|
Home of the “Swamp”
and the famous Florida Gators, this Florida city has a life and culture
all its own. In Gainesville, as well as the surrounding areas, visitors
can explore the beautiful rivers & lakes, cool natural springs and
unspoiled wilderness parks of an exquisite sub-tropical region. Easy US
Interstate-75 access allows exploration of many of the nearby natural
attractions from cycling, canoeing, hiking, camping, bird-watching and
fishing to tubing down the famous Suwannee River.
Long before the
Spaniards arrived in Florida, Gainesville’s combination of fertile soil,
broad prairies, clear lakes and abundant game had attracted a complex
Native American Civilization known as the Timucuan. Throughout the
sixteenth century Spanish explorers, including Hernando DeSoto, ranged
across the region seeking land and treasure. Next, Franciscan priests
founded missions, and finally ranchers established a large cattle ranch
on Payne's Prairie. During the early 1700s the English and their
indigenous allies destroyed these missions and later the Seminole
established settlements around Micanopy.
One
of the most significant events in the more recent history of the County
occurred in 1905 when Gainesville was chosen as the site for the
University of Florida. The University opened a year later with 102
students, fifteen faculty and two unfinished buildings. Twenty years
later the student body numbered 2000 who attended classes in thirteen
Gothic-style buildings including a library, a gymnasium and an
auditorium. By the 1930s, the University had become the focus of the
County's economy, helping it weather both the land boom collapse of the
mid-1920s and the long depression of the 1930s. At the turn of the 21st
century, the student population had grown to over 44,000, and the upward
trend continues today.
In addition to the
University, visitors can experience the thrill of drag racing at the
Gainesville Raceway. With a quarter-mile drag strip 167 feet above sea
level, it’s a thrilling experience. For a little Florida history, take
a trip along the Old Florida Heritage Highway. Located along U.S. 441
from Williston Rd. to the Marion County Line, there are 48 miles of
U.S.441 just south of Gainesville providing a vista of rural landscape,
cattle, state parks and historic towns.
Nearby are a host of
once-in-a lifetime adventures. Visitors can canoe down the Santa Fe or
Ichetucknee Rivers near High Springs, hike the trails at O'Leno State
Park in High Springs, see the sink holes at Peacock Springs near
Branford, even canoe down the Suwannee River made famous by composer
Stephen Foster, or take a houseboat cruise along the Suwannee River near
the west coast of Florida. In addition, just two hours south of
Gainesville is Orlando, home of the Walt Disney World Resort and the
most popular vacation destination in the world.
Due
to its location in sunny central Florida, any time of year is fine for a
visit to Gainesville. It is a busy time of year when the University of
Florida is in full session (and anytime the Florida Gators are playing a
home football game). Winter tends to be even busier as visitors from
the north visit Gainesville while also stopping in at other areas in
Florida. With the exception of a few summer days, temperatures are
quite pleasant. Winter brings a midday high near 70 making it ideal for
any of the many outdoor activities available. Spring and fall bring a
rise in temperature during the day but evenings are just cool enough for
a relaxing dinner at one of the city’s many fine restaurants followed by
a stroll through the area or on the University campus. The heat and
humidity rise in summer, making it the perfect time of year for a dip in
the pool and a cool drink. Whatever the season or whatever the reason
for visiting, this true Florida City has something for everyone. |
