WELCOME TO THE TOWN OF GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA.
Established in 1854, Gainseville is best known for being the home of Florida’s top university, the University of Florida, with over 55,000 students that make up Gainesville's population of over 140,000 people. Although Gainesville contains many historical and natural elements like springs and rivers, there is so much more that delves beneath the surface. Over the years, the area has become a bustling town filled with live music and events, filled with a community full of diverse cultures.
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Incoming or prospective students of UF are able to tour various areas of the actual campus to take a look at the most prominent or visited areas of the university, like Marston library or the Reitz Union. However, many do not know what goes beyond the university, or where to start. It is often forgotten how unfamiliar an area can be when an individual walks into it for the first time; it feels as though there are so many different areas to explore, and it can be overwhelming to try and discover which ones to visit first.
It’s important to note that although Gainesville is considered a “college town” and most students who come to UF are coming for the main objective of retaining an education and fostering relationships with the people around them, it is vital to make sure that a relationship with the town of Gainesville is fostered as well. When the “typical college experience,” studying, making friends, and partying come to mind, especially when Midtown or Downtown Gainesville is mentioned, most well known for the various clubs and bars. However, although these can be fun activities to explore, it is essential to be aware of all the other small gems that are riddled throughout the town, as attending the same locations throughout all four years can become repetitive. Having a variety of options to fill up one’s free time can expand the experience of any student during their time at UF in Gainesville.
FIRST STOP
TEA MOMENT
THIRD STOP
BO DIDDLEY PLAZA
FIFTH STOP
DRAGONFLY SUSHI CO.
SECOND STOP
JUST SALAD
FOURTH STOP
THE HOW BAZAR
LAST STOP
HEARTWOOD SOUNDSTAGE
THE ROUTE
The walk is a total of 2.0 miles.
This walk, starting from Midtown and ending in Downtown, is intended to take any incoming or prospective students through a typical nice, sunny day and warm night with some of the best spots in the area. Meant to be a straightforward walk for newcomers, there will be stops to enjoy along the way. Having a day filled with a variety of activities outside of school or work while discovering new areas can be an incredible way to spend one’s free time, especially on the weekend either by oneself or with friends. This walk will feel like a breath of fresh air, guaranteed to rejuvenate both the mind and the body.
MIDTOWN
Midtown Gainesville is residence to various apartment complexes, a few small restaurants, and a couple of bars. It is a great place close to campus for students to stop and grab a drink or a meal either alone or with friends, and great to venture out on a weekend during the nighttime.
FIRST STOP
Bubble Tea Shop | 16 NW 18th St, Gainesville, FL 32603 | Spend: 15-30 minutes
The first stop of the walk is at Tea Moment, a local stand-alone Bubble Tea shop local to Gainesville only. It is along University Avenue, a strip of restaurants, apartments, and small drink spots located right across the edge of campus. It is very convenient for students to walk after or in between classes. To get there, one can start the North End Zone around the ends of the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and walk around towards Emerson Alumni Hall along Gale Lemerand Drive to take a right onto West University Avenue. After walking for a few minutes, the Poke bowl station is at the front. Turning left around the Poke bowl station, there is a parking garage and another separate building. Here, there should be a small sign that is labeled “Tea Moment” right outside a small, indoor food court.
At the end of the small food hall is Tea Moment, recently renovated in, serving as a fantastic and well-priced bubble tea spot, containing many different flavors. The small, cute cats on the wall add a nice vibe, the service is quick, and the boba is absolutely delicious. Tea Moment is a great first place to stop in the morning to grab a light drink to start off the day. Whether you grab the popular milk or fruit tea or a smoothie or slush, sugar and a little bit of caffeine are a great way to give a head start to the
SECOND STOP
Restaurant | 1404 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603 | Spend: 30-60 minutes | 7 min walk
The second destination, Just Salad, is located only 7 minutes away from Tea Moment, walking straight along the same (left) side of the street. It is a block away from Chipotle, and right next to Baskin Robbins and Nekter Juice Bar. This modern and healthy “fast casual” restaurant is exactly as it sounds, containing a menu made up of salads, wraps, soups, and smoothies. As a regional chain located in only a few states and cities, Just Salad is not a restaurant you can eat at anywhere. Its breakdown of all the nutrients and calories contained in each dish gives customers an honest rundown of what the meals contain. Its use of compostable bowls and utensils also helps the planet.
The modernized and open air gives the restaurant an extremely refreshing feel, making it a great environment to enjoy healthy but tasty food while feeling the sunlight come in through the large windows located at the front of the restaurant. Its available outdoor seating also gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the nice, sunny weather that is almost always present during the school year. It is a great location to eat earlier in the day, as the food is filling yet not too heavy to start the day off with. It is quick and easy, and its calm atmosphere allows for a relaxing start to the day. It is the perfect place to read a book, catch up on some work, or simply talk with some friends. It is also only a couple minutes away from the Student Recreational and fitness center as well, so on a day-to-day basis, students can quickly stop by for a healthy meal after a tiring workout. Its online and app ordering service also can allow students to pick up food along the way if they are in a time crunch.
Downtown
Now we will be venturing into Downtown Gainesville, where there are many clubs, restaurants, and parks to explore. This is where most of Gainesville's nightlife occurs.
THIRD STOP
Outdoor Venue | 111 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 | Spend: 2-3 hours | 22 min walk
Continuing straight down from the Just Salad is a bit of a long but worthwhile straight walk along the right side of the road to the Bo Diddley Plaza (an outdoor venue named after the “local treasure”) that contains many different types of activities throughout the year, including free and local vintage markets, farmers markets, concerts, and festivals. Located in the heart of Downtown Gainesville, Bo Diddley Plaza’s large outdoor area in addition to the stage gives room for people to sit, eat, walk around, and simply enjoy. The stage and large lawn always ensure that an event is going on, and it often contains local bands, small businesses, and more to come and support as well. It is a great way to spend the day browsing and looking for unique pieces as well as helping local people while enjoying some outdoor music or entertainment. Various surrounding food trucks and one or two outdoor restaurants provide food and snacks for all. All around, it’s the perfect way to spend the day. With great prices and free admission, this venue allows anyone to freely and affordably enjoy a day out on the town. There are tons of choices and always many people walking around to meet and talk to. It is a wonderful way to get in touch with the Gainesville community.
FOURTH STOP
Indoor Venue, Bar, and Clothing Store | Southwest 2nd Street, Gainesville, FL | Spend: 2 hours | 5 min walk
The How Bazar, located right back down the street from Bo Diddley Plaza to the left of High Dive and across from Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville is a bustling, small, art-owned indoor venue, bar, and clothing store. As a brand that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and individuality, The How Bazar is a great place for anyone to come to feel a sense of belonging. It is both a great daytime and nighttime venue, with great music and high-quality art and fashion. This is especially a great place for students to attend, as it is a place curated for young creators and those interested in art music, and entertainment in general. There is always something to do and look forward to at the How Bazar, and it fosters a great sense of community by hosting events such as its bimonthly night market (Bazar Á La Carte), open mic nights, small music events, art walks, and even fashion galas. This up-and-coming brand and venue’s unique and artistic venue
The Bazar Á La Carte night festival gives local people and businesses the opportunity to sell tons of different things such as vintage clothing, art, jewelry, handmade items, and more. A live DJ normally plays different types of R&B and rap, setting a calming nighttime atmosphere. There are many tents set up, some selling food and drinks and others selling personal items. It is located in the area right in front of the actual How Bazar venue itself, and throughout the small market tents are stilt walkers to help provide entertainment, similar to an outdoor festival or theme park.
The Bazar Á La Carte Night Market
FIFTH STOP
Restaurant | 201 SE 2nd Ave #104, Gainesville, FL 32601 | Spend: 2 hours | 2 min walk
Located just down the street (first turn right from the How Bazar) past White Buffalo and Harry Seafood’s Bar and Grille is the Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company, a more upscale indoor and outdoor sushi restaurant local to Gainesville only. With a calming ambience and truly wonderful food, this is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Gainesville. The menu contains tons of different types of food, and is moderately priced as well. This is a great location to stop by for dinner and wind down for the day and chat with friends, especially from all the walking around accomplished throughout the day going through the previous stops. From sushi to noodles to salads, there’s truly something for everyone here.
LAST STOP
Outdoor Venue | 619 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 | Spend: 2-3 hours | 8 min walk
Heartwood Soundstage, the last stop of the night, is a great way to end the day. With live music events weekly, it is a wonderful and affordable way to enjoy live music while munching on food and meeting new people. Most shows are performed by local artists and bands, so continuing to support the local Gainesville music scene is another perk to attending concerts at Heartwood Soundstage. It is a large space and contains a bonfire area for colder months of the year, a small bar, and various small restaurants around such as Humble Wood Fire and the South Main Station. The venue hosts many festivals, such as Galactic Garden, and the Bash Musical festival, and contains local artists and bands such as Madwoman, The Forum, Driptones, Parrotfish, and more. There are both standing and sitting options available for anyone who wants to either relax and enjoy the music from more of a distance to those who would like to see the bands up close standing right in front of the stage.
