Butterflies, bats, and local brews await in this pocket of northern Florida.
Gainesville, Florida, prides itself on being out of the ordinary.
Gainesville has an undeniable personality.
Credit: Getty Images
What exactly makes Gainesville so unique?
Here’s what to do on your visit to Gainesville, Florida.
The 2,000-acre campus has much to discover, including several renowned museums.
Credit: Jeff Greenberg/UIG via Getty Images
Didn’t get enough during the museum’s regular business hours?
Check out their special events like the Art After Dark series.
After you’ve seen your fair share of fossils, head over to the museum’sButterfly Rainforest.
Credit: FLORIDA STATE PARKS
This lush landscape is home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies and other animals from birds to turtles.
The bat houses can be found in an open field across from Lake Alice.
Sit on one of the benches along the fence to enjoy the sunset before seeing the bats in action.
Credit:Photo: Courtesy of Swamp Head Brewery
Whichever way you like to get outside, Gainesville has an outdoor adventure waiting for you.
Bike, hike, or walk the scenic 16 miles of theGainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, a historic railway-turned-greenway.
floridastateparks.org, 3400 S.E.
Your time on the water will be well-spent surrounded by lush green canopies and spectacular wildlife.
Be sure to pack your swim gear to enjoy the swimming holes along the way.
floridastateparks.org, 12087 S.W.
Visit the tasting room atSwamp Head Beerto sample their offerings, and stay for live music and food trucks.
If wine is more your thing, pick up a bottle of blueberry wine atBluefield Estate Winery.
Plan to also visit the family-owned winerys you-pick blueberry farm.
Visit Union Street Station to browse new and used albums atHear Again Records.
Or find one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, and paintings atArtisans Guild Gallery.
There you’ll find two arcade bars:Arcade Bar NorthandArcade Bar South.
thearcadeplex.com, 6 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
