Spring is here in Gainesville! Spring is a short time where temperatures are a little milder, humidity is a little lower, and mosquitoes aren't out in force just yet. You may be wondering what to do outside your new apartment in Gainesville during the spring season, so we compiled a list of some fun things and events to do around our area.
This spring may look a little different than past years due to COVID as some events are canceled like the SF Spring Arts Festival or Kanapaha Spring Garden Festival, but some, like the Florida Museum spring plant sale or the Annual 5th Ave Arts Festival just moved to virtual events. Still, we hope our list gives you plenty of other choices for fun spring activities. Let's get started before the heat of summer arrives!
FUN WITH FOOD
Let's start with food since it is something we all need and enjoy. Gainesville is home to many great farmer's markets, and you are sure to find one close to your Gainesville apartment, no matter the location. The Haile Farmer's Market is located in Haile Plantation in southwest Gainesville. Further west in Newberry you will find the Newberry Main Street Famers Market, or northwest of Gainesville you will find the Alachua County Farmers' Market. For a fun one-day event, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 10th, for the Spring 2021 GCM Food Fest at Celebration Pointe. Taste the food of 30 local restaurants while listening to live music and a game of cornhole.
Or if you are looking forward to something unique, visit one of our local farms to pick up fresh farm finds or pick your own fruit. Roger's Farm, Frog Song Organics, and Brown's Farm are popular destinations for strawberry picking, or a little later in the season in Williston, you will find Red, White and Blues Farm for blueberries and tons of farm fun.
FESTIVALS
Spring in Gainesville usually means fun festivals every weekend, but as stated above, many are either canceled or moved online. We are in luck though, as we found some that are still going on and make great day trips this spring. We'll start a little closer to home in High Springs, where they will be hosting the 44th Annual Pioneer Days Festival April 24-25. On May 1st, Newberry is having a Spring Festival or head to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston for their 6th Annual Garden Show and Spring Festival. If you haven't had a chance to visit Cedar Key, this is your chance on April 17-18 for the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts. While you are there, make sure to eat some fresh local seafood or even stop by and have some of Tony's World Famous World Champion Clam Chowder.
EASTER EVENTS
Easter is early this year, falling on Sunday, April 4th. If you are looking for an egg hunt event for your children, check out the list on Fun4GatorKids.com for local egg hunts and other Easter events, or get your contactless Easter bunny pictures taken at The Oaks Mall or Bass Pro Shops.
We hope this list gets you out exploring your new city outside your the best apartments in Gainesville. Spring is a beautiful time in Florida to get outside and enjoy local sights and events! For more information on life in Gainesville and what to expect when budgeting, check out our UF cost of living guide for information on everything thing from activities to utilities.