Tag: Havana Heritage and History Society

  • Who Named Havana, Florida?

    Who Named Havana, Florida?

    Have you ever wondered who decided to call our town Havana?

    The answer goes back to the early 1900s, when the railroad was helping transform the area and shade tobacco was becoming big business in Gadsden County.

    According to local history, James Mathewson, a local schoolteacher, proposed the name “Havana.” The reason was simple: the shade tobacco grown around here was used for cigar wrappers, and the hand-rolled cigars made from local tobacco were considered comparable to those coming from Havana, Cuba.

    The name stuck.

    Havana was officially incorporated on December 5, 1906, and the town’s connection to tobacco would become a major part of its identity for decades.

    Today, most people know Havana for antiques, art, historic buildings and small-town charm. But underneath all of that is a name that tells an important story about the crop that helped put this community on the map.

    So now you know the answer…

    James Mathewson named Havana. And he named it Havana because of the tobacco.

  • Here’s What You Missed, Havana.

    Here’s What You Missed, Havana.

    If you stayed home this weekend, you missed a good one.

    Havana was buzzing Saturday with WoodFest downtown and the Planters Exchange’s Out of the Attic Vintage Market at the Havana History & Heritage Museum.

    At WoodFest, the Brown Family, Ryan and Paige won the pallet contest, and Katherine Klein took home the beautiful table from the raffle. Teresa Rever and Maria LaRue finished 2nd and 3rd respecively. Not a bad day at WoodFest!

    Meanwhile, vintage hunters were digging through treasures at the Out of the Attic market, along with some delicious offerings from Doering’s Doughs who was among the local vendors.

    And the fun didn’t stop in Havana. In Quincy, Anna Wescoat filled the house at Burned Beard Brewing, while Flea Across Florida brought out the bargain hunters and the Lake 38 Pro-Am put world-class waterskiing on the weekend schedule.

    Woodworking. Vintage finds. Live music. Shopping. Watersports.

    Pretty good reminder that there’s always something happening around here.

    What did we miss? Drop your weekend highlights in the comments below.

  • Havana This Week… WoodFest, Vintage Finds, Waterskiing & a Whole Lot More

    Havana This Week… WoodFest, Vintage Finds, Waterskiing & a Whole Lot More

    September 8–13, 2026

    If you were thinking about staying home this weekend, you might want to rethink that.

    There is a lot happening around Havana and Gadsden County this week, with Havana WoodFest, a vintage market, a major waterski competition, live music, and a Highway 90 treasure hunt all packed into Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

    In other words… you have options.

    WoodFest takes over downtown Havana

    The big one in Havana this weekend is WoodFest 2026, happening Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Havana.

    Havana Main Street is turning downtown into an open-air celebration of woodworking, craftsmanship and local creativity, with handmade wood art, furniture, gifts, demonstrations, food and more.

    And if you’ve never been to WoodFest before, this isn’t just an event for people who know the difference between a planer and a jointer.

    There will be plenty to see, eat and explore, and it’s a pretty good excuse to spend a Saturday walking around downtown Havana and checking out the local shops while you’re there.

    WoodFest 2026
    Saturday, September 12
    10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Downtown Havana

    Looking for something you can’t find at Walmart?

    Also happening Saturday is the Out of the Attic Vintage Market at the Havana History & Heritage Museum.

    The market runs alongside Woodfest and brings vintage and antique vendors onto the museum grounds. Be sure to catch, Doering’s Doughs inside soaking up the A/C and selling some delicious breads and sweets.

    So yes, you can absolutely make a morning of it.

    Grab some breakfast, go hunting for something you didn’t know you needed, walk downtown for WoodFest, grab lunch and do some shopping around Havana.

    That’s a pretty solid Saturday.

    Meanwhile, heading towards Quincy… the water is going to be moving

    If you’ve never watched professional waterskiing in person, this is your chance.

    The S-Lines Lake 38 Pro-Am returns to Lake 38 in Quincy on Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13.

    The event brings elite professional slalom skiers from around the world to Gadsden County for a weekend of competition.

    And perhaps the best part for spectators?

    It’s free.

    S-Lines Lake 38 Pro-Am
    September 12–13
    Lake 38, Quincy
    Free admission

    It’s one of those events that sounds a little unusual until you actually watch it… and then you understand why people get hooked.

    Friday night: Anna Wescoat at Burned Beard

    Before Saturday gets rolling, you can kick off the weekend Friday night at Burned Beard Brewing in Quincy with Anna Wescoat.

    It’s a good excuse to grab some food, have a drink and listen to some live music without having to drive all the way into Tallahassee.

    And if you’re already planning to spend Saturday in Havana or at Lake 38, Friday night gives you one more reason to start the weekend early.

    And then there’s Flea Across Florida

    If digging through old stuff looking for something awesome is your idea of a good time, don’t overlook Flea Across Florida.

    The Highway 90 treasure hunt is happening Friday and Saturday, with Padgett’s Jewelers in downtown Quincy participating from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

    The whole idea is basically a giant roadside treasure hunt… antiques, collectibles, yard-sale finds and those completely random things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them sitting on a table for five bucks.

    You know how this works.

    You leave the house looking for one thing and come home with six things you absolutely cannot explain.

    So what’s the plan?

    Honestly, Saturday could be a pretty great Gadsden County day without going very far.

    Start in Havana for the Out of the Attic Vintage Market.

    Stick around for WoodFest.

    Grab lunch and wander through downtown.

    Then head toward Quincy and check out Lake 38… or make Flea Across Florida your excuse to explore along Highway 90.

    And if you still have energy left, there’s always Sunday.

    Because this weekend is a pretty good reminder that you don’t necessarily have to drive to Tallahassee to find something interesting to do.

    There’s a lot going on right here at home.

    If you’re going to one of these events, tell us what you’re looking forward to… and if we missed something happening around Havana or Gadsden County this weekend, let us know in the comments so we can add it.

  • Havana This Week… A Full Saturday and Then Some

    Havana This Week… A Full Saturday and Then Some

    If you’ve been waiting for a weekend to get out and enjoy Havana and the surrounding area, this is it… from history and markets to cycling, farming, and a few laughs nearby, there’s something happening in every direction.


    Cigar Days at the Shade Tobacco Museum

    Step into Havana’s roots as the Havana Heritage and History Society hosts Cigar Days at the Shade Tobacco Museum. This event brings the area’s tobacco heritage to life with demonstrations, storytelling, and a look back at the industry that helped shape our town.

    When: Saturday, April 25… activities throughout the day (check event page for full schedule)


    Havana Market… New Location This Month

    The Havana Market returns for its regular fourth Saturday, but with a change of scenery. This month, vendors will be set up on the grassy area just north of the Planters Exchange near the railroad tracks.

    You’ll still find your usual mix of local honey, baked goods, produce, handmade crafts, and community spirit… just in a slightly different spot.

    When: Saturday, April 25… 10am-2pm


    Havana Hills Bike Ride

    Cyclists will be rolling through town for the Havana Hills Bike Ride, known for its scenic routes and those famous North Florida hills. It always brings a great energy to the area as riders and visitors pass through.

    When: Saturday, April 25… early morning start times with staggered rides


    Reminder… Foraging and Farm Day

    Don’t forget about the upcoming foraging and farm day at Whitetail Hollow Farms. This is a hands-on experience focused on wild edibles, farm exploration, and slowing things down for a bit.

    It’s a great outing for families or anyone curious about connecting more with the land.

    When: April 25th starting around 9:30am….


    Around the Area… Worth the Drive

    Comedy Night in Quincy

    Head over to Quincy for a night of laughs at Bwembya’s Market as their Last Laugh Fridays comedy series continues. A fun and easy way to change up your Friday night routine.

    When: Friday evening 4/24… 6-10pm


    Final Friday in Chattahoochee

    Take a short drive to Chattahoochee for their Final Friday event. Expect live music, vendors, and a relaxed community atmosphere to wrap up the week.

    When: Friday, April 24… evening hours


    A Weekend Worth Showing Up For

    This is one of those weekends where you can fill your whole schedule without going far… history in the morning, the market before lunch, bikes rolling through town, and options Friday night in neighboring communities.

    Get out, support local, and enjoy it… Havana is going to be buzzing Saturday.

  • Havana This Week – Out and About in Spring

    Havana This Week – Out and About in Spring

    Hello Havana friends. It’s Thursday, and spring is officially here. This week’s update is all about getting outside and enjoying what the season has to offer … from gardens and farms to local history and community events.

    IFAS and Garden Club Plant Sales

    The UF/IFAS Extension in Gadsden County is hosting its annual plant sale this weekend. It’s a great chance to pick up vegetables, herbs, flowers, and gardening advice straight from the extension team.

    IFAS
    9:00am-3:00pm
    2140 W Jefferson St Quincy, FL

    The Havana Garden Club Spring Plant Sale is also coming up on April 11 in front of the Havana Shade Tobacco Museum. Whether you’re planting a vegetable patch or adding color to your porch, this event has something for every gardener.

    Havana Garden Club
    8:30am-12:30pm
    204 2nd St NW, Havana, FL 32333

    Whitetail Hollow Farms Spring Event

    Whitetail Hollow Farms is hosting a Spring Farm Day event this weekend, offering a hands-on look at farm life just northwest of town. Whitetail Hollow is a family-run operation on roughly 45 acres that focuses on sustainable farming, regenerative practices, and connecting people with where their food comes from.

    What’s Included
    Foraging walk with Billy Bailey (Old Ways Education) (AM or PM, pick one)
    Guided farm tour led by Gigi and Jed Carroll (owners of Whitetail Hollow Farms)
    Lunch included: 1 hamburger OR 1 hot dog per person + chips + cookie + water
    Attendee-only plant sale access (plants sold separately; limited quantities)

    Dry Conditions Continue

    Even with a bit of rain lately, much of Florida—including Gadsden County—is still experiencing severe drought conditions. Fire risk remains elevated, and while there isn’t an official burn ban, local officials continue to urge extreme caution with outdoor burning or fire use until conditions improve.

    Help Support the Havana Volunteer Fire Department and head over to Lashley Automotive for their annual car show and fundraiser.
    10:00am-3pm
    2726 Salem Rd. Havana, FL 32333

    Havana Cigar Days Coming Later This Month

    The Havana Cigar Days returns on April 25. Hosted by the Havana Heritage and History Society, this annual event highlights our town’s deep roots in the shade tobacco industry that once helped define Havana. It’s always a great way to explore local history and enjoy a day with friends and neighbors.

    What’s Happening Around Town

    With warmer weather here, community activity is picking up. From plant sales and farm events to our annual traditions and local markets, this is the time of year when folks start getting out more … meeting neighbors, supporting local growers, and celebrating life in Havana.

    If you’ve got an event or community news to share for next week’s update, send it our way.

    See you next Thursday.

    Havana Hub

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