Gainesville Florida's 2010 New Year's Eve

If you're in downtown Gainesville on New Year's Eve looking for a fun (and free!) way to ring in 2010...look no further than the Bo Diddley Downtown Plaza.

The festivities -- complete with musical bands, balloons, and bubbly -- begin at 9 p.m. Here's more scoop - http://http//www.gvlculturalaffairs.org/website/programs_events/NYE/new_year.html

Gainesville's Creative Culinary Creations

Admittedly even as blessed and resplendent in, well, a crop of rich fresh fruits and veggies yearround, Gainesville won't realistically hit the culinary pinnacle achieved by such meccas as the Napa Valley or it's neighboring sister, Sonoma.

However, there are indeed a growing number of incredible shining examples and glimmers of hope. Local chefs, Clif Nelson of Paramount Grill, Bert Gill of Mildred's and Frank Ruffino of Blue Highway Pizza are some of Gainesville's restauranteur/chefs pioneering this North Central Florida fresh farm to table movements working closely with dedicated local growers to dish out incredible, daily delectables.
Rounding out this team effort to propel Gainesville's foodie front, is a great, news-filled newsletter, Hogtown HomeGrown and its companion blog, Kitchen Crumbs. While the blog is new, the newsletter actually just marked its third anniversary. It is, according to its founder, Stefanie Samara Hamblen, "a labor of love to promote local foods and farmers markets." And that it does..and more. Hamblen graciously also includes several larruping recipes incorporating ingredients that are "in season." And, of course, she's included a list of "what's fresh right now" as a regular feature in each of the HHG's monthly newsletters.

So okay, Gainesville's not a culinary capital....yet. But with this strong team of homegrown help, it sure is going to be fun trying!

Gainesville's Newest Work of Art...Ingeniously Indigenous

By definition, indigenous means originating and/or characterizing a particular region or country. This week at the Gainesville Regional Airport, the word took on another meaning when an awesome and incredible five-ton concrete and bronze gator head work of art was unveiled. Indigenous, the humongous and impressive reptile seemingly emerges and graces the front entrance of the airport’s newly renovated main passenger terminal.
Yes, Indigenous is actually the newest work in the City of Gainesville’s collection in Art in Public Places. According to Pete Davidson, the wildly creative artist (and University of Florida Alumni), he transformed this five ton alligator (who, by the way, confirmed that “I” is a girl) from a collection of almost every imaginable (and quite frankly improbable) pile of treasured and “repurposed” scraps and recycled treasures. Upon closer inspection you realize that her beautifully symmetrical eyebrows (okay, do gators really have eyebrows?) are actually old railroad track and Cracker cow horns, a portion of her snout is antique typewriter keys and the top of her mammoth (no gator) head is an old wagon wheel! Cool, cool, cool.
Just keep looking and you’re bound to discover even more items than you could ever imagine and oddly reminiscent of the search for hidden objects in the children’s Highlight magazine or Where’s Waldo…but better.
So go to the Gainesville airport. Take a good gander at Indigenous. Although she looks like she might, she probably won’t bite -- and discover why Indigenous’ middle name could easily be ingenious!

High Springs putting Final Touches On Historic Holiday Homes Tour

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the charming hamlet of High Springs. Located just 15-minutes north of downtown Gainesville, this tiny town nestled next to the Santa Fe River and pristine Poe Springs, is busily preparing and putting the final touches for this Sunday’s (Dec.20) Historic Homes Tour.
The tour kicks-off at the charming Grady House Bed & Breakfast at 5 p.m., where guests are served sparkling Champagne punch and yummy hors devours adding to the heart-warming and festive holiday atmosphere at this 1907 former boarding house transformed into a popular relaxing vacation retreat. The tour, in its third year, includes eight other historic homes in High Springs making this night a memorable holiday tradition. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in advance or Sunday evening at the Grady House; contact the folks at either the High Springs Main Street (ph) 386-454-2889 http://www.highspringsmainstreet.com/ or Lucie Regensdorf proprietor at the Grady House http://www.gradyhouse.com/
Click here for a quick 30-second preview of the event http://www.vimeo.com/7942362

You May Have to Give Us A Moment...please?

Admittedly, the air here in Gainesville is thick with disappointment over this weekend's SEC loss to Alabama. So thick in fact, that multiple whacks with even the most capable of machetes wouldn't do the trick. Gainesville and all the citizens of the Gator Nation (you know, it's everywhere) are, of course, bummed that we lost, but the dark veil of despair really comes crashing down with the realization that this is the very last, yes, the final, the finale, the last dance with Tim Tebow and the football team's other incredible senior Gators.

And you know, quite frankly, it's easy to get accustomed to this winning feeling. Oh that winning feeling! We've been fortunate here in G-ville. So all we humbly request is a few moments to regroup, recoup, and clear our minds....and whack away at the air of despair!

The Hipp is Hot for the Holidays....

...perhaps a bit too hot! One of the stage curtains at the Hippodrome State Theater, in the heart of historic downtown Gainesville -- caught fire Wednesday evening! Thankfully everyone is fine and so is the theater so run don't walk to enjoy a production of either of their incredible holiday stage productions....for the classic-seeking theater aficinado, "A Christmas Carol" is a perfect choice. For those seeking to blend giggles and jingle bells, the Hipp's original production of "A Tuna Christmas" fits the bill to a tee.

Gift yourself or some well-deserving friends and family with a ticket to the Hipp for the Holidays!

Even though we're in the heart of the Sunshine State, it is indeed beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Gainesville. As a matter of fact there are sooo many holiday happenings, we'll post an event here almost every day until the end of December. Also catch us on our new visitgainesville fan page for additional information and updates.

We start today with the classics....

The College of Fine Arts School of Music prepares to entertain and spread holiday cheer once again at its annual music program highlighting world holiday music and traditional carols at the University of Florida.
Sounds of the Season will include performances by the University Concert Choir, Gainesville Civic Chorus, and includes a very special addition to the Sounds of the Season tradition with the inclusion of the University Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Raymond Chobaz. Dr. Will Kesling will conduct the concert. The performance begins at 6 p.m., Dec. 6 at the University Auditorium and features seasonal music from across the globe, including "March of the Toys" from Babes in Toyland, "Overture to Miracle on 34th Street," and "Trépak" from The Nutcracker. Nicholas Pallesen, an alum of the School of Music will be a special guest performer. **The concert is a free ticketed event. Seats fill up quickly and are on a first-come, first-serve basis; therefore, the audience is encouraged to be there when the doors open at 5:00 p.m. There are no reserve tickets available.

Gainesville Hotels at Your Fingertips!

Sometimes a high-tech tool can translate to no-to-low human touch service. The consolation prize is that most of these new fangled gadgets, like the VisitGainesville new hotel booking tool, enables you to book a hotel room with the quick click of the mouse. Our website - Gainesville's official tourism site -- offers an array of hotel properties to preview, check their available dates as well as "shop" the rate for those dates. Once you find the magic combination, you can reserve it right there, right then. There are no fees, no hidden costs just a simple, quick and cool tool to reserve a hotel room in Gainesville.

Try it at http://www.visitgainesville.com/ And if you have any questions at any point a friendly staff of VisitGainesville humans stand at the ready to personally assist. But admittedly, we can only try to be as cool as the computer.

It's a Banner Day to Sing About in Gainesville

I've been humming the great old ditty, "You're A Grand Old Flag" ever since I drove by to admire the new, lovely lampost banners heralding Gainesville's charming downtown Southeast Historic Bed & Breakfast District! Obviously the words have changed a bit ... as they are great new banners. But they are indeed high flying...and gorgeous.

This neighborhood -- just a quick walk from the heart of downtown restaurants, shopping and theatre -- sports four of our seven historic bed and breakfast inns. If you haven't had a chance to visit them (and see these snazzy new wind-flappers), consider treating yourself or a loved one by booking a stay during this year's annual Historic Holiday Homes Tour....it's a great opportunity at an even better price!

Just another reason to sing!

Still Batty in Gainesville After All These Months!

Wow...time flies doesn't it!? And the bats at the Lubee Bat Conservancy here in Gainesville do too! Yes, it's difficult to believe but it's been a year since I shared how downright gleeful I was that I and my two elementary school-aged children were attending the Lubee Bat Festival 2008 -- and now it's time yet again!

We had such an amazing time last year, that we've marked off the days and tomorrow -- Saturday, Oct. 10 -- we're returning for Bat Fest `09! It is the only time in the year that the doors are open to the public to learn about and enjoy these little beasts that really look more like an upside down, star-struck puppy!

So kick-off your Halloween season with a visit -- it's a real treat!

For additional information, here's some information....http://www.lubee.org/Florida-Annual-Bat-Festival.html

Digging the Gainesville Area?

Sometimes, I believe, we get so caught up in the hustle bustle of the image of Florida today (you know, swaying palm trees, electric theme parks and snazzy beach side resorts) that we forget about the richness and mystery of what it was like in days gone by -- I'm talking way, way gone by....okay, prehistoric yesteryear. This step, okay, leap back-in-time concept struck me as I read a news release yesterday announcing the Florida Museum of Natural History's annual fossil dig that begins Saturday, Oct. 24.

Get this Indiana Jones fans, a group of the Museum's "vertebrate paleontologists" will host the dig at nearby Thomas Farm -- a rich site replete with big critter bones that roamed this area some 18 million years ago...that's right 18 million. Wow. Just imagine digging and panning, ala gold miner, and better yet FINDING bones from ancient three-toed horses, giant bear-dogs, and Alligator olseni the great grandfather millions of years removed from a 21st century gator. By the way...what's a giant bear-dog?

The project continues through Tuesday, Nov. 24 with work occurring from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Volunteers should be at at least 15 years old, in good health and be able to work a minimum of three hours a day.

Apparently, since the Museum began offering these volunteer-based digs in 2000, they have collected thousands of "scientifically valuable" fossils -- a.k.a. "good-uns" -- helping scientists take a better peek into what Florida really looked like millions of centuries ago. My guess, and of course, it's just a guess, these digs have yet to uncover a fossil wearing a funny floral shirt, zinc oxide suffering from carpal tunnel because they were texting too much on their smart phone.

If you'd like to step back and dig in the dirt...check out the details and the application at the Museum's special page, http://www.flmhn.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/fall_2009.htm

No bones about it, it sounds like a lot of fun and adventure.

Downtown Hotel Ribbon Cutting Marks New Start...

...and a different look to Gainesville, Florida's downtown. The 122-room Hampton Inn and Suites had its official ribbon cutting ceremony and it was quite the celebration with a cadre of guest speakers including Ms. Pegeen Hanrahan,our lovely mayor, passed hors d'oeuvres and tours of the new property. The opening of this property starts a new chapter in Gainesville's revitalization of it's historic downtown and the measured yet steady increase in lodging options.

Our congrats and best wishes...to all our hoteliers...and to you Hampton, welcome to town...downtown!

Let Your Fingers Do the Walking in Historic Gainesville Neighborhoods

So when does high-tech meet history? When you let your fingers doing the walking with a new cell phone tour . Now a step back in Gainesville's rich history, is at your fingertips. The narratives provide vivid details about each of sites, neighborhoods, attractions and bed an & breakfasts included in this program.

Whether you're actually in Gainesville or simply planning the next vacation itinerary, VisitGainesville’s new tour by cell is fast becoming THE guide to Gainesville’s historic roots.

Down Home and Grown in Gainesville Florida

Ironically, some of the best consumers of Gainesville’s local produce are actually vacationers staying at one of the area’s historic Bed and Breakfasts.

Each morning the proprietors at each of Gainesville area’s seven charming inns busily dish up traditional favorites -- most made with fresh ingredients purchased at one of Gainesville’s growing number of Farmers markets. From fresh plucked seasonal fruits drizzled with locally produced honey to a savory frittata loaded with red ripe tomatoes and just-snipped basil, a sampling of delectable dishes are always on the menu at Gainesville charming B&B’s.

Even better news for foodies, especially farmers market-following ones, Gainesville's list of markets is growing. Take a look see at the latest issue on the Hogtown HomeGrown website to get the latest listing and locations. The newsletter, produced by local expert foodie, Stephanie Hamblen, also features delectable recipes using some of these markets freshest and most bountiful fruits and veggies.

Better yet, after visting the website, actually explore Gainesville's markets...sample, sip and savor!

Take a Walk on Gainesville's wild side!

Boomer Vacations in a College Town – As home to the University of Florida, one of nation’s top-ranked universities, education is the foundation for many-things Gainesville. So it only stands to reason that Gainesville is fast-becoming a hot-spot for active mature adults wishing to combine educational and entertaining adventures in a slightly off-the-beaten path Florida destination. Itinerary highlights include searching for pre-historic Mastodon bones on an archeological dig with the staff from the Florida Museum of Natural History or join in on a ‘Gentle Walk’ around the La Chua Trail with a Paynes Prairie State Park ranger or help grind sugar cane with the Florida Cracker farmers at Dudley Farm State Park.