VIDEO: Florida Museum of Natural History: Wicked Plants Exhibit

The Florida Museum of Natural History on the University of Florida's campus is an amazing museum for any time of year.

However, they do host special exhibits throughout the year. This Halloween season, they have a Wicked Plants exhibit. 

Visitors can step into a spooky haunted house set-up where plants hold all the power. The exhibit featuring more than 100 plants and thrilling two and three dimensional interactive games, creates an eerie environment to educate and entertain.

I spoke with a few ladies who came to the exhibit on Halloween day. They were not only looking to celebrate the holiday, but they were gardeners looking to learn a little something. This video will show you all about the exhibit, and offers another exciting hidden treasure of the city of Gainesville to keep you entertained. ENJOY! And Happy Halloween!

Let's Talk Eats

What does absolutely everyone love to do? EAT FOOD!

After living for awhile in Tampa, I will say that Gainesville, Florida definitely puts up a fight for us foodies looking for the best grub.

Here's just a few hot spots you have to hit:

Let's start with pizza, because lets be honest, I don't think there is a person on this planet who doesn't enjoy some -ZA. There are two places to grab a slice that I would suggest:
1. Satchels!

Satchels has great pizza, but this place is a great choice because of the atmosphere. As you can tell from the picture, the inside of the restaurant is very unique.
The funky van you'll see as a sort of decoration outside will already set the vibe. You can spend the whole time you're eating looking around at all the crazy decorations.
The pizza, sold my the slice or by pan, is also thick, oily and absolutely delicious.




2. Leonardo's By The Slice! This place is Gainesville famous, so you have probably heard of it before. Leonardo's has been sitting on the corner of University Avenue and 13th Street for decades. There are a few Leonardos in town, but this one is the easy, quick, delicious one you want. They might just have the best tasting pizza in town, and definitely don't leave without getting the garlic knots.

Let's talk breakfast!

3. The Metro Diner on 34th avenue is a must.

This place is as diner as a diner can get. They've got all the classic breakfast favorites and they do your southern fried breakfast very well.
There is a diner feel on the inside and nice patio seating on the outside.
Just the other day, I went in the morning when it was cooler outside. Sitting outside in the 70 degree weather was amazing, and the service is awesome.
(PS: If you're looking for quick, Bagels Unlimited is an awesome bagel breakfast place right next to Metro Diner.)



Another breakfast hotspot:
4) Peach Valley Cafe! This place is extremely unique, serving things like apple fritters dipped in icing and pumpkin pancakes. The only down side to coming to Peach Valley is that it will take you an hour of looking over the menu to narrow down what you want to just five items.


A final must-try is Chuy's Mexican restaurant.

This is as good as Tex-Mex can get in my opinion.
The price is right with complimentary chips and salsa, and 5$ house margaritas.
The plates are HUGE so be prepared to take left-overs or to leaved stuffed.
The burritos are whopping and the enchiladas feed two and everything is served with two sides.
As you can tell by the picture, the inside is decorated with cantina lights and Mexican decorations and the atmosphere is a lot of fun.



So go grub out in Gainesville and report back to tell me what you thought! I hope you have gained a healthy pound or two by the end of this list.

Waldo Farmer's and Flea Market

"The Waldo Farmers & Flea Market is north central Florida’s largest flea market. We provide over 50 acres of open marketplace so that everyone can find great deals."

Vendors from the flea market say they have 40,000 people that shop here each weekend. With over 1,000 vendors on both sides of Highway 301, The Waldo Farmers and Flea Market is the ideal location for your next garage sale or to shop until you drop on the cheapest, bargain shopping you've done in awhile. 

And have you ever wanted to visit a Flea Market that was only active during the work week? Well this Flea Market is open Saturday and Sundays from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.. What more could you ask for? Very accessible if you ask me. 

Head on out to Highway 301 at 17805 US Hwy 301 in Waldo, FL for the day and score yourself some deals. 

Here's their website for more information!

Did someone say CLIFF DIVING?

That's right... Sometimes it's hard to tell if you're in Gainesville, Florida or Honolulu, Hawaii. You can cliff jump into the water at the Gainesville Quarries. Check out this video of people jumping off the cliff if you don't believe me!

It might look scary but this 30 foot jump looks like so much fun. Some friends of mine went last weekend. Even if you don't jump, there's a beautiful view out from the top of the quarries where you can picnic and spend the day. It will make you feel like you've traveled to Utah or Arizona for the day. 

If you do jump, be careful. A 50-foot jump may be a little uncomfortable when you hit the water for a newby, but it isn't life threatening at all. Worst we're talking about hear is a twisted ankle. 

Go west on Newberry Road and make a right on 202nd Street. Take it to the stop sign at NW 46th Ave and cross over to the dirt road. On the right will be a fence. Park your car outside of the fence. Then just follow the path.

It'll lead you to this view!! 

There;s is also a trial around the Quarries for the non-jumpers. The whole time you have a view over the cliff. 

So go check it out, jump if you dare (while being careful), bring a picnic, and show people this hidden treasure in Gainesville. 

Ginnie Springs

For this blog, I decided to explore Ginnie Springs this past weekend. I have been hearing about the springs for a few years and decided to go.
It was definitely worth it!

Ginnie is the perfect spot to rent a tube and float down the river with friends. People bring coolers down the river with drinks and food, people bring water proof speakers as well. It is almost like a party on the river. So be prepared when you go! Bring a floating cooler or bring your own floaties! I saw a few people who had huge rafts of people floating down the river. After paying the 20$ entry fee, there are pretty much no rules. You can float down the river with the current, or relax in the pool springs where the water is much lighter and beautiful! 

If you go on a Saturday like we did, be careful of the crowds. Although sometimes the crowds are fun. We made friends with people floating by with music. Also bring some string to tie to your friends tubes so that you can all stay together down the river. 

Ginnie Springs is just a 30 minute drive outside of Gainesville and an easy place to spend the whole day. Their is also camping at Ginnie if you decide to stay for a night or two by the river. Enjoy the outdoors while its hot in Florida and visit the springs!