Day Trips From Gainesville: Small Town Feel, Big Time Charm in Micanopy, Florida

Gainesville—a thriving metropolis of poorly organized roads, even poorer drivers and a rush hour that seems to last all day. Is this getting you down? Do you need to get out and find a place to slow down, at least for a few hours? Then Micanopy, Florida is the place for you.

Named one of the 12 cutest small towns in America by the Huffington Post in 2015, this quaint little gem has all the cute photo ops your bae is looking for, and even a few extras for the thrifty, the naturalist or the hungry.

The history behind the town of Micanopy

A quick history lesson to get us all up to speed on Micanopy and why it’s there in the first place is in order. 

Micanopy, the oldest inland town in Florida, was originally inhabited by Timucuan Indians. But when William Barton visited in 1774, a Seminole village named Cuscowilla was located on site.

When Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, a man named Edward M. Wanton was tasked with establishing a trading post and promoting growth to this small settlement (fun fact: the first post office in Alachua County was named after him in 1826). It was later referred to as “Micanope” after the Seminole chief.

In 1831, a fort was set up in order to protect early settlers from hostile Native Americans and remained there until 1842. If that interested you at all, the town and surrounding area is littered with informational signs and bulletins providing a more detailed history of this little town. And if that’s not enough, visit the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, which is open every day from 1 to 4 p.m.

Now, let’s turn this article from a 10th grade history report luring those with a penchant for early Florida history into something that might convince everyone else to visit this place.

I’ve lived in Gainesville for over four years now, and I’ve visited Micanopy roughly 10 times. That’s a pretty positive review already, considering Flaco’s and Durty Nelly’s are probably the only other two places I’ve visited more often.

I have a pretty set schedule for how I navigate around the the area in order to do the most at the best times, according to each place. You can follow what I say, or follow your heart and then tell me a better way.

Antique City Mall

First thing’s first, we head to the Antique City Mall. This place is insane. It’s about the size of a football field and in addition to the classic antique store collectible cigar boxes and vinyl records, this place has posters, furniture, toys and clothing. I understand that most antique malls have these items, but this hot spot has the good stuff. 

I myself have purchased two things from there; one being a Bruce Springsteen record, and the other being the coolest spooky cat sign I’ve ever seen. 

I’ve never been in the market for anything particular, and this place still gets me every time. Don’t pass up this gem. If grandma is visiting, bring her here. If your sister is visiting, bring her here. If your dog is bored, they have a cute outdoor area with lots of good smells so bring them here, too. 

I can usually spend between one and two hours in this place before I start to lose track of time and need to drag myself out. But it’s a good thing because by now, I’m probably already hungry.

Pearl’s Country Store & Barbecue

After exploring Smiley’s from roughly 10 a.m. to noon, we must head straight to this next hot spot for lunch because if you get there any later, the lunch rush might wipe them clean out of brisket or ribs.

The little local secret of Gainesville that nobody likes to mention in public is that Adam’s Rib Co. has a strong competitor for best BBQ ’round these parts— Pearl’s Country Store & Barbecue. Eleven out of 10 times I will cast my vote for Pearl’s.

Don’t be alarmed when you pull up, because this diamond in the rough is also a gas station. Upon walking inside, you’ll see it looks like the typical gas station, except where the soda fountain usually sits is a bustling, diner-esque seating area complete with a countertop area filled with cake displays and smiling patrons and employees.

I’m not here to tell you what to order, but my favorite after a number of visits is the combo dinner with brisket, mac and cheese and baked beans. You’ll have leftovers, trust me, and Pearl’s is more than happy to accommodate with a to-go box. BBQ not your thing? They also have a catfish fry. Just check dates, and all the other gas station snacks if you’re not into anything.

The other local secret that I haven’t been able to test myself is that their breakfast is said to be second to none. Please check it out and let us know how it is.

Downtown Micanopy

Now then, we get to the centerpiece of this article. If you’re already sold after the former 838 words, then I did my job.

Downtown Micanopy has all of the little town charm you would expect and then some. I’m not Henry David Thoreau or J.R.R Tolkien, so I will not attempt to spend the next 500 words describing the imagery of this beautiful spot; I will use a few more pictures instead.

If you’re a movie buff, then you’ve already seen Micanopy in the 1991 Warner Bros. flick “Doc Hollywood,” directed by Michael Caton-Jones and starring our favorite “Back To The Future” time traveler, Michael J. Fox.

I have personally been inside what I believe to be every shop inside the Micanopy downtown area and there are too many to reference by name. I can assure you, though, that they are all worth it.

There’s more than enough to satiate your curiosity for the rest of the day, and the next five times you visit. From cowboy boots, to colonial era desks; from sunflowers to Frito pies, Micanopy has the goods for even the most ravenous of thrifters and adventurers.

I wanted to make sure I wasn’t the only person that who felt so strongly about this place, so I spoke with one of many travelers who passed me on the sidewalk that seemed to be soaking up the sights.

Michaele Garrison moved to Gainesville four years ago when she was 18 to attend The University of Florida.  

“This place is adorable. I love history, but aside from that, Micanopy has wonderful shops and a great community,” said Garrison of the town. “Everyone I pass on the sidewalk is friendly, and nearly everywhere you look is a great photo opportunity.”

If you loved the previous pictures, then you understand that the greatest way to experience this town of just around 600 people  is to see it yourself.

Town of Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve Museum

But if the city life isn’t your thing, a one minute drive from the downtown area is a natural conservation and a Native American heritage preserve and burial mound.

Both offer a wonderful trek of nature trails and gorgeous views that rival even the most beautiful of days at Gainesville’s own Paynes Prairie. 

If you’re coming back into town for school, for work, or have been a long time local, give Micanopy a try. It has everything someone from the city could want: antique shops, heritage sites and the friendliest residents around.

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