How Do I Survive Game Day?

Where can I park my car? What do I need to know about tailgating? Where are the most inspiring art galleries? Where’s the best restaurant for a first date ? What’s the best tutoring service? What’s it like to live in Greek housing? Who has the best coffee? 2016Wh | UNDERGRADere are EDITION the best apartments in Midtown? How does the RTS bus work? What’s the best way to get around campus? Where’s the best placWHEREe to stu TO dyGO & on WHAT cam TOpu DOs? What’s the deal with Greek Life? Where can I get sushi? What’s open late when I have the munchies? THE BEST OF GAINESVILLE What’s the best spot for dessert? Where’s the best place to get my nipple pierced? Where can I get with moth2016er nature? Where’s the best vegetarian restaurant? How do I survive living in a dorm? What’s the best local brewery? Where can I buy stylish clothing? What’s the best local gym? Where are the all-you-can-eat buffets? Who has the best yoga spot? How do I survive game day? What’s the best place for breakfast? Where can I play arcade gameswww.gnv.guide like I’m a kid How do I change my major? 2016 | UNDERGRAD EDITION

YOUR HANDY CRASH COURSE IN THE BEST OF GAINESVILLE

2016 | FRESHMAN EDITION Welcome to Gainesville! We know from experience that arriving in a new city can be overwhelming. From the basics, like how to ride the bus or where to grab a good burger, to more complex issues like dropping a class or finding a new apartment, GainesvilleGuide is your ultimate handbook for life in the swamp.

www.gnv.guide 2016 | UNDERGRAD EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ACADEMICS & INVOLVEMENT 2016 | FRESHMAN EDITION GATOR ATHLETICS HOUSING TRANSPORTATION FOOD & DRINK SHOPPING & SERVICES HEALTH & FITNESS ARTS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT NATURE & OUTDOORS STARTUPS & TECHNOLOGY

www.gnv.guide letter from the editor

When I arrived as a freshman to the University of Florida, I had mixed feelings about Gaines- ville. Part of me felt it was too small and too “in the middle of nowhere,” and part of me longed to explore its quaint, mysterious charm.

Now, as a UF graduate and the founder of my own Gainesville-based company, it’s clear that the latter part of me won. I didn’t just build a resume in Gainesville; I built a life.

This life is an enigma to many of the university students, whose bubble does not extend past campus and the tri-weekly trips to midtown. But this life is so enjoyable, fulfilling and Midtown, don’t skip out on board games and uniquely its own, that I created this guide to beer at one of the local breweries, conversa- help others discover its richness. tion and cocktails at The Dime, a play at the The Hippodrome, live music at High Dive or ta-

If you haven’t stargazed from Paynes Prairie, cos and trivia at The Backyard. marveled at Devil’s Millhopper, set up a hammock in the Loblolly woods or taken the plunge My cravings for fresh quality eats, romantic into the crystal waters of Devil’s Den, then you dining or a hungover meal are delighted by haven’t experienced the rejuvenating power of the nearly 300 restaurants in town. I have op- a town intertwined with the lush, natural world. tions for delicious pizza, greasy food truck binges, late night Cubans, cheap Mexican,

While cheap pitchers and college vibes rule wine-soaked Italian dates and everything in content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 4 letter from the editor

between. GainesvilleGuide Freshman Edition Gainesville is a home base. It’s an old friend that doesn’t judge you for wanting to leave the Published by NativeVox Design by Digikea Digital comfort of its embrace to go explore the world Content by GainesvilleScene & and still welcomes you back with open arms. GainesvilleGrub

It’s a city where the first question isn’t “What Emma Sullivan Editor do you do?” or “Who do you know?” but instead Marc Lefton Creative Director

“What inspires you?” or “What do you love?” Disclosure

You shape Gainesville while it subtly shapes GainesvilleGuide contains sponsored you back, until one day, the town doesn’t seem content. In the instance a piece of content is sponsored, it will be clearly la- to be in the middle of nowhere anymore. beled as such. While sponsors paid for the space to be included in Gainesvil- Cheers, leGuide, the opinions and content are the opinions of the NativeVox / Gaines- villeScene / GainesvilleGrub editorial Emma Sullivan team. In some instances, this guide will contain “affiliate links” that generate revenue for NativeVox, however, these relationships do not increase the cost to the end-user.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 5

GUIDE H Academics OVERVIEW of University of Florida Academics

The University of Florida is on a quest for it’s well on it’s way to climbing the prestigious preeminence. In other words, they want to be higher-education ladder. a damn good university. Fall 2015 freshmen With 16 colleges, 100 undergraduate majors came in with an average 4.3 G.P.A. and an av- and 200 graduate programs, you’re free to erage S.A.T. score of 1918, so needless to say, start panicking about your career choice at any there are some pretty smart people walking time. (Just kidding...kind of.) There are a lot of around UF’s 2,000-acre campus. In 2014, US stellar subjects to study at UF and a solid fac- News & World Report ranked UF at number 14 ulty to help you trailblaze from syllabus week of public universities and the school attracts to graduation day. over $700 million in research each year, so

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 7 GUIDE H Academics

WHERE TO STUDY ON Norman Norman library is tucked away on the second

CAMPUS floor of the education building and is conveni- Marston ently located across from sorority row. Because of this, you will likely only run into a handful of

The five floors of Marston Science Library ca- education majors, sorority girls and thirsty fra- ter to all a student’s needs. Group project? First ternity men. The library is relatively empty most floor. Silent study time? Fourth and fifth floor of the time, which, along with their spacious have got you covered. Built in 1987, this library seating areas (comfy chairs, long wooden ta- has the statue “Alachua” next to it, a landmark bles and private cubicles), can make for a great more descriptively called “The French Fries” by study sesh. Not to mention, Norman is set to be students. getting a much-needed makeover soon.

Library West Abandoned Classrooms

When students say they’re going out to the Depending on the time of day, a lot of class- club during finals week, Club West is generally rooms are unlocked and empty. Take the time what they mean. One of the most popular and to explore all the buildings, and you’ll quickly social destinations on campus, students at Li- find quiet abandoned classrooms to study in. brary West can be found studying, pretending The added benefit is that you’ll be studying in to study or in line at the Starbucks downstairs a similar environment to where you’ll take your deciding which to do. exams, which can help you retain information

better.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 8 GUIDE H Academics

The UF PaCE Program talk to upperclassmen, talk to advisors and spend some time not talking at all, but instead

PaCE students are just like any other UF stu- listening to yourself. If you need to change your dent, except that they must take their first 60 major a handful times, it’s okay. Just don’t be credits online (minus any college credits earned impulsive about it. We gathered some stories in high school, of course). PaCE students can from other UF students who dealt with the oh- live and work anywhere except on-campus crap-I-picked-the-wrong-major thing. You can housing, while completing the online require- check them out here. ment, and still receive the benefits of being a traditional student. Starting in Fall 2016, PaCE Dropping or Failing a Class students can choose to pay a slightly higher tu- Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, accept- ition in exchange for all of the added benefits of ance. Ironically enough, the fives stages of traditionally enrolled students, like Gator foot- dropping/failing a class fall right in line with the ball tickets, bus passes and gym memberships. fives stages of grief, except instead of a person Changing Majors (or your beloved cat) dying, it’s your pride kick- ing the bucket. Whether it’s concepts in organic

Let’s clear one thing up right away: nobody has chemistry that you genuinely cannot grasp no any idea what they want to do with their life. matter how hard you try or it’s realizing that no

So, don’t waste time freaking out about it. Even matter how easy the class is, you can’t go out those kids who knew they wanted to be brain six nights a week and get everything done, you surgeons from the time they were 5 years old realize that you aren’t infallible. It’s a crappy are probably just in denial about their deep- feeling, but it’s one that everyone experiences seated dream of being a rock ‘n’ roll star. Pick at least once in their collegiate career. We gath- a major that interests you and start there. Put ered some stories from other UF students who some effort into the classes, talk to professors, have dealt with the nightmare of academic fail- content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 9 GUIDE H Academics ure. (Spoiler alert: they all turned out totally fine Buying Textbooks in the end.) You can check them out here. When you finally get your list of “required” read- Dealing with Professors ing for class, sticker shock is soon to follow. With some textbooks priced in the hundreds of

Hate them or love them, you can’t pass without dollars, buying books can be a financially mis- them. Going to office hours and getting to know erable process. Before you call up Mom and your professor will not only help you with your Dad to ask for more money or kiss that sweet upcoming exam, it may help with your future. financial aid goodbye, consider your options. Professors know about internships, job oppor- Wait until your professor explicitly tells you tunities and student experiences and if they’ve that you need to buy the book, because there gotten to know you, even just a little bit, they are oftentimes extraneous materials listed as are more inclined to pass along your name and “required” when they really aren’t. Furthermore, resume. Not to mention, you will not be able to shop for used books whenever you can. Hop get letters of recommendation for med school, in the textbook exchange Facebook group and law school or jobs without befriending profes- haggle, trade and buy from other broke college sors. Unlike high school teachers, professors will straight up say “no” to rec letter requests students. unless they actually think you’re worth it.

That being said, not all professors are sunshine and daisies. There are those professors at UF that will make you feel like you’re constantly running from enemy fire. Use the website “Rate My Professor,” talk to upperclassmen who have taken your class before and, for the love of God, show up for class occasionally. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 10 BEST of Academics

BEST Tutoring Service STUDY EDGE

Study Edge saves lives by saving grades. You walk through their magical doors lost and confused and walk out an expert, ready to ace each exam.

Tons of students enter college with a mind- set that it’s going to be just like high school, but then their life is turned upside down when they bomb their first exam. Nightmare sce- nario ensues. Freak out about the potential need to drop out. Call home. Ask for advice. Beg for forgiveness. Repeat. Once the shock wears off, the search begins for a way to make sure Exam 2 isn’t as rough.

Enter: Study Edge, the absolute lifesaver.

A common refrain after Exam 1 is “Why didn’t I know about Study Edge sooner?” When the first review you ever go to is free, not sure there’s a good answer to that. The review sessions break down the content in a way that’s similar to exams, but isn’t dry and boring. The location in midtown is great, too. They give out practice problems, have Facebook and mobile apps so you can watch a quick video on the bus or an hour before the exam, and their tutors come to the library close to exam times for Study Hours. Invariably, the rest of the semester goes more smoothly than that first exam, so there's no need to drop out! For pretty much any math, science, or business class you take, you should check to see if Study Edge offers reviews for it.

The tutors at Study Edge have figured out the best way for students to understand course material and perform better on exams. Not to mention, the tutors are young, friendly and hilarious. (When you get your first blue review packet, you’re bound to see a joke about beer or your bad decisions.)

Tutoring is part of the collegiate experience, so don’t think you’re too cool for it. Your first review is free, so study smarter, not harder, with Study Edge. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 11 GUIDE H Involvement

Involvement hellenic Council (PC). IFC and PC chapters have distinct areas on campus dedicated to their

The University of Florida’s Department of Stu- houses (known as Fraternity Row and Sorority dent Activities and Involvement is home to a Row). UF is a successful Southeastern Con- diverse group of over 1,000 registered Student ference (SEC) school, which is reflected in the

Organizations and the greater Gainesville area southern-style Greek life culture. Networking is home to countless more. Life at UF makes opportunities, campus involvement, post-grad the age old expression “so much to do, so little jobs, new friendships and pre-planned parties time” a real experience. From acapella to activ- are just a few of the notable benefits of being ism, religion to recreation, there’s something for apart of Greek life, but Greek life is not for eve- everyone. And you don’t find something for you, ryone and you shouldn’t feel that you must join well, gather some like-minded friends and cre- a chapter in order to have a successful and en- ate an organization yourself! Fill your resume, joyable college career. sure, but more importantly, fill your life. 5 Survival Tips for Sorority UF Greek Life Rush Greek Life is a prominent aspect of UF culture, 1) Be positive! Radiating positivity goes a long though only 15 percent of the student popula- way, both to fellow rushees and the rushers. tion is involved in it. The Florida Greek Commu- Yes, it’s hot and yes, you’re tired of talking, nity was established at UF in 1884, and since but keep a good attitude and the whole thing then has spread to 65 campus-wide chapters will go much smoother for everyone involved. with almost 7,000 members total. Greek life is divided into four councils: Interfraternity Coun- 2) Wear deodorant. This seems like a given cil (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), since third grade, but it’s easy to forget this

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Pan- crucial last step before stepping out into the content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 12 GUIDE H Involvement

Florida heat for a day of impressing. Bring it For more tips and tricks for sorority rush, check

with you if you’re feeling mad sweaty and re- out our guides here.

apply when you get a chance alone. A Glimpse into UF Student 3) Get a good night’s sleep. Staying up late and

worrying will get you nowhere. Your mind Government

and body need sleep regardless for a full- The Student Government here at UF is com-

functioning day, especially when you have to posed of a 100-seat Senate, a 7-member Su-

talk all day long. preme Court, and an Executive Branch with a

Treasurer, Vice-President, and President. From 4) Bring the bare-minimum along for the ride. bringing famous speakers like Jane Goodall, Bill You’re great the way you are, so don’t feel Nye, or Trevor Noah to UF through the student- like you have to bring an oversized bag filled run ACCENT Speakers Bureau, to free services with every cosmetic and hair product known like bike repair, professional attire rentals and to woman. Throw some lipstick, coffee fil- Friday night entertainment at Gator Nights, SG ters (to soak up sweat/grease) and healthy offers a lot to the student body. With a budget snacks in a purse and call it a day. of roughly $20 million, SG has a huge pres-

ence on campus and provides a lot of funding 5) Don’t put on a new face for this time. During for various student organizations. During your rush, you want to show people who you are, time here at UF, you will 100 percent utilize not a fake version of yourself. If you don’t act something facilitated or funded by SG. And if like yourself, chances are you’ll end up in a you’re looking for involvement, there are plenty chapter surrounded by people who aren’t a of opportunities to get involved with the vari- good match. ous agencies run by SG too.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 13 GUIDE H Involvement

cil as they call it, are organized into different

FOUR STUDENT committees where they organize events for the ORGANIZATIONS YOU’LL UF student body and provide plenty of opportunities for networking. Membership is competi- HEAR ABOUT MOST tive, with only 50 students selected to be apart of the council each year after a round of inter-

views in the beginning of the fall semester. Dance Marathon

Dance Marathon at UF is the largest student- Cicerones run philanthropy in the Southeastern United The Cicerones are the face of the Student Alum- States. All of the money raised goes directly to ni Association, an organization meant to pre- UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, which serve the interactions between students and totalled to over 2.5 million dollars last year. The alumni. They put on various events designed fundraising happens year round with the help to help students stay loyal to the Gator nation of various captain teams, volunteers and danc- long after graduation. At one point in your first ers. The event itself is a 26.2-hour event tak- semester, you will notice a tour group led by ing place in the O’Connell Center in spring. The Cicerones in brightly colored Gator shoes and Dance Marathon catch phrase is For The Kids khaki shorts (deemed equal parts casual and (FTK), so be prepared to see it in hashtags all professional). Applications don’t open till the over social media in the spring. Spring, but they do host plenty of info sessions

for anyone interested during the Fall! FLC

The Freshman Leadership Council is a student government agency that helps freshman de- velop leadership skills. The members, or coun- content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 14 GUIDE v Involvement

Preview Staff Become friends with them. It’ll open dozens of doors to research, internships, volunteer

You either loved their infectious energy and places, jobs, and other opportunities that chanted “Go Gators” along with them or wished often go unnoticed by most students. Most they would tone it down and stop cheering just professors here are friendly and they truly because it was lunchtime. Regardless, your want to help you, but you have take the time preview staffer left a lasting impression on you to interact with them. Pro tip: if the profes- and fulfilled their duty of welcoming you to the sor you are talking to doesn’t know of any

Gator nation. For many freshmen, their pre- opportunities for you, ask them if they can view staffer did such a great job of welcoming point you towards one of their colleagues them that they want to do the same for future who might have something for you. freshies. Being selected for Preview staff is serious business. There’s three-round interview 2) Ask upperclassmen for help. They’ve been process is just the beginning. Once you be- through a lot of the same struggles that you come one of forty staffers, you take a class dur- are going through, and they’ll have plenty ing the Spring Semester that basically makes of advice and information to pass along. you an expert on all things UF. After all, you Chances are, you’ll meet someone who can will be spending an entire summer welcoming lead you directly to a fantastic opportunity or roughly 6,000 new students and 10,000 family two, and new positions are opening up all the members. time as students graduate and move away from UF. 5 Tips for Finding 3) Pay attention to the listserv emails your col- Internships and Research lege sends out. They are chock full of differ- Opportunities ent opportunities.

1) Talk to your professors. Get to know them. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 15 GUIDE H Involvement

4) Go to internship fairs hosted by the different NPHC and MGC colleges and student organizations. Even if Beyond the perfectly trimmed lawns of sorority you’re not sure what kind of internship you’re and fraternity row live 23 other Greek organiza- looking for, you can use the events to mingle tions that proudly embrace culture and are not with people in the actual industry and prac- afraid to show it. The National Pan-Hellenic tice your 30 second elevator pitch. Council was founded in 1930 at Howard Univer- sity as the governing body for the nine histori- 5) Get involved in the Gainesville startup com- cally African American sororities and fraterni- munity. Young startups always need interns ties, aka the “Divine 9”. The council was founded to help move their company forward. Plus, to give African American college students a fair you’ll get to have a way more hands-on role chance of enjoying Greek life at a time when at a startup than you would at a large cor- segregation was still thriving. Their chapters be- poration. (ie: You won’t have to make coffee gan establishing themselves at UF in the '70s.

and copies.) Since then, the Divine 9 has had a home within the Gator Nation. Similarly, as immigration evolved and gave the U.S. a diverse population, Volunteering in Gainesville college Greek life evolved with it. The Multicul-

We can all agree that whether you want to save tural Greek Council was founded at UF in 1999 to serve the Gator ethnic community. Today, the world or simply save your resume, some fourteen sororities and fraternities representing element of volunteer work is necessary. From different cultures make up MGC. Once you be- primate sanctuary to environmental nonprofits, come aware of these organizations, their pres- there are tons of places to lend a helping hand ence is hard to miss around campus. You will no in Gainesville. Find a cause that resonates with doubt see members decked out in their colors you and then find the local organizations work- or line jackets, with their letters front and center ing on it. We gathered a few of Gainesville’s to let you know who they rep. You will hear their most popular volunteer options here. chants and witness the beauty of their stepping or strolling performances on The Set. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 16

GUIDE H Athletics

OVERVIEW of Gator Athletics

On of the most recognizable facets of Gaines- al team championships, 30 of which are NCAA ville is its unwavering, proud and borderline titles, and Gator athletes have won 275 indi- religious school spirit. The Florida Gators com- vidual national championships. So learn the pete in the National Collegiate Athletic Asso- cheesy old chants, paint your body orange and ciation (NCAA) Division I and the Southeastern blue, savor every game day and embrace your

Conference (SEC). In their 108-year history, inner rowdy reptile. Can we get a #GOGATA?

UF’s varsity sports teams have won 35 nation- content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 18 GUIDE H Athletics

Football Game Days 3) Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. You don’t want to look like a tomato the next day

Whether you’ll be entering into the legendary with obvious Ray-Ban burns. The student

Swamp for the very first time in your life or the section of the football stadium is infamously quivering orange and blue walls are your sec- known to be smack-dab in the blazing sun- ond home, Ben Hill Griffin stadium is ready to shine. welcome you with open arms this season. It’s a sweaty, crowded, magical oasis where the stu- 4) If you slacked on buying season tickets, dent section never gets off its feet (which is im- check the UF Ticket Exchange Facebook pressive considering the level of intoxication), page to grab a ticket at the last second. Sure, the fans sway to “The Boys of Old Florida” and you may experience a slight (okay, extreme) the team on the field unites the Gator Nation upcharge in ticket price, but you will still be regardless of the score. able to go to the game.

5) Don’t get sick at the stadium. Cops are on 5 Game Day Survival Tips constant look-out for lightweights who can’t

1) Game days are long and intense. Pace your- handle their alcohol and have low heat toler-

self. It’s no fun to pass out drunk before the ance. Stay hydrated with non-alcoholic sub-

game even starts. Or lose your ticket at the stances, and if you feel something coming

tailgate. up, go to the bathroom or leave the stadium. Do not throw up in the stands. We repeat: do

2) Check out the out-of-service RTS bus parked not. by the Student Rec pool which is open to all

fans to sit down, cool off and drink as much

free Gatorade and water as your heat-ex-

hausted heart desires.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 19 GUIDE H Athletics

WHAT TO WEAR Girls: Picture yourself in an eskimo snow suit in a • Flowy skirts, loose dresses and high-waisted scorching hot sauna on the surface of the sun shorts with crop tops are the move. and you’re still imagining something cooler than the Swamp on a gameday. Light, comfort- • Don’t try to be overly trendy in a maxi dress. It able clothes are a must. You don’t need the will drag along every slimy Gainesville surface

Gator logo branded on every item of clothing. and you will drunkenly trip on it, guaranteed.

Just tastefully throw together some white and • Do not even think about attempting sticky- blue, with a touch of orange (or vice versa). boobs. They will slide off within an hour of

your first tailgate and you will probably throw

Guys: them into fraternity bushes in desperation.

• Microfiber polos and J.Crew shorts are always • Avoid mascot-themed jewelry. Just because a good look. alumni moms wear the dangly earrings with

• If you rock a button down, stick to white or the Gators on them doesn’t mean you have to.

light colors so your sweat pits don’t gross out • Wear comfortable shoes. Don’t even try strap- the ladies. ping on a heel of any size, or sandals with no

• If you’re dying to prove your frattiness, you can arch support. Blisters will form and feet will

go for jorts, but you might lose a few friends. ache before halftime. Opt for comfortable ten- nis shoes or your favorite pair of worn-in flip

• A pair of comfy sandals is perfectly fine. You’ll flops. Honestly, no one cares what is covering

end up standing for most of the game, and the your feet, as long as it doesn’t smell. cooler your feet, the better.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 20 GUIDE H Athletics

portant as yours. There’s no shame in politely

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT asking to use their restroom, but know enough TAILGATING to quit while you’re ahead. Loitering is illegal and verbal harassment ain’t cool.

Most of the classic college football tailgates happen along fraternity row, but a stroll down MIDTOWN BARS TO CHECK Museum, Gale Lemerand or onto Flavet Field or the Plaza of the Americas on game day will OUT ON GAME DAY show you that there are endless tailgates all over. People are usually incredibly friendly, so Salty Dog Saloon don’t be shy – just walk up to any group that Simplicity is the name of the game at Salty Dog seems to be having a good time and proceed to Saloon, which is more commonly known to the party. Also, try and score as much free food as orange and blue masses as “Dog” or “Salty.” possible. You definitely don’t want to buy any It boasts the essence of a classic college bar, of the rip-off concession snacks once you’re in- complete with a well-stocked jukebox, main- side the stadium. stay bartenders and bathroom walls that beg to

UF tailgators (see what I did there?) may be be vandalized by your drunk words of wisdom. some of the friendliest in the SEC, but they’re Just don’t let its unassuming size fool you, be- not encouraging you to push your luck. Please cause there’s actually two distinct bars with refrain from being “that guy” (although it’s typi- two very different vibes, known as the “front of cally “that girl”) when it comes to the concern of Dog” and the “back of Dog.” restroom facilities. Gator alumni and fans alike have shelled out big bucks for those shmancy

RVs, and their tailgate experience is just as im-

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 21 GUIDE H Athletics

101 Cantina THE INFAMOUS FLORIDA While Salty Dog provides wooden booths and VS. GEORGIA GAME $5 pitchers of comfort, 101 Cantina delivers

DJs, lasers, multiple outside bars and two mas- We all love a good cocktail party. Especially sive tents that will give any Ringling Brothers when that cocktail party hosts approximately Circus a run for their money. Cantina isn’t for 200,000 redneck, bourbon-guzzling guests, the faint of heart. But when our beloved Gators each of whom have relatively loose morals and tuck a W under their belts, it’s the go-to bar to firm grasps on the concept of BYOB. For the let the liquor flow, get inappropriately rowdy University of Florida versus University of Geor- and celebrate like it’s 2007. gia football game, students, fans, and oddballs

alike will pack up their finest game day duds,

The Swamp cheapest bottles, and highest hopes and ven-

Welcome to Midtown’s middle of the road, The ture to Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville to

Swamp, where it’s socially acceptable and high- witness what is known to most as the most ly expected for Gator grandpas and their lega- proclaimed rivalry in SEC football. cies to get down with a pitcher of Swamp Head. As seasoned attendees, we’ve seen the good, This bar and restaurant is Gainesville’s original the bad and the ugly of this rowdy soiree and landmark (well, aside from UF itself), and no the debauched irregularities that take place home game rendezvous is complete without a surrounding its borders. So before you head to drink or two on the front lawn. Jax, check out the Do’s and Don’t’s here.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 22

GUIDE H Housing

OVERVIEW of Gainesville Living & Housing

The most important part of settling into a new porary roots in Midtown, Downtown, Sorority city is putting the right roof over your head. Row, Archer Road or 20th Avenue, while most

Whether you opt for the traditional freshmen professionals find cozy corners in Duckpond, experience of living in a dorm or are seasoned Haile Plantation and Tioga. enough for off-campus living, Gainesville is home (no pun intended) to all different kinds of living options. Most students put down tem- content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 24 GUIDE H Housing

5 Survival Tips for Dorm pers, a well stocked food supply will be your lifeline. (If you’re in Beaty, Lakeside or Keys,

Living be sure to label your fridge food or be pre-

pared for it to be eaten by roommates with 1) So you’ve found your roommate. Whether the munchies or drunchies.) they are your best friend from high school

or a rando you met through Roomsync, it’s 3) Communal bathrooms are a real thing, so not going to be what you’re expecting. Co- be prepared. Say goodbye to your comfort- habitation is not perfect science, even if you able private bathroom and say hello to flimsy hit it off right away. Living with someone in a shower curtains and perfectly timed number confined space 24/7 for 8 months can bring twos. A lot of people using the same show- out the best and worst in people. Understand ers and bathroom makes for a lot of mingling that you are two different people and it’s okay microorganisms, so don’t step foot in there to have disagreements (don’t be passive ag- without your handy shower shoes and caddy. gressive, talk them out like adults). And if It’s better to look like a loser in Crocs than to you ask around the upperclassman, you’ll pick up infections like Athlete’s Foot or step find no shortage of horror stories about the in something gross. And for goodness sake, gross habits of past (or current) roommates. be friendly to the janitor that has to come It’s a necessary learning experience. in every day and clean up the remnants of

those who were not properly potty trained. 2) Get a fridge of some kind. Late nights are Communal bathrooms are not ideal and it commonplace, and one of the worst things will definitely take some time to adjust, but is when you’re up at 2 a.m. studying and sud- after awhile you’ll be prancing around in your denly find yourself hungry with no food any- towel like nobody’s business. where. If you’re one of those students who

likes to bunker down while going through a 4) Don’t be “too cool” for events put on by hous- hellish week of nothing but exams and pa- ing or RAs. Everyone is new to the school content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 25 GUIDE H Housing

and don’t know anyone, so be open minded you panic and call your parents complaining

and show up. You might end up meeting about a supposedly moldy dorm, consider that

your future best friend down the hall. And if you might just be adapting to the allergen-filled

it sucks, you can always dip out. Spending Gainesville environment. Even if you’ve never

all your time locked up in your room on your had allergies in the past, almost everyone who

laptop will 100 percent make you miserable. moves here experiences allergy symptoms to some degree. Also, in such tight living quarters,

5) Be responsible with your newfound freedom. it’s easy to spread germs. Make an appointment

Go ahead and eat ice cream for dinner or at the UF infirmary if you really feel lousy, and

spend all your free time in your friend’s dorm, do yourself favor and don’t share your Solo cup. but don’t lose sight of why you’re in college

in the first place. It’s easy to get distracted

and caught up in the temptations of life on LIVING IN GREEK HOUSING

your own, but set study times for yourself, be

mindful of your responsibilities the next day Sorority House:

before trudging off to Grog Wednesdays, and Living in a sorority house can be one of the try to get at least a little bit of sleep. Make most inexpensive and convenient options sure it’s not all play and no work. around campus if you’re in a sorority. Not only

is rent cheaper than living in a dorm, but your

Chill, It’s Probably Not Mold meals are served right in the house and some of

your closest friends are just a few steps away. Even if you consider yourself the healthiest There’s also the benefit of feeling like you’re liv- person on the planet, chances are, you’re going in a real home, with various living rooms, ing to get sick at least once your freshmen year. library rooms, laundry rooms and patio space. You’ve probably never lived in a space as small Most sorority houses offer communal floor as your dorm and you’ve probably never expe- bathrooms and shared spaces with two girls in rienced a city with such intense pollen. Before content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 26 GUIDE H Housing each bedroom. Living in-house also opens you Living in Houses up to the tricks and secrets of effectively ma- If living on campus isn’t your thing and you neuvering around your “house mom” to bring in need something a little homier than an apart- boys, animals and booze. Mischief managed! ment, Gainesville has plenty of student-friendly Fraternity House houses for rent. Whether you’re behind midtown, by sorority row, on the way to downtown

Not often in life will you be afforded the oppor- or out past 34th Street, it’s hard to beat snag- tunity to live with 50 of your best friends. If you ging a sweet pad with a couple of your friends. plan on going Greek, consider spending at least As a general rule of thumb, rent prices go up the a year living in the fraternity house. While you closer you get to campus. Always make sure to may worry about its effect on your health and/ read your lease carefully, check for mold (old or life decisions, it’s hard to beat the cost of houses get sweaty in our humid swampland), living and convenience the house provides. If and maintain a good relationship with your you’re the type who hates being alone, you’ve landlord. always got somebody to hang out with. Living with a wide range of upperclassmen can have serious benefits when it comes to knowing how to tackle different classes. It may not be the nicest place to live, or at times the most sani- tary, but it’s hard to beat rolling out of bed to the smell of barbeque and beer for Gator game days.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 27 BEST Midtown Apartments CIRCA PROPERTIES 28 BEST of Housing

BEST Midtown Apartments CIRCA PROPERTIES

Living behind Midtown is part of the quintessential Gainesville experience. Un- fortunately, so is dealing with less-than-ideal apartment complexes. Circa Properties is the golden exception. Cir- ca, which boasts everything from spacious luxury apartments to budget-conscious one bedroom apartments, is, by far, the best Midtown housing option on the market.

The units are in great condi- tion, all maintenance is done at lightning speed and the staff genuinely cares about your living experience. All of the apartments are walking distance from both UF campus and Mid- town nightlife, so you can easily make your way to the center of the action without worrying about transportation. Circa doesn’t charge absurd fees for parking either, so you won’t waste time driving in circles looking for a space or desperately trying to avoid the city ticketers. #Gainesvilleproblems.

Not to mention, the owner of Circa Properties is a third-generation Gainesville resident whose family-owned business has been renting to students since the ‘80s. So, they’ve been making tenants happy for a looong time.

So, pop over to Circa’s website to view their floorplans or swing by the office to chat with a leasing agent, because these places are rented faster than a frat boy can shotgun a Natty.

Make Midtown your home with a tried-and-true apartment from Circa.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 29

GUIDE H Transportation

OVERVIEW of Gainesville Transportation

What Gainesville lacks in parking spots it plorable. Additionally, residents can access makes up for in accessibility and ease of trav- opposite corners of Gainesville with a $10 Uber el. Its growing class of bike riders and pedes- ride or make use of the city’s RTS bus network trians have encouraged the expansion of bike for a reliable and cool (literally, freezing) com- lanes and sidewalks, rendering no land unex- mute, any time of day or night.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 31 GUIDE H Transportation

The RTS Bus System Biking on Campus

The Regional Transit System is a love-hate re- For someone who isn’t familiar with how lationship that you can’t live without. Whether Gainesville moves, biking is a sacred, silent club it’s early in the morning and you realize you amongst us Gators. It allows us to navigate our left your scooter at a friend’s place or your off- way around our tiny town quickly, cheaply and campus house is way, way off campus, at one easily. But as popular as biking culture is, new- point in your college career you will find your- bies still have a hard time acclimating to life on self aboard an RTS bus. So get acquainted with two wheels. Follow these expert tips to ensure the Rider app, familiarize yourself with the bus- you’re cycling through the city with ease. es you need, and most importantly, don’t forget your Gator 1. Longboarding on Campus

Riding RTS is an experience all its own. There If you want to coast through campus like a cool will be times when it is so packed you can’t even kid, longboarding is a guaranteed way to estab- shift your foot and yet the bus driver is still let- lish some credibility. That is, until you eat shit ting people on, or when it’s a late night and it is in front of 50 other students in the center of just you and that random Gainesville resident campus. Before you hop your board, check out who likes to talk to strangers (ie: talk to you). these longboarding survival tips. But it’s not all boring, Later Gator bus rides after nights at the club or bars are like mini par- The Deal with Scooters ties of their own. A bus filled with turnt college Once visit to Gainesville and you notice the students? Perfect opportunity to mingle with flood of scooters on the road. It’s a quick, easy people, randomly chant “Go Gators” as a group way to get around town without having to deal (at the dismay of the bus driver), and at some with the oftentimes desperate parking epidem- point witness someone do the Later Gator flip ic. They’re more eco-friendly than a car in terms challenge. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 32 GUIDE H Transportation of fuel efficiency, plus they’re pretty fun. Pro How City Parking Works tip: score a used scooter that’s in good condi- City parking decals are the cheaper option if you tion from a graduating senior and you’ll save a have a car. A decal for the year is almost half ton of money. Scoot, scoot, Gainesville. (and for some zones ¼ ) the price of UF parking How UF Parking Works and will place you in a certain numerical zone. These are clearly labeled and are enforced from

UF parking consists of colored decals which 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. everyday, with Zones 6 and 7 are awarded based on the number of cred- being 24/7. Beware: sorority row Zone 5 park- its you have. The more credits you have, the ing can be difficult during prime hours (dinner, greater parking options there are. To park on lunch and late night), good luck finding a spot, campus, you must have a valid decal and be and remember to move your car before 8 a.m. in the correct area. Decal-restricted hours are if you park outside of your zone. You can ap-

Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, so after this peal tickets, but the process is stricter than UF, time and on weekends (except for Blue, Brown so don’t bullshit. For downtown 2-hour metered and Reserved Spaces) are when you’re in the parking, the signs are fairly vague, but know clear. A semester decal is $80, and double that that the enforced time for paying is from 8 a.m. for the year, so we suggest only getting a decal - 5 p.m. There are also various metered parking if you use your car frequently and are an up- lots around the downtown area, and a ticketed perclassmen (more parking options). Don’t try indoor garage, but it can get pricey. push your luck with parking illegally, they will find you and they will ticket you. The ticket ap- peal process is fairly simple if you have a le- gitimate excuse, but if not, you’re on your own buddy. Too many tickets = a boot on your car or scooter, so beware. IF YOU DON’T HAVE A CAR content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 33 GUIDE H Transportation

SNAP is a free ride-sharing service exclu-

OR DON’T FEEL LIKE sively for the UF campus. The drivers are pre- DRIVING screened students that transport other students all over campus until 3 a.m. So if you’re

leaving the library late and need a ride to your

Uber dorm in Lakeside or you couldn’t hang after a

night at Mid, pull up the TapRide SNAP app and Chances are your hometown now has this awe- wait for your request to be accepted. In a time some ride-sharing service, so you’re familiar when sexual harrassments are real problems with the app. Since it’s arrival to Gainesville on college campuses, SNAP is meant to assure and UF, drunk driving accidents, DUI’s and unin- students stay safe. tentional sleepovers at frat houses have signifi- cantly decreased. (We don’t have stats for that last one, but we’re sure it’s accurate.) Down- Ride Board Facebook Group load the Uber app, sign up, add your credit card Trying to visit home for a weekend without a information and request a ride to and from pret- car can be a hassle, but carpooling makes it so ty much anywhere. Pro tip: Even if you’ve had much easier. Instead of spending $50 on a bus a rough night, do not get sick in the car. If you ticket, join one of the many carpooling Face- feel yourself approaching vomits-ville, let the book groups created by students for students. driver know to pull over. They have the right to Every day someone with a car and a few seats charge you big bucks for a drunken mess. Also, to spare posts when and what time they are be aware that not only can you rate the driver, leaving. So if you are trying to head to Miami, but they can rate you. So always be courteous; find someone who is also heading there, pitch asking how they are doing can go a long way. in $20 for gas, and off you go! You save money

and meet new people. SNAP content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 34

GUIDE H Food R Drink

OVERVIEW of Gainesville Food R Drink

If there is one thing that Gainesville knows, it’s dients from the farms that surround the city. great grub. Beyond the chain restaurants of From authentic Mexican cuisine to fine Ital-

Archer Road, the majority of restaurants in the ian dining and every tasty morsel in between, area are locally-owned and operated. What’s Gainesville continues to blossom as a foodie’s more, restaurateurs love sourcing their ingre- paradise.

content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 36 GUIDE H Food R Drink

originally from Pembroke Pines, Florida, and is

DROOL-WORTHY an UF alum who started the site back in 2013. INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS Today, he has over 17,000 Facebook followers and another 5,000 on Instagram. TO FOLLOW GainesvilleVegans

GainesvilleGrub @gainesvillevegans is a local vegan’s food- gasm paradise. It features only cruelty-free food @GainesvilleGrub provides a free, uncensored around Hogtown, as well as delicious vegan look at what Gainesville is eating. Discover food stops around Florida. The photos offer a hidden Gainesville gems, glimpse some local fresh, healthy view of the innumerable options food porn and find out about specials happen- Gainesville has for vegans. It highlight options ing around town. It’s run by some of the ~cool~ that are flavorful and filling from sweets to sa- people that helped put together this guide, so vory items, so followers understand that vegan you can trust that it’s fire. Plus, they give away food is not just salad and smoothies. You don’t free stuff pretty often. Cheers! have to be vegan to follow this account, you

just have to be hungry. Ken Eats Gainesville @keneatsgainesville is Gainesville’s most pop- WHERE TO BUY GROCERIES ular guide to local food and drinks. If you want to eat your way through town, this is a great place to start. Ken helps locals keep up with Publix (Chain) daily restaurant specials, know about what A lot of motto’s don’t really fit the culture of a restaurants are coming and read about Gaines- company, but Publix is truly the place where ville’s good, bad, and inedible. Ken Peng is “shopping is a pleasure”. From penny pinch- content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 37 GUIDE H Food R Drink ing college students to retired Gainesville resi- Lucky’s (Chain) dents, Publix has a deal that everyone is sure You can drink a pint of cold, local beer while you to appreciate. The BOGO specials consistently shop. Enough said. Lucky’s has a huge selec- allow you to stock up groceries on the cheap, tion of artisanal and craft brands for those who the staff is always incredibly friendly and there are looking for a bit more flair in their grocery are Publix stores everywhere in Gainesville. It’s list. With the tagline “Organic for the 99%,” the also home to the famous Chicken Tender Pub store tries to keep organic produce prices rea- Sub, which is made-to-order in the deli section. sonable. Their salad bar, hot food, pizza, sushi Ward’s (Local) and sandwiches are all a delicious option that your wallet and stomach will appreciate. If you’re searching for the freshest local produce and meat selection, look no further than The Farmer’s Market (Local) Ward’s Supermarket. Ward’s has been family As you can probably guess, the farmers bring owned and operated since 1951, and their mis- what they grow so the produce is as fresh as sion has been to provide the freshest products you can get. It happens every Wednesday start- while also helping the local community. Bo- ing at 4 p.m. at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown nus: Ward’s also boasts a selection of hot and Gainesville. Unlike a typical trip to the grocery ready-to-eat foods that are prepared in-house store, you will only find what is in season (which everyday. (Smoked BBQ with mac ‘n’ cheese, is how you really should be shopping anyway). anyone?) It’s not just fruits and vegetables. Visit The

Tempeh Shop for soy, black-eyed pea or yellow

pea tempeh, goat’s milk, fresh eggs, local hon-

ey and grass fed meats. There are always new

vendors popping up, so the experience will be

unique every time! content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 38 GUIDE H Food R Drink

wich under the sun. Be sure to check out their

WHERE TO GET CHEAP, seasonal coffee flavors and bacon, egg and QUICK BREAKFAST cheese breakfast sandwich which Grub named one of the best in the area.

Bagels and Noodles Metro Diner

Ever had an urge for asian cuisine and break- Metro Diner on 34th Street is arguably more fast food at the same time? Look no further welcoming than any other diner you’ve stepped than longtime Gainesville staple, Bagels and foot into. The business has a small, family-

Noodles. Conveniently located across the owned feel despite being one of numerous street from the campus Kangaroo gas station, locations around North and Central Florida.

Bagels and Noodles is serving up exactly what Metro Diner has a lot to offer in the way of it says it is. Bagels, noodles, a variety of other sandwiches, breakfast and even dinner plates. breakfast and Vietnamese cuisine throughout Their chicken and waffles is half of an entire the day. Grab pho and/or a breakfast sandwich fried chicken and a mountain of waffles. A per- to cure a hangover or to warm yourself up in fect scoop of strawberry butter (that looked like the semi-cold Gainesville winter. a rather healthy scoop of ice cream) drips between the crispy chicken and hot waffles. Do it Bay Island and then nap immediately after.

Bay Island, lovingly nicknamed “bae” to many, To find all the best breakfast sandwiches in is a literal hut located next to the Sprint store in town, check out our guide here. Butler Plaza. No other breakfast staple serves food as quick or delicious as Bay Island. They have a large variety of coffee, tea and smoothie flavors as well as every type of breakfast sand- content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 39 GUIDE H Food R Drink

Brunchin’ is a Habit WHERE TO GET MEXICAN

We might not be a big city filled with yuppies, Ah, Mexican food. The genre of food that but we still love our brunch. Whether you treat consists of unlimited combinations of meat, it as a group therapy session after a particular- cheese, beans, more cheese, salsa, chili pep- ly rough night at the bars or you’re aiming for pers, meat, beans and cheese. Although a classy mid-morning meal, Gainesville has a Gainesville doesn’t come close to the spicy brunch that’s perfect for you. border of our neighbors from the south, there’s

Check out a few of our favorites here. still some amazing Mexican cuisine to feast on. Skip out on Chipotle and check out our Late Night Noms guide for the best mouth fiesta in town here.

The munchies, the drunchies (drunk munchies) and the late night cravings are very real. In- The Food Truck Scene stead of heading to a drive-thru like Steak ‘n’ Over the past five years, the national food truck Steak, try out of the more local late night eat- industry has experienced a remarkable rise eries. Flaco’s slings some mean Cuban cuisine as locals increasingly favor unique cuisine at and is a Gainesvillian’s go-to late night food wallet-friendly prices. Gainesville is no differ- joint. (The Midtown location serves pressed ent. Whether you’re milling around a food truck burritos, while the downtown location serves rally, popping over to the nearest restaurant-on- sandwiches like the Cuban Gator and Media wheels on your lunch break or running behind Noche.) There’s also pitas, burgers and sweet one like it’s a Mister Softee ice cream truck, baked goods available too, so check out our Gainesville food trucks are the funky answer to guide for late night joints before you commit to your hunger pangs, so. check out the awesome a moonlight feast. local food trucks here. content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 40 GUIDE H Food R Drink

but The Top is the perfect combination of good

WHERE TO GET food, comfy atmosphere and quirkiness to EAST ASIAN make it quintessential Gainesville. Stereotypi- cal dad wants a big hunk of meat? The Top has

got some of the best burgers in town (may we East Asian food is what we’re all used to eat- suggest the “Good Morning Burger”). Dad not ing. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai – you get so stereotypical? You can find all the tempeh, the picture. It’s the concept that greasy drive- tofu and Ancho Bean Cakes your heart desires through chains are banking on. But in little ol’ on the menu. Hogtown, we want to introduce you to some of the authentic dishes around town. Enter the world of rice, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, MORE FINE DINING chilies, dried onions, soy, tofu, stir frying, steaming and deep frying with our guide here. Gainesville is home to a handful of high qual-

ity, up-market dining experiences. Whether

you’re in the mood for a thick cut, wood fired WHERE TO GO TO DINNER steak, an elegant piece of seafood or a worldly wine list, there are romantic restaurants to WITH YOUR PARENTS satisfy. You can check out a few of our recom- mended fine dining option here.

The Top

A restaurant with Dragon Ball Z action figures displayed in the window might not be your first choice for taking your parents out to dinner, content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 41 BEST Vegetarian / Vegan THE DAILY GREEN

42 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Vegetarian / Vegan THE DAILY GREEN

Living behind Midtown is part of the quintes- Daily Green, nestled at 436 SE 2nd St. in downtown Gainesville, is a plant-based eatery for all those seeking fresh, filling food. Known for its inventive vegan, vegetarian and omnivore crea- tions, Daily Green is guided by a belief in using primarily local, organic and sustainable foods. The kitchen prides itself on accommodating di- etary restrictions so that everyone in Gainesville can enjoy delicious, wholesome food.

Their menu, which is as eclectic as it is tasty, rotates to reflect the freshest ingredients. Many locals consider Daily Green to be the healthiest restaurant in Gainesville, but when you’re chowing down on their famous Big Belly Burrito, Kale-Avocado Massaged Salad or Walnut Lentil Burger, the dishes taste as good as they feel.

For those looking for some liquid nutrition, Daily Green makes fresh juices, wheatgrass shots and frozen fruit smoothies. (Be sure to try the Daily Ambrosial, a smoothie made with coconut milk, blackberry, mango, pineapple, lime and coconut chips.) Not to mention, they have fizzy kombucha, beer and coffee on draft, plus a selection of bottled beverages.

Dailygreendowntown.org content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 43 BEST Fine Dining THE PARAMOUNT GRILL

44 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Fine Dining THE PARAMOUNT GRILL

Nestled in the heart of downtown at 12 SW 1st Ave., Paramount is a must-try Gainesville restaurant.

For almost fifteen years, Paramount owner and chef Clifton Nelson has provided an effortlessly chic, but beautifully unpretentious dining experience in Gainesville.

With floor-to-ceiling windows and simple decor, the dining room is bathed in natural light and feel-good charm. The streamlined menu is an innovative journey through unique flavors and features locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. From savory seafood like the South- western grilled salmon over sweet potato, black bean and cotija cheese enchiladas to the pan roasted barrel cut angus filet over chive mashed gold yukon potatoes with asparagus, roasted portobellos, puff pastry and white truffle sherry reduction, each dish is undoubtedly the creation of a detail-oriented, experienced kitchen.

If you head to Paramount for a leisurely brunch, dig into the oven roasted pork panino with pear, brie, caramelized onion, cranberry mustard and fried egg or the almond crusted french toast with fresh blueberries, maple syrup and greek yogurt. (Just prepare for a long afternoon nap after.)

When it comes to presentation, your eyes will feast before your mouth does. Each meal is plated to perfection and arranged with an artful eye. Put simply, it looks good, tastes good and feels good to dine at Paramount Grill. content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 45 BEST First Date Spot CIVILIZATION 46 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST First Date Spot CIVILIZATION

Choosing where to go on a first date can be a little stressful. You obviously want somewhere romantic, but you also want a place with a laid- back, no pressure atmosphere.

Enter Civilization. Known around town for its cozy, quaint charm, Civilization is a co-op that uses ingredients from local and organic sources whenever possible. The internationally-inspired menu showcases their passion for vegetarian cuisine and commitment to fresh, inventive food. Located in the Historic 1929 Gulf Oil Build- ing, the candlelit restaurant has an old world Gainesville ambiance that allows you to get lost in conversation with the person sitting across from you.

Not sure what to talk about on the date? Dishes like Thai Green Curry or Moussaka will have you passing plates and testing your palates. Unsure of what sort of beverage will go well with your Rava Masala Dosa? Each dish comes with a beer recommendation, or you can try one of the various table wines. For extra cultural experience, head to dinner at Civ for their World Wide Wednesday, inspired by 93 different regions, cultures and countries so far.

Travelling together is the perfect way to really get to know a significant other. So before you book a trip across the world for two, try travelling the world’s cuisine in the comfort of your hometown at Civilization.

content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 47 BEST Neighborhood Vibe THE JONES

48 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Neighborhood Vibe THE JONES

The Jones is a longtime Gainesville staple.

With rustic chic decor and a diverse menu, The Jones is a quintessential neighborhood hangout. As one of the first Gainesville restaurants to try locally-sourced their ingredients, The Jones helped create a demand for fresh, inventive dining when it opened in 2007.

From casual sandwiches like the Tempeh Kale Melt to savory dinner dishes like the creamy Mushroom Spinach Tortelli, the food satisfies vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike. The bar is stocked with high-quality, small-batch spirits and the creative bartenders mix master- pieces in your glass. Not to mention, the taps are always flowing with local beer, kombucha or nitro coffee.

You can gather ‘round a reclaimed wood table with friends for a hungover brunch (Did someone say mimosas?), grab a craft cocktail and people watch on the quaint outdoor patio or cozy up in a booth for date night. The Jones is a hip spot both day and night.

And with its prime location at 203 SW 2nd Ave., The Jones is just a stroll away from bars and music venues in the heart of downtown Gainesville.

Head to The Jones and join the local mix.

content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 49 BEST Big City Vibe

CRANE RAMEN 50 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Big City Vibe CRANE RAMEN

In a predominately college town like Gainesville, the word “ramen” is usually synonymous with “just add water,” but at 16 SW 1st Ave. in downtown, one innovative little restaurant has intro- duced the city to a noodle experience it never knew could exist.

Crane Ramen is Gainesville’s first craft ramen restaurant, and a welcome site to all those whose perception of the noodle is riddled with square pasta patties. Founders Bill Bryson and Fred Brown built a welcoming space that strikes the ultimate balance between comfort, modern design and impeccable atmosphere.

Crane’s meat, poultry and eggs come from local sources whenever possible, and the majority of its vegetables come from farms within 100 miles of the city. They stir up all these delicious ingredients to make big, warm bowls of ramen and other noodles that fill you up faster than you can say “Spicy Pulled Pork Paitan.”

An effortlessly intimate spot, it’s a perfect place to slurp a quick lunch, impress a date or enjoy some solo eats at the bar. From high-quality sake and local beer to the Cherry-Yuzu Old Fashioned with house made cherry-yuzu syrup, Crane’s full cocktail bar makes it an excellent choice for grabbing a drink too.

So, make your way to Gainesville's big city eatery and dive into the ultimate ramen experience.

content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 51 BEST Soup, Salad and Sandwich Spot CAFÉ C 52 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Soup, Salad and Sandwich Spot CAFÉ C

Inconspicuous from the outside, Café C is your high school art teacher’s vibrant dream of a restaurant on the inside. Quirky bright colors? Check. Eclectic cups and glasses to drink blue- berry tea from? Check. Some of our favorite sandwiches and salads in the city (possibly the world)? Check. This place doesn’t skimp on the quality or the freshness of the ingredients you’re putting in your beautiful bodies.

Created when Celebrations Catering needed a spot to serve its delicious food, Café C was one of the first restaurants in Gainesville to serve mindfully healthy options for lunch. In a land that was dominated by barbeque, pizza and not much else, Café C has established itself as a local favorite over the years.

The Café C Club sandwich, loaded with barbe- cued grilled chicken, crunchy bacon, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and tzatziki sauce on toasted wheat or sourdough bread, is a favorite of ours. For the veg-minded, try the Smiling Buddha Noodle Salad, which is a bed of greens topped with fettuccini tossed in spicy peanut sauce with broccoli, asparagus, mung bean sprouts, sesame seeds and savory chopped peanuts.

Not to mention, once fall semester starts, Café C serves up one of the finest all-you-can-eat Sunday brunches any side of the Mississippi.

content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 53 GUIDE H Food R Drink

the-wall. Regulars are constantly in and out

WHERE TO GET SUSHI ordering beloved Indian dishes like Vegetable

Korma, Goat Tiki Masala and Butter Chicken. Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Co. They have a weekly lunch special which in- If you’ve ever wandered by Dragonfly on a volves any dish coming with both rice and naan weekend night, you’ve seen the bustling crowd for a fixed price. Their Indian food is arguably outside. Whether it’s a first date, birthday din- the best in Gainesville, though the appearance ner or casual meal for one, it’s undoubtedly one would assume otherwise. We’ve never been of Gainesville’s most popular restaurants. At disappointed.

Dragonfly, artful presentation and chic atmos- You can also check out the Twisted Peacock, phere meets inventive flavor combinations and Andaz or Indian Cuisine Restaurant for Indian fresh ingredients. Their sushi and seafood is a eats. sweet relief from our landlocked home. From grilled Alaskan king crab to big eye tuna kob- achi, there’s something on the menu for every WHERE TO GET PIZZA palette.

Satchel’s WHERE TO GET INDIAN With its eclectic atmosphere and unapologetic

hipness, Satchel’s is a staple for Gainesville

Kabab House pizza lovers. Their menu only consists of piz-

za, calzones, and their one house salad option. Located on the corner of University and 12th, They offer all crust types, toppings and combi- the name is misleading for all the right reasons. nations. You will feel transported to a different The building is relatively run-down, and it ap- time when stepping into the inside restaurant pears when you walk in to be another hole-in- space, junk-decorated outside patio or in a re- content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 54 GUIDE H Food R Drink

furbished van dining room. They offer weekly Hole-in-the-wall eateries are those obscure trivia, open-mic events and other quirky alco- places that shy away from the traditional as- hol-infused and house-made drink happenings. pects of a typical restaurant. At times, the locations can be sketchy and the decor can leave Big Lou’s a lot to be desired. However, there’s only one marketing technique that these hole in the wall Big Lou’s is a staple in the downtown food places need to get customers coming back: the scene, specializing in New York style pizza by food. So the next time you’re feeling adventur- the slice or the whole pie. You can’t miss their ous, check out these hidden gems. cozy and homey feeling store, conveniently located at the corner of 2nd Ave and South Main Street. WHERE TO GET SOUTHERN FOOD Blaze Pizza

Meet the Chipotle of pizzas! At Blaze Pizza, you Southern Charm Kitchen get to create your own pie from over thirty top- ping options and watch it come together right Southern Charm is easily one of the best South- in front of you. For just ten bucks and 180 sec- ern-style restaurants in Gainesville, though a bit onds, your pizza will be in your hands before of a trek outside the university bubble at 1714 you have finished putting your wallet away. SE Hawthorne Rd. Their menu boasts classic home-cooking like juicy fried chicken, melt-in-

Also check out Blue Highway Pizzeria, Leonar- your-mouth cornbread and slow-cooked collard do’s and Root & Pecker. greens. Their meatloaf is hands-down the best

in town, with just the right combination of spic- Hole-the-Wall Restaurants es and texture. Don’t forget to try their house- made drinks, they are tangy and tasty. For more content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com on Southern Charm, read on here. 55 GUIDE H Food R Drink

For a more up-market southern food experience, head to Blue Gill Quality Foods at 1310 WHERE TO GET DESSERT

SW 13th St. There are few things in the world more satis-

fying than a cone of creamy, cold ice cream WHERE TO GET on a hot Gainesville day or a gooey chocolate chip cookie during a late night study session.

LATIN FOOD Thankfully, Gainesville is home to a handful of

delectable local dessert shops that will satisfy Mi Apa any sweet tooth. Check out this guide for the scoop (no pun intended) on ice cream and this If you could judge restaurants based on the guide for the low down on other desserts, like aroma that hits you when you first step in the gourmet popsicles, baked goods and custard. door, Mi Apa would be the clear winner. Their authentic Cuban cuisine is considered best in Gainesville, serving up traditional classics like WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU Ropa Vieja, Arroz con Pollo and the all famous Cuban sandwich to name a few. You don’t have HAVE THE MUNCHIES to travel to Miami to indulge in good Cuban food, because Mi Apa is doing it locally and it’s Whether you’re the type of stoner looking for fuego. a heaping plate of food accompanied by an

Also check out La Familia for some incredible impending food coma or the type looking for

Cuban sandwiches. that one outrageous menu item that combines flavors only a pothead would love, we’ve got content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 56 GUIDE H Food R Drink you covered. Originally put together for 4/20, Reggae Shack but thoroughly useful every other day of the When it comes to Caribbean (and specifically year, this guide will keep your cottonmouth Jamaican) cuisine, Reggae Shack is top dog. happy. Don’t forget to thank us later (although, You can find all the greatest hits here, from you probably will). curry chicken or goat to oxtail. If Caribbean

isn’t your style they also serve burgers and WHERE TO GET FALAFEL sandwiches, with a side of their famous “Du- tty” fries, a sweet and salty mix your tastebuds Sababa have never experienced before.

Sababa features Israeli staples such as Sha- warma, Falafel and Moroccan Fish. Their homemade falafel is top-notch, crunchy on the WHERE TO GET BBQ outside but slightly moist, crumbly and chewy on the inside. It’s bursting with mediterranean spices and fresh chickpeas. Most of the recipes Sonny’s come directly from the owner’s mother, which When your local BBQ is named “Best BBQ chain ensures its authenticity. You can complete your in America”, they probably serve some damn meal with a can of fruit nectar, imported direct- good BBQ. Sonny’s is local BBQ joint started ly from Israel. right here Gainesville circa 1968. Few things

have changed since then: Sonny’s still smokes WHERE TO GET their meat over oak wood for up to 12 hours, and they still offer heaping portions. Their sig- CARIBBEAN FOOD nature Sonny’s sweet sauce is second to none. Check out this Gainesville gem at the original

location on Waldo Road. content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 57 GUIDE H Food R Drink

BurgerQue WHERE TO GET If you have trouble deciding between a burger ITALIAN FOOD or BBQ, BurgerQue has got your back. They offer backyard style burgers coupled with a classic BBQ menu that includes classics like ribs, Whether your idea of an Italian meal is open- pulled pork, and smoked brisket to name a few. ing a can of Chef Boyardee or a family dinner

Where BurgerQue doesn’t play around is how scene from ‘The Sopranos,” we all crave rich, they COMBINE burgers and BBQ (hence the authentic Italian food from time to time. Italian name “BurgerQue” like BarbeQUE, get it?). Try cuisine is characterized by its simplicity (most their monstrous abomination, the Jake Burg- dishes have only four to eight ingredients) and er, a double bacon cheeseburger topped with any true Italian chef (no, Chef Boyardee is not pulled pork and BBQ sauce. included) knows the secret to a delicious meal

lies in the quality of those ingredients. So, if David’s Real Pit BBQ you’re a linguine lover or penne princess, a red sauce fiend or an alfredo aficionado, this guide David’s does inexpensive BBQ well. Their slow- has the Italian restaurants in Gainesville that roasted, fall-off-the bone pork is out of this will unleash your inner amore (even if the moon world, as well as their burnt ends and pulled doesn’t hit your eye). pork. They make their own sauces to slather on your meaty sandwiches, and have delightfully crunchy and sweet coleslaw which goes atop perfectly.

content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 58 GUIDE H Food R Drink

WHERE TO FIND ALL-YOU- WHERE TO GET CAN-EAT BUFFETS VIETNAMESE

Some of us may approach an all-you-can-eat Faith Vietnamese Cuisine deal in the same way one would approach a marathon. It’s not a race, it’s an inner battle of Faith Vietnamese is a small, unassuming space endurance. How much can I really eat before I at 808 W. University Ave. that serves traditional feel like a disgusting pig? Our top picks of the Vietnamese fare for a great price. They serve best all-you-can-eat deals here in Gainesville classics like huge bowls of pho, bun and banh range from international Sunday breakfast mi with a variety of different flavor combina- smorgasbords to an assortment of unlimited tions. The decor and atmosphere is nothing to

Korean-flavored meats. Whether you’re look- write home about, but don’t let that discourage ing for an endless breakfast, lunch or dinner (or you from enjoying one of the best Vietnamese just an ultimate day eating, no judgment here), meals in Gainesville. be rest assured that you’ll leave each of theses places feeling satisfied, uncomfortably full, and Also check out Pho Hanoi and Vietnamese in need of a serious nap. That is, if you do it Grille. right. Check them out here.

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DRINK HAPPY HOURS

Gone are the days when consuming liquid was AND DRINK SPECIALS merely just to quench a parched mouth. Today, With such a huge college crowd dominating the beverage consumption is a culture that pro- bar scene, drinking in Gainesville is pretty af- pounds community, storytelling, and one hell of fordable. The Midtown area is usually home to a good time - and Gainesville gets it. With na- best bang-for-your-buck booze, but you won’t tionally recognized breweries and coffee shops, always find the quality drinks. From 3-4-1’ Long there shouldn’t be a dry palate (or conversa- Islands at Cantina to “Beat the Clock” at Grog to tion) with the city’s selection of quirky commu- “Ladies Night” at Fat Daddy’s, there are always nal spaces where tasty elixirs flow. From the cheap drinking options around Mid. Downtown best places to grab a frothy cup of joe, to the to is where you can find more upmarket drinks, the hotspots for fine wines and whiskeys, and but most places are still college-budget friend- every college dive bar in between, we’ve got you ly. Downtown restaurants like Dragonfly offer covered on Gainesville’s best watering holes. solid happy hour specials as well.

WHERE TO GET COFFEE

Gainesville is home to a lot of cozy, caffeinated corners, so skip the Starbucks and imbibe as much local brew as your little heart can handle. Use our guide to local coffee shops to start your exploration.

content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 60 BEST Coffee Shop VOLTA COFFEE, TEA & CHOCOLATE

61 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Coffee Shop VOLTA COFFEE, TEA & CHOCOLATE

When you first walk into Volta at 48 SW 2nd St. you feel like you’ve stumbled into a chic big city coffee shop.

From the impeccable decor to the airy, lightness of floor-to-ceiling windows, Volta is a place of creative inspiration, savory baked goods, high- quality chocolate and damn good coffee.

Whether you opt for a foamy cappuccino, an elegant teapot of unusual leaves or an artful latte, your tastebuds will breathe sighs of sweet relief. Owner Anthony Rue, a certified Q-Grader (basically a sommelier of coffee), has traveled the world in search of the best beans, technique and presentation to bring back to Gainesville. He’s been serving the community caffeinated comfort since 2008.

The Volta menu is streamlined and expertly crafted, so don’t try to order a caramel-brownie- whipped-cream-whatever. Keep it simple and let the quality show you what drinking coffee is really all about.

If you’re in the mood to mingle, head to one of their tasting workshops or rally around local art at one of their artist showcase events.

The space is perfect for solo studying, first dates or catching up with friends, so ditch the K-cups and head to Volta for Gainesville’s greatest coffee experience. content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 62 BEST Party Bar in Midtown

101 CANTINA 63 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Party Bar in Midtown 101 CANTINA

You haven’t fully experienced Midtown nightlife until you’ve had a wild night at 101 Cantina.

This mod-Mex restaurant and tequila bar, nestled right in the center of Midtown, is the go-to spot for strong drinks, thumping beats and a rowdy good time. Whether you park yourself at the front bar and choose tequila shots from the wall of funky bottles or casually run into your Tinder date while dancing around the outdoor tiki bar, Cantina is a place to let loose.

The vibe is versatile, so you can blend right in wearing a pair skyscraper heels or some flip flops. (But, you might want to spruce up a bit, because the bartenders are notoriously good- looking.)

Different nights of the week have different drink and food specials, so there’s really no “off” night at Cantina. (Shout out to our personal favorite: Margarita Monday.) In the daytime, you can lounge in the sunshine of the back patio and dive into some of their heavenly loaded queso or guac. And Sundays are certainly not a day of rest, with Cantina’s weekly Sunday Funday celebration claim- ing the throne for Gainesville’s most popular day drinking spot.

At least once in your college career, you need to order a massively boozy “101 Fishbowl” drink and share it with strangers-turned-best-friends at the bar.

101 Cantina content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 64 BEST Local Brewery SWAMP HEAD BREWERY

65 BEST of Food R Drink

BEST Local Brewery SWAMP HEAD BREWERY

Founded in 2008, Swamp Head Brewery has established itself as a force in Florida’s boom- ing craft beer scene and a staple for anybody in Gainesville looking to enjoy a cold one.

From year round favorites like the Stump Knock- er Pale Ale, Big Nose IPA and Midnight Oil Oat- meal Coffee Stout to special seasonal releases like Day Trippin’ Session IPA and Saison du Swamp, just the thought of these beers has us salivating. Don’t even get us started on “Elusive Reclusive” releases like Field Trip Peanut Butter and Jelly Amber Ale or Sciaenhops Imperial Red Ale (No guarantee that these get brewed again).

Dedicated to serving the state it calls home, the brewery boasts a motto of “Inherently Florid- ian,” more of a philosophy for all its work than a marketing tagline (Though they do have plenty of sweet “Inherently Floridian” merchandise for sale). Swamp Head is involved in a variety of sustainability and environmental initiatives both locally and around the state, making its mark as Florida’s brewery while reducing its mark on the earth. While it’s pretty easy to find all over town, there’s nothing quite like enjoying one of their delicious beers at The Wetlands, the brewery’s beautiful taproom and one of the best spots to spend a Saturday afternoon in Gainesville.

Swamp Head Brewery Website

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or a craft cocktail, local beer or to pound drinks

THE MIDTOWN BARS and then start dancing, our guide to downtown

nightlife has you covered. Just a jaywalk away from campus lies a strip of bars on University Avenue like no other (except for, well, the bars in every other college town). WHERE TO GET They’re quirky, rowdy and so much damn fun.

Midtown is a place where boys that have al- BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS ready become men quickly revert back to boys. Brunch allows us to collectively gather with It’s a place filled with cheap bars, cheap drinks, our friends and debrief about what happened cheap kicks and expensive Michael Kors watch- the night before. It also gives us an excuse to es. If you’re a Mid veteran, let this guide muster binge-eat and a chance to prove our relevancy up your collegiate nostalgia. If you’re a fresh- on Instagram. Regardless of what your rea- man who is too afraid to use your newly minted sons may be for brunching, one simply cannot ID, let this guide blaze the trail for you. brunch without a refreshing glass of sparkling

For a humorous firsthand look at what a night champagne and orange juice to remind you that in midtown is like, click here life is good. And if that glass happened to be bottomless, who says the previous night’s buzz

has to end? So, here’s your guide for “All You

THE DOWNTOWN BARS Can Drink” mimosas in Gainesville. Bottoms up!

Downtown Gainesville a hip place to be. With good restaurants, walkable streets and a lot of choices for libations, nights spent in downtown are always memorable (even if you can’t remember them.) Whether you’re in the mood content provided by GainesvilleGrub.com 67

BEST of Shopping R Services BEST Piercing Shop BODYTECH

Whether you’re in the market for a trendy new nose stud or finally worked up the nerve to explore the world of body modification, choosing the right place to get a piercing is a crucial deci- sion.

Luckily, Bodytech has your back. Okay, more like your skin. Established in 1998, Bodytech is the oldest tattoo and piercing studio in Gainesville. Known for having a wickedly clean, comfortable shop and amazing customer service, Bodytech is the place to go for a piercing in Gainesville.

With over 30 years of experience, Bodytech views their craft as more than just an in-and-out transaction, but rather a relationship. Their expert piercers give you one-on-one attention before, during and after the piercing, so that you can have the best possible experience with your body mod.

The shop only uses implant grade surgical steel or titanium, so you don’t have to worry about allergies or low-quality metals. They also have a killer selection of “Made in the USA” organic plugs from Omerica Organic and beautiful Titanium Neometal and Industrial Strength brands to try out once you’re all healed. Not to mention, Bodytech stocks a huge variety of jewelry for every type of piercing.

The Bodytech team loves to do one-of-a-kind piercing projects, so if you can think of it, chances are, they can make it happen.

For a clean, professional and perfect piercing, head to Bodytech. And for the love of God, don’t show mom your new tongue ring.

Bodytech Website content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 69 BEST of Shopping R Services

BEST Tattoo Shop ANTHEM TATTOOS

Four in ten Americans ages 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo, but unfortunately, not all of those people have good ones. Anthem to the rescue.

Anthem Tattoo, tucked away at 230 NW 2nd Ave., is Gainesville’s go-to spot for high-quality, professional tattoos and premium artwork.

Anthem has been turning local limbs into works of art for nearly a decade. Their studio is located in a beautifully maintained historic home in downtown Gainesville, where the space welcomes clients into a comfortable, intimate environment for their tattoo experience.

Anthem currently has four permanent artists, with over 44 years of combined experience, one permanent guest artist and traveling artists who visit the shop throughout the year. Artists spend as much time as necessary discussing tattoo ideas with the client, ensuring that a beautiful one-of-a-kind piece is produced every time.

With an onsite art gallery featuring regional and national artists and an eclectic vintage store, An- them lives and breathes creativity.

Whether you’re ready for your first tattoo, or are working on a sleeve, Anthem is a haven for original body art. You can give them a ring or stop by to schedule your free consultation.

Anthem Tattoos

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THREADING Uni K Wax Center Uni K is another popular spot. There are Uni K Salon Ziba stores in cities all over Florida, so if you’re looking for a more franchise feel, head there for a Ziba is known for rotating around sorority tried-and-true wax. houses and perfecting the brows of sisters.

Her work was in such demand, though, that she has been able to open her own shop. If her rav- WHERE TO BUY CLOTHING ing Facebook reviews don’t tell you enough, go look at the photos she has posted and prepare Unfortunately Gainesville isn’t a mecca for high to have some serious brow envy. fashion, but there are still worthwhile places to shop. The Oaks Mall in Newberry has all the re-

tail staples, Wolfgang boutique has trendy one-

WAXING of-a-kind pieces, Urban Thread has discounted

name brands like Free People and Anthropolo- Paradise Spa and Wax gie, Lloyd Clark Sports has wilderness and fitness gear and the new A Cut Above store has Paradise Spa and Wax is tucked right off of Uni- preppy garments galore. versity Avenue near 34th street and is inside of a tiny office complex, which really makes you wonder if you are in the right spot to get waxed.

Fear not, Aza is the considered one of the best waxers in Gainesville. She specializes in Brazil- ians, but she will make your brows just as beautiful if you aren’t interested in threading.

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GUIDE H Health R Wellness

OVERVIEW of Gainesville Health R Wellness

When you live in a city with so much sunshine we may not be on the leaderboard anymore, and so much locally-grown produce, the popu- Gainesville is still a place where health and lation likes to show some skin and eat healthy. wellness are a top priority. From the sprawling

Back in April 2003, Gainesville became known healthcare centers of Shands Hospital to the as the "Healthiest Community in America" when sprawling prairielands for outdoor activities, it achieved the only "Gold Well City" award given Gainesville is a picture of health. by the Wellness Councils of America. Although

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BEST Local Gym ALTER EGO FITNESS

Most gyms have harsh lighting, body-builders eyeing you and a cold, sterile feeling, but not Al- ter Ego Fitness.

Tucked away in the Sun Center at 101 SE 2nd Place in downtown Gainesville, Alter Ego is a cool, cozy spot to get fit and enjoy yourself. No matter what you look like, how old you are or what kind of workouts you like, you fit in at Alter Ego. Instead of being intimidated or self- conscious, you can just be yourself and get yo’ gym on.

People know each other by first name, offer to spot you, encourage you to push harder or leave you the hell alone if you’re in the zone. Over the past decade in Gainesville, they’ve created an unpretentious, warm community of locals.

From yoga and pilates classes to premium personal training and cross training, Alter Ego has a little bit of everything. Instead of stagnant day- in, day-out fitness, they offer interesting ways to get healthy and actually have fun. Want to do an Indian run around downtown and play trivia at a bar after? They do that. Want to shake your booty in a Zumba class? They do that. Want to detox before you "retox" in the dry sauna? They do that too.

So avoid the fitness franchises, skip the school gyms and head to Alter Ego. Plus, if you mention this guide, you get a free week trial and 20 percent off a membership.

Alter Ego Fitness Website

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 74 GUIDE H Health R Wellness

Be Mindful, Even if Your even more trails check out our guide here. Mind is Full ON-CAMPUS GYMS Gainesville is home to a large community of free-thinkers and mindful meditators. You can head to the Hare Krishna house for chanting Student Rec and supper, join in a campus-wide meditation Student Rec is conveniently located in the heart with the UF Mindfulness program or visit New of campus, right next to good ol’ Ben Hill Griffin York Times best-selling author Michael Singer Stadium. Although it is the smaller of the two at “Temple of the Universe” in the woods of Ala- university gyms, it still has everything you need chua. for a solid workout. It’s got a quieter, cozier than it’s counterpart, Southwest Rec. Outdoor Fitness

WIth so much nature right outside Gainesville’s Southwest doorstep, locals love to get fit in the great out- Southwest is Student Rec, but on steroids. doors. Whether you want to run up and down the Complete with an indoor track, top notch weight bleachers in the Ben Hill Griffin stadium after room, two floors of cardio equipment, and work or wake up early for a trail run on Payne’s six indoor basketball and racquetball courts, Prairie, there are endless options for kickass Southwest has everything you need if you’re workouts that don’t require you to step into a serious about getting fit (or just want to people gym. Be sure to check out the hiking trails at watch). No matter the time of day, it’s always San Felasco on Millhopper Road or go to Devil's buzzing, but no worries because you can easily Millhopper and run around the trail at the top check out their web cameras online to see how of the sink and then run the steps down to the busy it is. bottom. For more of an in-town feel, run down 8th Avenue and check out all of the little trails around Westside Park and Loblolly Woods. For content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 75 BEST of Health R Wellness

BEST Yoga Studio SANCTUARY YOGA

Whether you’re venturing into downward dog for the first time ever or are continuing a life- long journey on a yoga mat, Sanctuary Yoga is a space you can call home.

At Sanctuary, yoga is not a trendy pastime, but rather an inward discovery of the human body, mind and heart. It’s a studio filled with joy, com- passion and the freedom to find what feels good.

Melissa Montilla, who founded Sanctuary in 2003, has been practicing for over two dec- ades and is constantly honing her craft. She’s created a feel-good environment that uses the practice of yoga as a tool for building a healthy lifestyle through strength, flexibility and body awareness. She’s known around Gainesville for her commitment to helping people with injuries rebuild mobility and joy in their lives.

Sanctuary teachers are experienced in yoga, meditation, movement, human performance and therapeutics. Their approach focuses on big-picture healing as opposed to nail-that-pose-perfectly tactics. Classes range from level 1 begin- ner classes to advanced teaching for experienced yogis.

Head to Sanctuary Yoga, at 530 N. Main St., to get loose, get light and let love in. Mention this guide to get a discount off your membership and try a free week of classes. Namaste, Gainesville.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 76 BEST Fitness Studio BARRE FORTE

77 BEST of Shopping R Services

BEST Fitness Studio BARRE FORTE

Originally started in Colorado, Barre Forte made its way into Gainesville in 2015, becoming the first barre fitness studio in the city. Barre fitness, a ballet-inspired fitness regimen that focuses on tiny, controlled movements to strengthen particular areas of the body, has taken off as a major form of exercise over the past few years, especially among women who want strong, shapely physiques. Barre Forte sculpts long, lean muscles in an upbeat, enjoyable atmosphere.

The studio, located at 4994 NW 39th Ave. Suite D, feels more like a community of friends than a fitness group. Owner Brinn Strange makes everyone feel welcome whether it’s their first barre experience or their 100th. (Not to mention, you can buy high-quality fitness gear in the lobby or fuel up with a protein bar from the front desk.)

While Barre Forte focuses primarily on barre fitness, the studio also offers a variety of hybrid classes, such as its Bodyflow class, a mixture of yoga, tai chi and pilates meant to calm your mind while strengthening your body. For achy muscles, there's Restorative Rolling, a class designed to loosen up tight muscles and improve flexibility using myo-therapy balls.

Say goodbye to the boring gym routine and head to Barre Forte to build the ultimate bod.

Plus, all new clients receive their first week of unlimited classes for free!

Barre Forte Website

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GUIDE H Arts, Music R Entertainment

OVERVIEW of Gainesville Arts, Music R Entertainment

Whether you want to participate in the art scene portunity. Gainesville loves its formal gather- as a spectator or a creator, Gainesville has you ings as much as its informal pop-up shows. covered. Unless you’re scoping the scene on Living here, one can meander a gallery during a Monday, which is the art museums’ holy day an exhibit opening, complete with glasses of of rest. Going to one of Gainesville’s multiple wine and tables with fruits and cheeses. One galleries and theatres is never the same thing can just as easily browse prints, wearing gym twice. Exhibitions, theatre shows, and films clothes after stumbling on a pop-up tent on a regularly circulate through Gainesville’s most side street. Gainesville is carefully curated to creative venues. Even stepping into a coffee suit all types of artists. shop or walking around downtown is an art op- content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 80 BEST of Arts, Music R Entertainment

BEST Way to Tour Downtown THE SPINS

Downtown Gainesville is a magical place filled with tasty eateries, unique bars, rich history and quirky art. It’s even more magical when you’re cruising through its quaint streets with 14 of your closest friends on a party bike.

The Spins, a locally-owned cycle pub, is a must- try way to experience downtown. You simply hop on their 15-passenger bike and tour through some of Gainesville’s best bars.

Started by Gainesville locals Erica Husak and David Godec after they fell in love with cycle pubs they saw in the streets of big cities, The Spins has become a staple excursion for people wanting to experience the best of downtown in an enjoyable new way.

At each stop on the tour, passengers hop off the bike and indulge in exclusive specials. From sampling craft beer at Tall Paul’s Brew House to sippin’ on southern cocktails from mason jars at O.A.K., it’s an effortless way to drink your way through downtown. (We’d like to think that you pedal off all the boozy calories in the process...right?)

You can catch The Spins giving tours for Gator home games, birthday celebrations, team building workshop or adventurous night outs.

Book online here for 20% off or buy 5 individual tours and get one fo’ free!

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 81 GUIDE H Arts, Music R Entertainment

world of color and flutter. The museum's collec-

MUSEUMS TO CHECK OUT tions were first used for teaching at Florida Ag-

riculture College in Lake City in the 1800s, and Harn Museum of Art were relocated to the campus of the University of Florida in 1906. The Harn Museum of art is the perfect afternoon spot for art lovers. With a generous amount of permanent pieces, you can visit your OTHER ART GALLERIES TO old favorites and keep up with the traveling exhibitions throughout the year. They also have a CHECK OUT variety of gardens to explore and monthly “Mu- seum Nights”making it a unique Gainesville art 4Most Gallery experience. 4Most is an intimate gallery that mainly fea-

tures undergraduate and graduate student art- Florida Museum of Natural work as well as pieces by alumi. If you want to

History see the fresh talent in this area, these are the

shows to attend. Displayed pieces are for sale The Florida Museum of Natural History (FLM- and available through private appointment if NH), located at 3215 Hull Road on UF’s cam- you do not splurge during their regular hours at pus, is the State of Florida's official state-spon- one of their exhibitions. sored and chartered natural history museum.

The museum’s permanent public exhibits focus on the flora, fauna, fossils and historic peoples /protocol/ of the state Florida. The museum is home to Gallery Protocol is a contemporary art gallery awesome traveling exhibits as well as a Butter- located at 2029 NW 6th St. Founded in 2013, fly Rainforest that transports you into a tropical Gallery Protocol supports contemporary visual content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 82 GUIDE H Arts, Music R Entertainment arts and artists in North Florida and beyond. Af- Friends of the Library Book ter you soak up the arts, grab a cup of coffee Sale from the artsy Curia on the Drag coffee shop next door. Once every semester, the coveted Friends of

the Library book sale comes to town. Stocked ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT with used books, CD’s, etc. from Gainesville residents, the multi-day event is a warehouse EVENTS TO KNOW of treasures for unbelievably cheap prices.The event is strictly “BYOB,” bring your own bags,

so find your most durable bag(s) to carry your Artwalk spoils while you dig around the art and litera-

Artwalk brings Gainesville its monthly dose of ture for days. art with the ultimate accessible event: it’s free, it’s a goldmine of local art, and all you have to Downtown Festival and Art do is walk around Downtown Gainesville. Maps Show show featured galleries, including the regulars like The Hippodrome, Patent Arts, and Arti- For two days out of the year, our downtown sans’ Guild Gallery. Musicians fill the streets streets are covered in tents for the Downtown with sound and various restaurants and coffee Festival and Art Show. It combines great art, shops also participate, providing a night that from paintings to jewelry, with fair food. It’s a caters to all of your senses. fun day complete with seeing lots of cute dogs,

talking to artists about their work and perusing

art until your eyes (and feet!) are sore.

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The Hoggetowne Medieval Bar Arcade also serves a variety of drinks from beer to specialty cocktails. You can drink and

Faire nurture your competitive spirit at the same

time. Challenge a friend (or a stranger) to pin- Swords, roasted peanuts, corsets, and ponies ball, or try for your personal best. For more on are some of the things you may encounter at Bar Arcade, read here. The Hoggetown Medieval Faire. This January marks its thirty-first year in Gainesville. Shows play throughout the day on the fairground’s WHERE TO GO ON DATES nine stages with vendors lining the footpath in between. Perhaps the most fun part of it is Gainesville has plenty of delicious dinner spots the people watching; where else can you see for a classic date, but if you want to be a bit people wearing medieval clothes, engrossed in more adventurous, there are ton of quirky, cool their iPhones? Whether this is your first medi- ways to inspire romance around town. We’ve eval encounter or your thirty-first, the faire wel- gathered 36 of our favorite Gainesville date comes everyone. ideas here.

WHERE TO PLAY ARCADE Where to Sing Karaoke GAMES Sometimes you just want to channel your inner rockstar and belt out some tunes. Fear not,

Gainesville has plenty of mics available for your

Bar Arcade singing pleasure. Head to Fat Daddy’s in Mid-

town for a karaoke night filled with drunk sorori- What better place to play pinball and other ty girls, Loosey’s in Downtown for a mixed bag of classic arcade games than a place that has the entertainers or Stage 7 Karaoke in BFE to sing in word “arcade” in its name? front of people you’ll probably never see again. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 84 GUIDE H Arts, Music R Entertainment

but you leave a show feeling like you went on a

WHERE TO PLAY TRIVIA three hour vacation.

Gainesville is a know-it-all’s paradise. A lot of different local spots host trivia nights, so you WHERE TO SEE A MOVIE can show off all that useless knowledge while enjoying craft brews with friends. The Back- Hippodrome State Theatre yard, Loosey’s, The Midnight and First Magni- Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Hippo- tude all host some pretty awesome trivia, so go drome State Theatre regularly brings Gaines- get your nerd on. ville the latest films, like Anomalisa and

Love&Mercy. These aren’t necessarily your

WHERE TO SEE A mainstream blockbusters, but you can rely on

the film’s execution being high quality with an

PERFORMANCE artistic motivation. You can stop by the lobby’s

bar beforehand and get some popcorn, or linger Curtis M. Phillips Center for afterward for a drink. There is a timelessness the Performing Arts to The Hippodrome, separating it from other local movie theatres. The Curtis M. Phillips Center is Gainesville’s largest theatre, catering to grandiose produc- tions. It’s a night at the theatre complete with OUR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PAST drinks, plentiful seating across multiple levels, Though the evidence can be harder to find and the contagious energy of a live show. Mu- these days, in late sixties and early seventies sicals, operas, and traditional theatre visits this – before Cantina was a thing and before Tim venue, as well as orchestras and musical acts. Tebow had ever blessed the University of Flori- Located on campus, it’s convenient to get to, content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 85 GUIDE H Arts, Music R Entertainment

da with his presence – Gainesville had rock and and The Woolly, is an inconspicuous little record roll. The population was around 64,000, park- store called Arrow’s Aim. For some guaranteed ing was a little more plentiful and the Beatles treasures, be sure to check out the “New Arriv- had already exploded across popular music in als” section conveniently placed in front as you the United States. In the songs, the venues and walk in. the ones who lived it all survives a record of the mark that Gainesville made on rock music. Hear Again Music Read more. If you’re looking to get your favorite artist’s new

release on vinyl, chances are you can find it at THE MUSIC VENUES Hear Again Music. Located on Main Street next to Dragonfly, the store’s walls are covered with

You’re not going to catch Beyonce at a massive new pressings, from the Wu-Tang Clan to Stur- amphitheater in Gainesville, but you’ll still have gill Simpson. If you’re into Jack White, the store a damn good time wherever you go. Gainesville has a section dedicated to Third Man Records. music venues aren’t fussy or fancy; they focus on the music, the drinks and the good vibes.

Each venue is a different type of gem, so’. chec LOCAL BANDS YOU SHOULD out this breakdown and then get groovin. KNOW

WHERE TO BUY RECORDS Savants of Soul

From a town that spawned Tom Petty and Less

Arrow’s Aim Than Jake, soul music doesn’t come to mind

Just off the corner of University Avenue and when you think of Gainesville. Inspired by the

Main Street, nestled between Harvest Thyme likes of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and all your content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 86 GUIDE H Arts, Music R Entertainment favorite Motown artists, the 10-piece band The The Atlantic Savants of Soul are changing that notion, es- If over-the-top comedian Dane Cook has ever tablishing themselves as a quintessential mu- said anything true, it’s that sometimes we just sic group in the city. want to dance. It’s in our blood. We just want to Flat Land forget about everything else around us, shake our booties and move our feet. At The Atlantic’s

Putting a label or genre on Flat Land is no easy Doowutchyalike Night, this is known as “The task, so they took care of that for you. The self- Power of Get Loose.” For the last 12 years, The proclaimed “ethereal funk fusion” band is just Atlantic has been facilitating a Thursday night as likely to rip through a Led Zeppelin tune as dance party for people to get loose each week they are the Talking Heads. Spacey, exhilarat- (The longest running weekly dance night in ing and undeniably funky, Flat Land are a musi- the city). With its checkered dance floor, dark

lighting and welcoming atmosphere, The Atlan- cal experience not to miss. tic proves to be the perfect spot to dance like Gritt nobody’s watching and do what you like to do. For more on the funkalicious Doowutchyalike

The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in Night, read here. Gainesville, thanks in part to these four young men. Gritt’s music mixes no-frills garage rock, University Club the blues, psychedelia and a whole lot of shred- Established in 1990, the University Club has ding guitar. Known for high energy performanc- long been a place to let loose and party. With es, the group holds true to the “if you’re not great drink specials and an energetic night- sweating, you’re not partying” philosophy. club feel, it’s a spot you can easily dance the

night away. UC has become a popular place for WHERE TO GO DANCING Gainesville’s LGBTQ community, but the crowd content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 87 GUIDE H Arts, Music R Entertainment is always effortlessly diverse. Our top picks for Florida WHERE TO TRAVEL TO ON weekend getaways. 1) St. Augustine THE WEEKENDS 2) Tampa

Gainesville is the epicenter for great travel in 3) Tallahassee the southern U.S. with historical and urban cities just a few hours away in all directions. 4) Boca Raton The options are endless; hop on a greyhound headed south to Disneyworld, pack up a group 5) Miami of friends in a rented mini van and head for 6) St. Petersburg the hills of Georgia or simply take to the inter- state and explore some amazing Florida cities. 7) Jacksonville Gainesville is the perfect distance for weekend trips to the beaches (on the east or west coast) Skip the planning and use one of our guides, or a reasonable ride to several major surround- written by natives from each respective city, ing airports. The central location means ease to give you the ultimate weekend away from of access to wherever you’re itching to explore. Gainesville.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 88 BEST of Arts, Music R Entertainment

BEST New Art Gallery PATENT-ARTS

Less than a year old, Patent-Arts is already giving Gainesville something to talk about with its mix of pieces by artists from near and far. Owner Gerard Bencen is not new to the curating game or to this city’s art scene, having run the Still Life in G Gallery ten years ago.

Where some art galleries can feel intimidating and cold, Patent-Arts is a space that has great walls for displaying artwork while feeling invit- ing. Housed in a two-story historic Gainesville building on 2nd Avenue, two blocks northwest from the Top restaurant, the building has as much personality as the art inside.

In addition to operating as a contemporary art space, Patent-Arts also operates as Bencen's Intellectual Property law practice. An artist in residence also works in the building, making the space do triple duty as a law practice, art gallery and art studio.

Patent-Arts is open daily during regular business hours, or by special appointment, and on the last Friday of every month between 7-10 pm, as a participant and supporter of ArtWalk Gainesville.

Patent-Arts Website

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GUIDE H Nature R Recreation

OVERVIEW of Nature R Recreation

One of the greatest assets of the Gainesville blue holes, wooded trails, and prairielands that area is the vast array of natural treasures that welcome travelers almost 365 days of the year. freckle the geography. It isn’t called the swamp Gainesville makes it remarkably easy to strap without good reason; the area boasts some of on some hiking boots, seek out a trailhead and the country’s most magnificent springs, rivers, dive head first into the natural world. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 91 GUIDE H Nature R Recreation

SPRINGS, SPRINGS AND Itchetucknee Springs Take a leisurely float down the Itchetucknee

MORE SPRINGS river in a tube or canoe. There’s a ton of wildlife

to observe, so keep your eyes peeled for wild All around Gainesville are crystal-clear, cool turkey, deer, turtles and more. water oases. These natural springs, with a year- round temperature of 72 to 73 degrees, are the Blue Springs perfect place to soak up the beauty of Florida’s natural world. Be sure to check out: For a more beach-like experience, head to Blue

Springs. There’s a lot of soft white sand and Ginnie Springs four different springs to swim around in.

Well known as the rowdy place to go tubing and Rainbow Springs swimming, Ginnie is where you should grab a floating cooler and drink your way down the Rainbow is Florida’s fourth-largest spring. Sun- river. bathe, swim and relax in the beauty of the great

outdoors. Poe Springs Ocala National Forest Much more family friendly, Poe Springs has a diameter of only 90 feet. It’s small, but beauti- Within Ocala National Forest there are a lot of ful. Be sure to start a pick-up game of beach other springs to explore. Once you check out volleyball while you’re there. the popular spots, become a local trailblazer

and find some of the more private swimming

holes.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 92 GUIDE H Nature R Recreation

Payne’s Prairie State Park TRAILS TO EXPLORE

What we lack in moderate temperatures and di- There are ton of trails to meander or to use as verse terrain, we make up for in murky, reptile- your own personal running circuit. Check out infested bodies of water and flat, creature-filled page __ in the Health + Wellness section for grassland. Enter Payne’s Prairie. With nearly some picturesque paths. 21,000 acres to explore, it’s a wildlife lover’s

Shangri-La. Did you know we have freaking buf- falo and antelope here?! Not to mention alliga- SINKHOLES, LAKES AND tors, wild horses and nearly 300 species of bird. Just remember, Payne’s is Florida’s first state LEISURE preserve, so don’t shoot anything. No matter your preferred method of exploring

Hike, horseback, or cycle the sixteen-mile or your taste in recreational activity, there’s long Hawthorne trail or less intense La Chua something for every Bear Grylls and Girl Scout path. Not into hoofing it through the great on campus. When you get sick of Netflix-bing- outdoors? You can always up your Insta- es and pretending to study, take a bold step gram like game by snapping the breathtak- outside and remedy your hermit status. Take a ing sight from the Prairie’s 50 ft. high ob- hike. Pitch a tent. Make like everyone’s favorite servation tower, complete with panoramic animated Native American and paint with all view. Click here for more trail maps, camp- the colors of the Alachua wind. Use this guide ing information, and park regulations. to get your started.

content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 93 GUIDE H Nature R Recreation

SPORTS ‘N’ STUFF WALKIN' IN THE WOODS

From soccer and softball to badminton and As a wise man once said, you come up with basketball, there are tons of opportunities to the best thoughts when you stroll through the get out there and play. Whether you join one woods. So whether you’re a Thoreau in train- of the 5 - 6 week Intramural Sports leagues ing or just looking for a little peace in nature, through UF’s Rec Sports or sign up for Gaines- the Loblolly Woods are a great and convenient ville’s adult coed kickball, get out there and spot to walk some trails. Located right off the have a ball. intersection of NW 34th Street and 8th Avenue, Loblolly is also home to some of Gainesville’s

creek system. Test your balance walking over

THE DEAL WITH fallen trees across the creek, look out for pups HAMMOCKS (it’s a favorite spot for dog walkers) and don’t be afraid to stray off the beaten path.

Gainesville loves to set up hammocks and lounge under the trees. The colorful Eno hammocks can be seen all over campus. If you’re looking to lounge, the Plaza of the Americas has the perfect amount of trees for hammock hang- ing. Grab some lunch from Krishna and chill in your Eno, soaking up the sun with a good book, some school work or simply your day dreams.

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GUIDE H Startups R Technolgy

OVERVIEW of Startups R Technology

Gainesville is bursting at the seams when it events geared toward fostering the entrepre- comes to the startup and tech scene. No idea neurial spirit. Some call it the Silicon Valley of is too outlandish to be be tested in the city’s the south or the next Austin Texas - whatever many entrepreneurial enclaves. The town is the case may be, the burgeoning mass of crea- host to multiple entrepreneurial incubators, tors and can-doers is alive and very well here business plan competitions, experiential learn- in the 352. ing workshops, and countless community content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 96 GUIDE H Startups R Technolgy

8 INCUBATORS / BEST COMMUNITY CO-WORKING SPACES STARTUP EVENTS TO KNOW Startup Hour

Gainesville Technology Every month established entrepreneurs and up- Entrepreneurship Center and-coming techies gather for drinks at a local bar. Find the monthly Facebook event to stay (GTEC) up-to-date.

Starter Space GAIN events Launch Pad at Infinity Hall GAIN was the first, and the oldest, organization in Florida focused on the innovation economy. Innovation Hub Since 1985, GAIN has held monthly luncheons Gainesville Hackerspace that allowed hundreds of local tech entrepreneurs to present their business to the area Santa Fe Center for Innovation business community. Today, they work to support local startups and innovation-focused or- and Economic Development ganizations. Skyward Capital Incubator 1 Millions Cups Sid Martin Biotechnology Every Wednesday morning, one or two early- Incubator stage startups present their companies to a diverse audience of their peers, mentors, edu- cators, and advisors. So, grab a cup of joe and listen to the local startup magic. content provided by GainesvilleScene.com 97