Exploring the areas surrounding Alachua County has been one of my favorite things to do these past few years. When I was in undergrad, it was easy to get caught up in the bubble that is UF. From living on campus 24/7, I wasn’t as exposed to all that Gainesville had to offer. We quickly corrected this oversight when I began graduate school by using the weekends to explore.
My favorite towns to visit so far have been Micanopy, High Springs, Newberry, Alachua and Cedar Key. I’m adding Fanning Springs to the list. As a family we love to visit the Florida State Parks.
These parks provide the perfect mixture of outdoor entertainment and the convenience of park assistance with the freedom to explore. The Fanning Springs State Park was absolutely beautiful. During our visit, we spotted a manatee exploring the park’s swimming area. The swimming area is sectioned off and shallow enough where even young kids can explore.
After exploring the park, we took a quick drive through the town to go thrifting. Naturally, we couldn’t pass up a new town without looking at their thrift/antique stores. You just never know what kind of treasures can be found!
Below are some of the different things I loved at the Point of View Antiques store. If you’re ever in the area + looking for a fun adventure, head on out!
Orange Blossom Belle 