Relaxing and Affordable Vacation in Charming Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville is the largest city in the Alachua County and its county seat. It is in Florida and has an estimated population of 124,354 as of 2010. The city plays host to several educational institutions including the University of Florida, which is considered as one of the top ten largest universities in terms of students enrolled, in the whole United States.
The bustling city is a hub of culture and education and recognized as the epicenter of independent music in the state. Each year near Halloween, the city plays host to one of the largest punk rock music festivals in the world. Its boundaries boast of numerous attractions and landmarks which include natural surroundings like the Paynes Prairie State Reserve, lakes and parks. These attractions form as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and can be experienced without burning a lot of bucks.
Saving Tips:
Knowing the ins and outs of the city is very helpful in experiencing a fun, relaxing and budget-friendly vacation in Gainesville.
Top Places to Visit for Budget Tourists
Some of the top place’s tourists can enjoy in Gainesville offer budget-friendly fees or at best, can be enjoyed for free. Among these must-see places include:
- Burritos Brothers Taco Co – Cheap yet flavorful tacos and Mexican food on the go.
- Caribbean Space Inc. – Different spicy mixes and tasty treats that won’t harm the pockets
- Garden Gate Nursery – For tourists who love plants. It is just around the corner from many of the shops in the downtown area.
- Devil’s Millhopper State and Geological Park – A small state park that comes with scenic views and a great boardwalk for jogging and walking. There is also an amazing sinkhole that can be accessed via a flight of stairs.
- Paynes Prairie Reserve Park – A must-see for those who love to see alligators. It also comes with an information center that explains all facts about the scaly and sharped-toothed reptiles.
- San Felasco Hammock State Park. Best place to commune with nature and enjoy hiking trips.
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – Perfect place for families and group of friends to enjoy a nice picnic. It is also where the Spring Garden Festival is held where tourists can enjoy star-gazing with packs of people star-gazing while listening to soothing musical performances.
- Florida Museum of Natural History – Extensive display of the flora and fauna of the northern area of the state. Has a display of the prehistoric Megalodon, which is a shark that is said to be the biggest that ever lived.
- Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings House – House of the famous writer who wrote “Cross Creeks” and “The Yearling”. This is where the 2 books were written.
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park – A favorite for those who want to enjoy nature’s bounty. Has a spring with clear water where tourists can enjoy cool dips and offers floaters for a relaxing ride down its river.
- Butterfly Rainforest – Well-landscaped grounds where tourists can feel the beauty of nature through dozens of chirping birds, waterfalls and hundreds of butterflies.
Cheap yet Comfortable Places to Stay
One does not need to shell out large amounts of cash just to enjoy comfortable hotels in Gainesville FL. There are a number of accommodations that come with friendly personnel and price tags that will not hurt the wallets. Some good examples that tourists can visit are the B&Bs like the Laurel Oak Inn, Camellia Rose Inn and the Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast.
Those who want to experience the convenience of the hotel can try out the Fairfield Inn by Marriot, Howard Johnson, Econo Lodge University and the Paramount Plaza Hotel and Suites.
