Gator Mama Blog

Good News for Florida State Parks

2011-02-17T04:31:00.000-05:00

Governor Rick Scott says no to closing many Florida State Parks, proposing to cut spending by water management districts instead.

I am so glad that my family will still get to enjoy these resources!

We went to Devil's Millhopper this weekend. It's such an amazing place, and it's surprising how many local residents don't even know this beautiful place exists.

Our parks are treasures and should be treated as such!

Potential State Park Closings

2011-02-04T04:19:00.006-05:00

Recently, the state of Florida announced that they may be closing up to 53 State Parks.
You can find a listing of the parks that may close here.

Devil's Millhopper State Park, Gainesville, Florida

Two of the parks that are closest to the Gainesville area are the Dudley Farms State Park in Jonesville, and Devil's Millhopper in Gainesville.

It's such a shame that they're even thinking of closing these parks. They are one of the least expensive ways to get out and about with your family, and enjoy the natural beauty that this beautiful state has to offer.
They're a great way to have technology-free times with your family.

Check out the list, and then visit these amazing natural resources, while you still have a chance!

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

2011-01-29T18:09:00.000-05:00

This weekend is the beginning of one of Gainesville's most fun family events: the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.
The faire truly has something for everyone. Jousting, street performers, amazing food, a marketplace full of unique items, bird of prey on display, and so much more. All of the participants stay in character, using Ye Olde English and dressed in medieval clothing. It's a great time!
The faire is this weekend, January 29th-30th, and next weekend, February 4-6th.
For more information, check out this website: Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.

Have fun!

Tasty Buddha

2011-01-18T23:15:00.000-05:00

Today I had lunch at the Buddha Belly a.k.a. Tasty Buddha in Gainesville.
This was my first visit and I loved it!
I had the grilled mahi 'burger' and fries. Delicious, and the 'burger' was so big, I took about half of it and half of my fries home. It was served with a delicious mustard sauce.
My husband had the philly cheese steak and his was delicious as well!
The staff was very friendly, and I love the unique decorations. It was a very nice lunch, and I highly recommend it!

Cold Florida Days

2011-01-13T02:55:00.000-05:00

What I'd like to be doing this weekend: sunning by the beach....basking in the WARMTH of the sun.

But unless I could travel to a tropical island, that's not a possibility!
I can't believe how COLD it has been so far this winter. And I can't believe we're the only state in the entire United States that didn't have snow today!

So, what I will be doing is looking for indoor activities to do with my kids on this long weekend (no school Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr holiday!).

This weekend is the last weekend to visit CSI: Crime Scene Insects at the Florida Museum of Natural History. It looks like a fun & educational experience. It's recommended for kids ages 8 & up.

Bowling also sounds like fun....we could check out Alley Katz or Splitz.

It's also a great time to just snuggle up at home and have movie nights. You could even check out DVDs from your local library - they have a decent selection and it's free! Visit aclib.us for more info.

And as they do every weekend, Petsmart will be hosting several pet rescue groups. There will be cats, dogs, rabbits & maybe even some other animals available for adoption. You may find your next best friend!

Hope you have a great weekend, and stay warm!

Paws On Parole

2011-01-05T21:05:00.000-05:00

This Saturday at 10 a.m., the 12th Class of Paws on Parole will have its first outing.
They will be at Earth Pets, the organic pet food & supply market, at 404 NW 10th Avenue, in Gainesville.

Check them out on Facebook and become their friend! They're a wonderful organization.

Holiday Lights Tour - Update

2010-12-19T22:04:00.000-05:00

Source: Google Images

The Gainesville Sun posted its full Guide to Holiday Lights in today's paper. You HAVE to check out NW 34th Terrace in the Apple Tree subdivision! It's fantastic.
In Alachua, on CR 232 near CR 235, there's an amazing light display that's set to music.
I can't even fathom how it works, but it's a real treat!

I still haven't found the address of the Windsor display; this one covers the entire yard, front and back, and you are invited to walk through. One year, my son asked to go visit this display as one of his Christmas gifts! I know that it's on the road that runs between Hawthorne and Melrose, and really, Windsor is not that big....surely someone can help me out here!?
Happy Touring!

Nutcrackers & Sugar Plums

2010-12-16T01:49:00.002-05:00

Here are a couple of events that sound like a lot of fun!

"The Nutcracker": Dance Alive National Ballet's annual production of classic ballet, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 p.m. Dec. 18-19, Phillips Center, 315 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$35, $20 seniors, $15 students and children. (392-2787)

"Sugar Plum Tea": Children meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court, have their picture taken with a favorite character, presented by Dance Alive National Ballet, 4 p.m. Dec. 18-19, Phillips Center, 315 Hull Road. Tickets: $15. (392-2787)

AND, If you have LOTS of money floating around this holiday season:

Mommy & Me Onstage: Event lets children join dancers onstage to watch final dress rehearsal of Dance Alive's "Nutcracker," 5 p.m. Dec. 16, Phillips Center, 315 Hull Road, Gainesville. Tickets: $100 for Mommy and one child, $50 for each additional child. (371-2986)

Holiday Happenings

2010-12-15T05:15:00.000-05:00

Already, the last weekend before Christmas is upon us. It's time to get in the last few fun holiday activities, and of course, that last-minute shopping!

The Gainesville Sun has published its Christmas Lights Map.

On Friday evening, the City of Alachua is doing Shop - Dine - Stroll. This free event includes horse & carriage rides, music, lights, caroling, and Santa Claus!

Newberry is having a Festival of Lights and Christmas Parade this Saturday afternoon.
It's located in Downtown Newberry, from 1pm-4pm.

Speaking of lights....St Augustine has an annual tradition called Nights of Lights. From November till January 31st, the downtown area is lit up with beautiful lights. They have many different events going on during this time, including Christmas Train Rides, Santa's Fun Holiday Village, and Candlelight tours. For more information visit the Nights of Lights website.

I hope you are enjoying this holiday season!

More Parade Fun

2010-12-10T23:48:00.000-05:00

If you are closer to the Hawthorne/Melrose area, check out one of these events!

Merry Melrose Christmas Parade, Arts and Crafts Festival: Parade themed "A Fairy Tale Christmas" begins at 10 a.m. Dec. 11, followed by Arts and Crafts Festival in Heritage Park, downtown Melrose. Free.

Hawthorne Christmas Festival and Parade: Event themed "Dreams of Christmas" offers carnival rides, arts and crafts, and food vendors from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 11, parade starts at 3 p.m., Southeast 221st Street, downtown Hawthorne. Free.

Christmas Shows

2010-12-10T23:16:00.001-05:00

At the Hippodrome Theatre, actor Christopher Swan is putting on a one-man show. He is singlehandedly portraying more than 30 characters from the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life".

And according to critics, he's doing it well.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays, and runs through Dec. 19.

Also, A Christmas Carol is showing at the Hippodrome at 2pm.

For more info, call 375-4477 or visit www.thehipp.org.

Danscompany will be holding their annual performance of "Cinderella" on Saturday.
Danscompany of Gainesville sets the stage for “Cinderella” to present its annual magical tale on Saturday. The full-length ballet will be performed at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 2 and 7:30 p.m this Saturday, December 11th.

Christmas Parades This Weekend

2010-12-06T18:53:00.001-05:00

This weekend offers the opportunity to enjoy two small-town Christmas parades.

The City of Alachua's Christmas Parade will be on Saturday, December 11th, at 2pm. The parade travels down Main Street, which is the second red light in Alachua if you're coming from Gainesville.

That evening, High Springs holds its Twilight Christmas Parade. This parade begins at 6pm, and travels down Main Street in High Springs.

It's a great holiday tradition, and Santa Claus himself usually makes an appearance!

Come join the fun this weekend.

Homes for the Holidays - Pet Rescue Gainesville, Florida

2010-12-04T17:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend, there will be a huge pet adoption event behind the Oaks Mall in Gainesville.

It's a huge Multi-Agency Adoptathon. There will be many loving dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and even pigs and rabbits!
It will be at the Oaks Mall (across parking lot from Macy's entrance).

From 11am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th.

Save a life and make a new best friend! And give a pet a home for the holidays.

To see some available pets in the area, check these sites:
Puppy Hill Farm Animal Rescue
Alachua County Humane Society
Second Chance Farms

There are many more!

*ETA* We went to this adopt-a-thon today and there are MANY dogs & cats for only a $5 adoption fee! What a wonderful holiday gift to a sweet animal.....a loving home!

Gator Volleyball Girls!

2010-12-03T19:50:00.000-05:00

The Florida Gator Volleyball team is hosting the NCAA first & second round competition on December 3rd & 4th.

The Gators play South Carolina State on December 3rd at 7:30 pm.

The second round is Saturday, December 4th, also at 7:30 pm.

For more information, tickets, etc. visit Gator Zone.

Go out and support the Gators!!

North Florida Pond Lights

2010-12-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the night! The North Florida Regional Medical Center held their annual pond lighting. For the rest of the holiday season, the pond in front of NFRMC will be alight with holiday decorations. It's always fun to visit the pond and feed the ducks, but it's especially pretty on December nights when they light it all up. It's a must-see!

Dudley Farm

2010-11-28T01:45:00.005-05:00

Last month, we visited Dudley Farm, in Newberry, Florida.
Dudley Farm is a historic park which is also an authentic working farm. There are farm animals, an original homestead and farm buildings. It's great for a low-key family outing. Unless you live on a farm, Dudley Farm offers a chance to step out of the ordinary. You can see farm animals, and get a taste of life on an old farm. And it's only $5 per carload!

this was on the trail down to the farm

some of the many cows that live at Dudley Farm

a tobacco barn

the homestead

old mailbox...

...with a nest inside!

I would definitely recommend taking your family to Dudley Farm State Park, especially during a special event. For example, on December 4th, they are having the 20th Annual Dudley Farm Cane Day.
From 9:00 am till 3:00 pm, you can enjoy watching the traditional method of making cane syrup, including our mule driven cane mill, and double kettle syrup complex. Other activities include traditional craft demonstrations, blacksmithing, wood working, cross cut saw demonstrations, children’s games, a quilt drawing, music and much more.

Visit the Dudley Farm website for more info &
to see many more pics of the Farm!

Gainesville Florida Photography Giveaway!

2010-11-23T15:28:00.001-05:00

First of all, hello again! I sort of disappeared a couple of months ago, and I apologize for that. I had a big life change in September; I quit my job and took a course to do in-home health care. So, if you're looking for a caretaker, let me know!
Anyway, I am now back and hoping to start over, building this blog to keep the Gainesville area informed about fun family activities.
I'm really excited to tell you about this giveaway. My friend Beth Mancuso is an amazing photographer. I met her through her parenting blog, Manic Mother. She lives here in Gainesville and we met in person last year. She has a photography blog as well, Manic Mother Photography, and you can visit her there and see her beautiful photos for yourself.

Beth is giving away one free photo session and $75 print credit to one deserving family.

What a fantastic gift! Visit her photography blog for all of the details.

Thanks for coming by,

and stay tuned for lots of holiday activities!

St Augustine ~ Gainesville Family Blog

2010-09-14T03:02:00.000-04:00

St Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the United States. It is rich in history (and ghost stories). It also boasts the Oldest Wood School House in the USA.

In Alachua County, all public school fourth graders make a field trip to St Augustine and visit, among other things, the Oldest School House.

This sign briefly explains the history of the earliest St Augustine settlers.

(click to see it full-size)

St Augustine is just a short drive from Gainesville. It makes a great day or weekend trip!

Manatee Springs ~ Gainesville Family Blog

2010-09-07T04:40:00.001-04:00

On Labor Day, my family went to Manatee Springs.

It was a beautiful day, and far less crowded than we anticipated.

We swam, grilled burgers & hot dogs, and hiked the trails. We saw several deer along the paths.

It was a great time! What did you do for Labor Day?

Labor Day Weekend - Gainesville Family Blog

2010-09-03T04:02:00.003-04:00

From what I can see, there aren't a whole lot of exciting things going on around Gainesville this Labor Day Weekend. So I think my family and I are going to head to the Springs!
In case you don't know, we have some beautiful and amazing springs in the area. They're not just for divers. They're tons of fun for swimming and snorkeling, as well as cookouts, if you're lucky enough to grab a grill that's not in use.
In High Springs, Florida there are several beautiful springs. Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Blue Springs are all located off of State Road 27/41 in High Springs. Manatee Springs is another favorite of my family, located in Chiefland, Florida. Visit their respective websites for directions, hours, admission prices, and beautiful pictures.
These springs are also great for camping, but of course it's too late to reserve a campsite for this weekend. Many of the springs also offer canoeing and kayaking.
Speaking of which, if you're interested in paddling the Santa Fe River, check out Santa Fe Canoe Outpost,
also located in High Springs.

Manatee Springs

Ginnie Springs

And seriously, you have not lived if you have not yet tubed down the Ichetucknee. It's like a rite of passage for kids who grow up in this area, and it's a ton of fun for adults as well.

Ichetucknee Springs

I hope you find a fun way to beat the heat this

Labor Day Weekend!

Autumn - Gainesville Family Blog

2010-09-01T18:07:00.001-04:00

I think the beginning of Autumn was the perfect time to start this blog. I love fall. I know, we don't get real fall weather until later in the year....and sometimes not at all. But we still have a lot of great fall activities.
School just started, with all of the fun activities that go along with that.
Football and other sports seasons are beginning.
There are fall festivals, pumpkin patches, corn maizes, haunted houses....all in the next couple of months.
Have you checked out the CSI: Crime Scene Insects exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History yet? I love that place, and this looks like a really cool exhibit.
Every Friday night, there are Free Friday concerts at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza. These are so low-key and fun. Just bring some lawn chairs or a blanket and settle down to enjoy live music. We also like to bring a picnic-style dinner. The kids can run around and dance while you relax and enjoy the band! It's located at 111 E University Avenue, near the Main Library.
Speaking of the library, there are always fun events for kids and adults going on at your nearest library. They also offer exercise classes like Zumba and Yoga. They even have gardening classes....as a novice, I need those! Just go to www.aclib.us to find out what's going on at your local branch!
I'd love it if you leave me a comment, or share this blog with your friends. I hope to become a valuable resource for local families!

What's Going On This Weekend?

2010-08-31T18:47:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm sure this will come as no surprise - GATOR football! We are big fans, so our weekends will be dedicated to the Gators for the next few months. My husband is the one who is OBSESSED.

Me, well, right now, I just miss Tim Tebow.

But I know that not all Gainesville area residents are Gator fans (shocking, but true). So I'll be searching out some alternative activities and posting them this week. Stick around!