Where Nature and Culture Gainesville Meet in North Florida by photo
The circa-1920 Thomas Center gene bednarek/SILV gene is home to art galleries and performance space. IM ER AGE ® P hoto A hoto gency
Coming
For many outside of Florida, Gainesville may be best known for two things: Gatorade and Tim Tebow. But of Age those who truly know this city understand its depth and its three-dimensional environment — a cool balance Discover Gainesville’s new diversity. By Ted Spiker of nature, culture, business, sports, and education. ➺ usairwaysmag.com 63 Gainesville
Linda Demetropoulos, nature and cultural manager of the city’s Division of Cultural Affairs, who spends leisure time kayaking in the area. “Gainesville is one of my favorite places in Florida because of the beauty, especially the tree canopies.” Many also point to Gainesville as a city that supports new business and technology. The new Innovation Square located next to the UF campus will develop into a place where science, technology, and business merge to bring new ideas to the marketplace. “What you find here is a community that’s From top: Future plans incredibly entrepreneurial in nature,” says for Innovation Square; Brent Christensen, president and CEO of the tubing on the Ichetuck- Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. nee River; Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at “Gatorade was the university’s product that Hippodrome University of Florida State Theatre gave it fame and fortune in the marketplace, but now the university is even more committed to find more Gatorades, whether it’s in the life-science field, the green-energy field, or the information-technology field.” ome to the state’s oldest university, the Uni- busy in Gainesville Part of that spirit comes from the constant and Alachua County. photo influx of young minds into all areas of the com-
versity of Florida (UF), Gainesville retains Spend the s (c munity, whether it’s business, arts, or athletics. l its funky, college-town vibe. But many say its afternoon at the ockw Part of it also comes from the one-degree-of- circa-1920 Thomas separation residents feel with each other. When is appeal is much more diverse nowadays. Center, a restored e fro popular pizza place Satchel’s temporarily Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe. “Gainesville Mediterranean l m top closed after a kitchen fire, supporters raised has a very diverse population and a large C “It used to be a hippie town — a really cool, Revival–style manse filled with art galleries, orporat more than $35,000 to help pay out-of-work international community. It’s a midsize city H by eft) very grassroots little town, but also very progres- history exhibits, and 1920s period rooms, all employees. (Satchel’s plans to reopen in June.) with many things you find in a large city, but i on, visi on, sive,” says Stephanie Ivey, owner of Ivey’s Grill surrounded by landscaped gardens. Then head bednarek/SILV gene “There’s a constant feeling of vitality, and you still maintain the quality of life that’s so
and a resident since 1987. to the downtown district to savor Asian and Pan- t ga we’re seeing that more than ever before,” says special to us.” i
Today, Gainesville Latin–inspired dishes (see dining on page 88). ne offers many of the Afterward, check out the live-music scene or svill e, un e,
amenities of a larger catch a play or film at the Hippodrome State IM ER iv er
city (championship- Theatre, housed in a historic Federal Building. AGE si ty of f of ty level sports and a rich Culture vultures will enjoy the new Asian ® P arts community) wing at The Harn Museum of Art in UF’s A hoto l or
without some of the Cultural Plaza. And kids (and the young at courte gency, i da, Fl da, hassles (rush hour). heart) will love the teaching zoo at Santa Fe or
Located in the College, where they can stroll the 10-acre forest i da D epart north central part of and commune with cuddly critters from fur to s y of U y of the state about half- feathers (monkeys to parrots). m n ent of E of ent
way between the Nature lovers can also get a close look at iv er
Atlantic Ocean and local wildlife in nearby Paynes Prairie Preserve si ty of Fl of ty
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park n vi
Gulf of Mexico, the State Park, home to bison, horses, sandhill ron or city has a population cranes, and more than 270 bird species. Many m enta i of about 125,000. Served by the Gainesville visit Gainesville’s nearby parks and waterways da D l P e v rotect
Regional Airport, the area is convenient to for hiking, biking, snorkeling, and canoeing. e l op
popular destination spots like Orlando. But “We love the Ichetucknee River for the clarity m ent ent i visitors and residents find plenty to keep them of the water and the beauty of the scenery,” says on
64 usairwaysmag.com Welcome to Gainesville and Alachua County Gainesville is where nature and culture meet. Here you’ll nd one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures alongside world-class museums and premiere performances.
Explore a tropical oasis of flowers and waterfalls with hundreds of living butterflies from around the world...
I-75 Exit 384, Gainesville
Request a Visitor Guide at visitgainesville.com or call 866.778.5002 3215 Hull Road, on the UF campus n Open daily! $10.50 adults n $9 Fla. residents and seniors 62+ $6 ages 3-17 n Prices subject to change.
of NATIONALLY1 2 Spend the Day! ACCREDITED Teaching Historic Micanopy Zoos {Florida’s oldest inland settlement} R MUSEUM OF ART UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA Antiques :: Gi s :: Art—20 Shops Museum :: Cafes :: B&B 26,000 Square Foot Wing 10 miles South of Gainesville, I-75 exit 374, US 441 S Asian-inspired Gardens 680 Works of Art On View
FREE ADMISSION
3259 Hull Road Gainesville, Florida 32611-2700 www.harn.ufl.edu
left: Korea, Gilt Wood Seated Bodhisattva, Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) 17th century, museum purchase, gift of Michael and Donna Singer MicanopyChamber.com right: China, Covered Jar, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 18th century, museum purchase, gift of a private donor
visitgainesville.com visitgainesville.com
Gainesville_Coop.indd 2 3/30/12 1:25 PM Gainesville_Coop.indd 3 3/30/12 1:25 PM Gainesville
It All Starts Downtown 26 Restaurants | 14 Nightclubs | Free Valet Parking There’s always something happening here!
Researcher at Innovation Square Reaching www.downtowngainesville.net From high tech to higher ed, The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Gainesville is on the cutting Affairs offers many opportunities to get out and play! edge. By Chris Eversole Our quality programs and one-of-a-kind special events unfold across thousands of acres of natural, cultural and Higher recreational sites year-round. Don’t miss our parks, pools, community centers, galleries, concerts, historic sites, art
festival, medieval fair, and 18 hole par-72 championship courte photo golf course just a couple of minutes from the airport! hen Augi Lye graduated from the years, Lye pursued the technical side of a www.cityofgainesvilleparks.org 352-334-5067
s University of Florida (UF) in 2006, more artistic pastime y o
f U — the cello. He
n he got offers from across the country. iv launched his first com- er si
ty of Fl of ty But the 2006 grad decided not to move. pany, ToneRite, which makes a device that
or Lye decided to stay in Gainesville to work for increases tone, playability, and balance in string i da D W Prioria Robotics, a company founded by UF instruments. Lye then started a computer gam- e v
e grads that builds portable unmanned aircraft. ing company, Trendy Entertainment, which has l op
m “I took a big pay cut from what I could have grown to employ 30 techies — thanks to the ent C ent made in a big city, but I figured that Prioria was success of its Dungeon Defenders product. orporat getting started like all big companies get start- UF researchers and graduates like Lye have ed,” Lye says. His gamble on Gainesville paid long defined Gainesville’s economy. The late i on off. After working for Prioria for two and half Dr. J. Robert Cade, a UF scientist, created
us a i r w a y s m a g . c o m 69 visitgainesville.com
Gainesville_Coop.indd 4 3/30/12 1:25 PM Making connections that change the way people experience their lives.
Trendy Entertainment’s office in Gainesville
enrollment of 50,000 students and employs more than 13,800 full-time workers, as well as an additional 12,500 student and part-time workers. Health care closely follows higher educa- tion’s impact on the local economy. The cor- nerstones are Shands at UF, the university’s academic medical center, and North Florida Regional Medical Center, both of which U.S. News & World Report regularly ranks within
the top 50 in various medical specialties. photo “Health care is one heck of an economic Gainesville is home to the University engine,” says Brent Christensen, president and s (fro of Florida, one of the nation’s ten CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of m l Innovation Hub Commerce. “Like higher education, health courte eft) largest public universities. care buffers us from extremes in the economy.” The University of Florida - By the Numbers
And so does diversity: Insurance adds an- s y of U y of If it’s happening in higher education, Gatorade in the 1960s to keep Gator football other important ingredient to the economic
n chances are it’s happening at UF. Public university for transferring research players hydrated on the field. In 1985, UF phy- mix. Nationwide Insurance has its regional iv er #1 discoveries to the marketplace. (Milken Institute, 2006)
si With a total of 16 colleges, UF is one of
sician Bill Petty, his wife Betty, and UF bio- headquarters in Gainesville, which is also Fl of ty only six public land-grant universities medical engineer Gary Miller started Exac- home to AvMed Health Plans.
tech, a manufacturer But rather than relying on the solid educa- or nationwide with colleges of Medicine, Among all universities—public and private— i da D of joint replacements. tion and heath-care sectors, Gainesville works Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and 14th in the number of U.S. patents issued. (2010) e Rather than relying on v e Law on one central campus. Today the company actively to attract new business. In fact, it has l op
employs more than more incubators per capita than any other U.S. m the solid education and C ent 600 people and boasts city, according to Ann Collett, vice president of By attracting the best and brightest research 350,000+ Total living alumni, worldwide orporat health-care sectors, more than $200 mil- Innovation Gainesville, a community-wide faculty and students, we are leading the lion in annual sales. effort led by the chamber and the Council for way in transferring discoveries to the i Gainesville works active- enterta trendy on, While these high- Economic Outreach to bring high-skill and marketplace and creating environments ly to attract new business. tech spin-offs keep the high-wage jobs to town. that foster innovation and progress. Gainesville economy Lye, for example, started his companies in growing, its foundation remains higher educa- the Downtown Technology Center, a business Few universities are so uniquely qualifi ed i n
tion and health care. With an annual econom- incubator created by Ken and Linda McGurn. m ent to change the way people everywhere ic impact exceeding $8.76 billion, UF has an The McGurns helped transform the downtown experience their lives.
70 usairwaysmag.com And that’s exactly what we’re doing. www.ufl .edu
u of florida.indd 1 3/22/12 4:16 PM Gainesville
Clockwise: Shands Cancer Hospital; UF&Shands Connecting science researcher; neurosurgery at Shands. and the marketplace.
business district into The Innovation Hub is part of a much larg- Upgrade to Green a vibrant destination er entrepreneurial development, the roughly featuring locally 40-acre Innovation Square at the University of Travel through the Gainesville Regional owned restaurants Florida, which focuses on cutting-edge creativ- rough its commitment to Airport (GNV), which serves more than and bars, as well as ity and technology development. Both public 350,000 passengers annually, and the first thing you’ll notice is the welcoming, sunny government offices and private sectors are working together to research, the University of Florida terminal complete with rocking chairs and and space for tech- develop the square into a new live, work, and fountain. The recent face-lift, part of a $7 photo is a recognized leader in making million multiphase renovation project, also nology companies. play community. UF Research at a glance - Fiscal 2011 includes deeper changes such as a new, The newest, larg- With so many resources for businesses, s ( l innovations available to society. energy-efficient HVAC system. est incubator is UF’s Gainesville attracts growing companies like r top and eft Florida Innovation MindTree Limited, a global IT and product Scientists/scholars researching Passengers flying in might also spot the It may have begun with Gatorade®. airport’s recently installed solar panels on the Hub, a 48,000- engineering company. MindTree recently 4,000+ hundreds of disciplines i terminal roof. Not only are the panels a green courte ght) But that was just a start. source of energy, GNV is able to sell back up to square-foot building selected Gainesville for its United States expan- 300 kilowatts of power to Gainesville Regional located midway be- sion, slated to bring in 400 new, high-tech jobs Active research projects Utilities through its Solar Feed In Tariff pro- The greatest discovery in the world is just 7,000+
tween the campus over the next five years. s
gram. By participating in the tariff program, s y of the airport gains revenue and helps Gainesville and downtown. Its But while the city is reaching toward the a discovery until it is delivered in a usable, maintain its status as a national hub for abundance of office future, Gainesville is also preserving the legacy hand functional form. The scope of its resources Total sponsored research awards green technology. gra-gnv.com $619M space, laboratories, of its previous innovators. The Cade Museum s (botto as one of the nation’s largest public conference rooms, for Creativity and Invention will honor Gatorade universities and a strong commitment and other resources support new startup com- inventor Dr. Robert Cade at its future home in m r i ght) by Sarah B Sarah by ght) to research enable UF to continue its panies, which use technologies that spring Depot Park just south of downtown. long history of transforming scientifi c from university laboratories. Take Synogen The museum is one of many examples breakthroughs into products that benefi t Development Group, a tenant that has invested of the dynamic economy being fostered by
e mankind. During the last decade, UF in and mentors new medical technology com- Innovation Gainesville. “We have a commu- Ki ss
panies, helping young entrepreneurs build nity that allows cool things to happen,” Collett ewe generated over 100 spinoff companies that
their businesses. says. We couldn’t agree more. l now employ more than 1,000 people in the state of Florida.
72 usairwaysmag.com research.ufl .edu/otl
u of florida.indd 2 3/22/12 4:16 PM Gainesville Where innovation connects with the people and
Students stroll resources to succeed. through UF’s historic portion of campus.
Knowledge is
PowerAnd Gainesville boasts powerhouse educational institutions. By Ted Spiker
researchers there conduct groundbreaking The Florida Innovation Hub hile the area boasts several studies on gene therapy, cancer, neurological at UF colleges, Alachua County is diseases, and much more. In 2010–2011 alone, the university received more than $619 million perhaps best known as the in research funding. “If you’ve noticed a trend here — innovation home of the University of Flori- — that’s no accident,” says Win Phillips, senior da and Santa Fe College. vice president and chief operating officer. “It’s what we do, and we do it exceptionally well.” Tech-based companies and W UF students also do exceptionally well. breakthrough ideas are thriving University About 90 percent of incoming freshmen score of Florida above average on standardized testing. As for at the University of Florida’s With an enrollment athletics, UF has 27 national team champion- Innovation Square. of 50,000 and more ships and 203 Southeastern Conference cham- than 5,000 faculty pionships under its belt, but it’s also the only members, the Univer- SEC school to have placed 100 or more At Innovation Square, UF has created a live/work/play community that sity of Florida (UF) is student-athletes on the Southeastern Confer- Leasable square feet one of only six public ence Academic Honor Roll for the past 14 years. cultivates and inspires creative thinking, 5.5 Million land-grant universities Students and faculty point to the fact that fosters constant interaction between in the country offer- UF, like Gainesville, has the advantages of entrepreneurs and investors, and fuels Acres strategically linking the UF ing colleges of medi- a large entity while still remaining intimate. photo ideas that drive progress. 40 campus and downtown Gainesville
cine, veterinary medi- “I can’t think of another university that s courte cine, agriculture, and would appeal to me like UF does. It has the At its heart and only two blocks from UF students can take
law, all on one central research, but the colleges are small enough to s campus, lies the Florida Innovation Hub, advantage of free tutoring. un y of To learn more, visit: campus. remind you that it’s made up of people,” says a 48,000-square-foot super incubator that InnovationSquare.ufl .edu Professor Emeritus Paul Doering, a UF alum- iv Tracing to 1853, er is providing entrepreneurs immediate FloridaInnovationHub.ufl .edu si UF moved to Gainesville from Lake City in nus and one of the world’s leading pharmacy f of ty access to the resources they need to take 1906. Today, the campus stretches over 2,000 experts. “When a person closes their eyes and fl ight. Like all-inclusive leases, modern l acres, and includes state-of-the-art facilities thinks about a university, what more could or i da labs, and access to resident business like the Shands teaching hospital. Clinical come to mind than the UF campus?” service providers.
74 usairwaysmag.com And most importantly, room to grow.
u of florida.indd 3 3/22/12 4:16 PM Jake’s Take on Joint
309 S.E. Seventh Street Replacement Gainesville, Florida 32601
(800) 201-2379
• Full Bed and Breakfast or Vacation Rental • Private Cottages • Free high speed wireless internet Peter Jacobsen • Quick access to the business district, Pro Golfer and the University of Florida and Shands Exactech Knee Medical Center Recipient
• Walk to more than 30 restaurants in the The Northwest Campus of downtown area Santa Fe College is set on 175 acres in Gainesville. • Owners live on site • Pet Friendly in some cottages • Competitive rates with area hotels Santa Fe College • Quiet neighborhood with garden setting Magnoliabnb.com Established as a community college in 1965, Santa Fe gained approval to offer four-year degrees in 2008. Now the college offers both two- and four-year degrees, with flexible part- time and online programs, to ap- proximately 25,000 students. An additional 9,000 students take advan- tage of Santa Fe’s continuing educa- tion and enrichment courses each
year. photo
“With the population of Florida s (fro growing year after year, and more top) gene bednarek/SILV gene m top) high-school students seeking college
education, Santa Fe welcomed the Santa Fe College Joint Pain? Hear opportunity to provide bachelor’s Teaching Zoo how Peter Jacobsen degrees, especially to students in our region who need to study part- regained his swing after joint time and continue working,” says IM ER
Ed Bonahue, provost and vice presi- AGE programs in the health field, such as munity and respond to community replacement surgery.
dent for academic affairs. ® P nursing, respiratory care, surgical needs, it would be health sciences.”
hoto A hoto www.exac.com/PJGolf Santa Fe is well-known for technology, radiographic technology Santa Fe also reaches out to the
programs in biotechnology, digital COURTE gency, and medical imaging, dental hygiene community through its Center for media, and the arts, as well as for the and assisting programs, and cardiovas- Innovation and Economic Develop- Based in Gainesville, Fla., Exactech Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, the cular technology. ment (CIED), which nurtures local exists to improve the quality of life for
only nationally accredited zoo on a S “Gainesville has become a regional businesses. One of the most successful individuals by maintaining their activity S Y OF college campus. The five-semester hub for health care and related life- CIED companies is Student Maid, a and independence. We do this through zoo animal technology program CO ANTA FE science activities,” says Santa Fe Col- cleaning service started by a UF gradu- innovative ideas, high quality products, gives students instruction, training, lege President Jackson Sasser, “so if I ate that employs honor students. Just education and commitment to service.
and clinical experience. LL had to name one cluster of programs another example of how Santa Fe EGE In addition, Santa Fe has strong where we really partner with our com- impacts the Gainesville community. Gainesville
of marketing and adult shows at the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium public relations. Of as well as art galleries featuring student and course, you won’t faculty work. want to miss the Outdoor Adventure Harn’s other trea- Just outside of Gainesville, snorkelers, Gainesville’s many sures, such as Mo- hikers, and paddlers flock to the ways to play net’s oil on canvas, crystal-clear springs at Ichetucknee Culture Champ d’avoine Springs State Park. For John Mo- (Oat Field). Cura- ran, whose nature photos are pub- tors rotate exhibi- lished in National Geographic and tions from the mu- Time (see his work at Harold’s seum’s collection of Frames & Gallery downtown), the By Alisson Clark 8,300 works, rang- springs have held a lifelong appeal. & Nature ing from Ancient “Whenever I visit the springs, American to contem- seeing that glimpse of shocking blue porary. through the trees literally takes my Steps away, you’ll breath away,” he says. When visitors find the rest of UF’s dip a toe into the water, 72 degrees Cultural Plaza, in- year-round, they might have the cluding the Florida same reaction. Above: Nepalese, Museum of Natural “In the heat of summer, it’s Carved Conch Shell, 17th century, at the History. A draw for delightfully alluring,” Moran says, “but there’s Harn Museum of Art. families as well as never a bad time to visit.” Below: Popular nature- and history- Other outdoor adventures abound at student restaurant The Swamp lovers of all ages, the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where bike museum’s interac- paths such as the Gainesville-Hawthorne State tive exhibits let Trail afford sweeping views of the savanna. Canoes along a typical north visitors explore a Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park fea- Florida spring cave, a Native American hut, and a Florida
D estuary. In the mu- r. and Mr and r. photo tep into the Thomas Center, a Mediterranean Luminaries like Robert seum’s Frost wintered here in s (c Butterfly Rainforest, hundreds of free-flying s l . D Revival-style hotel turned cultural oasis in ockw the 1930s, doubtless a butterflies flutter amid a 6,400-square-foot vi d A is
drawn by palm trees e fro screened enclosure filled with tropical plants downtown Gainesville, to experience one of . C and mild winters, ofr and waterfalls. top l m top i the area’s many attractions that have drawn n/
as well as the lively m art harn Another top attraction for nature lovers is tourists for more than a century. intellectual and C eft) the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, where
cultural community ourte visitors can explore on their own, or take a u s
of a college town. eu guided tour (reservations required) with a s m y of visi y of S Today, those lures remain, along with a bednarek/SILV ; gene student who’s learning to care for the resident host of new attractions. The newest is the ocelots, monkeys, otters, and other animals — t ga 26,000-square-foot David A. Cofrin Asian Art more than 75 species in all. i ne
Wing at the Harn Museum of Art on the Uni- svill “It’s different from a typical walk around a
versity of Florida campus. A showcase for the m e; zoo because you’re getting information about IM ER u
museum’s 2,000 Asian works from 2500 B.C. to s the animals from someone who takes care of eu P AGE the present, the wing also includes a rock garden m purcha them,” says director Jonathan Miot. “You get and water garden with koi ponds and bonsai. A hoto to learn about the animals’ personalities.” s e, g e, “So much of Asian art reflects nature, so the (2) gency The zoo attracts more than 30,000 visitors i art you see inside is embodied by the gardens of ft per year, but there’s more to experience at Thomas Center outside,” says Tami Wroath, the Harn’s director Santa Fe College. You’ll also find youth and
78 usairwaysmag.com courte s y of visi y of t ga Hikers at Paynes i ne
Herlong Mansion Historic svill Prairie Preserve Inn & Gardens in Micanopy State Park e
tures a sinkhole revealing lush tropical plants, while the competitions throughout campus in baseball, basketball, all about what’s new and next, many of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens bloom gloriously year- soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, and other sports. And those the nearby small towns hark back to a round. teams weren’t without supporters: Well over a million loyal simpler time. Alachua and High For some, getting outdoors means joining sports fans fans attended 186 home events in 2010–2011. Springs boast main streets out of in their pilgrimage to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home of yesteryear lined with shops and res- the Florida Gators football team. Tailgating is a favorite A Step Back in Time taurants. History buffs will delight in a pastime here, but you’ll also find NCAA Division I While Gainesville’s college-town vibe is meal at The Ivy House, a 1902 Vic- “ ”
iGINNOVATION GAINESVILLE
80 February 2012 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.com February 2012 81
council of ed/florida works.indd 1 3/29/12 3:23 PM Gainesville
torian in Alachua, or the award-winning Great time forgot.” The oldest inland settlement in Primavera Running annually Outdoors Restaurant in High Springs, built as Florida, Micanopy offers visitors a glimpse back from March through an opera house in 1895. In nearby Newberry, to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and plenty April (spring equinox to Earth Day), Pri- locals chow down at Newberry’s Backyard BBQ, to explore. Settle in for a slice of pizza at mavera showcases while athletes converge at Easton Newberry Blue Highway, and then stroll the shops Gainesville’s top Sports Complex, a Junior Olympic Archery and restaurants downtown. Admire antique spring arts events, including festivals, Development Program. cameos at Delectable Collectables, take home theater, and even In quaint Micanopy, guests at the Herlong some local honey from Mosswood Farm Store, farm-to-table cuisine. To learn more, visit Mansion Historic Inn & Gardens stay in the or lose yourself searching through rare and primaverafestival.us. midst of what some call “the little town that used tomes at O. Brisky Books.
Culture Connection The arts thrive and blossom in Gainesville. Marjorie Rawlings’ home in Cross Creek Attracting legendary artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Billy Joel, Gainesville’s cultural scene has the draw of much larger cities. Its myriad artistic opportunities even attracts new residents, according to Michael Blachly, direc- tor of University of Florida Performing Arts. A Small “It happens all the time,” Blachly says. “People who have relocated here tell me they would never have thought of coming here had this Place of (University of Florida Performing Arts) pro- gram not been part of the cultural landscape.”
photo Enchantment Experience Old Florida’s literary legacy. By Ivy Lamb UF Performing Arts’ largest venue, the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, not only hosts s (fro touring shows like Monty Python’s Spamalot, top) by John Moran/SILV John by m top) but also commissions new works and hosts
world premieres from artists such as the photo n 1928, future Pulitzer Prize Soweto Gospel Choir. After her divorce, Rawlings lived with a Crack- s (c winner Marjorie Kinnan er family for a short time (“Cracker” refers to the l
On campus or off, the city’s arts scene hums ockw with energy. See a play at the Hippodrome Rawlings made a radical rural descendents of Florida’s earliest settlers), is
State Theatre, or take in a performance by e fro learning how to hunt, fish, and make moonshine. Gainesville’s resident dance company, Dance IM ER move when she set her sights University of Florida Symphony Alive National Ballet. Stroll the downtown Art- l m top She wove the experiences into her first novel, Orchestra performing at the walk, filled with artist demonstrations and live P AGE on the Sunshine State. South Moon Under. Bandshell on UF’s campus music on the last Friday of every month. courte eft) hoto A hoto In 1939, Rawlings won a Pulitzer Prize “There’s a lot going on in downtown Gaines- Seeking inspiration, she left a successful journal- and widespread popularity for her third novel, gency and courte and gency I ville any night of the week,” says Eleanor Blair, ism career in Rochester, New York, and moved The Yearling, a coming-of-age story about a boy s
a painter whose studio is part of the walks. un y of She suggests visiting the Bo Diddley Com- with her husband, Charles Rawlings, to the small, and his pet deer.
munity Plaza — named for the late, great area iv rural community of Cross Creek in “I do not know how anyone can live without resident — for a free concert (part of the Let’s er si Alachua County. Enamored with some small place of ty of f of ty
Go Downtown “Free Fridays” Plaza Series that s runs May through October). fr y of Take a Tour the landscape and people of north enchantment to turn l or
i Florida, Rawlings turned her pen to,” Rawlings wrote end Rawlings’ home and farm Gainesville also hosts nationally ranked events i da; visi da;
like the Downtown Festival & Art Show in m s of have been restored with toward capturing her surroundings. after her move to Cross October, which features more than 250 artists original furnishings and
t ga In 1930, Maxwell Perkins — the Creek, secluded in and attracts more than 100,000 visitors every ar artifacts. Guided by park j i
or legendary editor to F. Scott Fitzger- acres of lush, hardwood year. More fine art and free jazz can be found ne rangers in period dress, i svill at Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival in April. e k visitors step into the 1930s ald, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas forest and fragrant i nnan raw nnan at the house and adjacent e; s e; Wolfe — published Rawlings’ story citrus groves. The place
Annual events like the Heart of Florida Asian co anta fe orange grove. In 2007, the Festival celebrate cultural heritage, while oth- Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings “Cracker Chidlins.” When asked if never lost its magic for
Alyssa Blitch and ers like the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire are li Historic State Park became ng she had material for a novel, Rawlings Rawlings, inspiring a National Historic Land- Zakk Varnedoe in Hippodrome just plain quirky. Whether you love live music, s farM ll replied that she was “vibrating with works still beloved by Room to Dance State Theatre fine art, or medieval jousting (or all of the ege mark. For more info, visit above) Gainesville’s got you covered. floridastateparks.org. material like a hive of bees in swarm.” her many readers.
usairwaysmag.com 83 82 usairwaysmag.com WelcomeWelcome toto nonstopnonstop serviceservice toto exceptionalexceptional patientpatient care.care. It’sIt’s thethe onlyonly placeplace II trusttrust withwith mymy heart.heart.
UF&Shands:UF&Shands: YourYour rst-class rst-class healthhealth carecare destinationdestination UF&ShandsUF&Shands isis thethe Southeast'sSoutheast's leadingleading academicacademic healthhealth center,center, withwith campusescampuses inin GainesvilleGainesville andand Jacksonville,Jacksonville, Florida.Florida.
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■■ DentistryDentistry ■■ McKnightMcKnight Brain Brain Institute Institute of of UF UF ■■ ShandsShands at at the the University University of of Florida Florida
■■ MedicineMedicine ■■ UFUF Clinical Clinical and and Translational Translational Science Science Institute Institute ■■ ShandsShands Cancer Cancer Hospital Hospital
■■ NursingNursing ■■ UFUF Emerging Emerging Pathogens Pathogens Institute Institute ■■ ShandsShands Hospital Hospital for for Children Children ForFor moremore informationinformation aboutabout ourour healthhealth carecare services,services, careercareer ■■ PharmacyPharmacy ■■ UFUF Genetics Genetics Institute Institute ■■ ShandsShands Jacksonville Jacksonville opportunitiesopportunities oror residencyresidency programs,programs, pleaseplease visitvisit UFandShands.org.UFandShands.org. ■■ PublicPublic Health Health and and Health Health Professions Professions ■■ UFUF Institute Institute on on Aging Aging ■■ ShandsShands Rehab Rehab Hospital Hospital
■■ VeterinaryVeterinary Medicine Medicine ■■ UFUF Shands Shands Cancer Cancer Center Center ■■ ShandsShands Vista Vista Behavioral Behavioral Health Health
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Walk on the Wild Side ➺ If you want to do some gator spotting outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (home to the Florida Gators), you’re practically guaranteed to see the real deal on the LaChua Trail in Paynes Trivia Prairie Preserve State Park. This three-mile hike offers scenic views of wet prairie and marsh habitats, and plenty of basking alligators. Gator’s Aid ➺ Fun facts about floridastateparks.org In 1965, Dr. J. Robert Cade and a team of researchers found that overheated Gainesville and University of Florida football players Alachua County weren’t able to replenish their bodies with vital electrolytes and carbohydrates. This discovery By Ivy Lamb inspired them to develop a sports drink to keep them hydrated on the field. Two years later, the Gators credited their first Orange Bowl win to Pursuit (you guessed it) Gatorade. photo
➺ Horse Haven Alachua is a great place s
to retire — especially if V (c isi l you’re a horse! In 1984, History of Rock t ga ockw Peter and Mary Gregory began Thanks to its jammin’ college i ne
caring for abused and aban- music scene, Gainesville has a is svill ➺ fro e doned horses on their 140-acre connection to nine Rock and Roll Hall
farm. Today, the nonprofit mi e/anna of Fame Inductees including the late m Mill Creek Farm has grown to Bo Diddley, Tom Petty & the Heart- top
265 acres for its 133 equines. breakers, Stephen Stills (of Crosby, l Culinary Aces eft) eft)
Visitors are welcome on Sat- Stills & Nash), and former Eagles band ke Math, English, and ll AF ice carving: It’s all urdays (don’t forget to bring members Don Felder and Bernie Lea- , courte arch ➺ carrots). millcreekfarm.org don. rockhall.com part of a regular day for the students in Eastside High iv e/ s
y ea School’s culinary arts program, Al
a where running a restaurant and s m t y, y, si catering service is part of the C de h de
ourte curriculum. Culinary students i gh s gh have taken first place in state s
y of of y competitions for the past eight choo years and have won top honors Fl l
or on the national level.
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enta travel is pos- tory/Jeff G sible on Gainesville’s l
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age, courte age, model of the solar i on, on, system spanning
is nearly a mile along tockphoto/ NW 8th Avenue. Each s y visi planet has its own marker designed by a t ga
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The McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at B old.floridastars.org end
the Florida Museum of Natural History is home to more than mi e/anna j y, courte y,
➺ 10 million moth and butterfly specimens — one of the largest collections in the world. Visitors can see many of them on the nearly
three-story “Wall of Wings” and watch scientists at work in the labs. ke s ll y
flmnh.ufl.edu/mcguire
86 usairwaysmag.com usairwaysmag.comusairwaysmag.co Fe 87 Gainesville
Where to Stay ©2012 HARveST mANAGemeNT Sub, LLc 16404 If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, Gainesville’s Historic More than 300 locations Southeast Bed and (including Gainesville!) Breakfast District has four restored Victorian At Holiday Retirement communities, Magnolia inns featuring 1800s-style seniors enjoy freedom from daily Plantation street lamps and stately wraparound porches chores and the carefree lifestyle — all within walking they've always imagined. Tour distance of downtown. today and ask about our free Cindy Montalto, co- travel accommodations program! owner of Magnolia Plan- Welcome to Holiday. tation Bed & Breakfast Diverse Inn and Cottages, notes Welcome home. that her guests are just as likely to be business travelers as couples. “B&Bs aren’t just for Dragonfly Sushi romance,” she says. “We and Sake Company have everything that a Appetites hotel has and more.” Atrium at Gainesville Other lodging options abound in Gainesville. Travelers who love to be in the Independent Retirement Living Gainesville’s dining scene goes independent and local. midst of it all will enjoy the Hampton Inn downtown, while the Reitz Union Hotel on campus or the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center are convenient 2431 NW 41st Street for visiting the University of Florida. If you’re planning a conference or meeting, Gainesville, FL 32606 the Gainesville Conference Grant (offered twice a year) can reimburse thousands 352-378-0773 of dollars in meeting expenses. Find out more at . visitgainesville.com theatriumatgainesville.com photo n the 1990s, chef Bert Gill had a rants is the city’s revital- ized downtown, featur- s (c l dream that seemed far-fetched — ing dozens of diverse ockw ST///JOBS///REVITALIZATON///INNOVATION///
choices. Here, diners sip is By Alisson Clark that this midsize college town e fro creative cocktails at the COMMUNITY///CATALYST///CULTURE///FLEXIB top l m top would someday boast a culinary stylish Dragonfly Sushi
eft) courte eft) EGIC///EFFICIENT///ACTIVITY///SYNERGY///IN scene worthy of foodie road trips. and Sake Company, savor Pan-Latin delica- TMENT///BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT///URBAN cies, such as paella and Urban Acupuncture: s IToday, Gill’s restaurants — Mildred’s Big City empanadas, at Emiliano’s Café, or hang with dragonf y of OVATIVE///CONNECTING///JOBS///IDEAS///C Food, New Deal Cafe, and Blue Gill Quality hipsters at The Top Restaurant, where the Targeting actions which harness and direct community Foods — are part of a burgeoning indepen- menu offers dishes like Argentinian chimi-
l EPRENEURSHIPenergy to improve economic /// SMALL conditions and BUSINESS enhance INCUBA dent restaurant movement that’s bringing churri with organic tempeh. y s u s
h the cityscape. By strategically investing our resources, Gainesville ever closer to that vision. The independent spirit extends beyond the s i and DEVELOPMENT///INNOVATIVE///CONNECTING “It’s similar to towns such as Natchez, downtown as well. Take the local eggs and the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency Mississippi, and Athens, Georgia, that are fair-trade coffee at The Jones Eastside. Then co ake ERSHIPS///REPURPOSING///EXPANDING///BUis initiating positive ripple effects for the community.
thought of as culinary destinations,” Gill says. there’s the beloved Satchel’s Pizza (slated to m pany, visi “I always wanted Gaines- reopen in June), where you can eat a slice in ORT///RETAIN///RECRUIT///CULTIVATE///OUTP ville to be a place where the old Volkswagen bus out front. t ga food is important, and now How best to wash down all this local good- RY///EDUCATION///CULTURAL HERITAGE//P i ne it’s headed that way.” That’s ness? Try sipping some freshly roasted joe from svill TSCAPE///INFRASTRUCTURE///INTERCONN thanks in part to his eateries near Sweetwater Organic Coffee (available at area s e, the University of Florida, which stores and restaurants), or visiting Swamp Head wa m
p head brewery p head OPERATION///GROW///RESEARCH///FLEXIBI emphasize locally sourced ingredients, Brewery, where you can sample award-winning such as local beef used in the pimento cheese– beers brewed on-site. With so many unique, STORE///RECREATION///LANDMARK///QUA slathered Blue Gill Burger. local spots, wining and dining in Gainesville But the epicenter of independent restau- is always a one-of-a-kind experience. ILITY///ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT///CREATgainesvillecra.com VESTMENT///PARTNERSHIPS///BEAUTIFICAT 88 usairwaysmag.com NIZED///WALKABLE///HERITAGE///NIMBLE///