Field and Stream and Agriculture

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Skip to main content United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Chippewa National Forest Forest Service Home About the Agency Contact the National Office Search Site Map Chippewa National Forest Home Special Places Recreation Beaches & Dunes Bicycling Camping & Cabins Climbing Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Hunting Nature Viewing OHV Riding & Camping Outdoor Learning Picnicking Rocks & Minerals Scenic Driving Water Activities Winter Sports Other Activities Alerts & Notices Passes & Permits Maps & Publications Land & Resources Management Learning Center Working Together About the Forest News & Events Contact Information Chippewa National Forest Supervisor's Office: 200 Ash Avenue NW Cass Lake, MN  56633 phone | 218.335.8600 fax | 218.335.8637 fs.usda.gov/chippewa Contact Us Bicycling Choose from the following to find a site: Mountain Biking Road Cycling     Biking on the Chippewa National Forest has changed dramatically over the last ten years. Ten years ago, mountain bikes were the only option to travel a limited number of bike trails. Today, 41 miles of paved bike trails line the west side of the Forest and mountain bikers can travel over 43 miles of unpaved trails on the east side between Deer River and Marcell.     Biking Flyer Migizi Bike Trail Map   Areas & Activities Find An Area Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality http://www.arborday.org http://visitflorida.com florida cities Deals Events Travel Ideas St. Petersburg 63° F Cities MY FLORIDA FAVORITES 0 Back Miami Things To Do events Florida Events Calendar Action Packed, Adventure, Chilled Out, Cultured, For Foodies, Go Green, Off The Beaten Path, Outdoorsy ADD TO FAVORITES Whatever your passion, Florida has it. Here are just some of the major events scheduled this month in the Sunshine State: South Florida | Central Florida | North Florida SOUTH FLORIDA DELRAY AFFAIR – It’s pedestrians only, so join the throngs who cram 10 city blocks and side streets for all kinds of fun: concerts, street entertainers, artists, exhibitors, great food (don’t miss the conch fritters) and much, much more. Happy 52nd birthday, Delray Affair! When: April 25-27 Where: downtown Delray Beach Web: www.delrayaffair.com SOUTH BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL – Be prepared to laugh your butt off at this outstanding, if somewhat raunchy, gathering of top comedians. This year’s main event: Chelsea Handler and her Uganda Be Kidding Me Live Tour. Also featured: Joe Rogan, Mike Epps, W. Kamau Bell, Nick Swardson and Chris Hardwick. When: April 2-5 Where: Various venues in Miami Beach Web: www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com DUELING CONCH REPUBLIC PARTIES – Go low (Key West) or high (Key Largo) and celebrate the area’s unofficial declaration of independence from the U.S. of A back in 1982. Of course, it’s all an excuse to have a whole lot of fun and drink a whole lot of beer. When and Where: April 18-27 in Key West and April 20-27 in Key Largo Web: www.conchrepublic.com and www.keylargoconchrepublicdays.com DUELING FILM FESTIVALS – Go East coast (Palm Beach International Film Festival) or West coast (Sarasota Film Festival) as Hollywood comes to Florida. When and Where: April 3-10 in Palm Beach County and April 4-13 in Sarasota Web: www.pbifilmfest.com and www.sarasotafilmfestival.com ROCK THE OCEAN TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL – Like ocean breezes, sand under your feet and great music? This second annual bash is for you. Featured performers are: Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley and Dierks Bentley. When: April 12-13 Where: Fort Lauderdale Beach Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com BUNNY PALOOZA – Hippity hop your way to South Florida’s wildest and greatest Easter celebration, featuring egg hunts, parades five acres of adrenaline-pumping rides and a Lil’ Hoppers Zone. When: April 18-20 Where:  Miami Seaquarium Web: www.miamiseaquarium.com/easter ANNUAL SUNCOAST BBQ & BLUE GRASS BASH – Yes, it’s a long name, but it’s also long on fun and long on great food. Enjoy world-class barbecue and great musical acts, including the Grammy-nominated Boxcars. When: April 18-19 Where: Venice Municipal Airport Web: www.suncoastbbqbash.com MIAMI DANCE FESTIVAL – In its 12th year, this six-and-a-half week extravaganza   keeps getting bigger and better. Participating companies include Momentum, Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, Luminario Ballet and Florida Dance Theater. A free family day event has been added this year. When: April 5 through May 15 Where: Various venues throughout Miami and Miami Beach. Web: www.momentumdance.com POMPANO BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – Yummy food for sure – but so much more. There’s a craft fair and lots of great music, including Grand Funk Railroad and Iron Butterfly’s Mike Pinera playing with Blues Image. When: April 25-27 Where: Pompano Beach Pier in Pompano Beach Web: www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com O, MIAMI POETRY FESTIVAL – Mixing traditional readings with innovative poetry-in-public places projects, this month-long festival weaves poetry into the city’s existing infrastructure and cultural life. The event’s goal: Help everybody find a poem! When: April 1-30 Where: Various locations throughout Miami-Dade County Web: www.omiami.org FLORIDA WINEFEST AUCTION – This is a world-class food and wine experience. Enjoy mingling with more than 50 winemakers, winery owners and world-renowned chefs – all in one great city over a long weekend. When: April 10-13 Where: Various locations in Sarasota Web: www.floridawinefest.org DEERING ESTATE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS – This year’s version melds the ecology with the literary, visual and performing arts. The In Deep theme explores the integrated relationship between people and the environment. One highlight: A night tour of a mangrove forest (flashlight a must). When: April 11-13 Where: Deering Estate in Miami Web: www.deeringestate.org FLORIDA KEYS ISLAND FEST – 23rd annual gathering hosts a world-class art show, great live music, All-American Vintage Cruiser Car show, lots of cool kids’ activities and a “Taste of the Islands” competition where the best Upper Keys eateries compete for coveted awards. When: April 5-6 Where: Founder’s Park, Mile Marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key Web: www.islamoradachamber.com MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE – Annual event drew more than 80,000 people last year and features more than 125 LGTB-friendly vendors, exciting celebrities, musical performances, refreshments and food. When: April 11-13 Where: Ocean Drive, between 5th and 15th Streets, Miami Beach Web: www.miamibeachgaypride.com REDLAND BLUES, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL –Two-day event features award-winning BBQ, incredible blues and country music, an interactive zone sponsored by Homestead Motor Speedway, pony rides and a multitude of children’s activities. When: April 5-6 Where: Fruit And Spice Park, Homestead Web: www.fruitandspicepark.org CENTRAL FLORIDA CRAFTING FOR A CURE – This growing outdoor/indoor arts and crafts festival benefitting the American Cancer Society is a great place to shop for handmade purses and clothing, bath products, candles, jams and jellies, plants or seeds and other goods. When: April 5 Where: Plant City Web: http://www.cupsofsunshine.org/events.html SILVER SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – As an homage to Silver Springs – popular filming site for six Tarzan movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon and other swamp scenes – Ocala hosts filmmaker’s seminars and screenings of independent films from around the world and country. When: April 3-6 Where: Downtown Ocala Web: http://www.springsfilmfest.com/ FLORIDA ICE CREAM FESTIVAL – Beat the spring heat with home-churned ice cream and other frozen treats at Lakeland’s Sun N’ Fun grounds. Enter an all-ages Popsicle stick sculpture contest or attempt to be the quickest to eat your way through two pints of ice cream. When: April 12-13 Where: Lakeland Web: http://floridaicecreamfestival.org/ SHARKS TOOTH FESTIVAL – Set in the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” fossil hunters, craftsmen and artists gather to display their work while attendees enjoy live music and plates of BBQ or seafood. Kids can get involved by playing games such as the “Shark’s Tooth Scramble.” When: April 11-13 Where: Venice Airport Festival Grounds Web: http://www.sharkstoothfest.com/ PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL – Kick off your shoes and walk through an oasis of pretty, white sand sculptures, “speed sand sculpting” demonstrations and beach cocktail stands. When the sun goes down, watch the fireworks and a family-friendly movie on the big screen. When: April 4-13 Where: Clearwater Beach Web: www.Sugarsandfestival.com SIESTA FIESTA – Siesta Key’s Ocean Boulevard becomes a huge open-air street festival featuring some of the country’s most colorful and talented artists, jewelers, photographers and green thumbs. When: April 26-27 Where: Siesta Key Village Web: http://www.escape-to-sarasota.com/siesta-fiesta.html SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN – Learn everything you ever wanted to know about gardening, edible landscapes and aquaponic farming. If digging in the dirt isn’t your thing, rent a sidewalk square and create your own chalk masterpiece to put on display. When: April 5-6 Where: Downtown Winter Garden Web: http://www.springfeveringarden.com/ SUNCOAST BBQ & BLUEGRASS BASH – Chicken, ribs, craft beer, cornhole games, a sporting clays contest and lively bluegrass bands bring out the more macho side of spring at this free-admission event. Snoopy characters and face painters are on site to entertain the kiddos. When: April 18 & 19 Where: Venice Municipal Airport Web: http://suncoastbbqbash.com/ DE SOTO SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – The big buzz at this year’s Seafood Fest is the headlining musical lineup: Country star Travis Tritt and rapper Vanilla Ice. But if Tritt and Ice aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to keep you entertained, from food vendors to children’s activities. Lots of great local bands, too. When: April 4-6 Where: Historic Palmetto Web: https://www.facebook.com/desotoseafoodfest FLORIDA OLD TIME MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIP – The Bucksnort Barndance Band, anyone? Unplug from modern music – literally, there are no electric instruments allowed – and harken to the days of fiddles and banjos in this traditional old time music face-off. When: April 4 & 5 Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, Dade City Web: http://www.fotmc.org/ TAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL – Grammy-winning musical artists pack the waterfront park with adoring fans, many whom return every year to enjoy some quality blues music. Buddy Guy and Irma Thomas are just two of the headlining acts, and it’s easy to spend several hours at the event when there are delicious food vendors and drink tents on site. When: April 11-13 Where: St. Petersburg Web: http://tampabaybluesfest.com/ LEESBURG BIKEFEST – You don’t need a motorcycle to enjoy this three-day party, which has grown to attract hundreds of thousands people each year. Several blocks of Leesburg will fill up with bikes, beer and music, as well tattoo expos, bikini contests and poker runs. When: April 25-27 Where: Downtown Leesburg Web: http://www.leesburgbikefest.com/ INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM AWARDS – Bollywood’s version of the Oscars takes over Tampa in the event’s United States debut. The multi-day celebration surrounding the huge Raymond James Stadium event includes colorful displays and entertainment in the park, “green carpet” rollouts for VIPs and a post-party at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. When: April 23-26 Where: Tampa Web: http://www.iifa.com/ COTEE RIVER SEAFOOD & BLUES FESTIVAL – Seafood and blues are only the cornerstones of this fest, which has something for everyone – fishing and boating demonstrations, bounce houses, pony rides, arts & crafts and “Ducktona” duck boat races, just to name a few highlights. When: April 25-27 Where: New Port Richey Web: http://www.nprmainstreet.com/specialevent/cotee-river-seafood-blues-festival-2014/ FLORIDA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL – Monster trucks and mud trucks are balanced out by an art show and street entertainers as locals and visitors gather to honor one of the area’s favorite cash crops. There’s also a “Blueberry Patch Kids Zone,” and of course, lots and lots of blueberries to sample. When: April 12, 13 Where: Downtown Brooksville Web: www.floridablueberryfestival.org/ NORTH FLORIDA BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE – Ooh and aah while the world-famous pilots speed by overhead at speeds of 700 miles per hour while defying physics with their dazzling aerial feats. This is a great chance to catch the Pensacola-based Blue Angels before they begin the annual air-show circuit. The Blues sign autographs after Wednesday practice sessions in the Blue Angels Atrium at the National Naval Aviation Museum. When: April 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30 Where: Naval Air Station Pensacola Web: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil FLORIDA STATE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL – Lay out a blanket and relax under the longleaf pines at the state park during the annual festival. This year’s headliner is the Grammy-nominated contemporary bluegrass favorites Blue Highway. Also on the bill are Mountain Heart, Little Roy & Lizzie, the Florida State Bluegrass Band, High Cotton and Delta Reign. Indulge in a Saturday morning Pancake Breakfast and Chili Cookoff, as well as other festival eats and treats. When: April 3-5 Where: Forest Capital Museum State Park, Perry Web: http://floridastatebluegrass.com A TASTE OF PERDIDO & FIFTH ANNUAL PERDIDO KEY WINE AND ART FESTIVAL –  Kick off the weekend with a VIP Friday night culinary tour of the local restaurants of Perdido Key, which are serving up sample-sized portions of signature dishes paired with wine and side of live entertainment. Then, enjoy Saturday’s Wine and Art Festival where guests receive five tasting tickets for wine. When: April 4-5 Where: Perdido Key Web: http://www.perdidowineandarts.com SPRINGING THE BLUES FESTIVAL – Soak up some sun while listening to 40 hours of tunes performed by 18 blues artists on two ocean-front stages along Jacksonville Beach. Selwyn Birchwood, Victor Wainwright and The WildRoots and The Lee Boys are the featured performers. Other events include a Surf Fest, 5K Run and an after party each night featuring festival artists at Mojo BBQ Pit and Blues Bar. When: April 4-6 Where: Seawalk Plaza, Jacksonville Beach Web: springingtheblues.com 19TH ANNUAL RHYTHM & RIBS FESTIVAL –  Groove to continuous live music at the three-day festival voted by locals as the city’s best festival for 2013. Delbert McClinton and Sister Hazel headline the event which also features seven award-winning regional and national BBQ vendors feeding hungry music lovers with ribs, pulled pork and juicy, mouth-watering chicken. Also arts and crafts vendors, rides and kids’ activities. When: April 4-6 Where: Francis Field Website: http://rhythmandribs.net SANTA ROSA COUNTY FAIR – Take a tour on the Ferris wheel for a birds-eye view of all the excitement at the annual fair. Catch live musical entertainment by the former American Idol contestant Bo Bice, as well as other national acts like Glow Rage, Chloe Channell, Hidden Skylight and the Christ Martin Band. Starry-eyed youngsters can meet face-to-face with a Columbian boa, pygmy goat, capybara or African-crested porcupine at the exotic petting zoo or be wowed by the high-flying tricks of professional Motorcross entertainers. When: April 4-12, closed April 8-9 Where: Milton Web: http://www.srcfair.com/index.php JESTFEST! – From the Flying Wallenda’s high-wire, Cirque-style family of acrobats to a sword swallower, enjoy family-friendly entertainment as downtown Gainesville welcomes thrill-seeking performers each Saturday in April. If neither of those suit your tastes, maybe a ventriloquist or acrobatic dog show will do the trick. When: April 5, 12, 19, 26 Where: Bo Diddley Community Plaza, Gainesville Web: http://gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/programs_events/jestfest/jest-fest-gainesville.html ONE SPARK – Help discover the next big thing when you cast your vote for the innovative, entrepreneurial or just ridiculously cool ideas at the world’s largest crowd-funding festival. More than 600 creator projects in fields such as innovation, music, technology and science will be using enthusiasm and ingenuity to woo festival-goers for votes. The highest vote-getting projects will receive a piece of $310,000 in funding or cash awards and $3.25 million in capital investments. When: April 9-13 Where: downtown Jacksonville Web: http://www.beonespark.com OLD FLORIDA CELEBRATION FOR THE ARTS – Take off the watch and enjoy island time in an Old Florida setting while walking through the historic downtown during the Sidewalk Art Show. Chat with more than 120 artist and craftsmen, indulge in fresh local seafood from the top clam producing community in the country and enjoy live music and children’s activities at this 50-year-old celebration of the arts. When: April 12-13 Where: downtown Cedar Key Web: http://www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com BRADFORD COUNTY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Bradford County berries may not have the national recognition of those from Plant City, but this annual festival — held during the peak growing season — is a down-home celebration of Starke’s juicy berries, touted as the “sweetest strawberries this side of heaven.” Features live music, entertainment, arts and crafts vendor, kids’ activities and all kinds of berrylicious treats. When: April 12-13 Where: downtown Starke Web: http://www.bradfordcountystrawberryfestival.com AMELIA ISLAND GARDEN SHOW – Turn your yard into a butterfly oasis, plant your own citrus or peruse the unique offerings available only through individual Florida growers or nurseries. Other than choosing some new beauties to test your green thumb, check out the Raptor Experience for a close encounter with the birds of prey which are “patients” at the Avian Reconditioning Center. When: April 19-20 Where: Central Park, Fernandina Beach Web: http://www.ameliagarden.com 33RD ANNUAL DOWN HOME DAYS FESTIVAL – Take a fun-filled day trip to one of the “Best Little Towns in Florida” for the three-day festival featuring a parade, classic car show, 5K race, daily dessert bake-offs, a watermelon seed spitting contest, petting zoo, rock wall and kids’ activities. The event’s highlight is the two-day PCA rodeo complete with barrel racing, bull riding, team roping and bareback riding contests. When: April 19-20 Where: Madison, various venues Web: http://madisonfl.org 14TH ANNUAL LEMOYNE CHAIN OF PARKS ART FESTIVAL – More than 150 fine artists will set up shop in the Big Bend area under the moss-draped oak trees along Park Avenue for Tallahassee’s premier art festival. Also enjoy fantastic treats from local restaurants and caterers, children’s art education and live performances. When: April 19-20 Where: historic park through downtown Tallahassee Web: http://www.chainofparks.com/ SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL – If you prefer your jazz to be a little Kenny G, with a dash of  David Sanborn and rounded out by sultry vocals by Sade, then make plans to attend one of the nation’s top smooth jazz fests. The oh-so-smooth lineup features artists like Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Julian Vaughn, Maysa, Mindi Abair and David Koz. When: April 23-27 Where: Pier Park, Panama City Beach Web: http://www.seabreezejazzfestival.com 38TH ANNUAL HIGH SPRINGS PIONEER DAYS – Stroll the tree-lined streets in the antique-capital of Northern Florida during the annual celebration which features a modern arts and craft market, locals demonstrating old-time skills used by the first settlers in the state, a Seminole Indian Dance Circle and Shoot-Out Reenactments. Also available for purchase are locally-grown produce, flower and plants and festival-style food. When: April 26-27 Where: James Paul Park, High Springs Web: http://www.highsprings.com/welcome/index.php/announcements/upcoming-events/item/38th-annual-pioneer-days-festival If you have an event you’d like to be considered for inclusion in this monthly feature, please forward information at least 30 days in advance of the event’s date to one of our correspondents: South Florida danorman32@gmail.com Central Florida emily.nipps@gmail.com North Florida jendecamp@gmail.com BUNNY PALOOZA – Hippity hop your way to South Florida’s wildest and greatest Easter celebration, featuring egg hunts, parades five acres of adrenaline-pumping rides and a Lil’ Hoppers Zone. April 18-20 at Miami Seaquarium. Credit: Bunny Palooza at www.miamiseaquarium.com/easter Places in this article Tallahassee Arcadia Everglades City Comment Type your comment here. Name Email JJ August 26, 2013 5:19 AM Nice list of events... Pat Hayes August 29, 2013 10:49 AM very informative I enjoyed the news Brenda September 20, 2013 6:21 AM Looking to travel January or February. When can I see events for those months? Editor's note: Check out our full list of events at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Events and filter by type, date and city. Also, you can learn of even more events by following our Insiders at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Insiders. Carole September 26, 2013 3:55 PM For information on events including the January 2014 Brooksville Raid Re-enactment, the Florida Gulf Coast Cluster AKC All-Breed Dog Show; the February 2014 Brooksville Native American Festival; the March 2014 Nature Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, the Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest, the Annual Art in the Park - Art, Crafts and Music Festival; and the April 2014 Florida Blueberry Festival --- or any of our other events and music festivals, visit www.naturallyhernando.org, or call Hernando County Tourism at 800-601-4580! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Kim October 23, 2013 4:44 PM Will be on the Atlantic coast of Florida April 12, 2014, following a cruise. Looking for some interesting places to see and stay at before heading to Orlando. What's going on then? Editor's note: Check out our full list of events at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Events and filter by type, date and city. Also, you can learn of even more events by following our Insiders at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Insiders. Donna Klamm October 28, 2013 11:11 PM I am traveling to Dayton/Ormond area of Florida in December 2013. Are there any ragtime bands performing in that area? (Dixieland/ragtime, etc.,) Thank you Check with one of our Insiders at http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/insiders.html. Briant December 9, 2013 4:18 PM January 20 will have a Open Music night at Gear Hero HQ, check it out. 1650 S. Powerline Rd. Suite G, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442 Sharon December 17, 2013 6:39 PM Looking for disney florida for grandson on spring break. 4/19/2014 Robert Marek January 8, 2014 10:38 PM Florida Woodcarvers Roundup to be held at The Long Center, 1501 N.Belcher Rd., Clearwater, Fl. Dates: Tuesday, February 4 thru Friday, February 7, 2014. There are at least 20 instructors, many nationally known. Participant ages 9+, beginner to advanced. Come one, come all for a fun time. Info: Robert Marek, (727) 726 - 7725 lon February 10, 2014 3:18 PM To see another month you said events and filter it . . . just how does one do that? I see no place to input. Dorothy February 25, 2014 10:11 AM Great! Crystal Paul March 24, 2014 9:06 AM Do you have any information on events around Co Coa Beach or Orlando area or savings info that you could send me? SPONSORS & PARTNERS Cities eNews VISIT FLORIDA FishingCapital.com Florida Vacation Auction Golf Media Meetings Share a Little Sunshine State Parks Trails Viva Florida Weddings VISITFLORIDA.com All Cities All Insiders Deals Florida Live Mobile Version My Florida Favorites Site Index Travel Ideas Weather Popular Topics Beaches Dining Family Parks Resorts Shopping Theme Parks About Us About Us Advertising Info Contact Us FAQ Link To Us Official Welcome Centers Privacy Policy RSS Travel Guides Travel Professionals VISIT FLORIDA Partners Languages 中文 Deutsch English (UK) English (US) Français Portugês Español VISIT FLORIDA® is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. The content for this web site has been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA. Please contact the site editor to send a comment or to report a problem. All material © 2001-2014 by VISIT FLORIDA®, all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. View our privacy policy Ask a florida insider Top 10 questions View all q & a Q: How can I find the perfect beach for me? See Answer A: Here’s a quick primer on Florida beaches to help you choose. Start by choosing your general location and the time of year you want to visit. Gulf of Mexico Beaches will tend to have white sand and calmer waters (which is great for really young children or for those timid about the water). Atlantic Beaches tend to have golden brown sand and waves (which are great fun if you like to surf, skim board, etc). The Florida Keys are great fun, but not renowned for their beaches, with the exception of beautiful Bahia Honda. Many of the Florida Keys’ beaches are manmade, or are just a layer of sand over a sliver of limestone. (If you want superb scuba diving and snorkeling, you cannot beat the Keys.) The north is almost always cooler than south, something to remember in both summer and winter. To find out the average temperature of a destination, just scroll to the bottom of VISIT FLORIDA’s home page. You’ll find a place to enter the city’s name plus the month. Next, you should figure out the general vibe you’re looking for. Do you want a big city? A charming little town with shopping and cafes? A beach where you see almost nobody else? Someplace upscale? Someplace old-fashioned? Do you like miniature golf and T-shirt shops, or do you hate them? Florida features beaches on both coasts in all these varieties. A few articles you may find helpful: High Activity Beaches 5 Florida Beaches with Old-Time Flair Best of the Best Beaches (particularly helpful, with award-winning beaches of many types) Beaches with the Most Bang for Your Buck To further research any destination that you find interesting, put its name into the search engine on the VISIT FLORIDA homepage, and it will give you lots of info that you can filter by blog, article, photo or video, to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. I’m happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, too! Just write me with details of what you’d like! Q: What's the closest beach to Orlando? See Answer A: Cocoa Beach would be the closest to Orlando. It’s on the Atlantic side and only about 55 minutes away. It's also home to the Kennedy Space Center. Daytona Beach or New Smyrna would be about a 75-minute drive. If you seek Gulf coast beaches, head to St. Petersburg/Clearwater Beach (less than two hours). The beaches are beautiful and there is plenty to do for families – we love Pier 60 in Clearwater. Q: Where can I find discounted theme park tickets? See Answer A: Most theme parks run their own specials, so before your visit, log on to the park's website and click "specials" or "offers." Often, you'll also find special rates for Florida residents on the them parks' websites. If you live in Florida, be sure to buy your tickets online for SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resorts. If you're an out-of-state visitor, check ticket brokers. Mousesavers offers various discounts for military, GE, Hilton, Costco and AAA. Speaking of AAA, members can get discounts through AAAsouth.com. Another reliable source is the Official Ticket Center, which offers discount tickets for all the Orlando theme parks, plus dinner shows and other attractions. Also try UnderCover Tourist and Orlando Fun Tickets. It may take some digging, but you CAN score a deal on theme park tickets, leaving more money for snacks and souvenirs. Q: How do I get my fishing license to fish in Florida? See Answer A: Florida is probably the most convenient place in America to buy a fishing license. You can do it over the phone or online. To learn more, go to http://www.myfwc.com/license/. Q: Where and when can I see manatees? See Answer A: Check out my blog post, “Five Great Places to See Florida Manatees” for some recommendations on where to go, what time of year is best, and how to interact responsibly with Florida’s gentle giants. Q: Where would I find scenic drives in Florida? See Answer A: Great back road drives are all over the state and a book that’s recommended often is Jan Godown Annino's Scenic Driving Florida. Also, check out VISITFLORIDA.com/driving_tours, which offers articles, videos, blogs and photos on roads, attractions, parks and museums. Until then, a few of my favorites are: Route 399 southeast of downtown Pensacola, which is a 15-mile seaside drive through the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Heading east, Highway 98 hugs the Gulf coast past Fort Walton Beach and Destin before Highway 30A follows the water way all the way to Panama City Beach, and then hooks back into 98 well beyond Apalachicola. It’s hard to believe that Northwest Florida’s rural Highway 90 parallels busy Interstate 10. This is a great country road that passes small towns and caverns and natural springs and puts you in the heart of the Old South. Extraordinary A1A between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach is a perfect two-lane road that offers nearly uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, inviting beaches and pullover points at historic sites like Fort Matanzas and Marineland. North of Orlando in the center of the state, two-lane Highway 19 cleaves a path north right through the Ocala National Forest and its natural springs and hiking trails. South of Orlando, Highway 27 has surrendered traffic to the Turnpike – which means it’s a great road to take when you’re heading south. It zips through the spine of Florida and past wonderful small towns, orange groves, lakes (including Lake Okeechobee) and into downtown Miami. Q: Are there any food and wine festivals in Florida? See Answer A: We have several Food & Wine Festivals, including the famous Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Here’s a link with more information: http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/articles/2010/february/1495-top-wine-and-food-festivals.html Q: I want to take a Florida golf vacation with my family at a resort in the winter months. Will it be warm enough to play? See Answer A: Absolutely. There can be a chill in the air early in the day, especially in the northern part of the state from Sandestin to Amelia Island to St. Augustine, and you’ll even get the occasional brief frost delay, but by lunchtime, it’s what I call “pants golf,” quite comfortable. The farther south you go, of course, it’ll pick up a few degrees. The resorts will be waiting for you and ready to show their finest. On the southwest coast, in Naples, just north of the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades, you have a can’t-miss selection. The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club is renowned, as is the Ritz-Carlton Golf resort. The La Playa Beach Resort and the Lely Resort are also terrific golf resorts. On the other side of the coast, Doral is always a sure bet, with its five great courses, including the PGA Tour-tested Blue Monster and the Great White, one of the most scenic in Florida. Turnberry Isle Miami is an excellent choice, as is the Bonaventure Country Club in Fort Lauderdale. If you have time, check out Crandon, the municipal course on Key Biscayne. It’s a very good layout with scenic views of the Miami skyline. Q: What is the best time of the year to get good sales at the Orlando Premium Outlets? See Answer A: We posed your question to Chelsea Auffarth, spokeswoman for Orlando Premium Outlets. See below for her response. Happy shopping (and saving)! From Chelsea: While every day is a sale at our centers, outlets do have seasonal sales. Please see below for our 2011 sale calendar. Orlando Premium Outlets offers over 300 stores in the Orlando area which offer savings of 25 percent to 65 percent everyday with additional sales throughout the year. You can visit the Sales & Events page of our website to view our current in-store promotions. It’s no secret that shopping is a top activity for travelers and vacationers. While kids of all ages enjoy the thrills of Orlando’s theme parks, savvy shoppers enjoy the thrill of finding the finest designer brands at savings at the area’s two incredible outlet centers – one serving the area near Walt Disney World and the other serving the area near Universal Orlando Resort. Located close to Universal Orlando Resort at the north end of International Drive is Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive, featuring 180 designer and name-brand outlet stores, including: Baccarat, Betsey Johnson, Coach, Cole Haan, Dooney & Bourke, J.Crew, Jack and Janie, Judith Ripka, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Lalique, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, The North Face, Pearl Izumi, Perry Ellis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, St. John, Thomas Pink, True Religion, Vince and much more. Located only one mile from Walt Disney World on Interstate 4 at exit 68 on Vineland Avenue, Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Avenue features 150 designer and name-brand outlet stores. This beautiful, Mediterranean inspired village offers area visitors a chance to purchase some of the finest designer brands at great savings. The impressive list of stores includes A|X Armani Exchange, Barneys New York Outlet, BCBG Max Azria, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Diesel, Dior, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, LeSportsac, Lucky Brand, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Nautica, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tag Heuer, Tod’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Wolford, Zegna Outlet and much more. In addition to these two high end outlet centers, shoppers should save time to stop by a third area center, located just south of Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive. Orlando Marketplace features 40 designer and name-brand outlet stores that have impressive savings on such brands as Calvin Klein, Coldwater Creek, Nine West, Reebok, Sketchers, Van Heusen and more. To save even more, shoppers can log onto www.premiumoutlets.com/vip to sign up for the VIP Shopper Club. There is no cost to join, and shoppers will receive additional exclusive savings and discounts. For additional information, log onto the website, www.premiumoutlets.com/orlando.  2011 Calendar: Presidents’ Day Sale: Friday-Monday, Feb. 18 - 21 Friday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Easter: Sunday, April 24 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend Sale: Friday-Monday, May 27-30 Friday, May 27: 10am-11 p.m. Saturday, May 28: 10am-11 p.m. Sunday, May 29: 10am-9 p.m. Monday, May 30: 10am-11 p.m. July 4 Summer Sale: Thursday-Monday, June 30 - July 4 Thursday, June 30: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, July 1: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, July 2: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, July 3: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon, July 4: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Labor Day Weekend Sale: Friday -Monday, Sept. 2 -5 Friday, Sept. 2: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 24 - Center Open After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale featuring Midnight Madness: Friday - Sunday, Nov. 25 - 27 After-Holiday Sales: Monday, Dec. 26 - Monday, Jan. 2 Q: Do you have a list of luxury resorts and hotels? See Answer A: Absolutely. If you’d like to compare resorts and amenities, take a look at this page that covers all things Florida luxury. You can search listings or browse content by articles, blogs, photos and videos. Don't See Your question? Submit » view all Insiders    florida cities Deals Events Travel Ideas St. Petersburg 63° F Cities MY FLORIDA FAVORITES 0 Back Miami Things To Do events Florida Events Calendar Action Packed, Adventure, Chilled Out, Cultured, For Foodies, Go Green, Off The Beaten Path, Outdoorsy ADD TO FAVORITES Whatever your passion, Florida has it. Here are just some of the major events scheduled this month in the Sunshine State: South Florida | Central Florida | North Florida SOUTH FLORIDA DELRAY AFFAIR – It’s pedestrians only, so join the throngs who cram 10 city blocks and side streets for all kinds of fun: concerts, street entertainers, artists, exhibitors, great food (don’t miss the conch fritters) and much, much more. Happy 52nd birthday, Delray Affair! When: April 25-27 Where: downtown Delray Beach Web: www.delrayaffair.com SOUTH BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL – Be prepared to laugh your butt off at this outstanding, if somewhat raunchy, gathering of top comedians. This year’s main event: Chelsea Handler and her Uganda Be Kidding Me Live Tour. Also featured: Joe Rogan, Mike Epps, W. Kamau Bell, Nick Swardson and Chris Hardwick. When: April 2-5 Where: Various venues in Miami Beach Web: www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com DUELING CONCH REPUBLIC PARTIES – Go low (Key West) or high (Key Largo) and celebrate the area’s unofficial declaration of independence from the U.S. of A back in 1982. Of course, it’s all an excuse to have a whole lot of fun and drink a whole lot of beer. When and Where: April 18-27 in Key West and April 20-27 in Key Largo Web: www.conchrepublic.com and www.keylargoconchrepublicdays.com DUELING FILM FESTIVALS – Go East coast (Palm Beach International Film Festival) or West coast (Sarasota Film Festival) as Hollywood comes to Florida. When and Where: April 3-10 in Palm Beach County and April 4-13 in Sarasota Web: www.pbifilmfest.com and www.sarasotafilmfestival.com ROCK THE OCEAN TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL – Like ocean breezes, sand under your feet and great music? This second annual bash is for you. Featured performers are: Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley and Dierks Bentley. When: April 12-13 Where: Fort Lauderdale Beach Web: www.tortugamusicfestival.com BUNNY PALOOZA – Hippity hop your way to South Florida’s wildest and greatest Easter celebration, featuring egg hunts, parades five acres of adrenaline-pumping rides and a Lil’ Hoppers Zone. When: April 18-20 Where:  Miami Seaquarium Web: www.miamiseaquarium.com/easter ANNUAL SUNCOAST BBQ & BLUE GRASS BASH – Yes, it’s a long name, but it’s also long on fun and long on great food. Enjoy world-class barbecue and great musical acts, including the Grammy-nominated Boxcars. When: April 18-19 Where: Venice Municipal Airport Web: www.suncoastbbqbash.com MIAMI DANCE FESTIVAL – In its 12th year, this six-and-a-half week extravaganza   keeps getting bigger and better. Participating companies include Momentum, Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, Luminario Ballet and Florida Dance Theater. A free family day event has been added this year. When: April 5 through May 15 Where: Various venues throughout Miami and Miami Beach. Web: www.momentumdance.com POMPANO BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – Yummy food for sure – but so much more. There’s a craft fair and lots of great music, including Grand Funk Railroad and Iron Butterfly’s Mike Pinera playing with Blues Image. When: April 25-27 Where: Pompano Beach Pier in Pompano Beach Web: www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com O, MIAMI POETRY FESTIVAL – Mixing traditional readings with innovative poetry-in-public places projects, this month-long festival weaves poetry into the city’s existing infrastructure and cultural life. The event’s goal: Help everybody find a poem! When: April 1-30 Where: Various locations throughout Miami-Dade County Web: www.omiami.org FLORIDA WINEFEST AUCTION – This is a world-class food and wine experience. Enjoy mingling with more than 50 winemakers, winery owners and world-renowned chefs – all in one great city over a long weekend. When: April 10-13 Where: Various locations in Sarasota Web: www.floridawinefest.org DEERING ESTATE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS – This year’s version melds the ecology with the literary, visual and performing arts. The In Deep theme explores the integrated relationship between people and the environment. One highlight: A night tour of a mangrove forest (flashlight a must). When: April 11-13 Where: Deering Estate in Miami Web: www.deeringestate.org FLORIDA KEYS ISLAND FEST – 23rd annual gathering hosts a world-class art show, great live music, All-American Vintage Cruiser Car show, lots of cool kids’ activities and a “Taste of the Islands” competition where the best Upper Keys eateries compete for coveted awards. When: April 5-6 Where: Founder’s Park, Mile Marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key Web: www.islamoradachamber.com MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE – Annual event drew more than 80,000 people last year and features more than 125 LGTB-friendly vendors, exciting celebrities, musical performances, refreshments and food. When: April 11-13 Where: Ocean Drive, between 5th and 15th Streets, Miami Beach Web: www.miamibeachgaypride.com REDLAND BLUES, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL –Two-day event features award-winning BBQ, incredible blues and country music, an interactive zone sponsored by Homestead Motor Speedway, pony rides and a multitude of children’s activities. When: April 5-6 Where: Fruit And Spice Park, Homestead Web: www.fruitandspicepark.org CENTRAL FLORIDA CRAFTING FOR A CURE – This growing outdoor/indoor arts and crafts festival benefitting the American Cancer Society is a great place to shop for handmade purses and clothing, bath products, candles, jams and jellies, plants or seeds and other goods. When: April 5 Where: Plant City Web: http://www.cupsofsunshine.org/events.html SILVER SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – As an homage to Silver Springs – popular filming site for six Tarzan movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon and other swamp scenes – Ocala hosts filmmaker’s seminars and screenings of independent films from around the world and country. When: April 3-6 Where: Downtown Ocala Web: http://www.springsfilmfest.com/ FLORIDA ICE CREAM FESTIVAL – Beat the spring heat with home-churned ice cream and other frozen treats at Lakeland’s Sun N’ Fun grounds. Enter an all-ages Popsicle stick sculpture contest or attempt to be the quickest to eat your way through two pints of ice cream. When: April 12-13 Where: Lakeland Web: http://floridaicecreamfestival.org/ SHARKS TOOTH FESTIVAL – Set in the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” fossil hunters, craftsmen and artists gather to display their work while attendees enjoy live music and plates of BBQ or seafood. Kids can get involved by playing games such as the “Shark’s Tooth Scramble.” When: April 11-13 Where: Venice Airport Festival Grounds Web: http://www.sharkstoothfest.com/ PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL – Kick off your shoes and walk through an oasis of pretty, white sand sculptures, “speed sand sculpting” demonstrations and beach cocktail stands. When the sun goes down, watch the fireworks and a family-friendly movie on the big screen. When: April 4-13 Where: Clearwater Beach Web: www.Sugarsandfestival.com SIESTA FIESTA – Siesta Key’s Ocean Boulevard becomes a huge open-air street festival featuring some of the country’s most colorful and talented artists, jewelers, photographers and green thumbs. When: April 26-27 Where: Siesta Key Village Web: http://www.escape-to-sarasota.com/siesta-fiesta.html SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN – Learn everything you ever wanted to know about gardening, edible landscapes and aquaponic farming. If digging in the dirt isn’t your thing, rent a sidewalk square and create your own chalk masterpiece to put on display. When: April 5-6 Where: Downtown Winter Garden Web: http://www.springfeveringarden.com/ SUNCOAST BBQ & BLUEGRASS BASH – Chicken, ribs, craft beer, cornhole games, a sporting clays contest and lively bluegrass bands bring out the more macho side of spring at this free-admission event. Snoopy characters and face painters are on site to entertain the kiddos. When: April 18 & 19 Where: Venice Municipal Airport Web: http://suncoastbbqbash.com/ DE SOTO SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – The big buzz at this year’s Seafood Fest is the headlining musical lineup: Country star Travis Tritt and rapper Vanilla Ice. But if Tritt and Ice aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to keep you entertained, from food vendors to children’s activities. Lots of great local bands, too. When: April 4-6 Where: Historic Palmetto Web: https://www.facebook.com/desotoseafoodfest FLORIDA OLD TIME MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIP – The Bucksnort Barndance Band, anyone? Unplug from modern music – literally, there are no electric instruments allowed – and harken to the days of fiddles and banjos in this traditional old time music face-off. When: April 4 & 5 Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, Dade City Web: http://www.fotmc.org/ TAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL – Grammy-winning musical artists pack the waterfront park with adoring fans, many whom return every year to enjoy some quality blues music. Buddy Guy and Irma Thomas are just two of the headlining acts, and it’s easy to spend several hours at the event when there are delicious food vendors and drink tents on site. When: April 11-13 Where: St. Petersburg Web: http://tampabaybluesfest.com/ LEESBURG BIKEFEST – You don’t need a motorcycle to enjoy this three-day party, which has grown to attract hundreds of thousands people each year. Several blocks of Leesburg will fill up with bikes, beer and music, as well tattoo expos, bikini contests and poker runs. When: April 25-27 Where: Downtown Leesburg Web: http://www.leesburgbikefest.com/ INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM AWARDS – Bollywood’s version of the Oscars takes over Tampa in the event’s United States debut. The multi-day celebration surrounding the huge Raymond James Stadium event includes colorful displays and entertainment in the park, “green carpet” rollouts for VIPs and a post-party at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. When: April 23-26 Where: Tampa Web: http://www.iifa.com/ COTEE RIVER SEAFOOD & BLUES FESTIVAL – Seafood and blues are only the cornerstones of this fest, which has something for everyone – fishing and boating demonstrations, bounce houses, pony rides, arts & crafts and “Ducktona” duck boat races, just to name a few highlights. When: April 25-27 Where: New Port Richey Web: http://www.nprmainstreet.com/specialevent/cotee-river-seafood-blues-festival-2014/ FLORIDA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL – Monster trucks and mud trucks are balanced out by an art show and street entertainers as locals and visitors gather to honor one of the area’s favorite cash crops. There’s also a “Blueberry Patch Kids Zone,” and of course, lots and lots of blueberries to sample. When: April 12, 13 Where: Downtown Brooksville Web: www.floridablueberryfestival.org/ NORTH FLORIDA BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE – Ooh and aah while the world-famous pilots speed by overhead at speeds of 700 miles per hour while defying physics with their dazzling aerial feats. This is a great chance to catch the Pensacola-based Blue Angels before they begin the annual air-show circuit. The Blues sign autographs after Wednesday practice sessions in the Blue Angels Atrium at the National Naval Aviation Museum. When: April 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30 Where: Naval Air Station Pensacola Web: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil FLORIDA STATE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL – Lay out a blanket and relax under the longleaf pines at the state park during the annual festival. This year’s headliner is the Grammy-nominated contemporary bluegrass favorites Blue Highway. Also on the bill are Mountain Heart, Little Roy & Lizzie, the Florida State Bluegrass Band, High Cotton and Delta Reign. Indulge in a Saturday morning Pancake Breakfast and Chili Cookoff, as well as other festival eats and treats. When: April 3-5 Where: Forest Capital Museum State Park, Perry Web: http://floridastatebluegrass.com A TASTE OF PERDIDO & FIFTH ANNUAL PERDIDO KEY WINE AND ART FESTIVAL –  Kick off the weekend with a VIP Friday night culinary tour of the local restaurants of Perdido Key, which are serving up sample-sized portions of signature dishes paired with wine and side of live entertainment. Then, enjoy Saturday’s Wine and Art Festival where guests receive five tasting tickets for wine. When: April 4-5 Where: Perdido Key Web: http://www.perdidowineandarts.com SPRINGING THE BLUES FESTIVAL – Soak up some sun while listening to 40 hours of tunes performed by 18 blues artists on two ocean-front stages along Jacksonville Beach. Selwyn Birchwood, Victor Wainwright and The WildRoots and The Lee Boys are the featured performers. Other events include a Surf Fest, 5K Run and an after party each night featuring festival artists at Mojo BBQ Pit and Blues Bar. When: April 4-6 Where: Seawalk Plaza, Jacksonville Beach Web: springingtheblues.com 19TH ANNUAL RHYTHM & RIBS FESTIVAL –  Groove to continuous live music at the three-day festival voted by locals as the city’s best festival for 2013. Delbert McClinton and Sister Hazel headline the event which also features seven award-winning regional and national BBQ vendors feeding hungry music lovers with ribs, pulled pork and juicy, mouth-watering chicken. Also arts and crafts vendors, rides and kids’ activities. When: April 4-6 Where: Francis Field Website: http://rhythmandribs.net SANTA ROSA COUNTY FAIR – Take a tour on the Ferris wheel for a birds-eye view of all the excitement at the annual fair. Catch live musical entertainment by the former American Idol contestant Bo Bice, as well as other national acts like Glow Rage, Chloe Channell, Hidden Skylight and the Christ Martin Band. Starry-eyed youngsters can meet face-to-face with a Columbian boa, pygmy goat, capybara or African-crested porcupine at the exotic petting zoo or be wowed by the high-flying tricks of professional Motorcross entertainers. When: April 4-12, closed April 8-9 Where: Milton Web: http://www.srcfair.com/index.php JESTFEST! – From the Flying Wallenda’s high-wire, Cirque-style family of acrobats to a sword swallower, enjoy family-friendly entertainment as downtown Gainesville welcomes thrill-seeking performers each Saturday in April. If neither of those suit your tastes, maybe a ventriloquist or acrobatic dog show will do the trick. When: April 5, 12, 19, 26 Where: Bo Diddley Community Plaza, Gainesville Web: http://gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/programs_events/jestfest/jest-fest-gainesville.html ONE SPARK – Help discover the next big thing when you cast your vote for the innovative, entrepreneurial or just ridiculously cool ideas at the world’s largest crowd-funding festival. More than 600 creator projects in fields such as innovation, music, technology and science will be using enthusiasm and ingenuity to woo festival-goers for votes. The highest vote-getting projects will receive a piece of $310,000 in funding or cash awards and $3.25 million in capital investments. When: April 9-13 Where: downtown Jacksonville Web: http://www.beonespark.com OLD FLORIDA CELEBRATION FOR THE ARTS – Take off the watch and enjoy island time in an Old Florida setting while walking through the historic downtown during the Sidewalk Art Show. Chat with more than 120 artist and craftsmen, indulge in fresh local seafood from the top clam producing community in the country and enjoy live music and children’s activities at this 50-year-old celebration of the arts. When: April 12-13 Where: downtown Cedar Key Web: http://www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com BRADFORD COUNTY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Bradford County berries may not have the national recognition of those from Plant City, but this annual festival — held during the peak growing season — is a down-home celebration of Starke’s juicy berries, touted as the “sweetest strawberries this side of heaven.” Features live music, entertainment, arts and crafts vendor, kids’ activities and all kinds of berrylicious treats. When: April 12-13 Where: downtown Starke Web: http://www.bradfordcountystrawberryfestival.com AMELIA ISLAND GARDEN SHOW – Turn your yard into a butterfly oasis, plant your own citrus or peruse the unique offerings available only through individual Florida growers or nurseries. Other than choosing some new beauties to test your green thumb, check out the Raptor Experience for a close encounter with the birds of prey which are “patients” at the Avian Reconditioning Center. When: April 19-20 Where: Central Park, Fernandina Beach Web: http://www.ameliagarden.com 33RD ANNUAL DOWN HOME DAYS FESTIVAL – Take a fun-filled day trip to one of the “Best Little Towns in Florida” for the three-day festival featuring a parade, classic car show, 5K race, daily dessert bake-offs, a watermelon seed spitting contest, petting zoo, rock wall and kids’ activities. The event’s highlight is the two-day PCA rodeo complete with barrel racing, bull riding, team roping and bareback riding contests. When: April 19-20 Where: Madison, various venues Web: http://madisonfl.org 14TH ANNUAL LEMOYNE CHAIN OF PARKS ART FESTIVAL – More than 150 fine artists will set up shop in the Big Bend area under the moss-draped oak trees along Park Avenue for Tallahassee’s premier art festival. Also enjoy fantastic treats from local restaurants and caterers, children’s art education and live performances. When: April 19-20 Where: historic park through downtown Tallahassee Web: http://www.chainofparks.com/ SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL – If you prefer your jazz to be a little Kenny G, with a dash of  David Sanborn and rounded out by sultry vocals by Sade, then make plans to attend one of the nation’s top smooth jazz fests. The oh-so-smooth lineup features artists like Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Julian Vaughn, Maysa, Mindi Abair and David Koz. When: April 23-27 Where: Pier Park, Panama City Beach Web: http://www.seabreezejazzfestival.com 38TH ANNUAL HIGH SPRINGS PIONEER DAYS – Stroll the tree-lined streets in the antique-capital of Northern Florida during the annual celebration which features a modern arts and craft market, locals demonstrating old-time skills used by the first settlers in the state, a Seminole Indian Dance Circle and Shoot-Out Reenactments. Also available for purchase are locally-grown produce, flower and plants and festival-style food. When: April 26-27 Where: James Paul Park, High Springs Web: http://www.highsprings.com/welcome/index.php/announcements/upcoming-events/item/38th-annual-pioneer-days-festival If you have an event you’d like to be considered for inclusion in this monthly feature, please forward information at least 30 days in advance of the event’s date to one of our correspondents: South Florida danorman32@gmail.com Central Florida emily.nipps@gmail.com North Florida jendecamp@gmail.com BUNNY PALOOZA – Hippity hop your way to South Florida’s wildest and greatest Easter celebration, featuring egg hunts, parades five acres of adrenaline-pumping rides and a Lil’ Hoppers Zone. April 18-20 at Miami Seaquarium. Credit: Bunny Palooza at www.miamiseaquarium.com/easter Places in this article Tallahassee Arcadia Everglades City Comment Type your comment here. Name Email JJ August 26, 2013 5:19 AM Nice list of events... Pat Hayes August 29, 2013 10:49 AM very informative I enjoyed the news Brenda September 20, 2013 6:21 AM Looking to travel January or February. When can I see events for those months? Editor's note: Check out our full list of events at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Events and filter by type, date and city. Also, you can learn of even more events by following our Insiders at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Insiders. Carole September 26, 2013 3:55 PM For information on events including the January 2014 Brooksville Raid Re-enactment, the Florida Gulf Coast Cluster AKC All-Breed Dog Show; the February 2014 Brooksville Native American Festival; the March 2014 Nature Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, the Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest, the Annual Art in the Park - Art, Crafts and Music Festival; and the April 2014 Florida Blueberry Festival --- or any of our other events and music festivals, visit www.naturallyhernando.org, or call Hernando County Tourism at 800-601-4580! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Kim October 23, 2013 4:44 PM Will be on the Atlantic coast of Florida April 12, 2014, following a cruise. Looking for some interesting places to see and stay at before heading to Orlando. What's going on then? Editor's note: Check out our full list of events at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Events and filter by type, date and city. Also, you can learn of even more events by following our Insiders at www.VISITFLORIDA.com/Insiders. Donna Klamm October 28, 2013 11:11 PM I am traveling to Dayton/Ormond area of Florida in December 2013. Are there any ragtime bands performing in that area? (Dixieland/ragtime, etc.,) Thank you Check with one of our Insiders at http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/insiders.html. Briant December 9, 2013 4:18 PM January 20 will have a Open Music night at Gear Hero HQ, check it out. 1650 S. Powerline Rd. Suite G, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442 Sharon December 17, 2013 6:39 PM Looking for disney florida for grandson on spring break. 4/19/2014 Robert Marek January 8, 2014 10:38 PM Florida Woodcarvers Roundup to be held at The Long Center, 1501 N.Belcher Rd., Clearwater, Fl. Dates: Tuesday, February 4 thru Friday, February 7, 2014. There are at least 20 instructors, many nationally known. Participant ages 9+, beginner to advanced. Come one, come all for a fun time. Info: Robert Marek, (727) 726 - 7725 lon February 10, 2014 3:18 PM To see another month you said events and filter it . . . just how does one do that? I see no place to input. Dorothy February 25, 2014 10:11 AM Great! Crystal Paul March 24, 2014 9:06 AM Do you have any information on events around Co Coa Beach or Orlando area or savings info that you could send me? SPONSORS & PARTNERS Cities eNews VISIT FLORIDA FishingCapital.com Florida Vacation Auction Golf Media Meetings Share a Little Sunshine State Parks Trails Viva Florida Weddings VISITFLORIDA.com All Cities All Insiders Deals Florida Live Mobile Version My Florida Favorites Site Index Travel Ideas Weather Popular Topics Beaches Dining Family Parks Resorts Shopping Theme Parks About Us About Us Advertising Info Contact Us FAQ Link To Us Official Welcome Centers Privacy Policy RSS Travel Guides Travel Professionals VISIT FLORIDA Partners Languages 中文 Deutsch English (UK) English (US) Français Portugês Español VISIT FLORIDA® is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. The content for this web site has been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA. Please contact the site editor to send a comment or to report a problem. All material © 2001-2014 by VISIT FLORIDA®, all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. View our privacy policy Ask a florida insider Top 10 questions View all q & a Q: How can I find the perfect beach for me? See Answer A: Here’s a quick primer on Florida beaches to help you choose. Start by choosing your general location and the time of year you want to visit. Gulf of Mexico Beaches will tend to have white sand and calmer waters (which is great for really young children or for those timid about the water). Atlantic Beaches tend to have golden brown sand and waves (which are great fun if you like to surf, skim board, etc). The Florida Keys are great fun, but not renowned for their beaches, with the exception of beautiful Bahia Honda. Many of the Florida Keys’ beaches are manmade, or are just a layer of sand over a sliver of limestone. (If you want superb scuba diving and snorkeling, you cannot beat the Keys.) The north is almost always cooler than south, something to remember in both summer and winter. To find out the average temperature of a destination, just scroll to the bottom of VISIT FLORIDA’s home page. You’ll find a place to enter the city’s name plus the month. Next, you should figure out the general vibe you’re looking for. Do you want a big city? A charming little town with shopping and cafes? A beach where you see almost nobody else? Someplace upscale? Someplace old-fashioned? Do you like miniature golf and T-shirt shops, or do you hate them? Florida features beaches on both coasts in all these varieties. A few articles you may find helpful: High Activity Beaches 5 Florida Beaches with Old-Time Flair Best of the Best Beaches (particularly helpful, with award-winning beaches of many types) Beaches with the Most Bang for Your Buck To further research any destination that you find interesting, put its name into the search engine on the VISIT FLORIDA homepage, and it will give you lots of info that you can filter by blog, article, photo or video, to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. I’m happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, too! Just write me with details of what you’d like! Q: What's the closest beach to Orlando? See Answer A: Cocoa Beach would be the closest to Orlando. It’s on the Atlantic side and only about 55 minutes away. It's also home to the Kennedy Space Center. Daytona Beach or New Smyrna would be about a 75-minute drive. If you seek Gulf coast beaches, head to St. Petersburg/Clearwater Beach (less than two hours). The beaches are beautiful and there is plenty to do for families – we love Pier 60 in Clearwater. Q: Where can I find discounted theme park tickets? See Answer A: Most theme parks run their own specials, so before your visit, log on to the park's website and click "specials" or "offers." Often, you'll also find special rates for Florida residents on the them parks' websites. If you live in Florida, be sure to buy your tickets online for SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resorts. If you're an out-of-state visitor, check ticket brokers. Mousesavers offers various discounts for military, GE, Hilton, Costco and AAA. Speaking of AAA, members can get discounts through AAAsouth.com. Another reliable source is the Official Ticket Center, which offers discount tickets for all the Orlando theme parks, plus dinner shows and other attractions. Also try UnderCover Tourist and Orlando Fun Tickets. It may take some digging, but you CAN score a deal on theme park tickets, leaving more money for snacks and souvenirs. Q: How do I get my fishing license to fish in Florida? See Answer A: Florida is probably the most convenient place in America to buy a fishing license. You can do it over the phone or online. To learn more, go to http://www.myfwc.com/license/. Q: Where and when can I see manatees? See Answer A: Check out my blog post, “Five Great Places to See Florida Manatees” for some recommendations on where to go, what time of year is best, and how to interact responsibly with Florida’s gentle giants. Q: Where would I find scenic drives in Florida? See Answer A: Great back road drives are all over the state and a book that’s recommended often is Jan Godown Annino's Scenic Driving Florida. Also, check out VISITFLORIDA.com/driving_tours, which offers articles, videos, blogs and photos on roads, attractions, parks and museums. Until then, a few of my favorites are: Route 399 southeast of downtown Pensacola, which is a 15-mile seaside drive through the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Heading east, Highway 98 hugs the Gulf coast past Fort Walton Beach and Destin before Highway 30A follows the water way all the way to Panama City Beach, and then hooks back into 98 well beyond Apalachicola. It’s hard to believe that Northwest Florida’s rural Highway 90 parallels busy Interstate 10. This is a great country road that passes small towns and caverns and natural springs and puts you in the heart of the Old South. Extraordinary A1A between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach is a perfect two-lane road that offers nearly uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, inviting beaches and pullover points at historic sites like Fort Matanzas and Marineland. North of Orlando in the center of the state, two-lane Highway 19 cleaves a path north right through the Ocala National Forest and its natural springs and hiking trails. South of Orlando, Highway 27 has surrendered traffic to the Turnpike – which means it’s a great road to take when you’re heading south. It zips through the spine of Florida and past wonderful small towns, orange groves, lakes (including Lake Okeechobee) and into downtown Miami. Q: Are there any food and wine festivals in Florida? See Answer A: We have several Food & Wine Festivals, including the famous Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Here’s a link with more information: http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/articles/2010/february/1495-top-wine-and-food-festivals.html Q: I want to take a Florida golf vacation with my family at a resort in the winter months. Will it be warm enough to play? See Answer A: Absolutely. There can be a chill in the air early in the day, especially in the northern part of the state from Sandestin to Amelia Island to St. Augustine, and you’ll even get the occasional brief frost delay, but by lunchtime, it’s what I call “pants golf,” quite comfortable. The farther south you go, of course, it’ll pick up a few degrees. The resorts will be waiting for you and ready to show their finest. On the southwest coast, in Naples, just north of the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades, you have a can’t-miss selection. The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club is renowned, as is the Ritz-Carlton Golf resort. The La Playa Beach Resort and the Lely Resort are also terrific golf resorts. On the other side of the coast, Doral is always a sure bet, with its five great courses, including the PGA Tour-tested Blue Monster and the Great White, one of the most scenic in Florida. Turnberry Isle Miami is an excellent choice, as is the Bonaventure Country Club in Fort Lauderdale. If you have time, check out Crandon, the municipal course on Key Biscayne. It’s a very good layout with scenic views of the Miami skyline. Q: What is the best time of the year to get good sales at the Orlando Premium Outlets? See Answer A: We posed your question to Chelsea Auffarth, spokeswoman for Orlando Premium Outlets. See below for her response. Happy shopping (and saving)! From Chelsea: While every day is a sale at our centers, outlets do have seasonal sales. Please see below for our 2011 sale calendar. Orlando Premium Outlets offers over 300 stores in the Orlando area which offer savings of 25 percent to 65 percent everyday with additional sales throughout the year. You can visit the Sales & Events page of our website to view our current in-store promotions. It’s no secret that shopping is a top activity for travelers and vacationers. While kids of all ages enjoy the thrills of Orlando’s theme parks, savvy shoppers enjoy the thrill of finding the finest designer brands at savings at the area’s two incredible outlet centers – one serving the area near Walt Disney World and the other serving the area near Universal Orlando Resort. Located close to Universal Orlando Resort at the north end of International Drive is Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive, featuring 180 designer and name-brand outlet stores, including: Baccarat, Betsey Johnson, Coach, Cole Haan, Dooney & Bourke, J.Crew, Jack and Janie, Judith Ripka, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Lalique, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, The North Face, Pearl Izumi, Perry Ellis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, St. John, Thomas Pink, True Religion, Vince and much more. Located only one mile from Walt Disney World on Interstate 4 at exit 68 on Vineland Avenue, Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Avenue features 150 designer and name-brand outlet stores. This beautiful, Mediterranean inspired village offers area visitors a chance to purchase some of the finest designer brands at great savings. The impressive list of stores includes A|X Armani Exchange, Barneys New York Outlet, BCBG Max Azria, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Diesel, Dior, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, LeSportsac, Lucky Brand, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Nautica, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tag Heuer, Tod’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Wolford, Zegna Outlet and much more. In addition to these two high end outlet centers, shoppers should save time to stop by a third area center, located just south of Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive. Orlando Marketplace features 40 designer and name-brand outlet stores that have impressive savings on such brands as Calvin Klein, Coldwater Creek, Nine West, Reebok, Sketchers, Van Heusen and more. To save even more, shoppers can log onto www.premiumoutlets.com/vip to sign up for the VIP Shopper Club. There is no cost to join, and shoppers will receive additional exclusive savings and discounts. For additional information, log onto the website, www.premiumoutlets.com/orlando.  2011 Calendar: Presidents’ Day Sale: Friday-Monday, Feb. 18 - 21 Friday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Easter: Sunday, April 24 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend Sale: Friday-Monday, May 27-30 Friday, May 27: 10am-11 p.m. Saturday, May 28: 10am-11 p.m. Sunday, May 29: 10am-9 p.m. Monday, May 30: 10am-11 p.m. July 4 Summer Sale: Thursday-Monday, June 30 - July 4 Thursday, June 30: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, July 1: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, July 2: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, July 3: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon, July 4: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Labor Day Weekend Sale: Friday -Monday, Sept. 2 -5 Friday, Sept. 2: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 24 - Center Open After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale featuring Midnight Madness: Friday - Sunday, Nov. 25 - 27 After-Holiday Sales: Monday, Dec. 26 - Monday, Jan. 2 Q: Do you have a list of luxury resorts and hotels? See Answer A: Absolutely. If you’d like to compare resorts and amenities, take a look at this page that covers all things Florida luxury. You can search listings or browse content by articles, blogs, photos and videos. Don't See Your question? Submit » view all Insiders     Skip to main content United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Chippewa National Forest Forest Service Home About the Agency Contact the National Office Search Site Map Chippewa National Forest Home Special Places Recreation Alerts & Notices Passes & Permits Maps & Publications Land & Resources Management Learning Center Working Together About the Forest Contact Us Offices Districts Employment About the Area News & Events Contact Information Chippewa National Forest Supervisor's Office: 200 Ash Avenue NW Cass Lake, MN  56633 phone | 218.335.8600 fax | 218.335.8637 fs.usda.gov/chippewa Contact Us Contact Us Chippewa National Forest 200 Ash Avenue NW Cass Lake, MN 56633 218.335.8600 Fax |  218.335.8637 Email: Chippewa Information Feedback Form Your name: Your email address: Subject: Comment/Question: Forest Service Home ABOUT US |  CONTACT US |  FAQs |  NEWSROOM     Forest Service Home Employment Fire & Aviation International Just for Kids Maps & Brochures Passes & Permits Photo & Video Gallery Projects & Policies Pubs, Regs & Manuals Recreational Activities Research & Development Safety & Occupational Health State & Private Forestry   Regulations.gov     Employee Search Information Center National Offices and Programs Phone Directory Regional Offices     Sustainable Operations       US Forest Service 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. 20250-0003 800-832-1355           National News View all news releases » Building with wood Recently, the White House Rural Council hosted the workshop Building With Wood: Jobs and the Environment, which included architects, builders, designers, wood manufactures, foresters, state officials, university leaders and representatives from across the federal government. Innovative and expanded use of wood products is already beginning to change the face of construction across the country, and USDA is undertaking efforts to support these advancements. Wood may be one of the world's oldest building materials, but it is now also one of the most advanced. Building stronger markets for innovative new wood products supports sustainable forestry, helps buffer reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and puts rural America at the forefront of an emerging industry. Research, public can help bats survive white-nose syndrome Take a moment to look at the night sky and watch the swift flight of bats on their daily mission as they dart through your backyard or forest. Now, think about how it’s becoming harder to spot these winged wonders, and ask why. The answer: The quickly growing spread of a disease known as white-nose syndrome has been decimating bat populations, as explained in a recently released film on the subject. Forest Service applauds the United Nations’ second annual International Day of Forests A world without forests would be pretty bleak. Life as we know it couldn’t exist. In fact it would, more than likely, be a dead planet. That’s because everything we take for granted; clean air and water, abundant wildlife and nearly every product we use in our daily lives, from the roof above our heads to pencils, wouldn’t exist. Voluntary conservation effort promotes improved lesser prairie-chicken habitat WASHINGTON, March 21, 2014 - Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie announced today a renewed and expanded partnership to provide expert habitat advice to farmers and ranchers managing land within lesser prairie-chicken range. FACES of the Forest: Vaughan Marable Self-analysis, courage to change and developing one’s leadership skills are the guided footsteps that Vaughan Marable decided to follow as he has blazed his trail in the Forest Service. He has worked for the agency nearly 27 years but feels like it was just yesterday when he began his varied career on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington as a cooperative education student before becoming a wildlife biologist for the agency. For Kids Join Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl Where imagination sprouts Branch out and discover the forest! Videos A message from Ranger White Winter camping in a yurt Rent Deadwood Lookout Other News The buried forest of Kruzof Island: a window into the past USDA calls for nominations to the Forest Service Planning Rule Advisory Committee International researchers mobilize against risky stowaway pests USDA publications shine on Government Bookstore bestseller list A thorough discussion about protecting America’s forests Forest Service waives fees in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announces new and returning members to the Forestry Research Advisory Council NRCS and Forest Service partner to improve forest health Secretary Vilsack announces regional hubs to help agriculture, forestry mitigate the impacts of a changing climate Welcome to the US Forest Service The U.S. Forest Service, under the leadership of Chief Tom Tidwell, is entrusted with 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. We are dedicated to the improvement of water resources, development of climate change resiliency, creation of jobs that will sustain communities and restoration and enhancement of landscapes. Stories View all Forest Service helps fund Harvard Forest green energy project US Forest Service mobilizes to save cavity birds The buried forest of Kruzof Island: a window into the past Secretary’s Column: Growing opportunity for small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers Woodland salamanders prove to be the new canary in the forest Farm Bill program continues to nurture healthy forest, help wildlife Forest Service helps fund Harvard Forest green energy project Forest Service in the news... 3/26 Volunteers Could Dig Forest Service out of Trails "Crisis" 3/26 USFS Reminder: Spring Fire Season is Here 3/26 America the wild: Where to find untouched wilderness 3/26 Volunteers Could Dig Forest Service out of Trails "Crisis" Stay Connected Quick Links Forest Service Locator Map Climate Change Planning Rule FY2012 Agency Financial Report Budget Information Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Ecosystem Services FS Recovery Act Projects Roadless Top Accessibility  |  Important Notices  |  FOIA  |  Privacy Policy  |  Information Quality  |  Print US Forest Service Last modified March 26, 2014 http://www.fs.fed.us   | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality         ABOUT US |  CONTACT US |  FAQs |  NEWSROOM     Forest Service Home Employment Fire & Aviation International Just for Kids Maps & Brochures Passes & Permits Photo & Video Gallery Projects & Policies Pubs, Regs & Manuals Recreational Activities Research & Development Safety & Occupational Health State & Private Forestry   Regulations.gov     Employee Search Information Center National Offices and Programs Phone Directory Regional Offices     Sustainable Operations       US Forest Service 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. 20250-0003 800-832-1355           National News View all news releases » Building with wood Recently, the White House Rural Council hosted the workshop Building With Wood: Jobs and the Environment, which included architects, builders, designers, wood manufactures, foresters, state officials, university leaders and representatives from across the federal government. Innovative and expanded use of wood products is already beginning to change the face of construction across the country, and USDA is undertaking efforts to support these advancements. Wood may be one of the world's oldest building materials, but it is now also one of the most advanced. Building stronger markets for innovative new wood products supports sustainable forestry, helps buffer reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and puts rural America at the forefront of an emerging industry. Research, public can help bats survive white-nose syndrome Take a moment to look at the night sky and watch the swift flight of bats on their daily mission as they dart through your backyard or forest. Now, think about how it’s becoming harder to spot these winged wonders, and ask why. The answer: The quickly growing spread of a disease known as white-nose syndrome has been decimating bat populations, as explained in a recently released film on the subject. Forest Service applauds the United Nations’ second annual International Day of Forests A world without forests would be pretty bleak. Life as we know it couldn’t exist. In fact it would, more than likely, be a dead planet. That’s because everything we take for granted; clean air and water, abundant wildlife and nearly every product we use in our daily lives, from the roof above our heads to pencils, wouldn’t exist. Voluntary conservation effort promotes improved lesser prairie-chicken habitat WASHINGTON, March 21, 2014 - Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie announced today a renewed and expanded partnership to provide expert habitat advice to farmers and ranchers managing land within lesser prairie-chicken range. FACES of the Forest: Vaughan Marable Self-analysis, courage to change and developing one’s leadership skills are the guided footsteps that Vaughan Marable decided to follow as he has blazed his trail in the Forest Service. He has worked for the agency nearly 27 years but feels like it was just yesterday when he began his varied career on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington as a cooperative education student before becoming a wildlife biologist for the agency. For Kids Join Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl Where imagination sprouts Branch out and discover the forest! Videos A message from Ranger White Winter camping in a yurt Rent Deadwood Lookout Other News The buried forest of Kruzof Island: a window into the past USDA calls for nominations to the Forest Service Planning Rule Advisory Committee International researchers mobilize against risky stowaway pests USDA publications shine on Government Bookstore bestseller list A thorough discussion about protecting America’s forests Forest Service waives fees in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announces new and returning members to the Forestry Research Advisory Council NRCS and Forest Service partner to improve forest health Secretary Vilsack announces regional hubs to help agriculture, forestry mitigate the impacts of a changing climate Welcome to the US Forest Service The U.S. Forest Service, under the leadership of Chief Tom Tidwell, is entrusted with 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. We are dedicated to the improvement of water resources, development of climate change resiliency, creation of jobs that will sustain communities and restoration and enhancement of landscapes. Stories View all Forest Service helps fund Harvard Forest green energy project US Forest Service mobilizes to save cavity birds The buried forest of Kruzof Island: a window into the past Secretary’s Column: Growing opportunity for small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers Woodland salamanders prove to be the new canary in the forest Farm Bill program continues to nurture healthy forest, help wildlife Forest Service helps fund Harvard Forest green energy project Forest Service in the news... 3/26 Volunteers Could Dig Forest Service out of Trails "Crisis" 3/26 USFS Reminder: Spring Fire Season is Here 3/26 America the wild: Where to find untouched wilderness 3/26 Volunteers Could Dig Forest Service out of Trails "Crisis" Stay Connected Quick Links Forest Service Locator Map Climate Change Planning Rule FY2012 Agency Financial Report Budget Information Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Ecosystem Services FS Recovery Act Projects Roadless Top Accessibility  |  Important Notices  |  FOIA  |  Privacy Policy  |  Information Quality  |  Print US Forest Service Last modified March 26, 2014 http://www.fs.fed.us About Us  |  Contact Us  |  FAQ's  |  Newsroom   Forest Service Home Employment Fire & Aviation International Just for Kids Maps & Brochures Passes & Permits Photo & Video Gallery Projects & Policies Pubs, Regs & Manuals Recreational Activities Research & Development Safety State & Private Forestry   Regulations.gov     Employee Search Information Center National Offices and Programs Phone Directory Regional Offices               US Forest Service 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. 20250-0003 (800) 832-1355         SPEECH USDA Forest Service Washington, D.C. Five Focal Points for the Future Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell Forest Service Orientation, Presidential Management Fellows Washington, DC—January 27, 2012 Good morning, and welcome to the Forest Service! Forest Service Legacy The Forest Service was founded in 1905, and we have a conservation legacy second to none. Our roots lie in the first conservation movement in America, led by visionaries such as President Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, the first Forest Service Chief. Our early ranks included such legendary figures as Aldo Leopold, Bob Marshall, and Arthur Carhart. You can see their photos and read a little about them right outside in the hall here. For more than a century, we have carried on their great work. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands for the benefit of present and future generations. That includes managing the national forests and grasslands—193 million acres in 44 states and Puerto Rico. That’s an area almost twice the size of California, more than 8 percent of our nation’s land area. As I’m sure you know, it’s a great national treasure. Less well known is the fact that we work with the State Foresters in all 56 states and territories to help private forest landowners manage their lands sustainably—and to address issues like habitat continuity and conservation of open space. We also have the world’s largest research organization dedicated solely to conservation, with 7 research stations and 77 research labs and other offices nationwide. We also have 81 experimental forests and ranges—and decades of data on forest cover, water, wildlife, wilderness, grasslands, and other resources. In addition, we work with other countries to share conservation knowledge—to help forest landowners and managers around the world manage their lands sustainably. Over the years, we’ve had programs in 89 countries on 5 different continents. Whatever mission area you work for, whether it’s National Forest System, State and Private Forestry, Research and Development, or International Programs—whatever your job, you stand on the shoulders of giants. You can help us build on our conservation legacy by focusing on five areas in particular: safety, inclusiveness, restoration, fire, and community. Safety At the Forest Service, safety is more than our first priority. A constant, relentless focus on safety is the only way we work. Our jobs sometimes take us into high-risk environments; many of us are involved in managing incidents, particularly wildfires. Our first fire-related fatalities occurred more than a century ago, in the great fires of 1910. You might have heard of Ranger Ed Pulaski, who saved his crew of firefighters from a firestorm by leading them into an old abandoned mine and making them stay there at gunpoint. It’s a great story. Since then, our fire organization has come a long way. We now work through the interagency Incident Command System. Our ICS is renowned and emulated worldwide for its effectiveness in safely managing all kinds of incidents. Safety is the basis for everything we do, not just in our fire organization, but in every part of the Forest Service. Safety and health are the foundations for a positive work environment. Unfortunately, our safety record has not improved in recent years. Over the last 20 years, the number of fatalities in the federal fire community has gone up and down from year to year, but it has always stayed roughly the same. We average about 17 fatalities per year from various causes, ranging from vehicle accidents to falling trees and rocks. We have got to do better, and that is why we place so much emphasis on safety. Our goal is to become a zero-fatality organization. How do we get there? Risk is inherent in our daily lives; even just crossing the street can be risky. Safety means recognizing the risk and managing it, for example by using seatbelts whenever we are in a vehicle. At the Forest Service, we expect everyone to take responsibility for their own safety, and we give you the means to effectively manage risk. For example, each of you is individually empowered to call off an operation that is unsafe. For several years now, our leadership has been making a learning journey to become a safer organization. We have been exploring our culture and history, comparing ourselves to high-reliability organizations that also work in high-risk environments, and working to change our safety culture accordingly. Now we are taking our entire workforce on that same learning journey. You can help by playing an active role—by enrolling in safety sessions—by working with your staffs to take appropriate safety measures. Stay tuned—you will hear more. Inclusiveness Our second focus area is inclusiveness—both in our workforce and in the communities we serve. I mentioned Aldo Leopold, who started his career with the Forest Service and went on to found the science of wildlife management at the University of Wisconsin. As you might know, Leopold bought degraded farmland in the Sand Hills of Wisconsin, then worked to restore it to health. He said, and I quote, “There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.” What did he mean by that? At a time when 80 percent of our population lives in metropolitan areas, you can actually find children who don’t get the connection between a cow and milk … between a chicken and an egg … or between a tree and a home. Part of our job at the Forest Service is to help counter that trend by reaching out to urban and underserved communities to give people opportunities to get outdoors, up close and personal with nature. In particular, we are focusing on kids. We have hundreds of projects and programs for conservation education around the country. Last year alone, we reached more than 4 million people, mostly kids. Part of inclusiveness is making our workforce look more like the face of America. In the 1970s, when I started my career, the Forest Service was a different place. There weren’t many women or people of color in our ranks, and the overwhelming majority of our employees were professional foresters—more generalist than today. That was in response to the issues and opportunities of the time, but it turned out to be shortsighted. We were missing out on the skills and abilities, the talents and contributions of the vast majority of Americans. Diversity of thought is key to successful organizations, and it comes from hiring people from all different backgrounds—rural and urban … male and female … with ethnicities, professions, and perspectives of all kinds. In the past 20 or 30 years, we have made some progress. Today, more than 35 percent of our top leadership comes from ethnic minorities, and almost 60 percent represents either racial or gender diversity. That’s way above parity for the U.S. workforce as a whole, and it’s something we can be proud of as an agency. But there are still areas of underrepresentation, both in our workforce and in the communities we serve. So we are deliberately transforming our culture to become an employer of choice for all Americans. We want to broaden the circle of conservation—to make a connection to underserved communities all across America, especially in our urban areas—to build a workforce that truly reflects the face of America. We are designing our programs accordingly, and we are tailoring our recruitment and retention policies to the needs of young Americans from every background. In short, you are the face of the Forest Service. You are the ones the public will see and our partners will meet. We want our face to be like theirs. We want to reflect all the diversity of the American people—in culture, ethnicity, gender, experience, values, and ideas. Therefore, we are creating a work environment that fully supports inclusiveness and diversity. We want our agency to be free from barriers and discrimination, both for our employees and for the public we serve. Respect is the foundation for good working relationships and a positive work environment, and we want every Forest Service employee to actively embrace diversity and inclusiveness. To that end, we are implementing a USDA initiative called Cultural Transformation. The idea is to transform our culture at the Forest Service in a way that makes us an employer of choice while broadening the circle of conservation. You can help by embracing Cultural Transformation. You can participate in staff discussions or sensing groups to help surface cultural and work-related barriers to the Forest Service becoming an employer of choice. You can help counter any negativity you might hear by recognizing the positive outcomes we are trying to achieve through Cultural Transformation and by doing what you can to achieve them. Our success depends on you. Restoration Our third focal point is ecological restoration. Today, Americans have come to understand the full importance of their forests and grasslands. That wasn’t always the case. In the 19th century, most people thought of America’s forests as an inexhaustible resource or even an obstacle to development. Forests were cut down with no thought to regeneration, until conservationists finally put a stop to the waste and abuse, partly by setting aside the National Forest System. For the first 70 years of our history, the Forest Service managed the national forests and grasslands to sustain a range of multiple uses for future generations, but our main focus was on commercial resource extraction—whether of timber, forage, or minerals. In the last 20 to 30 years, our focus has broadened to include a full range of the goods and services, benefits and values that people get from their forests and grasslands. Today, people understand that forests provide clean air and water, carbon sequestration, habitat for native fish and wildlife, erosion control and soil renewal, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and more. Our job is to sustain the ability of America’s forests and grasslands, both public and private, to deliver a full range of ecosystem services for generations to come. That ability is now at risk. Drought, invasive species, loss of open space, uncharacteristically severe wildfires, uncharacteristically severe outbreaks of insects and disease—all these stresses and disturbances are affecting America’s forests and grasslands on an unprecedented scale. Partly, they are driven by the overarching challenge of climate change. The Forest Service is responding by restoring the functions and processes characteristic of healthy, resilient ecosystems. Restoration includes helping ecosystems adapt to the effects of a changing climate. We are striving to sustain and restore ecosystems that can deliver all the services that Americans want and need, even if they are not exactly the same systems as before. Climate change highlights the need for broad-scale approaches—for restoration on a landscape scale. Landscape-scale conservation is an approach to managing land at the level of watersheds, ecoregions, or broad geographic areas. The Forest Service is accordingly taking an all-lands approach. We are working with partners across boundaries and ownerships to address ecosystem issues on a landscape scale. No one of us can do it alone, especially now. Our economy is only slowly recovering, and our national debt is high. Accordingly, government budgets are likely to be limited for some time to come. We need to get smarter about how we use our limited resources, and we need to leverage them by working with partners to achieve mutual goals. If people continue to work in traditional ways—cut off from each other as private foresters on this piece of land, public servants on that piece of land—America will never fully tap its resources of knowledge, energy, and ideas to help meet the forestry challenges of the future. But if people come together to collaborate across landownerships and landscapes, then they will be able to address shared issues and concerns and to pursue common goals more effectively. One initiative related to climate change and restoration is Sustainable Operations. The Forest Service has a substantial environmental footprint; each year, for example, we use about a billion gallons of water … we operate more than 18,000 vehicles … and we emit around 100,000 metric tons of carbon. Through our Sustainable Operations initiative, we are working to reduce our own environmental footprint. That’s a no-brainer for a conservation agency, and you can help by making sure that your own work practices and environment are as sustainable as possible. Fire One disturbance associated with climate change is wildland fire. In the West, climate change has contributed to drier soils and longer fire seasons, making fire danger worse; and invasives like cheatgrass have altered fire regimes in many areas. Past management practices have also contributed to worsening fuel conditions. A Forest Service study in 2002 found that almost 400 million acres in all ownerships were at moderate to high risk from uncharacteristically severe wildfires. That’s an area four times the size of California. Meanwhile, growth and development are exposing more homes and communities to wildland fire. Almost 70,000 communities are now at risk, and less than 10 percent have a community wildfire protection plan. These trends—fuel buildups, worsening fire danger, and a growing wildland/urban interface—spell trouble. We no longer regard all fire as bad, but “acres burned” is still a metric for approximating the extent of unwanted fires, and that metric has been growing. Since 2000, at least 10 states have had record-breaking fires. In 2000 and 2002, for the first time since the 1950s, more than 7 million acres burned in a single year. In 2004 and 2005, more than 8 million acres burned; in 2006 and 2007, it was more than 9 million. Some experts estimate that future fire seasons could reach 12 to 15 million acres. From 2000 to 2009, almost 28,000 homes, businesses, and outbuildings burned in wildfires. This was the context for the FLAME Act of 2009. Through the FLAME Act, Congress required federal fire managers to develop a more cohesive wildland fire management strategy. In developing our new strategy, we built on past efforts, involving the entire fire community. We brought together federal, state, tribal, local, municipal governments and nongovernmental organizations to develop a truly shared national approach—a national blueprint for addressing wildland fire management. Our National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy has three main goals. The first goal is to create fire-adapted natural communities. The key is ecological restoration—restoring healthy, resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding stresses and disturbances, including those associated with climate change. An equally important goal is to create fire-adapted human communities by treating fuels in the wildland/urban interface and by helping people adopt planning and building practices that make homes and communities safer from wildfire. Our third goal is to make safe, effective, risk-based wildfire management decisions. Many of America’s landscapes evolved with fire; sooner or later, they will burn. Fire protection requires an appropriate response to wildfire—not only suppression, but also, where safe and beneficial, the use of fire for management purposes. We need to learn to live with fire. You can help by taking the role of fire into account in your work—and by engaging in our fire organization yourself. You don’t necessarily need to become a wildland firefighter; the Incident Command System has a wide array of positions, ranging from logistics to public affairs. Training is readily available. The future of our fire organization depends on folks like you. Community Our fifth and final focal point at the Forest Service is community engagement. From our very beginnings, our forest supervisors and district rangers have lived and worked in the communities we serve. Most decisions affecting local communities have been made not by some distant bureaucrat, but by our local supervisors and rangers themselves. Our local line officers have always known local conditions and worked with local communities to meet local needs. We are still set up that way—as a decentralized, community-based organization. And that is as it should be, because conservation begins where people live. Local people are proud of the natural beauty that surrounds them; they feel a sense of belonging to the places where they live. They understand their reliance on local resources such as water, and they often depend on natural resources to sustain them, not only for their livelihoods, but also for such amenities as firewood, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation. In fact, about a third of the visits to the National Forest System are local—from people who live less than 25 miles away. Our job is to work with local communities for social and economic as well as ecological sustainability. Conservation is most effective when it meets local needs for prosperity and well-being by engaging people and communities in protecting and restoring the forests and grasslands around them. Accordingly, the Forest Service has longstanding traditions of providing jobs, training, and community support. We also recognize that healthy, resilient forests and grasslands are of immense social importance, enhancing quality of life and sustaining scenic and culturally important landscapes. Restoration on a landscape scale, through partnerships and collaboration, dovetails with community-based conservation. A prime example is our Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. Last year, Secretary Vilsack chose 10 projects in 9 states for long-term funding. All ten are cross-boundary collaborative projects for restoring forested landscapes by leveraging partnership funding. The Four Forest Restoration Initiative in Arizona, for example, is based on years of engaging local communities to come together behind a large-scale project to restore overgrown ponderosa pine woodlands on four different national forests. It’s a great example of community-based conservation. A central part of community-based conservation involves outdoor recreation. Outdoor activities like hunting and fishing or camping and canoeing are part of our pioneer heritage as Americans. Outdoor recreation contributes to a healthy lifestyle while lowering health care costs nationwide. Recreational activities are often occasions for bonding with family and friends. They help kids learn about teamwork, about the outdoors, and about their own abilities. They provide a sense of personal accomplishment in meeting a challenge, such as catching a fish, climbing a cliff, or completing a hike. Communities also benefit from economic activity associated with outdoor recreation. By far the greatest use of the National Forest System is for outdoor recreation, with more than 170 million visits per year. In fact, the greatest contribution to GDP from the National Forest System comes not from timber, but from outdoor recreation—almost 44 percent. A study in 2006 found that the active outdoor industry on all lands nationwide contributed about $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting around 6.5 million jobs. By working with partners to restore landscapes and protect working lands, the Forest Service provides social, economic, and ecological benefits. Our programs and projects are designed to help attract tourism, sustain green jobs, and generate forest products, food, and energy. We also engage urban communities in protecting and restoring America’s 100 million acres of urban forests. With over 80 percent of Americans living in metropolitan areas, we need to continue to expand our work with places like New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Our goal is a continuous network of healthy forested landscapes, from remote wilderness areas to shady urban neighborhoods, parks, and greenways. Place-based conservation is key. People want to protect the places where they live—the places that are special to them—and they want a say in managing the public lands that are part of their birthright as Americans. You can help encourage that local passion for place-based conservation by supporting partnerships and collaborative decisionmaking—by building strong relationships to protect those special places. Through place-based conservation, you can help us connect with the people we serve—and connect them to the land. Looking Forward In closing, America is unique. We still have our wide open spaces, our wild places where our identity as a people was forged. As part of the Forest Service, you are part of that legacy. You are a direct descendant of the early conservationists, who made it their goal, in the words of Gifford Pinchot, to manage our nation’s natural resources “for the greatest good, for the greatest number, for the longest time.” Today, we continue in that same spirit, but the future belongs to you. It is up to you to make this your Forest Service. By focusing on safety, inclusiveness, restoration, fire, and community, you can equip the Forest Service to meet the challenges of the 21st century, for the benefit of generations to come.  # top Accessibility  |  Important Notices  |  FOIA  |  Privacy Policy  |  Information Quality  |  Print US Forest Service Last modified March 29, 2013 http://www.fs.fed.us