Do you ever get that feeling that you just need to get away for a while? Personally, as a college student that works hard during the week, I jump on any opportunity to explore outside of Gainesville. Gainesville, being in north central Florida, is a great starting point for many road trip adventures. It is an easy drive form Gainesville to Orlando, Tallahassee and Ocala, but there are many other towns to explore beyond those go-to destinations.
Here are a few ideas for anybody who is stuck in Gainesville and wants to go on a weekend or day trip excursion:
1. St. Augustine, Fla.
As a young whippersnapper in elementary school, we took a school trip to St. Augustine to visit the historic landmarks. I thought that I had seen all there was to see, but boy was I wrong. The nation’s oldest city has so much to offer from beaches to historic forts to a quant city center. When visiting St. Augustine, I urge you to take a day and relax on its beautiful Atlantic beaches.
After a day of relaxation go into town and walk around the quiet shops around King Street and Cathedral Place. There are plenty of museums and cathedrals to visit, but one of the most interesting activities I did while in St. Augustine was a guided tour through the cemetery. Being the oldest city in America, there are plenty of ghost stories to go around and it gives a spooky feeling to a city that is all together quant, relaxing and welcoming.
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2. St. Petersburg, Fla.
I have been to St. Pete many times, and every time I just want to stay there forever. It is a wonderful city with a small town feel that immediately makes you feel like one of the locals. My first suggestion would definitely be to park along Beach Dr. and walk along the sidewalk that lines Tampa Bay. If you continue walking south along the water, you will eventually find yourself at one St. Pete’s main attractions, the St. Pete Pier. The pier has a wonderful view and allows you the opportunity to get a glimpse at the locals talking their daily stroll or fishing off the side.
Walking through downtown is a wonderful time. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along Beach Drive, but once you go deeper into the downtown area you will find classy lunges, Irish pubs, sports bars and many restaurants to create a vibrant yet subtle night life.
St.Pete also offers many educational opportunities, but my favorite attraction would have to be the Dali Museum. It is definitely worth the trip. It has a wonderful collection of Dali’s oil paintings that will blow your mind.
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3. Savannah, Ga.
You would generally think of Georgia as being too far from Gainesville to venture too, but Savannah is only about 3 hours away and will welcome you with all the southern charm you could hope for. The first and only time that I went to Savannah I had a wonderful time. I expected a town of old people who did nothing but walk around the downtown area. Boy was I surprised when I explored the fairytale-esque streets of Savannah.
As one of the oldest cities in North America, Savannah offers plenty of historic landmarks, parks and battle sites from the Revolutionary and Civil War. Walking around Savannah can give you a glimpse of the many squares and parks that dot the city.
A charming southern town would be a fantastic destination after a long week of exams, plus you can visit Paula Deen’s restaurant in downtown Savannah and enjoy mouth watering mac & cheese and fried chicken. Mmmm.
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