A Gainesville Guide to Not Being Useless This Summer
GNVScene Editors Posted On May 10, 2016
It’s summer and you’ve got some extra time on your hands.
If you’re a student, it’s tempting to spend every day working on your tan or day drinking, but spending the summer in Gainesville is actually a perfect opportunity self-improvement.
It’s a time to work on yourself and do some self-motivated learning. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about hardcore academia; we’re talking about hobbies. Remember those? Things like reading and drawing and dancing?
Chances are, you’ve let your hobbies fall by the wayside with jobs and school and life, so use these few sun-soaked months to reclaim your leisure time.
We promise it will be more fulfilling than sleeping until 2 p.m. (And that’s pretty darn fulfilling.)
Take a UF leisure class.
The leisure course program at the Reitz Union offers a chance to explore new skills, attitudes and appreciations. The courses are open to the public and cover a diverse group of subjects. Learning how to make your own cocktails without the pressure of a grade is definitely a curriculum we’d dream up.
This year’s courses include:
Ceramics: Beginning Throwing, Ceramics: Intermediate Throwing, Jewelry Making: Beginning, Knitting: Beginning, Painting: Beginning Acrylics, Painting: Intermediate Acrylics, Home Bartending, Introduction to Wine Tasting, Intro to Hula, Horsemanship, Golf: Beginning and Tennis: Beginning/Intermediate.
Become a better cook.
One can only sustain oneself on microwavable meals for so long. And trust us, nobody’s going to kiss the cook if all you can whip up is some spaghetti and Ragu. Places like The Fat Tuscan, Fables Catering & Such, Mildred’s Big City Food and Hogtown HomeGrown all offer a variety of classes to spice up your kitchen skills.
Stretch it out.
If you haven’t already found your inner yogi, start this summer. If you’re super new to the practice, then hop on a YouTube channel like “Yoga with Adrienne” and try it from the comfort of your own home. If you want to get out there in the yoga community, stop by Searchlight Yoga, Sanctuary Yoga or Big Ron’s Yoga to take classes. Also, keep an eye on the First Magnitude Facebook page so you can attend their free Sunday afternoon brewery yoga sessions.
Become a locavore.
Gainesville loves to eat and shop local, so you should too. Stop by the farmer’s market on Wednesday’s from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m at Bo Diddley Plaza and ditch the takeout. If you want the experience of plucking your fruit right off the vine, then check out our guide to local u-pick farms to take home some of your own freshly picked goodies.
Book worm it up.
Keep an eye out for the opening of Third House books downtown (across from The Top) and get back in your reading groove. Third House will be filled with indie books, Gainesville authors and hard-to-find literary gems. Not to mention, yummy pour-over coffee.
Start volunteering.
Volunteering is a surefire way to get those warm and fuzzies. Shands hospital, the Alachua Country Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House and St. Francis House are always in need of some help. Plus, at Guardian Angels, you can volunteer your time to play with soon-to-be service puppies. And really, isn’t spending your free time with puppies ideal anyway?
Do some writing.
No matter what career field you’re in or planning on going into, good communication skills are key. Writing doesn’t have to be boring nor does it require you starting your own half-hearted blog. There are tons of writing opportunities in town. Apply for a laid-back summer gig writing for us or our food-loving counterpart GainesvilleGrub, for example.
Get outside.
We know it’s sweltering hot and it’s tempting to hide from the sun indoors, but Gainesville has a ton of beautiful nature to explore. Check out this guide for the classic nature spots and this guide for the local pools/tanning spots. Just remember to hydrate and wear sunscreen!
Have you checked out everything Gainesville has to offer? Download our free GainesvilleGuide here.
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