Gainesville Through a Native's Eyes...

If in Gainesville during the Fall (AKA football season) it is a must to tailgate and if possible attend a Gator football game. Devil's Millhopper, a sinkhole with steps to the bottom and a nice nature trail is also advised. There are springs in the surrounding rural counties (Gilchrist, Levy, and even here in Alachua) that offer swimming, canoeing, fishing, etc. that are gorgeous.

Quick Tips:

The entertainment book for this area is a good way to save some money, there are coupons in it for all kinds of restaurants and attractions here in Gainesville and in surrounding communities. Try to figure out where the ladies nights are, and on which nights to save some money on Alcohol if you drink (Gators Dockside is on Thursday nights, on Newberry Road, Gainesville Alehouse has L.N. on Wednesday nights on Archer Road.) Don't drink and drive, you will be busted!

Best Way To Get Around:

Surprisingly our bus system here isn't that bad! It's pretty clean and has service all over town. Walking, biking, mopeds are all options, as Gainesville is a relatively small community. There are restaurants within walking distance almost everywhere in the city. Driving can be a pain as traffic is horrible come Fall.

This is by far the best Mexican food I have ever eaten, probably due to the fact that it is a "mom and pop" business. La Fiesta is well known by the locals who frequent it often. Prices are reasonable, food is delicious (try the cheese dip), and staff are friendly. They know my husband by name!

Stonewood offers a selection of steaks and seafood. There aren't and vegetarian dishes, other than a plate with sides, but those with a carnivorous nature are in luck! I have not had a dish here that I haven't liked. My husband has enjoyed his steak every time we have went, and I have had several fish dishes that were good. The real reason for going though is Stonewood's Ahi-tuna appetizer (a little pricey $11) but very yummy. Their baked brie is delicious also. Dessert is also good here.

Chopstix, situated on beautiful Biven's Arm lake, serves Pan-Asian dishes, Sushi, and vegetarian dishes. The food is plentiful and tastes good. There is a full bar (a must in Gainesville), and if you are willing to brave the mosquitoes, there is outdoor seating over the water where you can watch the alligators (and at times local BRAVE fishermen). You probably won't be wow-ed by the taste, it's good (just not spectacular)but they make up for it with portion size. Chopstix is wonderful because of its variety of food and its ambiance.

Dakota Winery have wine made from one of the few Florida native grapes, the muscadine. They offer wine tastings so you can choose your favorite. They are very sweet flavored wines, the Carlos type tastes closest to the muscadine juice they offer and make the wines from. They also offer gourmet jellies and sauces, flavored and plain grape-seed oil(very good for you, blueberry wine, ask about the vintage though, as last years was very sour. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with the back of the store opening to a porch overlooking a koi pond. There are ducks, geese, and goats that have almost free reign over the property. Up a ramp and on top of the winery is a covered patio with ceiling fans and nice tables to have a picnic while overlooking the pond and the grounds. You can't drink the wine you buy on their property (probably to avoid "Jerry Springer" moments in the parking lot!)

Devil's Millhopper is a large sinkhole with beautiful lush scenery to take in while exercising. There are streams that create music as they trickle down the steep walls. At the base there is a pool of water with algae growing on the top. Ferns and other foliage cover the sides of the hole leaving a green canvas. The temperature as you progress to the bottom of the sinkhole drops slightly cooler than at the top. There is also a trail that goes through the woods around the sinkhole. Beware doing this hike in the middle of summer because if the heat doesn't get you, the mosquitoes will!