Andy & Karen's Guidebook
Sightseeing
What’s happening around Gainesville? info@visitgainesville.com
If you REALLY want to see alligators up close and personal this is the place to go!
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La Chua Trailhead
4270 SE 15th StIf you REALLY want to see alligators up close and personal this is the place to go!
Huge park consisting of an elaborate playground, Splash area, Lawns, a large pond with Promenade and many more recreational activities. It is a perfect place for a family outing or a friends’ get-together. Various events take place throughout the year. The Blue Grotto has artificial waterfalls, ground jets, water cannons and hidden fossils, perfect for both adults and children.
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Depot Park
874 SE 4 StHuge park consisting of an elaborate playground, Splash area, Lawns, a large pond with Promenade and many more recreational activities. It is a perfect place for a family outing or a friends’ get-together. Various events take place throughout the year. The Blue Grotto has artificial waterfalls, ground jets, water cannons and hidden fossils, perfect for both adults and children.
Fantastic biking trail close to the apartment. Go at your own speed and see nature and clasic Florida hammock.
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Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Gainesville-Hawthorne State TrailFantastic biking trail close to the apartment. Go at your own speed and see nature and clasic Florida hammock.
This is an amazing place. Lots to see including a reenactment of a FL cave. Especially great on a rainy day.
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Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull RdThis is an amazing place. Lots to see including a reenactment of a FL cave. Especially great on a rainy day.
Florida Museum Butterfly Rainforest:
If you go, wear white! The butterflies will land on you.
Beautiful landscapes and a great “date” location. Walk, talk and see the beautiful butterflies.
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Butterfly Rainforest på Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull RdFlorida Museum Butterfly Rainforest:
If you go, wear white! The butterflies will land on you.
Beautiful landscapes and a great “date” location. Walk, talk and see the beautiful butterflies.
In the midst of North Florida's sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. You can hike around the mouth of the sinkhole and/or take the 300 + steps dow into the hole.
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Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
4732 Millhopper RdIn the midst of North Florida's sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. You can hike around the mouth of the sinkhole and/or take the 300 + steps dow into the hole.
Best swimming hole in the area. Covered pavilions for picnics available.
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Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
7450 NE 60th StBest swimming hole in the area. Covered pavilions for picnics available.
Beautiful spring. It is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the mouth of the spring but well worth the effort.
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Poe Springs Park
28800 NW 182nd AveBeautiful spring. It is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the mouth of the spring but well worth the effort.
This is for the more serious kayakers. Beautiful, but some areas can be challenging.
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Rum 138
2070 SW County Rd 138This is for the more serious kayakers. Beautiful, but some areas can be challenging.
If wanting more of a scenery and sharing experience than athletic kayaking this is the place! Rent their kayaks for easy access. They even offer clear kayaks for viewing under the water clearer. You could see alligators, turtles, otters, and even monkeys!
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Silver Springs State Park
5656 East Silver Springs BoulevardIf wanting more of a scenery and sharing experience than athletic kayaking this is the place! Rent their kayaks for easy access. They even offer clear kayaks for viewing under the water clearer. You could see alligators, turtles, otters, and even monkeys!
Once in a lifetime experience. Note, this is not a swimming hole. Only scuba and snorkeling is allowed in the den. Plenty area for picnicking.
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Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring
5390 NE 180th AveOnce in a lifetime experience. Note, this is not a swimming hole. Only scuba and snorkeling is allowed in the den. Plenty area for picnicking.
Nature photographers will love this place. Highly recommend early morning visits to see lots of birds and wildlife. Note, there are no trees here. By 10:00 am this place is really hot! Hydrate!!! Use sun screen!
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Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SE Williston RdNature photographers will love this place. Highly recommend early morning visits to see lots of birds and wildlife. Note, there are no trees here. By 10:00 am this place is really hot! Hydrate!!! Use sun screen!
Took from there website:
“Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is a one-of-a-kind, authentic working Florida farm rather than a re-created farmstead. The rural vernacular architecture and cultural landscape help tell the story of the evolution of Florida farming through three generations of the Dudley family.
The farm was established by Phillip Benjamin Harvey Dudley Sr. before the Civil War. His son, P.B.H. Dudley Jr., developed the farmstead you see today. Eighteen original buildings built between the 1880s and 1930s still exist including the restored family farmhouse with original furnishings, kitchen, general store, post office and cane syrup complex. Staff and volunteers in period farm clothing perform chores, raise crops and tend to livestock - cracker cows and horses, bronze turkeys and heritage breed chickens.
Stroll the nature trail or enjoy a rocking chair on the spacious porches once used as gathering places. Pack a picnic and watch deer, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises and bluebirds in the fields. Join us at the Annual Cane Festival or a Dudley Kids event. Learn more at the visitor center featuring a 12-minute video, interpretive exhibits and a self-guided cellphone tour. Take a walk into the past and immerse yourself in history.”
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Dudley Farm Historic State Park
18730 W Newberry RdTook from there website:
“Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is a one-of-a-kind, authentic working Florida farm rather than a re-created farmstead. The rural vernacular architecture and cultural landscape help tell the story of the evolution of Florida farming through three generations of the Dudley family.
The farm was established by Phillip Benjamin Harvey Dudley Sr. before the Civil War. His son, P.B.H. Dudley Jr., developed the farmstead you see today. Eighteen original buildings built between the 1880s and 1930s still exist including the restored family farmhouse with original furnishings, kitchen, general store, post office and cane syrup complex. Staff and volunteers in period farm clothing perform chores, raise crops and tend to livestock - cracker cows and horses, bronze turkeys and heritage breed chickens.
Stroll the nature trail or enjoy a rocking chair on the spacious porches once used as gathering places. Pack a picnic and watch deer, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises and bluebirds in the fields. Join us at the Annual Cane Festival or a Dudley Kids event. Learn more at the visitor center featuring a 12-minute video, interpretive exhibits and a self-guided cellphone tour. Take a walk into the past and immerse yourself in history.”
Morningside Nature Center is a 416-acre nature park. It features a living history farm meant to simulate a North Florida family homestead from the mid to late 1800s. Great hiking; you will feel as if you stepped back into a classic 1800s Florida hammock. Located 35 blocks east of Main Street on University Ave. This is the closest nature park to the apartment.
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Morningside Nature Center
Morningside Nature Center is a 416-acre nature park. It features a living history farm meant to simulate a North Florida family homestead from the mid to late 1800s. Great hiking; you will feel as if you stepped back into a classic 1800s Florida hammock. Located 35 blocks east of Main Street on University Ave. This is the closest nature park to the apartment.
What can I say? This location offers concerts, art shows, a farmers market, something for everyone. Check out the calendar of events on their website.
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Bo Diddley Plaza
111 E University AveWhat can I say? This location offers concerts, art shows, a farmers market, something for everyone. Check out the calendar of events on their website.
Watch the latest movies in recliner comfort; great snack bar and alcohol bar.
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Regal Celebration Pointe 10 & RPX
4901 Steve Spurrier WayWatch the latest movies in recliner comfort; great snack bar and alcohol bar.
Watch the latest movies in recliner comfort; great snack bar. Smaller than Celebration Pointe but less crowds too.
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Regal Butler Town Center 14
Southwest Deborah Butler CourtWatch the latest movies in recliner comfort; great snack bar. Smaller than Celebration Pointe but less crowds too.
This is community theatre at its best! They do a great job in their renovated theatre. Check out what’s playing on their website.
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Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th BlvdThis is community theatre at its best! They do a great job in their renovated theatre. Check out what’s playing on their website.
After the stress of getting to your vacation destination, destress at this Gainesville favorite.
Gainesville Massage Therapy
1810 NW 6th StAfter the stress of getting to your vacation destination, destress at this Gainesville favorite.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is a historic site located on the former homestead of Pulitzer Prize-winning Florida author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. If you’ve read The Yearling, Cross Creek or When the Whippoorwill, this is a must see. It is about a 20 minute drive south east of the apartment. Note, The Yearling Restaurant is not connected to the site but is a fun place if you are adventurous enough to try their most request menu item…fried frog legs. 😉
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Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
County Road 325Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is a historic site located on the former homestead of Pulitzer Prize-winning Florida author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. If you’ve read The Yearling, Cross Creek or When the Whippoorwill, this is a must see. It is about a 20 minute drive south east of the apartment. Note, The Yearling Restaurant is not connected to the site but is a fun place if you are adventurous enough to try their most request menu item…fried frog legs. 😉
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a 10-acre zoo on SF campus. It is the only college zookeeper training facility in the United States with its own AZA-accredited zoo on grounds, and has been accredited since 2000. 98% is outdoors. Not a good choice on a rainy day. You little ones will love it. Very kid friendly. Open 9-3.
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Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
3000 Northwest 83 StreetThe Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a 10-acre zoo on SF campus. It is the only college zookeeper training facility in the United States with its own AZA-accredited zoo on grounds, and has been accredited since 2000. 98% is outdoors. Not a good choice on a rainy day. You little ones will love it. Very kid friendly. Open 9-3.
Located on the Northwest Campus of Santa Fe College, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium is commitment to education and passion for social justice and civic engagement.
Looking for something different to do; maybe on a rainy day? Check out their immersive music video performances. Music 360 gives the audience an experience for the eyes and ears. You can listen to a variety of musical genres, while being surrounded by 360 degrees of computer animated video.
Tickets for our public performances go on-sale at the door 30 minutes before the scheduled show time.
The planetarium seats a maximum of 60 people, so make sure you arrive 15-30 minutes before showtime to ensure you get a good seat.
You might get a chance to meet the director, James Albury. From October 2011 through November 2019, Albury co-hosted the nationally syndicated PBS television series "Star Gazers". It's the first and only weekly television program on naked-eye astronomy. Albury now introduces and explains upcoming astronomical events on his website TheSkyAboveUs.org.
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Kika Silva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe Community College
3000 NW 83 StLocated on the Northwest Campus of Santa Fe College, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium is commitment to education and passion for social justice and civic engagement.
Looking for something different to do; maybe on a rainy day? Check out their immersive music video performances. Music 360 gives the audience an experience for the eyes and ears. You can listen to a variety of musical genres, while being surrounded by 360 degrees of computer animated video.
Tickets for our public performances go on-sale at the door 30 minutes before the scheduled show time.
The planetarium seats a maximum of 60 people, so make sure you arrive 15-30 minutes before showtime to ensure you get a good seat.
You might get a chance to meet the director, James Albury. From October 2011 through November 2019, Albury co-hosted the nationally syndicated PBS television series "Star Gazers". It's the first and only weekly television program on naked-eye astronomy. Albury now introduces and explains upcoming astronomical events on his website TheSkyAboveUs.org.
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
811 S Main StDr. Cade is the inventor of Gatorade!
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is 68 acres visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. You will see Florida’s largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Also, during the warm months you will see giant Victoria water lilies and an Asian snake arums. The months offering the most color are June through September.
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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 Southwest 58th DriveKanapaha Botanical Gardens is 68 acres visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. You will see Florida’s largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Also, during the warm months you will see giant Victoria water lilies and an Asian snake arums. The months offering the most color are June through September.
The south entrance is dedicated to hyking. It is accessed off Millhopper Road and offers great hiking and the north side is accessed from Progress Park near Alachua has amazing mountain biking trails.
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San Felasco State Hammock Preserve Hiking Trailhead
11101 Millhopper RdThe south entrance is dedicated to hyking. It is accessed off Millhopper Road and offers great hiking and the north side is accessed from Progress Park near Alachua has amazing mountain biking trails.
Visitor center has historical and natural information. Lovely hykes and a great watch tower views of prairie and it's wild life. Gators, buffalo and 100s of birds can be viewed.
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Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah BlvdVisitor center has historical and natural information. Lovely hykes and a great watch tower views of prairie and it's wild life. Gators, buffalo and 100s of birds can be viewed.
Food scene
First Magnitude Brewing Company is a nationally and Internationally awarded craft brewery and tap room located near the apartment south of Depot Park. They are all about great beer! It is an excellent space for enjoying a pint, play games and enjoy scheduled live entertainment and food trucks.
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First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch StFirst Magnitude Brewing Company is a nationally and Internationally awarded craft brewery and tap room located near the apartment south of Depot Park. They are all about great beer! It is an excellent space for enjoying a pint, play games and enjoy scheduled live entertainment and food trucks.
Our favorite brewery located in the historic icehouse. Often have food trucks on location. You can play pool and meet new friends.
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Cypress & Grove Brewing Company
1001 NW 4th StOur favorite brewery located in the historic icehouse. Often have food trucks on location. You can play pool and meet new friends.
Best Susi in town. Lovely date night place. Has some outdoor seating located in the heart of historic downtown. Easy walk from apt.
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Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
201 SE 2nd AveBest Susi in town. Lovely date night place. Has some outdoor seating located in the heart of historic downtown. Easy walk from apt.
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
110 SE 1 StThis is a fun place that serves great Cajun food.
All fresh; use only local produce. The chiefs are very talented and the dining area is perfect for a date night and the bar area is a great place to meet new friends.
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The Top
30 North Main StreetAll fresh; use only local produce. The chiefs are very talented and the dining area is perfect for a date night and the bar area is a great place to meet new friends.
The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops, creates hand made all natural, ice pops full of unique and exciting flavor combinations. Talk about a healthy treat that packs a flavor punch! Perfect treat on hot days.
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The Hyppo Gainesville
214 SE 2nd AveThe Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops, creates hand made all natural, ice pops full of unique and exciting flavor combinations. Talk about a healthy treat that packs a flavor punch! Perfect treat on hot days.
Walmart Supercenter
1800 NE 12th AveDowntown Wine and Cheese
113 N Main StAmelia's Restaurant
235 S Main StLoosey's Downtown Gainesville
120 SW 1st AveAuthenic Cuban food. Best Cuban sandwich in town. Resturant is fun and has some outdoor seating.
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Mi Apá Latin Café of Gainesville
114 SW 34th StAuthenic Cuban food. Best Cuban sandwich in town. Resturant is fun and has some outdoor seating.
Union Street Farmers Market
Lots of fresh local produce and specialty items.
There meats and dinners are fresh and tasty. Just 12 blocks away west on 4th Ave.
Fehrenbacher's Artisan Sausage
411 SW 4th AveThere meats and dinners are fresh and tasty. Just 12 blocks away west on 4th Ave.
Embers
3545 SW 34th StElegant dining for a high end romantic evening. Amazing wine options.
Afternoon
231 NW 10th AveAll fresh ingrediants from local farmers and unique options.
Ballyhoo Grill
3700 W University AveGreat seafood with fun outdoor seating.
The Fat Tuscan
725 NE 1st StAwesome date night, take a pasta making class. Even my husband and son loved this.
90% outdoor dining with live on regular basis. Great food with a French feel. Have a brunch and enjoy a refreshing Mamosa.
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One Love Cafe
4989 NW 40th Pl90% outdoor dining with live on regular basis. Great food with a French feel. Have a brunch and enjoy a refreshing Mamosa.
There is a Waffle House near the apartment but if you want a hardy, all American breakfast at a local diner, this is the place.
16th Avenue Diner
207 Northeast 16th AvenueThere is a Waffle House near the apartment but if you want a hardy, all American breakfast at a local diner, this is the place.
Neighborhoods
Duckpond
Great place to stroll.
Alachua
Main Street offers restaurants and unique shops.
High Springs Main Street
High Springs Main StreetGreat for antique shopping and The Great Outdoors restaurant is “great”!
Beautiful stroll from your front door. Head north on 8th Street to 4th Ave (1/2 block), turn west on 4th to roundabout. Walk north on 7th Street to see Magnolia Plantation, Camilla Rose Inn and Laurel Oaks Inn.
Bed and Breakfast District station
Beautiful stroll from your front door. Head north on 8th Street to 4th Ave (1/2 block), turn west on 4th to roundabout. Walk north on 7th Street to see Magnolia Plantation, Camilla Rose Inn and Laurel Oaks Inn.
Laundry Service
Clean, safe and reasonable. WiFi for customers.
Spin City Laundry
2430 N Main StChurches
This is a multi cultural, full gospel church that is Bible, prayer and family focused.
The Rock of Gainesville | Worship Center
10901 W Newberry RdThis is a multi cultural, full gospel church that is Bible, prayer and family focused.
Abundant Grace is foremost about God’s grace – His undeserved favor and mercy towards us in salvation and sanctification – which is made possible by what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross
Abundant Grace Community Church
12505 NW 39th AveAbundant Grace is foremost about God’s grace – His undeserved favor and mercy towards us in salvation and sanctification – which is made possible by what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross
Anthem Community Church
2902 SW 75th StCatholic community parish west of Gainesville established August 18, 1987.
Queen of Peace Catholic Community
10900 SW 24th AveCatholic community parish west of Gainesville established August 18, 1987.
Pet friendly
Great place if you need a puppy daycare.
We love our pets. This place will give you a free afternoon and take great care of your furry friend.
Camp Run-A-Mutt Gainesville
We love our pets. This place will give you a free afternoon and take great care of your furry friend.
Best live theatrical productions in town.
This state theatre is in the 3 quater round and offer simi-professional productions as well as an adorable movie theatre.
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The Hippodrome State Theatre
25 SE 2nd PlThis state theatre is in the 3 quater round and offer simi-professional productions as well as an adorable movie theatre.