THE HIPPODROME THEATRE
The Hippodrome is located in the heart of downtown Gainesville. Aside from the building itself being beautiful being a reason to drop by, it showcases plays and often films. Tickets cost around $25 for plays and movie tickets are between $6-8. Check out the membership benefits if you’re a film buff.
MOVIE THEATERS
The two main theaters inGainesvilleare Regal Cinemas. If a film is playing at one, it’s not playing at the other one, so know which one has the movie you want to see before planning your night.
KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a collection of shrubbery that spans the length of over 60 acres. Admission is $6 for adults, and it is closed on Thursday. The park features lily ponds, a rose garden, bamboo gardens and a butterfly garden. Membership is also available.
GAINESVILLE PARKS
Something that is a must-do in Gainesville is visit Paynes Prairie, a state reserve. Here, you can spot many different species of birds, turtles, buffalo and other animals. Nature trails and camp grounds are available.
For a list of other parks and trails in Gainesville, visit this site:
LOCAL FARMS
For a resource on local farms, farmers markets and places to pick your own blueberries, visit this site:
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Sure, Chili’s and Olive Garden are great (who doesn’t love unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks?), but Gainesville is home to over 175 locally owned restaurants. Pizza, enchiladas and ice cream; Gainesville has it all. Here are some of the city’s best and most famous locally owned eateries.
- The Swamp Restaurant
- Satchel’s Pizza
- Las Margaritas
- Yamato
- The Jones
- 43rd Street Deli
- Leonardo’s
- The Gelato Company
- Relish USA
- Reggae Shack Café
For a full list of locally owned restaurants, check out No Soup For You.
Gator Guide 