You can find Gainesville’s spirit not only in its people, but in every one of its cultural landmarks. Whether you’re walking through the butterfly rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History or seeing a play at the Hippodrome Theatre, there is something for everyone.
Greater Gainesville is not only home to a chamber orchestra, a professional ballet company and a rapidly growing retail environment, but also to excellent museums and theatres.
Located on the UF campus, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums at a public university in the nation. Near the Harn are the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Curtis M. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. The museum offers more than 40,000-square-feet of exhibits, five garden spaces, a 250-seat auditorium and a cafe.
Opening in its new building in 2018, is the Cade Museum for Creativity + Invention named for Dr. James Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade. The museum focuses on thinking, creativity and discovering the wonder in all things.
For those looking to stay outdoors, Greater Gainesville offers superb eco-tourism spots with world-class fishing, snorkeling, canoeing, diving, tubing and kayaking. Geologists estimate there are more than 900 springs in Florida. They are the Eden of Florida.
There is no shortage of offerings for the sports enthusiast, whether solely interested in viewing a game or joining a team, Greater Gainesville offers everything from college football to adult softball leagues.
Foodies will be pleased with the 449 different eateries and breweries in the area. The community can definitely satisfy anyone’s cravings.