I had an intriguing time exploring Micanopy. The history here is so rich. It was founded in 1821…read more It is named after Seminole Chief Micanopy. Also, it is recognized as the Florida states oldest Inlet settlement. There are so many antique shops here with so many fun things to look at. It was a unique experience. I suggest whoever is in the area to stop by and feel the history here in this place.

Any fans of the movie Doc Hollywood (1991)? Well if you are then visiting this small historic town…read moreis a fun way to spend the afternoon. This charming community was founded in 1821 and is believed to be the oldest inland town in the state of Florida. The town was named for Chief Micanopy of the Seminole Nation. It's been recognized as one of America's top historic small towns. Population is 669 and the town itself is only 1.03 miles. Way too small for me but it definitely is quaint. Lots of antique shops, and other small businesses here along with some cafes featuring outdoor dining. We enjoyed walking around and visiting all the Doc Hollywood movie and historical sites. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a place now called Pearl Country Store and BBQ. There are many Spanish oak trees lining the streets which makes you feel so comfortable while exploring. If you happen to be in the area, I recommend a stop here. It is a town that will have you step back in time when life was simple.

A plaque in the downtown area of Micanopy, Florida remembering William Bartram, a Quaker botanist…read morefrom Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who made a journey through the southeastern Eunited States in the 1770's collecting botanical specimens. His book "Travels..." is one of the earliest accounts of North Florida. What an amazing journey and how different Florida must have been back then. It is good that Micanopy remembers William Bartram.

This boardwalk is around 2 miles from the entrance of Payne Preserve Park. It's right off the road,…read morequick stop, 15 min activity. We were there late Saturday afternoon, no shade so it gets quite hot. We noticed several kinds of herons in close proximity, pretty flowers in bloom. Would stay longer if we were visiting on the colder day.

I have driven by here countless times, but today, I took the time to stop and walk out and enjoy…read morethe stunning view. Parking is definitely limited, but it is an observation dock, so it does not draw a lot of people . I am glad that I finally stopped.

Had a really great time visiting Bo Diddley Plaza in Gainesville, Florida. This is a lively and…read morehistoric outdoor space that really captures the spirit of the city's music and culture scene. It is a great spot for events, live performances, and community gatherings, and you can tell it is a central hub for downtown activity. The open layout makes it easy to enjoy concerts or festivals, and the atmosphere feels energetic but still laid back. There is plenty of space to stand or sit and take in whatever is going on, and it is especially fun when there is live music happening. The plaza is well known for its connection to music history and it adds a nice cultural touch to the downtown area. The only downside is that it is mostly event driven, so when nothing is happening it can feel a bit quiet or open. Overall, it is a great public space that really shines during events. Easy 4 stars and definitely worth checking out if something is going on.

This large lawn-style amphitheater is located adjacent to the Alachua County Administration…read morebuilding in downtown Gainesville. It's usually used for music festivals or perhaps a farmers market but it was vacant on this Saturday evening with the street market located a few blocks away today. It was renamed in 2008 for Bo Diddley who was born here in Alachua County and is laid to rest not too far away. Diddley was known for his rectangular guitar and energetic performances, blinding blues, rock, and funk, creating a sound that was uniquely his own and influencing Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones and the Clash. It looks like a fabulous space, surrounded by hotels, bars, restaurants and the vibe of a downtown college city. Go Gators. [Review 360 of 2025 - 2012 in Florida - 23922 overall]

This cool little sculpture is located at the roundabout at the entrance of the Park Ave…read more Apartments. They kind of breaks up the monotony of a simple roundabout and adds an eclectic and cool touch to an otherwise boring entrance.

The HR department does not want to pay military personnel for leave during their probationary…read moreperiod, even when they are on an order. They fired a service member without cause, and now his job is posted as urgent. They did not even have the correct job title in the documentation presented on the date he was terminated. He was never written by a supervisor. DO NOT GO TO WORK HERE. If you are military, then stay away from here. This is the servicemember's wife who is also a servicemember. I am speaking on behalf of my spouse and other Veterans, who have experienced unfair treatment in the workplace.

Williston fascinates me. I drive through there frequently; I used to visit several business…read morelocations for my job, I attend religious services in Williston, and I head there for food shopping at Winn Dixie and delicious eating at restaurants like The Ivy House. Williston is also home to the yearly Peanut Festival, a quaint little small town festival that I love going to. What fascinates me about this place is that it's a land of contrasts. It has places like the Blue Grotto and Devil's Den where people can swim, snorkel and dive. But there are parts of the town where I feel like I'm gonna get shot. It also has a somber downtown area that looks like it's straight out of a Stephen King movie. Every single time I drive through there I think of Children of the Corn. Half of the buildings look abandoned and the others, the up and running ones, need a serious makeover. It screams of a small town that has a lot of promise but no money to keep up appearances. It's just so run down looking. But a short drive away there is such beauty. I've driven around taking pictures of trees and fields and horses and cattle. It's so beautiful and yet so dreary. I really think it's the perfect location to film a horror movie. I mean that as a real compliment. Williston also has plenty of restaurants when compared to nearby Bronson or Archer, towns that may look better in places but have almost nothing to do. Williston has one of my favorite area restaurants, the aforementioned Ivy House and a darling little ice cream shop called Flamingo Freeze. Part of me wishes they'd fix up the downtown area but the other part, the beauty in decay part, really hopes they leave it as it is.

Four giant metal sculptures stand in front of the University of Florida Animal Sciences Building…read moreand if it wasn't for Atlas Obscura, I'd have had no idea. Titled "Some Were Quite Blind" is no explanation for what they are representing and now you'll know too. The statues are actually giant representations of animal penises. From left to right, the genitalia represented are: a boar, a cat, a bull, and a ram. The statues were erected on the campus in 1988. They were created by artist Carol K. Brown. There is parking nearby but you'll have trouble getting around Gainesville or on campus if it's a game day. Be ware of the Gators schedule. [Review 355 of 2025 - 2007 in Florida - 23917 overall]

I simply love driving (or walking) down this street. I have stopped to take pictures here and there…read morequite a few times. Of course, a few times we've just walked the length to appreciate Mother Nature's work. Pictures can't replace seeing "this" in person. Sometimes I go out of my way near sunset to drive down this street because the filtered sun through the trees makes the area look absolutely beautiful. The oak trees create a natural arch that gives you a feeling that you are driving through a tunnel and it is beautiful no matter where you enter. To me, this is one of the highlights of St. Augustine and it's just a street! The best part is...it's natural and it's free. It is one of the most photographed streets in the USA...and it's considered to be one of the most beautiful streets in the USA! WHOA! Both are completely understandable. If you are visiting St. Augustine and have been on the Trolley, then I'm sure you are aware of this street since they take you down it and tell you about it. Unfortunately, I see tourists caught up in visiting the Fountain of Youth and other things in that area and disregard the street. This is sad to me and they don't even know what they are missing. If you are planning a trip to this area...put this street on your list of things to see. If you are local (or fairly local) and haven't been down this street...now you have something else to do!

Magnolia street is quite possibly the prettiest street I've seen. The street is lined with a tree…read morecanopy near The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine. We stopped and parked at the Fountain of Juice to take photos of the street before going into the Fountain of Youth.