Safest Places to Visit Your Student This Semester

We Still Love to Visit Our Gators

Let’s face it, these are odd and crazy times! Things look very different at UF this semester but one thing is still for sure; we all still love to visit our Gators and they love visits from us. There are plenty of different food options that offer outside and patio seating, are operating at 50% capacity indoors, and others provide pick up or delivery to adhere to and cater to potential COVID-19 related concerns. Check out some of these places to eat.

Dining

• Amelia’s
• Chuy’s
• Dragonfly Sushi
• Harry’s
• La Tienda Latina
• Mi Apa Latin Cafe
• Napolatanos
• Satchel’s Pizza
• Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille
• The Flying Biscuit Cafe
• The Social at Midtown
• The Top

Outdoor Activities

There are also many outdoor activities to participate in to make memories in a safe and socially distanced manner.

• Watch the Gator game at a local bar (The Social at Midtown, Salty Dog, Fat Daddy’s, JJ’s, Rowdy’s, Mother’s Pub & Grill, Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille) all of these places offer outdoor seating as well. They have great food and offer multiple specials on game days. Nothing like an early happy hour and a Gator win.
• Lake Wauburg  – Located eight miles south of campus on Highway 441, Lake Wauburg North Park and South Shore offers UF students, faculty, and staff a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Many water activities are available, including boating, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding. There’s also a climbing wall, volleyball courts, and more. Admission and activities are free with a Gator 1 Card. A Gator 1 Cardholder may bring up to four guests.
• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – This is Florida’s first State Preserve and a National Natural Landmark. Eight trails offer visitors the opportunity to hike, horseback ride, and bicycle. More than 20 distinct biological communities provide an array of habitats for wildlife and livestock including alligators, of course! Bison, horses, and more than 270 species of birds. Open 365 days a year from 8 am to sundown, the cost is $6.00 per vehicle, limit 2-8 people per vehicle, and $4 for a single-occupant vehicle. Other fees apply for full-facility camping.
• Tubing – Northern Florida has some beautiful freshwater springs. Choose between Ginnie Springs or Ichetucknee Springs, then rent a tube and float down the river. Along the way, you can stop on the side to jump into the water from one of the many trees. You can rent the tubes there or bring your own tubes and rafts.
• UF Bat Houses – I must admit that not all folks are a fan of bats, but let me assure you that the bat houses are on every list of What To Do when visiting Gainesville. UF is home to the world’s largest occupied bat house, with an estimated population of 300,000 bats. Located on the north side of Museum Road between Village Drive and Radio Road, across from Lake Alice, the bats normally emerge during a 15-20 minute period just at or after sunset. They will not attack or harm people as long as you leave them alone, but they will eat as many of Gainesville’s pesky mosquitoes as they can find. That’s a winning bat attribute for me!
• Sweetwater Wetlands Park – This is a man-made wetland habitat shaped like the head of an alligator – apropos, I know. It was designed to improve water quality by filtering out pollution and nutrients. Here you’ll find trails, wildlife viewing decks, and one of the best birding sites. Entry is $5 per vehicle or gets an annual pass for $78.
• Haile Plantation – This village, five miles from the University of Florida, is a throwback to the traditional villages of the past where neighbors knew each other…and your grandmothers, too. Along with beautiful fountains, and gardens, there are boutiques, restaurants, and other retail outlets. Try to visit the day of their weekly Farmers Market, and check ahead for their events schedule that also includes ranger-led tours and bird walks. The Plantation is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to sunset.
• The Cade Museum – In Depot Park in downtown Gainesville, this modern museum from the inventor of Gatorade features interactive science & technology exhibits. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Ticket prices are $10 for college students and seniors, $12.50 for adults 18+, and $7.50 for youths 5-17 yrs.
• Devil’s Den Spring – Located in Williston, which is between Gainesville and Ocala, this underground 50 ft. sinkhole inside a dry cave has been the source of many extinct animal fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age. These fossils are on display at The University of Florida’s Museum of Natural History. Devil’s Den Spring is for snorkeling and scuba diving but they do not allow swimming. You can rent mask, snorkel, and fins (which are required) if you don’t have your own. If you have someone in your group that isn’t going to snorkel or scuba dive, they can head next door to visit Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, a Japanese botanical garden, or Two Hawk Hammock, which has a flying trapeze experience!

Regardless of how you choose to visit your student this school year, we hope you make the most of your time with them in their college town by seeing their favorite places (via walking or driving), meeting their friends, and catching up on all the fun times they are having. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.