Gainesville has more to offer than a university and a football team. Just outside the bubble of campus there are plenty of attractions and sights to see while in college. Here are some places that you should get to before time runs out.
1. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Spend the day at the zoo. While this isn’t Miami Metro Zoo, there are plenty of species of animals that you can get close to. Admission is $5 a person, and Groupon and Living Social have been running deals for two people to get in for the price of one.
2. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
If you like the outdoors, visit the prairie to see wildlife and hike or bike on one of their many trails. They range in length and are suitable for all ages.
3. Art festivals
Downtown Gainesville hosts the Downtown Festival and Art Show every fall. Vendors from all over Florida set up shop on the streets of downtown looking to sell all sorts of art work and goods. The smell of funnel cakes and fried food waft through all of blocks, and there are plenty of freebies and activities. Pay attention to advertisements for smaller art fests throughout the year as well. All the small towns right outside of Gainesville also host mom-and-pop craft shows.
4. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens offer flowers and plants from all over. In the spring they host a Spring Garden Festival featuring all of the flowers as well as local artists.
5. Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Witness a 10,000 year old sink hole when walking down the 200 plus steps of Devil’s Millhopper. In addition to the wildlife, a sinkhole is an example of Mother Nature at work.
6. Swamp Head Brewery
Learn how beer is made by checking out the local brewery. Swamp Head beer is made in Gainesville and served at most local restaurants and bars. Take a tour of the facility and make sure to taste test at the end.
7. Ginnie Springs
Rent a tube or bring your own and float down the springs. The temperature of the spring is steady all year round and can be cool so make sure to visit when the sun is shining.
8. Lake Wauberg
What other school offers free canoeing, paddle boating and a pseudo beach? Plan a BBQ with friends and spend the day throwing around a football and rowing in the lake.
9. The Hippodrome State Theatre
Most of Gainesville’s attractions are outdoors. For a rainy day activity, see a show at the Hipp. They bring all types of shows so look ahead and book tickets because it is a popular venue.
10. Oaks Mall
Everyone needs to go shopping for something every once in awhile. Even though it isn’t the Mall of America, the Oaks Mall gets the job done for back-to-school shopping or to pick up an outfit for a special occasion.
Instead of having a lazy Sunday, experience the city you live in. Even though Gainesville is not a large city, it offers a mixture of activities for all types of different people.
