What to do in Gainesville during the Summer
By: Brooklyn Carey
Summer is here! However, some of you may be wondering what on earth to do with all this sunny time when most of the student population and your friends are gone… and clubs, sororities, fraternities aren’t active….. or you are new to Gainesville and have no idea what there is to do in the area….
Well abandon all fear my little chickadees! NS4L has your back and is going to take your summer to the extreme both on campus and off!
On Campus
Reitz Arts and Crafts Center
Have you ever wanted to bask in your mastery of a new artform? Well now you can! The Reitz Arts and Crafts Center is open during the summer and allows students to come in and paint pottery.
For the artsier summer gators: the Arts and Crafts Center also has a clay studio that allows you to use a throwing wheel to create your own vases, bowls, pots, etc.
Yes, create a whole new set of custom jewelry bowls, mugs, and piggy banks during summer that will have your fall semester counterparts jealous of your collection!
Gator Nights
Keep a lookout on the Reitz union Page for Gator Nights! These FREE, fun events are hosted in Summer A and B starting at 8pm on every Friday night.
At Gator Nights enjoy FREE blockbuster movies, bands, comedians, improv shows, arts and crafts, novelties, interactive games, cultural events, DJ’s, video games and more. They also serve free food!
All you need is your Gator1 ID
Lake Wauburg Sailing
Although not quite on campus, it is on UF grounds! Practice the study guides and pass the test in order to rent sailboats on Lake Wauburg. Rent a boat for the day and bask in the sun with your friends or brace the winds of Gainesville on your own adventure!
Off Campus
The Hippodrome
Ever heard of Shakespeare in the Park? Well this isn’t exactly that- but its near a park! The Hippodrome is Gainesville’s own historic theater nestled downtown near Bo Diddley park and an avenue of restaurants and clubs. Catch one of their legendary plays or show up for a showing of a well selected movie on the big screen. Once you walk out of the theater doors take a stroll downtown and eat at one of the many restaurants- it completes the perfect night out on the town.
Depot Park
Have you experienced Nature recently?
Depot Park keeps events running during the summer and is a beautiful spot to picnic in the summer. Lounge under the shade, grab a cold drink at Pop-A-Top and sip away the summer days.
Depot Park also leads into Hawthorne State Trail, a tree covered biking trail that is fun to explore in the cool mornings. Spot hunting hawks, turtle crossing, and the natural wonders on the skirts of Paynes Prairie while zooming on your bike.
Thrifting
Only got twenty dollars in your pocket?
Gainesville, as a well hipstered town, has an exuberant amount of thrift shops at your disposal. There are tons of Goodwills scattered about, but the real finds are in the locally owned thrift shops of the ‘ville. The summer is the perfect time to cater to your shopping vices as many graduating seniors have just donated their clothes and furniture and most of your would-be-shopping-rivals have left. It is hunting season in the red tag section, and I think you’re about to rock a grandma’s coat.
Heres a Short List of Thriftshops:
- La Chua -Vintage Clothing
2. St. Patricks -Non-profit thrift store
3. Flashbacks -Reclaimed clothes
4. Repurpose Project -Used items and supplies
The most rewarding way to find thrift stores is to hop in your car and roam around Gainesville to see what you find!
Ginnie Springs
Gainesville doesn’t have beaches but we still have a way to cool down in brisk cool waters. Head to Ginnie Springs, one of the most beautiful, natural springs in Florida. Stroll down the lazy waters in tubes, or rent some kayaks. Either way you can lounge in bathing suits and cool off from the summer rays.
Well, thats it for the list. Do you have a suggestion we didn’t mention? Share in the comments below.
And don’t forget: have a great summer!
