Outdoors

by Erin Thursby “When once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward: for there you have been and there you will always be.” -Henry Van Dyke Airplanes, hot rods and family fun are all part of the Wings N Wheels event at Craig Airport on Saturday, September 25 from 10 am to 4 pm. Plan to arrive early, the turnout is expected to be in the thousands, estimated at from about 8,000 to12,000. Although public admission is free, the event will be a fundraiser for EAA Chapter 193, a not-for-profit organization dedicated …

by kelly savage Looking to cool off? Enjoy one of Florida’s most beautiful and unique natural resources and get a break from the 100-degree weather by jumping into some springs! There are 85 springs in the St. Johns River watershed and they contribute 20-30 percent of the river’s flow. Springs are richly connected to our history and are a big draw to visitors. While you are there, remember to enjoy the springs responsibly so they can be treasured for generations to come. Here are just a few springs you can enjoy along the St. Johns. You can learn more about …

by kellie abrahamson Now that I’m safe at home I can admit it: I am not what you would consider a Harry Potter fan. Before this assignment I had only ever seen bits and pieces of the first movie and, while it seemed okay for a kiddie flick, I just didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I have friends who are true Potterheads- grown people obsessed beyond all reason. It bewildered me then. Now, I think I get it. After experiencing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando’s newest addition, my eyes are opened and I am …

JSYO Holiday Concert First Coast Nutcracker Historical Society?s Gingerbread Extravaganza Historical Society?s Gingerbread Extravaganza Holiday Pops by Kelly Savage, Community Outreach Director for St. Johns Riverkeeper Looking for something to do outside? Look no further. We have events and a guide to keep you busy all summer along your St. Johns River. Get Your Feet Wet is a guidebook to the St. Johns River that highlights history, ecology, outdoor activities, common wildlife, and 45 of the best parks throughout the watershed from Palatka to river’s mouth at Mayport. July is a perfect month to get in or on the water …

by Kellie Abrahamson Kiddos on the First Coast will be celebrating this month as they start their summer vacations. This time of freedom for them is a time of panic for parents as we scramble for things to do to fight off boredom. Here’s a list of free and cheap ways to keep your progeny entertained during these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Movies You can catch plenty of family-friendly films at a variety of different venues this summer. Moonlight Movies- SeaWalk Pavilion (Jacksonville Beach) Grab a blanket and enjoy the last two installments of this Beaches favorite: June …

by Anna Rabhan Senator Gaylord Nelson established Earth Day 40 years ago in order to inspire environmental awareness and action (www.nelsonearthday.net). More than 140 countries will observe it this year on Thursday, April 22. But why wait? The entire month of April is Earth Month, and there are lots of events planned for April and beyond in Northeast Florida. Get your green on! April 3 Donate Life Day What’s the ultimate item to recycle? Yourself! Join several organ and tissue donation organizations for free entertainment from 3 pm to closing at The Jacksonville Landing. There will be music all day …

“A caterpillar who seeks to not know himself would never become a butterfly.” For the past 40 years, Tree Hill Nature Center has served as a popular destination for environmentalists and energy conservationists as well as nature lovers. What started back in 1970 as a rugged piece of Florida wilderness with a small stable and horse trails has become transformed like a butterfly into 50-acres of beautiful nature trails that offers a Florida National History Museum, butterfly house and hummingbird gardens, native animals, the open-air Joseph A Strasser Amphitheatre, and an education center dedicated to students of all ages. Tree …

Like mixing history with spooky? You don’t have to drive to St. Augustine. Instead stay right here in Jacksonville and join the the Port of Jacksonville and Orange Park Pilot Clubs at Evergreen Cemetery on April 24-25. Expect a tour, complete with actors dressed in period garb telling tales about the historical residents of the cemetery and their sometimes grisly deaths. Besides the gorgeous grounds of the cemetery, the dramatics and the tour, there will also be a Marketplace with crafts, treats, historical books and more. Proceeds will benefit the Jericho School, the Clay County Council on Aging and other …

On February 21 at 7:30 am the national breast cancer marathon and half-marathon will begin near the Mayo Clinic Campus in Jacksonville and follows the course through the unique beach communities of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach. The course will detour onto 2.5 miles of beautiful hard-packed sand on the Florida coastline, which is perfect for running! If you’re not into running but still want to do your part to finish breast cancer, grab your group of friends and form a curb crew to help cheer on the runners as they travel through Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and …