Finding the Fountain of Youth
Some 500 years ago, Juan Ponce de León set out from Puerto Rico in search of the “fountain of youth.” He had heard such a fountain was in the land we know today as Florida. He sailed. He looked. He did not find.
At Gainesville Airport, where I work in tourism information, I am often asked what makes Gainesville, “as good as it gets.” The answer I often give:
“We have the fountain of youth. Gainesville never gets old”
South of Gainesville is the land of the old, where golf cart and three-wheelers roam wild. There are beautiful lakes and quaint towns, but when I venture there, I miss the youth. That is, the Youth Springs Eternal in Gainesville. It is alive, stimulating, progressive, and most importantly fun.
Gainesville is located in Alachua County, which contains the youngest population in Florida with an average age of about 30. Our health insurance rates are lower because we are healthier: great medical care comes with being health aware; a lower rate of tobacco use; and healthier lifestyles overall. Maybe it just happens to be the smartest county too since the University of Florida is there!
Ours is a health-orientated community. Wherever you look, there are running trails and bike trails. They criss-cross our community, and folks actually use them. I love it. I am a professional people watcher if you didn’t already know, especially if those people are worth watching!
My favorite trail has to be the Archer Trail, perhaps because we live in Archer. It’s level and straight as an arrow. My kind of place for nice flat jogging experience. The trail connects to the University of Florida Campus and from there to all the others trails. I could hike, run, or walk all the way to Hawthorne!
Sweetwater Wetlands Park, which extends far out into Payne’s Prairie, is especially good for nature and bird watching. I think it is a kind of Gainesville “beach.” TOTAL SUNSHINE out there on the levees. Want to get toasted? Go during the middle of the day! There is a hefty car parking charge, so I recommend being crafty and walking or biking there.
Gainesville could have been named “Park Place.” There are parks and more parks; No excuses for not getting outside and being physical. We have sports parks and basketball courts; fishing holes and swimming pools. You can do any level of frisbee or skateboard. There are those who even like to roll around in the mud! or carry rocks and tree trunks for fitness. To me it is crazy but we have travel groups and local venues that sponsor mud bogs and other grueling feats of endurance. Try crawling under electric wires for a shocking thrill!
Do we have health clubs, fitness centers, and spas? Are you into muscle, body sculpture, cross-fit, or yoga? Or how about running the Swamp Stadium steps. I dare you. Check your heart first! The Swamp is the UF stadium by the way. It seats about a zillion and is open most of the time. “Cool” people go there to work-out/mingle. Be sweaty or throw some water in your face and you will fit right in!
Follow me to the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center. How many gyms have a member #2 who has been there since 1975? ME!
A world class center that draws fitness professionals from the world over. Just like Gainesville, GHFC never gets old. There are slews of other gyms and fitness centers on campus or off. No matter your tastes: very personal, crossfit, or zumba, or just sweat and metal we have it. Pump it up; flex those biceps; how about a few squats? glutes are in; how are yours?
Being a “College Town,” Gainesville also has a fun night life. Basically there is “Midtown” close to campus with a very collegiate crowd and the more mature “Downtown” around Main Street and University Avenue. Both are bright well lit and happening. Venues range from rooftop views to a dueling pianos bar and pool tables.
It turns out that the Fountain of Youth is NOT a spring of water but it IS a spring of life! If you’re not at least young at heart, go south to the land of the old. Because spring springs eternal in Gainesville like nowhere else.
