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December 16, 2019 by Jeremy Leave a Comment

Devil’s Millhopper Geological Site – Discover Florida’s Untouched Rainforest

Are you looking to discover some of the more hidden parts of Gainesville, Florida? Then I am sure you will love a trip to Devil’s Millhopper. If you are ready to find out something new, have an archaeological look into the past, take a peaceful walk around beautiful surroundings and unwind then this geological site is just for you.

This article will give you a sneak peek into some of Gainesville’s most untouched rainforest and will also tell the tale of the history that is locked within it. The article will go on to explain how the sinkhole was formed, including the long-standing myth and the scientific version of the story. I will also show you some of the things you can learn at the sinkhole and give you some pointers as to how you can get the most out of your trip to the national park. Everything you need to get in the know about the rainforest before visiting. Ready? Let’s get started!

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How The Sinkhole Was Formed

If you are planning a trip to the Devil’s Millhopper, you will not want to pass on the opportunity to peer into the historical sinkhole on site. It was originally believed that the sinkhole was formed because the Devil captured a native American princess and created the sinkhole in order to seize anyone who came to rescue her. But unfortunately, the true story as to how the sinkhole was formed is not quite as exciting. So, just how was the sinkhole formed?

A sinkhole is formed by a process called dissolution where limestone is gradually dissolved by acidic groundwater causing large cavities to form. Sinkholes form a depression in land surface, like what has resulted in Devil’s Millhopper in Gainesville. But this sinkhole is extra special because more than 100 feet of rock layers are exposed and ready to be explored, telling us a lot about Gainesville’s history.

Devil’s Millhopper, A Dog-Friendly Zone

If your family is anything like mine, everywhere you go, the dog goes too. So it is important to know when you are going out to a national park whether dogs will be allowed to enter, especially if you are planning to spend the whole day out of the house and don’t like the idea of keeping your dog cooped up inside.

If you are a dog lover I am sure you will be happy to know that dogs are welcome at Devil’s Millhopper, making a trip to the geological site a perfect day out for the whole family. Make sure to keep Spike on a no more than 6 foot handheld leash and stick to the trails and I am sure you will all enjoy the sights and wildlife spotting at the park.

Dogs are also allowed off the leash at Devil’s Millhopper, as long as they are not left so for periods extending 30 minutes. Also, don’t forget to pick up after your dog and keep him under control, that way everyone can enjoy their visit to Devil’s Millhopper.

Lots To Learn At The Sinkhole

Are you looking to learn something new or are searching for an interesting place to take the kids this vacation period? Then allow the Devil’s Millhopper sinkhole to make for the perfect day out for the whole family.

There is so much to learn and discover at the sinkhole, you can look at studies of shark teeth and shells and fossilized remains that teach us a bunch about Gainesville’s past. You can take a look at illustrative displays that will teach you about the lush vegetation, wildlife and the miniature rainforest found at the bottom of the sinkhole.

Make sure your little ones bring a notepad with them so that they can write down all of the exciting new facts they investigate and a camera so that they can document it all in pictures. I am sure they will be ecstatic to tell their teachers all of the interesting places they have visited during the holidays when classes start back again.

Make A Day Of It

There is so much to do at the Devil’s Millhopper geological site, so make sure you arrive early so that you can get as much done as possible. Use your time at the national park to take part in the following activities:

Hiking – strap on your walking boots and hike across the grounds.
Picnicking – park up under the shade of some of the national parks’ majestic trees to have a bite with family and friends.
Wildlife viewing – catch a sighting of wildlife in its natural habitat. Don’t forget to snap a photo!
Tours – the park holds guided tours with a ranger every Saturday morning. Make sure you get to the park at the weekend to be able to benefit from this special arrangement.

December 15, 2019 by Jeremy Leave a Comment

Butterfly Rainforest – Places To Visit In Gainesville FL

As I am sure you will agree, it is not easy to keep the kids occupied over the school vacation period. Of course, the first few days are always a novelty for them, staying up late and sleeping in until midday, but it doesn’t take long for them to wish themselves back to their mundane school routine. Where can you take them to keep them busy and entertained during the next school vacation?

If you are planning a trip to Gainesville, Florida, then you simply cannot pass on the opportunity to visit the popular butterfly rainforest exhibit located at the Florida Museum. When are the best times to visit? What can you see at the exhibit? Stay tuned to find out.

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Why Outdoor Trips Are Great For Kids

One of the easiest ways to keep your children busy during the holidays is to let them entertain themselves with videogames, TV and the like, but that may not be the best way for them to spend all of their school vacation time. Consider some of the reasons below as to why kids should spend some time exploring the great outdoors this vacation season:

Visual learning

Of course, sitting and watching the Discovery Channel on TV will help your children to learn all sorts about different animals, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing up close. Taking kids to visit a zoo or wildlife park is a great way for your children to learn more about wildlife and study animals in their habitat.

Exercise

Children like to be active (as I am sure you are more than aware) and getting out of the house is a great way for them to stretch their legs and let off a little steam. Outdoor trips that include walking or even hiking are great to help kids build stamina and ae ideal ways to help keep fit.

Family interaction

Thanks to the digital age, it can seem increasingly difficult to get kids to put down their handheld devices and interact with you, and that is where outdoor trips are key. Taking your kids out on a trip will help them to bond with their siblings and with you, making family ties stronger.

Are you looking for a fantastic family bonding outing to take your kids to enjoy this vacation season? Then take a look at the following information about the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, Florida, a superb family trip idea.

The Butterfly Rainforest

Where It Is Located

The Butterfly Rainforest is located on Hull Road inside the Florida Museum of Natural History. The rainforest is exposed to Florida’s natural weather conditions which makes it the perfect habitat to see many butterflies and other animals. The Butterfly Rainforest covers a lush landscape of 6,400 square feet teeming with life, natural foliage, and tropical trees that ready to be explored during your visit.

What You Will Find

The Butterfly Rainforest is home to more than 50 species of free flying butterflies and moths, including those that are native to Florida and others from across the globe. You can watch the butterflies up close as they settle on the various feeding trays located around the exhibit. Not only that, but the Butterfly Rainforest is also home to many different species of birds, turtles, and fish.

Not only is the Butterfly Rainforest the best place to find a wide variety of wildlife, but it is also home to winding walking paths and spectacular waterfalls that will have you in awe. The forest also has a wide variety of plants that change with the seasons including bromeliads and orchids, making every visit to the Butterfly Rainforest a unique trip.

When To Visit

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm but if you are looking to get an extra special look at the butterflies there is an awesome event you should mark your clocks for. Every weekday at 2 pm or weekends at 2 or 3 pm the Butterfly Rainforest has breath-taking live butterfly releases that you simply cannot miss out on!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fantastic outing for the whole family to enjoy this school vacation season, then make sure you take a visit down to the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, Florida. The wide variety of butterfly species and other wildlife and flowers in bloom will no doubt leave you in awe at some of natures’ most delicate beauty.

This is the perfect place to stop by for both adults and children and there are many things to look at including peaceful waterfalls and you can also enjoy a gentle stroll down some of the many paths and trails. Make sure you plan your visit to the Butterfly Rainforest today!

December 13, 2019 by Jeremy Leave a Comment

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

If you are a massive football fan, you have got to take a visit down to the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, otherwise known as the Swamp of Gainesville. There is no better place to watch the game alongside avid footballers, chant and get engrossed in the spirit of the game.

If you are planning a trip through Gainesville and are a keen footballer, I highly recommend you plan your visit around the time of one of the scheduled games so that you can experience the stadium at its most exciting time.

During this article, I will be answering all of those burning trivia questions everyone wants to know about the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium or, “the Swamp” in Gainesville, Florida. I will also explain more details about where the stadium is located and the events held there so that you can make the most of your stay at one of the most popular locations in Gainesville.

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Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Opening Hours

Not sure what time to arrive at the stadium? It is open from 7 am to 8 pm from Monday to Sunday so that everyone can get the opportunity to pay a visit to the home of the Gators.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Address

Are you new to Gainesville or are planning a visit to the city and have tickets to watch a game at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium? Then pop 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville into your SatNav and away you go. One of the best things about the stadium is its great location – is it easy to get to in the car and also via public transport. Many buses will take you to the stadium and the bus stop is located just across the road. Easy peasy.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Parking

Are you planning a trip down to the stadium by car and want to get parked up close to the action? It is helpful to note that tickets to see the Florida Gators play sell out quickly, so make sure you get logged into their website to purchase tickets as soon as you know which dates you will be visiting Gainesville.

General parking spaces close to the stadium are reserved on a first come first serve basis, so make sure you arrive at the stadium early before your game in order to reserve a parking space up close to the stadium.

Parking is prohibited on grass and sidewalks – so watch out as if you do so you will risk your car being towed. Parking on the campus is exclusive for booster club members.

You will be happy to know that the club has specific disabled, RV, taxi, and visitor parking which is located on Hull Road.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Seating

If you are planning a trip to the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium then I am sure you are looking for the best seat in the house! But if it is your first time visiting the stadium you are probably unaware of which seats to choose that will provide you with a great view of the game and will offer you the most comfort. Take a look at the seating guide below that will let you in on the best seats to book for the game:

Best view of the game.

Are you looking to get a great seat up and close to the pitch? Then make sure you secure your tickets among sections 218, 220, 505 and 506 of the stadium. Not only will these seats provide you with a great view but you will also enjoy exclusive club amenities and the opportunity to experience the club lounge.

Chairback seating.

Do you fancy watching the game in chairback seating? Then make sure you purchase your tickets along rows 1-25 in the Sunshine Seats. You can also sit in rows 30 and higher in sections 20-26 or the first 12 rows of sections 47-65 to enjoy chairback seating. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets in the Touchdown Terrace which also feature chairs with backs.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Events

The Swamp stadium hosts a variety of different events, the most common being college football and NCAA matchups, so you will want to make sure you are in town to watch those events and get a feel of Gainesville’s football spirit.

Are you planning a trip through Gainesville but would like to make the most of your time in town to visit one of the events held at the stadium? The best thing to do to find out which events are coming up is to check out their website as it will keep you up to date with the latest events and will also provide you with handy links so that you can get your hands on some tickets. Their website contains information on events coming up in the months ahead – there’s always something to see at the stadium!

December 12, 2019 by Jeremy Leave a Comment

Austin Cary Forest Campus Gainesville

Have you been scouring the internet for the very best wedding venue? Finding the perfect wedding venue is like finding the glue that sticks all of the different elements of your wedding together. The wedding dress, the bridal party, the wedding cake, and decorations, will all look the part when presented at the ideal wedding location.

Are you planning your dream day around Gainesville, Florida and are looking for a beautiful location for your wedding that won’t eat into most of your wedding budget? Then stop right here as you have found it!

In this article, I will be discussing the Austin Cary Forest Campus based in Gainesville, Florida, a popular wedding venue in the area. I will go into details about its location, and the different rooms available to hire for your wedding day. Not only that, but in case you are a little unsure about which venue you should choose, I will also include a list of reasons as to why the Austin Cary Forest Campus would be the ideal wedding location and much more. Stay tuned!

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How The Austin Cary Forest Campus Got Its Name

The Austin Cary Forest Campus is a University of Florida school of forest resources and conservation made up of four buildings including the education building, the stern learning center conference room, the stern learning center classroom, and the teaching pavilion. The campus is based on NE Waldo Road in Gainesville, Florida – a centrical location that makes it easy to get to.

Austin Cary (born 31st of July 1865) was a forestry pioneer that worked hard alongside forestry schools and organizations and helped to develop some of the knowledge we have today about the great outdoors. He took his forestry studies to different countries around Europe and various states in the US, often lecturing about forestry to students as he traveled. The Austin Cary Forest Campus has been dedicated in his name in remembrance of his hard work and contributions to society.

Reserve The Austin Cary Forest Campus For Your Wedding

Are you toying between a few venues for your big day? Then don’t forget to include the Austin Cary Forest Campus onto your list. You may be wondering, however, what makes this venue so special? Take a look at the reasons below why it would be the perfect choice for your wedding day.

Multiple rooms

The Austin Cary Forest Campus has multiple rooms up for hire for your wedding day. You can choose between the Stern learning center conference room, the stern learning center classroom, and the educational building for the background to your wedding.

Rental equipment

The rooms in the Austin Cary Forest Campus come equipped with tables and chairs, helping you to save money on expensive rental equipment. Isn’t that a load off?

Outdoor space

Don’t like the idea of being cooped up indoors on your wedding day? Not to worry, there is nothing that will help you relax and calm your nerves better than listening to the blissful sounds of wildlife at the Austin Cary Forest. The forest also contains a lake that is an awesome location for the most picturesque and romantic wedding photos.

Teaching pavilion

The on-site pavilion is a fantastic open space that is ideal for an outdoor ceremony or even for a late night boogie should you wish to enjoy the whole event outdoors.

Choose Your Space

Now that you have had a closer look at the Austin Cary Forest Campus, I am sure you are dying to pick up the phone to start discussing your options. Take a look at the following information that will give you an inside peek at some of the spaces on-site so that you can choose a room (or two) that will best match your day and the theme you have in mind.

Stern Learning Center Conference Room

The conference room is a large, wide open space with beautiful clerestory glass windows that help natural light pour in and make for the most gorgeous photos on your wedding day. The conference room gives you access to the kitchen, porch, library, and gallery.

The space comes with the following equipment to make organizing your day that little bit easier:

Projector
Tables and chairs
Speakers
Microphone
Podium

All of this equipment make the conference room an ideal location for a ceremony or a reception.

Stern Learning Center Classroom

The classroom is a good sized room ideal for 30 guests, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The room contains the following equipment:

Tables and chairs
Wall-mounted monitor
Podium

Education Building

The education building is made up of two joining buildings that are ideal for 20 guests. The room contains impressive artifacts that tell the tale of Florida’s forestry and give the room that perfect rustic touch. The room includes the use of a small deck and teaching pavilion.