Micanopy
If you enjoy historic towns with southern charm, you should spend some time in Micanopy. Florida’s oldest inland town turned 200 years old in 2021. Micanopy, located 1 mile off of I-75 and 10 miles south of Gainesville, is a great place to relax and get off the beaten path. The town is also accessible from S.R. 441, the fabled road on the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers American Girl song, which runs right through the middle of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Cholokka Boulevard, Micanopy’s main street is Old Florida at its best, lined with huge oak trees draped in Spanish moss and historic storefronts. We recommend beginning your day with coffee and baked goods from Mosswood Farm Store and Bake House then working your way up the street, making sure to take the time to treasure hunt for unique gifts, books, antiques and more.
After strolling Micanopy’s main street, check-in to a room at the circa 1845 Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Conclude your day with mouthwatering food from the original Blue Highway Pizzeria or from one of the top BBQ eateries in Florida as featured in Southern Living Magazine, Pearl's Country Store and Barbecue. And after a good night of rest and a 3-course breakfast from the Herlong, venture out into the great outdoors and explore all that Micanopy has to offer.
Micanopy main street establishments begin to open around 10 a.m. and close around 5 p.m.
High Springs
North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs and the largest collection of First Magnitude freshwater springs in the United States. The springs are a perfect way to get outside and explore the natural side of Florida. Did you know the crystal clear water flows from underground at a refreshing 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 22 degrees Celsius, all year round? Make sure to add a visit to the springs to your Gainesville and Alachua County itinerary.
Add a stop in the town of High Springs and visit a local restaurant, go antique hunting or shop for a one-of-a-kind gift at a boutique.
The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in Cedar Key, Fl April 1 & 2, 2023
The Annual Spring Arts Festival in Cedar Key, is a juried Fine Arts and Crafts Event which has been named as one of the Top Art Small Town Fairs in America. The venue welcomes only 100 fine artists and craftsmen to keep the focus on art and allow for plenty of room for artists and art enthusiasts to interact. Cedar Key is nestled in the center of Florida's Nature Coast, 60 miles SW of Gainesville. Proceeds benefit the Cedar Key Arts Center and local non-profit organizations that serve homemade goodies and local seafood in beachfront City Park. Saturday, 4/1, 10-5, Sunday, 4/2, 10-4. Free.
Find more information at CedarKeyArtsFestival.com. Contact: CedarKeyArtsFestival@gmail.com (352-543-5400)