There is so much to do around campus. There are over 1,000 student organizations, and tons of places to shop and dine just across University Avenue. Sometimes, it feels like you never even need to leave. However, Gainesville has a lot more to offer than just UF. Not sure where to start exploring Gainesville? Here’s some tips.
Get Involved
While student government impacts your life on campus, local government can also play a huge role in your life. Learning about local political candidates in Gainesville and Alachua County will make you a more informed voter.
Local news outlets provide the latest information on political candidates. You can also attend local government meetings. Alachua County post meeting times for the Board of County Commissioners on their website and Facebook page. The City of Gainesville provides meeting times on their website as well. If you miss a meeting, both government agencies provide minutes of past meetings so you can stay up to date on local issues.
Eat & Drink
Mac’s Drive Thru
129 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Mac’s Drive Thru is an establishment in Gainesville. It doesn’t look like much from the outside–just an old restaurant with the classic drive thru speakers. However, the food is what makes this place special. The old fashioned burgers, heaping portions of fries and dirt cheap drinks make this place a quintessential 1960s burger joint. This place isn’t too well-known among UF students, but it should be. Instead of stopping by the Wendy’s in the Reitz Union or walking to Relish, take a trip to Mac’s!
CYM Coffee Co.
5402 NW 8th Ave
CYM, or Change Your Mind, is a bit off campus, closer to the Oaks Mall. It isn’t your typical street-side coffee shop. It has a cozy, spacious atmosphere. Couches and tables dot the inside, while picnic benches sit on the outside. There are a ton of different menu options, from iced tea, to caramel lattes, to French press single origin roasts. You can also pick up a few items in the little gift shop area and have a scoop of ice cream. If you’re lucky, you might run into Abby, a cat that roams the store.
Have Fun
Splitz
1311 NW 76 Blvd
Splitz is an entertainment center in Gainesville. They’re best known for their bowling alley, which features lanes for families, private events and parties. They also have cosmic bowling, where black lights get turned on at night. Splitz has so much more to offer, though. They have an arcade, complete with skee ball and table hockey. They even have laser tag. Yes, you heard right. While you’re there, you can even grab a bite to eat at their restaurant, The Thirsty Gator.
Devil’s Millhopper
4732 Millhopper Rd
Devil’s Millhopper is a geological park in Gainesville. The park features a limestone sinkhole and plenty of space to hike and observe wildlife. This place has less hype than the bat houses or Paynes Prairie. It’s a little off campus, but it’s worth it. A wooden boardwalk can take you down into the sinkhole. This is especially nice during summer, as it’s usually a few degrees colder down there. Park admission is only $4 per vehicle and $2 for bikers or pedestrians.
Santa Fe Teaching Zoo
3000 NW 83 St
Not many college towns can say they have their own zoo. However, here in Gainesville, we’re lucky. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is one of just two teaching zoos in the country. The 10-acre zoo is home to many different animals, from squirrel monkeys to Galapagos tortoises. Admission is just $5 for UF students and staff. They are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gainesville is more than just the University of Florida. It’s a vibrant city with a lot to do and see. As students, we sometimes forget that people actually live and work here. Go branch out and discover this different side of Gainesville.
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