If I were to revisit college, these are the places I would go back to.
Really though, college aside, I think Gainesville is pretty underrated. People who have been to cities like Austin and Portland (I haven't) tell me that it's similar to Gainesville in a lot of ways... it's super green, definitely very hipster, largely run by small businesses, and very community-oriented. And the food there is some of my favorite (at least the good ones).
There's still not very much going on unless you're in school or visiting someone in school, but if you're passing through and have a day I would recommend it!! You'll eat well and vibe in some cool shops and see pretty things. At least you will if you take my recommendations.
Neighborhoods, Parks, and Nature
Depot Park
@sarahpollock
I know everyone goes here, but it's the best place! Walkable from campus and close to downtown and so peaceful. I used to take a walk there and back to my apartment at sunset every single day.
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Duckpond
@sarahpollock
Gorgeous neighborhood not far from downtown. Worth driving through or staying in if you can find an Airbnb in this area!
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Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
@sarahpollock
Best less-walkable nature option (as in you need to drive at least 15 minute to get there if not more). It's gorgeous and incredibly serene. Perfect afternoon activity.
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Haile Farmers Market
@sarahpollock
On the outskirts of town, but worth it for the best farmers market in Gainesville
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Coffee Shops and Cafes
Karma Cream
@sarahpollock
My favorite coffee shop in Gainesville. And my favorite matcha latte in the world. Everything they have/make is vegan but you'd never know.
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Wyatt's Coffee
@sarahpollock
One of my most frequented coffee shops throughout all of undergrad. I personally have never had a bad thing here. Try the breakfast sandwich if you go.
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Vine Sourdough Bakery
@sarahpollock
Awesome bread and sandwiches if you appreciate sourdough, but even if you don't honestly. They also sell at the local farmer's markets
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Maude's Cafe
@sarahpollock
Definitely an interesting eclectic/musty vibe inside, but I prefer it for desserts! Come at night when all the lights are on outside, sit on the patio and get the chocolate chip cookie (insane).
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Casual and Daytime Food
Luke's New York Bagel Shop
@sarahpollock
best bagels in maybe all of Florida
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La Tienda
@sarahpollock
to this say some of the best Mexican I've ever had. Make sure you get the queso/guacamole/salsa trio to start.
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Satchel's Pizza
@sarahpollock
really good pizza, and even better vibe. Try to eat in the bus if you can! And try their signature salad.
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Tup Tim Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
@sarahpollock
My favorite sushi take-out, not far from university/downtown. Super fresh and fantastic value for money.
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4th Ave Food Park
@sarahpollock
A conglomeration of restaurants with a strip of outdoor seating. I prefer it for Humble bagels and Opus airstream coffee in the mornings, or Sublime tacos for dinner. The place itself is also just really cute.
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Nicer Food and Restaurants
Afternoon
@sarahpollock
Probably my favorite restaurant in Gainesville. I like everything on the menu, genuinely. Plus and drinks and pastries are great and the vibe is perfect
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Public & General Restaurant
@sarahpollock
Super casual and unassuming-looking but great food. Everything is farm to table.
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Bars and Nightlife
Cry Baby’s
@sarahpollock
One of my favorite bars. The ambiance inside is perfect and the menu is awesome. I think they still have the fried chicken deal on Wednesdays, but if they don't just get the fried chicken.
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Baby J’s Bar
@sarahpollock
A newer bar that I've only been to once, but the cocktails were great and the jazz was awesome. Would definitely go back
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Loosey's Downtown Gainesville
@sarahpollock
fun dive bar for live music, that also happens to have great burgers!!
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Arcade Bar
@sarahpollock
Filled with college kids but so much fun. It's across the street from Crybaby's on one side and the Top on the other. Go once you've had enough drinks in you to finish the night.
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Stores, Small Businesses, and Misc Things to See/Do
Serpentine Plants + Provisions
@sarahpollock
Great store for gifts (they carry Baggu, HAY, etc) and tons of really beautiful plants. A few doors down from Afternoon
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Harn Museum of Art
@sarahpollock
Surprisingly good art museum!! I especially appreciate the rotating collections of smaller artists featured here.
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How Bazar
@sarahpollock
Good thrifting! This one is more curated (and the selection shows) but I've still found great deals.
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Life Unplastic
@sarahpollock
Awesome plastic free store with all of the sustainable options and bulk ingredients you could need. Great local business to support. I'd usually come in before I'd travel to pick up useful non-liquid things
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Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
@sarahpollock
One of the best thriftstores in Gainesville! Can be hit or miss like all of them but I've found some GREAT things here.
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Hear Again Records
@sarahpollock
Great locally owned record store with a great selection. I have a poster of theirs hanging up in my room at home :)
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House Of Waking Life - HOWL
@sarahpollock
A spiritual center downtown with classes, workshops, tea offerings, and a few wholesome things that they sell. Really cute, meaningful space.
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