Gainesville, Home of the University of Florida
Due to its inland location and humid subtropical climate, the city’s fauna and flora such as dogwood, maple, hickory and sweetgum offer the ideal natural beauty to live and play. Adrenalin junkies get their kick from the famous annual drag racing event, where history-making performances have been tradition since 1970. Home to the Florida Gators, The Ben Hill Stadium, or otherwise known as The Swamp, entices the entire community every Saturday during peak season, and when the heat gets a little too much, there’s always the famous Gatorade, made right there in Gainesville in since 1965.
Rock music and the orchestra
Renowned for its recreational drug culture and lively music scene, rock festivals such as The Fest have been entertaining out-of-town music-goers and University of Florida alumni alike. Voted one of the best places to start a band in 2008, it stands to reason that it’s also the best place to watch one. This highly underrated music hub has been host to legends such as Tom Petty, Stephen Stills and Bo Diddley, but if you are into something more conservative then the Gainesville Orchestra will enrich, entertain and educate with their contemporary repertoire. Accommodation in the strong music community of Gainesville ranges from luxurious to inexpensive. Hotels offer top class service, even live entertainment. If you are looking for something less expensive, then there are plenty of bed and breakfast establishments with that personal touch.
Browse for dinner
From freshly cooked street food, to cookies at midnight, Gainesville’s rich food culture will gain the respect of even the fussiest of diners. Spend a relaxing morning in downtown Union Street, where the farmers markets offer fresh fruits and veggies. You can even do your grocery shopping there. If your dream is to order cookies at midnight, then there’s a cookie and milk service that will deliver awesome flavours like velvet and banana right to your door. With the wide variety of cuisine in Florida, there’s no shortage of choice. About a block from the Florida Campus, there’s a little hole in the wall where unique combinations of Vietnamese specialities and breakfast dishes will keep you coming back for more. With such reasonable prices and a great atmosphere, it’s no wonder there’s always a queue. Those looking for something more upscale should head to Downtown Gainesville, where delicious vegetarian American-style cuisine is offered at many of the luxurious hotels in the area.
College town to remember
The students of Gainesville believe there’s no better college town in America. From party rafting and bars galore, to encounters with gators, there’s something exciting at every corner. Hop into the car, fill up the tank and head to Ginnie Springs for a good old-fashioned day of fun. Float down the river or simply enjoy the sun on the banks. If bat-watching is your thing, then you won’t be surprised that crowds gather to watch over 100,000 bats taking off in droves at dusk, and in every conceivable direction. Make sure you don’t get caught by surprise as they have been known to poop in mid-flight. Hotels nearby to the University are well-priced, and offer relaxed surroundings for visiting families. The warm weather in this part of Florida adds a unique combination of tranquillity and upbeat vibe. Whether you are coming to stay for long, or play for short, the memories will linger.
Diverse art culture
The Downtown Festival and Art Show transforms Gainesville with crowds of more than 100,000. Marvel at over 250 artists work, or watch a live performance. The whole family can join in the fun with an Imagination Station to keep the kids busy for hours. The wall on 34th Street is full of colour, and actually illegally full of graffiti, but law enforcement recognizes this as a special landmark, and will turn a blind eye. You can even make a special announcement by etching it into history on the 1120 foot wall. Make sure you have plenty of time because Florida has an abundance of beautiful spots, but none as serene and special as the Baughman Center built next to Lake Alice. Escape to meditate, or just enjoy the amazing architecture while you find your inner peace. As lively and upbeat as this party-town is, those looking for more traditional accommodation will find well-priced hotels with particularly good service and skills, good food and comfortable surroundings.