UF's campus may be tobacco-free, but Gainesville still has its head in the clouds.
Walking down the 1100 block of West University Avenue at night, one is bombarded with the smells of fruity molasses and Turkish coffee.
The fact is, Gainesville is hooked on hookah.
Of course, it's not just this town. According to a Virginia Commonwealth University study, 43 percent of adults ages 18 to 21 have toked on the hose in the last year.
Hookah bars are particularly popular around college campuses, because everyone knows college is a place to become more cultured, or at least more lightheaded. But how is one supposed to differentiate between bars when there are, at least in one case, three on the same block? For those of you living in the boondocks, AKA Gainesville west of 34th Street, the best bet is Hookah Nite Café, 2614 SW 34th St.
It looks a little shady from the outside, but once inside the customer is transported to a Turkish oasis. The lights are dim, the hookahs are tall and prices range from $10 to $15.
It's a more traditional kind of atmosphere. The owners play Indian music videos on large TV screens and orange and red lamps hang from the ceiling. Guests sit comfortably on cushy couches, and lounging is allowed.
Of course, if you live downtown, it's hardly likely you'll go so out of your way for a smoke break.
Consider this scenario: Your folks have come to visit during Family weekend and they want to get a glimpse of what you've been spending all their money on. You can't take them to the club-that drunk guy or girl might try to talk to you-so why not share a hookah with them instead?
In this case, you should take them to Farah's on the Avenue, 1120 W University Ave. It's half restaurant, half hookah lounge, with tobacco prices between $10 and $22.
It has a list of specialty flavors, Skittles being the most popular. Oh yeah, and there's a fully stocked bar.
Haven't had enough? As you're leaving Farah's, look across the street. There are two more hookah bars for you to enjoy.
You're likely to come upon Hookah Hutt first, at 1029 W University Ave. Smaller than Farah's, it offers a more intimate environment and a friendly atmosphere for regulars.
"It's very chill, very relaxed, not really uptight," said employee Jeff Tamayo. "Our pants aren't way up high."
Regular customers at the Hutt can play their own music in the club for a personal touch not found in most places.
And just down the street there's another option, Kava Lounge, 1007 W University Ave., offering a drink made from the earthy kava root.
Andrew Schild, 23, said he loves smoking hookah and prefers to come to Kava Lounge when smoking in the city because of the friendly service.
"I was well-tended to," he said. "But not obnoxiously so."
Schild said even with the over-saturation of the market, he doesn't see hookah going out of style anytime soon.
"Because of the social element, the relaxing
atmosphere and ability to loosen up after a long day," he said. "It makes hookah perfect."
