Gainesville - WeFishFlorida.com

HISTORY

The Timucua Indians were the first settlers in Gainesville before the Spaniards came during the 16^th century. As cattles were brought by the Spaniards, ranching was done by the Indians who labored for them. The British, who colonized next, destroyed LaChua, the biggest ranch. The place was bestowed the name Alachula in tribute of the Seminole tribes who inhabited the area in the 1700s. It was proposed that the Florida Railroad would connect Fernandina and Cedar Key; however, it eluded Newnansville. The residents in the Alachua county decided that a new town be created along the railroad line and that the new town be created as a new county seat. The new town, which got its name from General Edmund P. Gaines, was established in September 6, 1853. The following year, Gainesville was made county seat of Alachua County. The city was affected during the Civil War, and most especially in the Battle of Gainesville in 1864.

The University of Florida was established in 1905 by the Florida Legislature. One of the biggest universities in the United States, the school developed its educational system, thus bringing in young students from all over, many cultural policies, and a respectable medical center. Gatorade, the sports drink used by athletes, was invented in Gainesville with the efforts of helping the football team of the university. The city continued to prosper into a community with many historical milestones, aesthetic centers, and many recreations involving nature.

GETTING THERE

Tourists by car can gain access to Gainesville through I-75, which runs north to south on the west side of the county seat.

If tourists opt for plane ride, they will land in the primary airports in Jacksonville and Orlando. They could also arrive through the Gainesville Regional Airport.

Tourists can also take the Greyhound bus lines, which runs through Jacksonville, Ocala, and Tallahassee. Their new bus station is located on SE 23rd street and SE 1st Ave.

Runway Transportation Company also services two station stops in Gainesville: Gainesville University of Florida (Rawlings Hall on Newell Dr. at McCarty) and Gainesville Downtown (RTS Downtown Transit Station, 700 SE Third St.).

WEATHER

Gainesville is located in the county of Alachua. Average high temperature is 90°F, usually on a July, and an average low temperature of 42°F, usually on a January. The county has an average of 116 annual rainy days.

WHAT TO WEAR

During summer months, it is advisable to wear light-colored and cool clothing, especially those made from cotton. Women can wear skirts and cool sundresses. Flip flops are definitely something to bring. If you plan to stay outdoors for longer hours, bring along a hat, a pair of shades for eye protection, and apply a generous amount of sunblock with a high SPF, applying every 2 to 3 hours.

When on business meetings, wear appropriate clothing made of light-colored and cool materials. For night outs, it is advisable to wear appropriate outfits.

During the rainy and cold seasons, be sure to have a jacket or sweatshirt.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Museums, theatres, parks, zoos, fishing areas—name it. Gainesville has it all. Listed are some of the places where tourists may want to explore while in Gainesville.

*Thomas Center

302 NE 6th Ave Gainesville, FL 32601

Fax: 352.334.2144

http://www.gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/faciliti…

chatmanej@cityofgainesville.org

*The Hippodrome State Theatre

25 SE 2nd Place Gainesville, FL 32601

352-375-4477

http://thehipp.org/

*Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

3000 83rd Street Gainesville, FL 32608

352-395-5601

http://www.sfcollege.edu/zoo

*Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

18700 S. CR 325 Cross Creek

Gainesville, FL 32640

352-466-3672

http://www.floridastateparks.org/marjoriekinnanrawlings/default.cfm

*Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art

SW 34th St and Hull Rd Gainesville, FL 32611

(352) 392-9826

Fax: (352) 392-3892

*Butterfly Rainforest

SW 34th St. and Hull Road,

Florida Museum of Natural History

Gainesville, FL 32611-2710

(352) 846-2000

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies/

*Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

S.W. Archer Road Gainesville, FL

(352) 372-4981

http://www.kanapaha.org/index.htm

*Florida Museum of Natural History

Museum Road Gainesville, FL 32611

(352) 392-1721

FISHING

The bodies of water in Gainesville have the prized fishes that anglers can ever get. Get to know some of the fishes that you can harvest.

largemouth bass

black crappie

bluegill

redear

catfish

sunshine bass

BEST MONTHS TO FISH

largemouth bass – January to March

black crappie – January to March

bluegill – April to July

redear – April to July

catfish – all year round

sunshine bass – November to March

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING

The following are the most appropriate outfit when going for a fish:

hat
sunglasses
light long sleeves, cool light-colored cotton outfits
jacket or other rain gear
boat shoes
sun screen with high SPF

The following should also be in your A-list:

camera
cooler
water or your preferred beverages
food
medicine kit

ROOM & ACCOMMODATION

Gainesville has a lot of beautiful sights and exciting attractions for tourists. Better end the day with a relaxing hotel room or inn where you can relax and rejuvenate for tomorrow’s activities. Here are some of the accomodations which you can choose from.

*Sleep Inn & Suites

4110 SW 40th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32608

(352) 376-4145

www.sleepinn.com/hotel/fl883

*Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Gainesville

4015 SW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32608

(352) 375-1550

www.countryinns.com/gainesvillefl

*Comfort Inn West

3440 Southwest 40th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608

(352) 264-9793

http://www.gainesvillecomfort.com/

*Cabot Lodge

3726 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608-2349

(352) 375-2400

www.cabotlodgegainesville.com/

*Red Roof Inn Gainesville

3500 SW 42nd Street, Gainesville, FL 32608

(352) 336-3311

http://www.redroof.com/reservations/property-detail.aspx?pid=00257

*Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Gainesville

6901 NW 4th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32607

(352) 332-8292

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gnvfi-fairfield-inn-gainesville/

*Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites

2900 South West 13th St.,

Gainesville, FL 32608 (Formerly Sheraton Gainesville)

1.877.78.HOTEL (46835)

www.gainesville-paramountplaza.com

*Super 8 Gainesville

4202 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608

(352) 378-3888

www.super8gainesville.com/

*La Quinta Gainesville

920 N.W. 69th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605

(352) 332-6466

http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?propId=669

WHERE TO DINE

Gainesville’s attractions and fishing escapades will bring excitement to tourists, but of course, the activities will also expend their energy. It’s time for them to treat themselves to some scrumptious meals or some yummy snacks that will surely raise their energy levels up to the maximum. People having business deals can also take advantage of ritzy restaurants where they can enjoy meals while talking with clients. Here are some of the restaurants in Gainesville.

*Manuel’s Vintage Room

6 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601-6215

(352) 375-7372

www.manuelsvintageroom.com/

*Francesca’s Trattoria

4410 NW 25th Place, Gainesville, FL 32606

(352) 378.7152

www.francescastrattoria.com/

*Amelia’s

235 S. Main St., Suite 107 (Behind the Hippodrome), Gainesville, FL 32601

(352) 373-1919

www.ameliasgainesville.com