From the most beautiful scenery nature has to offer to incredible works of visual and performing arts, or an easygoing float down the Santa Fe River to an exciting night out on the town, Greater Gainesville has it all.
No matter the interest or favorite past time, there is every opportunity to live life to the fullest here…
…For the artsy
The arts are not just part of life in Greater Gainesville, they are a way of life. There are enough museums, galleries, live entertainment and public art displays to keep even the most dedicated art lover intrigued, with something new always entering the mix.
Browse beautiful art at the Harn Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums at a public university in the nation, or stimulate the mind at the Cade Museum for Creativity + Invention, which focuses on thinking, creativity and discovering the wonder in all things. Catch a live show any time of year, whether it is a springtime production by the Dance Alive National Ballet or jamming out to live music at Bo Diddley Plaza.
…For the active and adventurous
Between the crystal-clear springs, beautiful live oaks, vast prairies and lakes and the sloping hills, there are so many unique landscapes to admire in Greater Gainesville — and just as many ways to explore it.
Take in those wide-open spaces at the 23,000-acre Paynes Prairie, or get lost in a mesmerizing underwater world at any of the area’s freshwater springs. Pedal bikes off-road or on a moto course, or hit the miles and miles of paved and unpaved trails in Greater Gainesville on foot.
The urban jungle is just as exciting for the adventurous, with sports complexes for athletes of all ages and abilities and even a few dog parks for four-legged companions.
…For the weekend warriors
There are so many things to do and places to go, the calendar will always be filled with something new and exciting to do every weekend of the year. Take it easy with a stroll through the serene Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, get hearts racing with zip line courses through the treetops or with front-row seats to a race at the Gainesville Raceway.
An abundance of attractions, museums, events, clubs and recreation centers ensure no member of the family ever grows bored. Just a sampling of anticipated annual events include the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival and Downtown Festival & Art Show, music festival The Fest, the Newberry Watermelon Festival and Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival.
While there is every opportunity to have fun right here at home in Greater Gainesville, sometimes, that itch to hit the road and get out of town for a weekend cannot be ignored. From historic Savannah or St. Augustine to the inspiring artworks and studio art programs at Ocala’s Appleton Museum, or the sandy shores of Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater to the thrilling attractions of Orlando, a vacation close to home is only ever a two-hour or less drive away.
…For the shopaholics
Whether searching for farm fresh eggs or the latest designer trends, Greater Gainesville has got it covered.
Major shopping centers include the Butler Shopping District, with more than 150 stores and 2 million square feet of retail and restaurant space. Celebration Pointe is a 160-acre, mixed-use property with popular retailers including Bass Pro Shops, plus restaurants, a movie theater and residences, hotels and office spaces.
Downtown districts in High Springs and Gainesville are home to many cute boutiques with all the latest fashions or the most thoughtful gifts. Historic towns like Micanopy and Waldo are known far and wide for their selection of unique antiques. Meanwhile, the ever-expanding retail meccas like Butler Plaza and Celebration Pointe offer all the most sought-after shops with the biggest name brands.
Some truly special finds can always be found at the several year-round farmers markets. Whether it is a different kind of produce not found on grocery store shelves, local goat milk, cheeses and honey, handmade jewelry or crochet pieces or crafts from a local artist, there is a surprise waiting to be discovered at every booth.
…For the foodies
Variety is always on the menu in Greater Gainesville. Foodies will appreciate the many different options of cuisine, ranging from Asian fusion to Mexican, classic fine dining to casual burger joint, barbecue to vegan, seafood to steakhouse. A mix of chains and locally owned restaurants satisfy the tried-and-true and the adventurous alike.
Being a college town, it is no surprise that there are plenty of coffee shops and craft breweries serving up “cold brews.” For those with more of a sweet tooth, the dessert options are endless, between chocolatiers, specialty cake and pastry shops, bakeries, creameries, smoothie bars and so much more.
…For all
Greater Gainesville is the proud home to a diverse group of people — all of whom can feel welcome and celebrated here. People from all around the world visit and live in Greater Gainesville for the university, renowned health care systems, business community and natural attractions, forming a true melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities.
The region offers both intimate, safe spaces for community members and large-scale events for everyone to celebrate throughout the year. Nonprofits and networking organizations allow members to meet with like-minded individuals and share experiences. Annual festivals such as India Fest, the 5th Avenue Arts Festival and the Gainesville Pride Parade invite the community to come together and embrace differences.
Individuals and families strongly connected to their faith will find Greater Gainesville to be a wonderful place to live and practice. Groups like the Jewish Council of North Central Florida and Islamic Center of Gainesville offer opportunities for every citizen to learn and engage. Greater Gainesville recognizes that a region grows in size and in strength through diversity.
By Jewell Tomazin