Be sure to bring a blanket or some chairs and enjoy the Florida outdoors - Dixie style. Remember that no food or drinks from outside are allowed, and leave your coolers at home!

Fernandina & Amelia Island
Located at Florida's northeastern most tip, Fernandina Beach has a rich history which dates back to the Spanish rule of of the state. Just outside of downtown Fernandina is Fort Clinch, a Civil War fort and award-winning state park. Amelia Island lies between Fernandina to north and Big Talbot Island State park to the south, and is world famous for it's golf, tennis, and superior resorts. If you are traveling in from out of town, there's plenty to keep you occupied for as long as you wish to stay.



Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Backwoods Escapes to State Forests

Florida protected forest areas include highland oak, pine meadows, and lowland swamps, among many other terrains. Many thousands of acres of land have been set aside through the state for preservation and to make sure that future generations will be able to experience what the real Florida was once like.


Things to Do
Activities include biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, camping, fishing, and hunting. The Department of Forestry can help you find a state forest that interests you. No matter what you want to do in the great outdoors, Florida state forests are a resource to be considered. Even an evening joyride through locations such as Jennings Forest reveal a wealth of wildlife living in a protected zone.

Camping
Campers at all state forest must register at the main entry or as instructed. Some campsites may have electricity or water, but is a good idea to reserve the site if you plan to require full accommodations.  Additionally, many state forests are located in or near national forests or designated wildlife sanctuaries.

Fishing
Many state forest have natural pondS or streams that may be fished. Ocean Pond is one of the largest in North Florida, but other parks allow access to the headwaters of the St, Marys river, Black Creek, and other major Florida waterways. Bass, bream and catfish are on the menu, along with mudfish biting in the spring and fall, and turtles could pose a challenge at any time.



Hunting
State forest adhere to special regulations from one season to the next, regulating the length of the hunting period and what is considered an allowed kill quota. Most state forest and wildlife management areas, including the property around Camp Blanding,  provide special bow-only locations and seasons, as do other locations.


Exploring Nature
The many different Florida ecosystems offer an abundance of outdoor discovery. Highland sand oaks are a common refuge for wild turkey, and the most common habitat of the ancient gopher tortoise. By contrast Pine and hardwood forest attract deer, rabbits, owls, and other woodland creatures. In the cypress swamps, you may see snakes, bears, otter, raccoons, deer, or alligator. Take a digital camera with a large memory bank, or numerous rolls of film.