GAINESVILLE
aND aLaCHUa
COUNTY, FL
“This is Gator Country.” On Saturday afternoons, that
phrase and 90,000 screaming University of Florida foot-
ball fans are what most people think about when they
think of Gainesville. But there is more to offer than just
football, especially as the weather cools and gameday
grub gets replaced with local flavors and winter harvests.
Located a couple hours north of Orlando, winters in
Gainesville feature temperatures in the 50s and crystal
clear blue skies with plenty of sunshine. The saying
“Gator Country” proves true, as alligators keep warm and
bask in the sun at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Outdoor activities are quite popular this time of year with
cyclists on the paved Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, fami-
lies walking the wooden stairs at Devil’s Millhopper Ge-
ological State Park, or swimmers hitting the numerous
freshwater springs.
Outdoor lovers are sure to work up a thirst and
Gainesville’s growing craft beer movement is a perfect
pairing to a day of exploring nature. Swamp Head Brewery
and First Magnitude Brewing Company are a couple local
favorites with tasting rooms where you can sample sea-
sonal flavors with fellow beer lovers.
Downtown Gainesville has a tremendous selection of local
establishments within walking distance including The TOP
Restaurant, Big Lou’s NY Style Pizzeria, Dragonfly Sushi,
Emiliano’s Café, Crane Ramen, and Manuel’s Vintage
Room just to name a few.
Winter farmer’s markets provide a great opportunity to
gather your own harvest. Cool Florida weather yields a
peak selection for kale, broccoli, collard and mustard
greens, beets, sweet and juicy citrus fruit, and strawber-
ries making their appearance in January. Local farmers
are proud to show off thei