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Hi Nature Coast Friends!
Welcome to another September edition of Nature Coast Hub! This week, we’re discovering more ways to enjoy Florida’s Nature Coast, from historic places and lively local markets to barbecue festivals and hometown favorites. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or looking for something new nearby, there’s plenty waiting to be explored this September. |
Trivia Questionâť“Chinsegut Hill near Brooksville, home to an 1847 manor house, rises about 270 feet above sea level. What distinction does that give it on the Florida peninsula? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Set atop one of Florida’s highest points, Chinsegut Hill Historic Site offers an immersive blend of history and natural beauty.
The 1847 manor, surrounded by 114 acres, captures centuries of local heritage.
Tour the estate on weekends, where guides share stories of prehistoric residents, early pioneers, and legendary visitors like Thomas Edison and Helen Keller.
Chinsegut Hill has also become a lively community gathering place.
The Retreat and Conference Center provides space for seminars, meetings, and arts classes, while cottage accommodations invite guests to unwind amid the serene Nature Coast.
Chinsegut Hill stands out for history enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful Florida escape. Read More... |
Quote Of The Day |
"Florida is not really a state. It is a very large and unruly natural area that happens to have people scattered through it." - Carl Hiaasen |
Taylor County, Florida, is set to sizzle once again as the Smokin' in the Pines BBQ Festival returns to Forest Capital State Park in Perry on September 26-27, 2026.
This celebrated event attracts barbecue enthusiasts from across the Southeast, offering open competitions, the crowd-favorite People’s Choice tasting, and exciting youth grill-offs in the KIDZ-QUE for children ages 6 to 13.
With more than $15,000 in cash prizes, teams, both amateur and professional, vie for top honors and local bragging rights.
Festival goers savor over 35 pulled pork recipes at sampling stations, casting votes for their favorites.
The weekend includes lively southern rock and country music, an antique car show, arts and crafts, and a dedicated kids’ play area, ensuring family fun for everyone.
Set against the backdrop of Perry’s ongoing community growth and recent downtown improvements, the Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival shines as a beacon for both barbecue culture and vibrant local spirit. Read More... |
The Raven's Harvest Market is embracing an exciting transformation, now lighting up the evenings on the second Saturday of every month from 5 PM to 8 PM.
This change invites the community to experience a lively local market under the stars, adding a fresh twist to weekend plans.
Visitors can expect seasonal produce and farm-fresh eggs straight from area farmers, alongside tempting breads and baked treats from talented artisan bakers.
Health and wellness vendors will offer expert products and services designed to keep families feeling their best.
Shoppers will also delight in discovering unique, handmade goods that add a dash of personality to any home.
The Raven’s Nook will be serving handcrafted coffee and refreshing mocktails, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing evening stroll.
With over 70 small businesses featured inside Artisan Haven, this reimagined market promises a memorable and inspiring community experience. Read More... |
The Wakulla County Historical Society presents "Threads Through Time," a historic clothing fashion show and tea, from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Crawfordville Women's Club. Read More... |
C4Con, the Citrus County Comics and Cosplay Convention, returns to the Homosassa Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read More... |
Secret Little Hack |
Ask the Vendor What They Ate for Breakfast
At Nature Coast Florida farmers markets, the real insider move is asking a vendor what they personally cooked and ate that morning with their own produce. Growers rarely volunteer this, but when you ask, they light up, and almost without fail they'll steer you to whatever is at absolute peak ripeness right now, not what they're trying to move before it turns. You'll walk away with the ingredient that never makes it to the display table because regulars already snagged it, or because it looks too imperfect to sell but tastes extraordinary.
This works especially well with mullet roe vendors and wild-harvested mushroom foragers along the Crystal River and Homosassa corridor, where the best stuff is often kept in a cooler behind the table entirely, never displayed, only offered to people who seem genuinely curious. |
đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question: It is one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, which is why early settlers chose the hilltop for the manor. |
The Wakulla County Public Library closes from Sept. 14 through Sept. 28 while staff move everything from its Crawfordville Highway building to a new home at 296 Shadeville Road, next to the community center. Read More... |