Putting The Gay In Gainesville

Just last year, Gainesville was named the 11th gayest city in the nation by Advocate magazine. This home of the state's oldest and largest university, University of Florida, doesn't just revolve around college football, there's also clearly a thriving GLBT scene. The list was ranked according to the number of same-sex couple households per capita, gay dating profiles and gay bars per capita.

There gay bars in the area are University Club (18 East University Avenue in Gainesville) and Spikes (4130 NW 6th Street in Gainesville), and the entire area is known for being liberal and extremely gay friendly. However, if you are looking to take a break from the bar scene, there's plenty to do in Gainesville. This birthplace of Tom Petty, Bo Diddley, River Phoenix, Maya Rudulph and Gatorade Sports Drink has 30 city parks, natural springs and numerous hiking and biking trails, 13 museums, several theaters and an exciting dining scene.

Nature lovers will want to check out the following:

Southern Comfort Campground
50 SE 7th Ave. in Cross City

Those who like to camp, enjoy nature and make new friends will like this GLBT campground. Southern Comfort Campground in Cross City, which is just east of Gainesville, is known for their theme weekends, holiday parties and bonfire weekends. The campground is in its third year and for those age 18 and up.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 S.W. 58th Drive in Gainesville

These beautiful gardens are a sight to see! There are 24 collections to explore from a 1-1/2 mile paved walkway. It also features the state's largest display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast!

Florida Museum of Natural History/Butterfly Rainforest
SW 34th Street and Hull Road in Gainesville

Located on the University of Florida campus, it is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. The Butterfly Rainforest is also located here and has exotic free-flying butterflies within a large screened enclosure.

If you prefer your entertainment indoors Gainesville certainly won't disappoint you. With several theater companies, an alternative library, as as well as 13 museums - you'll have a lot to choose from. Here are a few places to take in:

Harn Museum of Art
SW 34th Street and Hull Road in Gainesville

Located on the campus of University of Florida, Harn Museum of Art is one of the largest university-affiliated art museums in the U.S. and houses more than 8,000 works which include photography and Asian, African, modern and contemporary art.

Haile Homestead
8500 Archer Road in Gainesville

The historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation was built in 1854 by Thomas Evans Haile who lived there with his family. This 1,500-acre Sea Island cotton plantation is one of the few antebellum homes in North Central Florida.

Civic Media Center
433 S. Main Street in Gainesville website

The Civic Media Center & Library is an alternative library, reading room, and infoshop. Its mission is to provide community access to information not carried in the for-profit and corporate media. It's also a meeting place for political, educational, and cultural events.

Foodies will also enjoy staying in Gainesville. Their dining scene definitely has something for every taste.

Union Street Farmer's Market
111 E. University Ave. in Gainesville Community Plaza

Located in the center of town, each week local farmers, bakers, artisans, musicians, and dancers join with customers at this fun market. Tip: music begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Top Restaurant & Bar
30 N Main Street in Gainesville

Known as a hipster hangout, The Top offers a great selection for meat lovers and vegetarians. Lauded for creative veggie fare, a fantastic pepper crusted steak and a large beer selection, The Top is a fun place to check out after a day of sightseeing.

Dragonfly Sushi & Sake
201 SE 2nd Avenue in Gainesville

This gorgeous and popular Japanese restaurant is known for unique sushi combinations and for cooked Japanese dishes. You can dine at a table or sit at the sushi bar and check out the beautiful people.

The Warehouse Restaurant and Lounge
502 S. Main Street in Gainesville

Located in a former auto parts center, The Warehouse is based in the newly revitalized area of Downtown Gainesville. The menu offers a large selection of tapas including a Grilled Cheese Flight. They also offer a large selection of lunch and dinner options, innovative martinis and wine.

This liberal city would be the perfect place to check out for a long laidback weekend.