Gainesville

If you are looking to get a taste of the nightlife in Gainesville, one of the most popular places to be is inside one of the many bars located downtown. With so many bars on the map and limited time to spare, you may be wondering which are the best bars to visit in Gainesville to really make your stay unforgettable. 

Instead of spending time asking around or pub crawling, take a look at this article that has been prepared with information on the best bars that you must check out the next time you are in Gainesville. The atmosphere and selection of drinks will not disappoint!

The best thing about Gainesville is that there is a bar to suit everyone – check out a whiskey bar if you are a lover of the strong stuff, an arcade bar if you like a game or two with friends while sipping on a pint, a cocktail bar if you are out for the evening, a live music bar if you in the mood for some music and a sing-along or a dive bar if you’re on a bit of a drinking mission.

Whiskey Bar 

Havana’s Wine and Cigar Lounge. Although this is not specifically a whiskey bar, Havana’s Wine and Cigar Lounge does have a fantastic selection of whiskey that you should sample. Not only does it have great whiskey, but it also has a unique selection of cocktails. You will love sitting back and sipping drinks at this wine and cigar lounge and even enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city around you through their large windows.

Arcade Bar 

The Arcade Bar. If you fancy a game or two while sipping a couple of pints with friends you will love the Arcade Bar in Gainesville FL. The Arcade Bar has 3 levels of retro arcade games and 2 full service bars to help keep the juices flowing.

Some of the games include beer ball, skeeball, foosball, pinball, shooters, fighters, bubble hockey and more – there is something for everyone!

Cocktail Bars 

Fletcher’s Cocktail Lounge. Are you looking for a cocktail bar with a great selection of drinks at a fantastic price? Then you will love Fletcher’s Cocktail Lounge. Enjoy the variety at this cocktail bar located on 5th avenue. The decor is simple and the atmosphere is upbeat and bubbly, perfect for a night out with friends.

Madrina’s. This cocktail bar has a great range of wines and cocktails – there’s something for everyone. Have a little taste of Cuba at this local cocktail bar with their Cuban themed cocktails and matching bar layout. 

The Dime. If you are on the hunt for a cocktail bar with a little bit of atmosphere then you will love The Dime. The Dime features hand painted wall murals and has been decorated in peaceful pastel colors that are perfect for helping you to wind down after a stressful week at the office. 

The Dime has a great selection of cocktails, both homemade and the classics. They also have a fantastic wine selection with a little something for every palate to enjoy.

Original American Kitchen. Fancy a taste of the south? Then take a visit to the Original American Kitchen as this cocktail bar features original southern cocktails and seasonal drinks made from scratch at the bar. They also have their own craft beers and whiskeys for those who are looking to sip on something a little stronger. 

Live Music Bars 

High Dive. This bar has a great outdoor seating area and stage area where a wide variety of local and traveling bands play music. Take a look at their website in order to find out which bands will be playing when you plan to visit. 

The large patio and outdoor bar are the perfect relaxing setting to unwind with friends and enjoy some reasonably priced drinks and a great atmosphere.

Lightnin’ Salvage Enterprises. Are you looking for a bar that will entertain but also provide a awesome selection of grub? Then take a stroll down to Lightnin’ Salvage Enterprises and enjoy a slice of pizza, an ice cold beer and the great sounds of a live music band. 

Dive Bar

Salty Dog Saloon. This bar serves great drinks at really reasonable prices. The perfect fun atmosphere and fresh young vibe for a night out with the lads or girls.

Everyone loves a good road trip. Packing the car with your favorite snacks, getting that rockin playlist on shuffle and cruising around with the sunroof down with friends are some of the best things to do over the weekend during the summer. 

If you are planning your next road trip with friends or family, why not consider visiting Gainesville FL? 

In this article, I will show you some of the top reasons you should visit Gainesville and why it has become such a popular tourist destination – one that you should definitely add to your tick list. I will also go on to show you 10 of the best places to visit in Gainesville FL and will let you in on just why they are so utterly brilliant. Stay tuned. 

Why Visit Gainesville FL?

Gainesville is becoming increasingly popular as a place to visit as it is home to the University of Florida which is well-renowned for its world-class educational system and top standard of teaching. 

Gainesville is also a popular holiday location due to the large number of beaches in the area, all with different attractions and sights to see that appeal to everyone. There are beaches with piers, waterparks and other attractions for families with children and beaches next to quaint towns for those who like a historical walk along the beach.  

Top 10 Places To Visit

Are you ready to find out what else is in store for you when you come to visit Gainesville? Then check out the top 10 locations listed below that will keep you occupied during your stay.

Shops

1. La Chua Vintage. If you love sightseeing then you will enjoy traveling back in time inside the quaint boutique La Chua Vintage. Take a peek at Florida’s traditional lifestyle and have a browse at handcrafted goods at this store. If you are looking for a unique present or souvenir that screams Florida, this is the place to find it. 
2. Agapanthus. If you are looking for the perfect gift for Christmas, a birthday or an anniversary then take a look inside Agapanthus. Agapanthus has a great selection of unique gifts that are perfect for the home and to give to family and friends. 
3. Book Gallery West. This book gallery is the perfect place to get lost in the world of literature. Here you will find a collection of your all-time favorite reads that you love picking up time and time again and you will also find some more quirky choices that will make a great gift for a real bookworm.

Bars 

1. Arcade Bar. This is the perfect bar if you fancy meeting up with friends. It has great techno decor and a youthful and upbeat atmosphere that is great for young crowds. My favorite thing about the Arcade Bar is that it features giant retro games that can be played with friends or on your own.
2. Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub. Located on the iconic street The Continuum that runs through the heart of Gainesville, this Irish pub is definitely the life and soul of downtown Gainesville. The bar is presented in a 1930’s building that sets the scene for the Irish theme. Enjoy a pint to the sound of live music at this bar.
3. Madrinas. Fancy a cocktail or two? Then this quaint bar will be right up your street. It’s open every day from 4pm to 2am so there are endless opportunities for you to sit back and sip at this open bar.

Restaurants

1. Dragonfly. One of the hottest eateries in Gainesville. It is popular for its simply fantastic cocktail bar that makes fresh and unique cocktails around the clock. The combination of sushi and steak meals on the menu means this restaurant has a little something for everyone and at a great price.
2. Leonardo’s. Too early for lunch but too late for breakfast? Not to worry as Leonardo’s is one of the best brunch houses in all of Gainesville. Try a couple of slices of crispy French toast and mini muffins with a mug of their freshly ground coffee, you will love it.
3. Manuel’s Vintage Room. Do you fancy a hearty Italian? Then you will love Manuel’s Vintage Room. They serve the very best gnocchi, pizza, spaghetti and just about everything you want to eat that will make you feel like you are walking down the windy cobbled streets of Venice. If you love a sip of wine with your meal, then this is the place to be as they have over 150 wines on their menu for you to choose from.

Conclusion

So when choosing your next road trip destination, don’t forget to mark Gainesville Florida onto your list! The wide range of impressive bars, unique shops, and tasty restaurants will make you wonder why you left it so long to visit. 

Summer seems to fly by and with the summer holidays coming to a close it is time to pack in the beach vacays thick and fast! Are you looking for a brand new beach experience near you? Then you will love some of the beaches coming up in this article. The best thing about these beaches is that you won’t even need to pack a passport in order to travel to them. Just pop your towel, sunscreen, and bathing suit into the back of the car and away we go!

You will adore what I have in store for you during the course of this article as not only will you get an idea of some sunny locations, but I will also give you a heads up as to why they are so popular among beach enthusiasts, so slide your flip flops on, get your sunnies out and let’s get started!

Grab A Family Pack On Your Way!

Why Take A Beach Vacation?

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a relaxing vacation by the poolside, but there is something about the beach that is simply unbeatable. 

• Ice cream and hot donuts and crepes. Now if that didn’t make you feel hungry then nothing will. Even if you haven’t got a massive sweet-tooth, the tasty drinks and snacks served on a beachfront are second-to-none.

• Get your feet wet. Beach vacations are perfect if you are not too hot on swimming. Why? Because you can simply just splash by the shore and get your feet wet if you are not a fan of nose diving into the deep end of the pool.

• Sightseeing. Nothing beats a sunset on the horizon. A view of the seaside is simply perfect. 

Crescent Beach

Now, it’s not that I am always thinking about food, but if you are planning a day trip to the beach you need to know you are going to be able to get some decent grub in somewhere and that is what Crescent beach is all about. If you love a typical plate of grilled seafood and barbecued meats then you will love this beach for its fantastic selection of reasonably priced eateries. 

This is a great relaxing beach for families with zero party atmosphere, somewhere you can grab hold of your favorite book or crossword and simply unwind.

Jacksonville Beach

Do you want to snap a great view of the Atlantic Ocean for your holiday tab this summer? Then check out Jacksonville beach. This beach is the perfect place for families thanks to its almost quarter mile long pier with loads of great attractions. 

This is a great beach for families with small children as it features a beach front park and a beach volleyball court – there is something to keep the whole family occupied. 

Neptune Beach

If you are interested in getting to know a great beach with lots of awesome features to keep the kids out of mischief this summer then you will love Neptune beach. Neptune beach features a kids arcade called Adventure Landing which is simply brilliant for the whole family. The arcade features go karts, laser tag, mini golf and a really impressive water park that has super cool rides for a variety of ages. 

Flagler Beach

Fancy a good relax and a taste of some fine wine this summer? Then take a visit to Flagler beach. This beach has a beachfront winery – the perfect place for you to sit back, sip and unwind this vacation season.

If you like to be a little more active on holiday then Flagler beach has a little something for everyone as it kayak rental for you to paddle away into the sunset. The beach also features great trails for a little seafront exploring.

Amelia Island

One of my favorite things about Amelia Island is the culture behind it. If you are anything like me and are keen on a little beach/ historic escape for the weekend then you will love this secluded getaway. Spend the hottest part of the day winding through and getting to know the history behind the architecture and buildings located in the 4000 year old Fernandina beach town and then return to the beach later on in the day when it is cooler to soak in the sights of the salt marshes, spot turtles and do some dolphin-watching on the horizon.

Who said you have to get on a plane in order to enjoy the very best beach holiday this summer? Check out the five beaches mentioned above for the very best getaways for families. Choose your beach depending on what you would most like to see or do, whether that be a bit of a historical town tour, a fun day out at a waterpark with a side of mini golf or whether you’d simply like to spend the day… well, on the beach, there is something for everyone at beaches near Gainesville Florida!