Top
Extracurricular Activities and Places in Gainesville
Razor Gator
10. Devil's Millhopper
Geological State Park
|
| This natural attraction, a world-within-a-world,
showcases the lush vegetation that took root
in a 120-foot-deep, limestone sinkhole. Along
the formation's walls, small waterfalls lend
sound and humidity, and the rainforest microcosm
lures folks with its unexpected beauty. A
visitor center exhibits fossils and relics
from the sinkhole, and a nature trail extends
along the rim. More adventurous people can
descend into the hole via stairs and boardwalks.
At the bottom, sit for a while and enjoy the
calm coolness. |
 |
Devil's
Millhopper Geological State Park Homepage
9. Florida Museum
of Natural History
|
| Extensive holdings and an array of exhibits
distinguish this museum of natural history,
one of the region's most prominent facilities.
The flora, fauna and terrain of north central
Florida are documented through millions of
years of history, and fossils, artifacts and
specimens provide insight into the march of
time. Exhibits trace the movement of water
through the landscape, draw parallels between
geology and animal migration, and elucidate
the Native American tribes that inhabited
the area. One of the newest attractions is
the butterfly rainforest, a 4-story, landscaped
enclosure that houses dozens of colorful species. |
 |
Florida
Museum of Natural History Homepage
8. Gainesville-Hawthorne
State Trail
|
| Taking advantage of an unused railroad bed,
this greenway extends 16 miles from Gainesville
to Hawthorne, beginning at Boulware Springs
Park and traveling through Paynes Prairie
Preserve. Paved sections accommodate hikers
and cyclists, while an unpaved portion caters
to folks on horseback. Along the way, travelers
encounter terrific scenery, a host of local
vegetation and wildlife, and overlooks that
afford panoramic vistas of picturesque terrain. |
 |
Gainesville-Hawthorne
State Trail Homepage
7. Hippodrome State
Theatre
|
| Gainesville's cultural magnet, the Hipp
brings a wide-ranging selection of arts opportunities
to the city. Founded in 1973 as a professional
theater company, the facility has grown into
one of Florida's most well-respected venues
for staging and developing American and Southern
works. Its beautiful setting in the historic
Federal Building also allows the Hipp to present
independent film screenings, art by regional
talents, theater festivals, training programs
and children's classes. |
 |
Hippodrome
State Theatre Homepage
6. Historic Haile
Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation
|
| Impeccably crafted of cypress and heart
pine, this gracious home was built by a South
Carolina family who came south to establish
a cotton plantation. The 6200-square-foot
structure was abandoned in the 1930s and finally
restored in 1996. Today, its exhibits detail
life during this developing era and highlight
the social and economic milieu of north central
Florida's early days. An interesting aspect
of the home is that its inhabitants covered
the walls with writings about everything from
domestic inventories to personal contemplations.
The name "kanapaha" refers to a
particular type of Native American thatched
hut. |
 |
Haile
Homestead Homepage
5. Kanapaha Botanical
Gardens
|
| This gorgeous assemblage of gardens, 62
acres' worth, was first planted in the 1980s
and now features sixteen primary sections.
A mile-long pathway weaves its way among the
collections, allowing visitors to glimpse
all the possibilities and then explore to
their hearts' content. Specialized gardens
focus on roses, ferns, water plants, cycads,
herbs, azaleas and camellias. Other areas
are planted expressly to attract butterflies
and hummingbirds. Many varieties of bamboo
are also prominently displayed. Floral beauty
is at its peak during the summer months. |
 |
Kanapaha
Botanical Gardens Homepage
4. San Felasco Hammock
Preserve State Park
|
| This natural attraction, a world-within-a-world,
showcases the lush vegetation that took root
in a 120-foot-deep, limestone sinkhole. Along
the formation's walls, small waterfalls lend
sound and humidity, and the rainforest microcosm
lures folks with its unexpected beauty. A
visitor center exhibits fossils and relics
from the sinkhole, and a nature trail extends
along the rim. More adventurous people can
descend into the hole via stairs and boardwalks.
At the bottom, sit for a while and enjoy the
calm coolness. |
 |
San
Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park Homepage
3. Market Street
Pub & Brewery
|
| A pub in the British tradition, Market Street
caters to a slightly older clientele and takes
pride in getting to know its regulars. The
much-loved place has two distinct areas: a
quieter section for eating, imbibing and conversing
and a livelier section for dancing, drinking
and socializing. Affordable drinks are a great
value, and house-brewed beers draw the attention
of lots of folks. Plus, a terrific menu of
pub fare always hits the spot! Live music
is an occasional treat, and ladies night (Thursday)
brings in the biggest college crowds. |
|
Market
Street Pub & Brewery Homepage
2. Samuel P. Harn
Museum of Art
|
| The Harn Museum of Art is one of the top
ten public university art museums in the US,
featuring world-renowned collections of African
art, Asian art, contemporary art, modern art
and photography. Located in the UF Cultural
Plaza alongside the Florida Museum of Natural
History, the Butterfly Rainforest and the
Phillips Center for Performing Arts, the Harn
is dedicated to enhancing the teaching and
research activities of the university and
serving a culturally diverse and national
audience through exhibitions and educational
programs. |
 |
Samuel
P. Harn Museum of Art Homepage
1. Gainesville Nightlife
|
| There's something new and fun to do every
night in Gainesville! Check out this
website for a list of nighttime activities
for the Gainesville area. |
 |
information
source: 10best.com
image sources: google images |
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