{"id":23448,"date":"2014-01-14T00:02:27","date_gmt":"2014-01-14T08:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/?p=23448"},"modified":"2014-01-14T00:02:27","modified_gmt":"2014-01-14T08:02:27","slug":"move-to-gainesville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/move-to-gainesville\/","title":{"rendered":"27 Things You Need To Know About Gainesville Before You Move There"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>1. Show Your Gator Pride<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville1.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user Chris_Short<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nBetter known as \u2018The Swamp,&#8221; the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is home to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/real-estate\/homes-for-sale\/florida.html\">Florida<\/a> Gators and is the largest in the state. A staple of the University of Florida campus and the entire community, you can find this house packed with around 90,000 people on Saturdays in the fall, or taking pictures next to the Tim Tebow statue in the off-season.<\/p>\n<h2>2. We\u2019re All About Hydration<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville2.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user rasdourian<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nGatorade was created right here in 1965 by a group of researchers trying to create a new beverage to keep the Gator football team hydrated during the hot games. The drink worked and became widely popular, and you can find it all over campus. Where you won\u2019t find it? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/property\/fl\/tallahassee.html\">Tallahassee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>3.  We\u2019ve Got Famous Roots<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville3.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user musicisentropy<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nA number of celebrities are originally from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/property\/fl\/gainesville.html\">Gainesville<\/a> area. Besides more recent athletes (Tim Tebow and Ryan Lochte), singer Tom Petty and bands such as Sister Hazel and Less Than Jake also got their start in Gainesville. Sister Hazel still enjoys playing locally, and Tom Petty\u2019s song \u201cAmerican Girl\u201d is rumored to be about a girl at the University of Florida.<\/p>\n<h2>4. You Can Get Your Shot Of Adrenaline<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville4.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user cdsessums<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nThe NRHA (National Hot Rod Association) Gatornationals is a national drag racing event held annually right here at the Gainesville Raceway. The event is known for history-making performances and has been a Gainesville tradition since 1970. Mark your schedules: The upcoming Gatornationals is scheduled for March 13-16.<\/p>\n<h2>5. A Slice (Or Two) Is More Than Nice<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville5.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user cdsessums<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nLeonardo\u2019s Pizza by the Slice is conveniently located right across the street from the UF campus, and serves delicious pizza and garlic butter rolls for those on a college budget. It\u2019s basically considered a sin to visit Gainesville and not eat at Leonardo\u2019s. They also have gluten-free pizza crust and all sorts of salads. Don\u2019t be surprised to see the line going out the door and down the street.<\/p>\n<h2>6. Midtown Is Where It\u2019s At<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville6.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user ruben i<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nIf you ask any college student where they\u2019ll be on a Friday night (or Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, for that matter) in Gainesville, the answer is going to be Midtown. This stretch of restaurants and bars is located directly across from campus on University Avenue, and is home to Gainesville classics like The Swamp Restaurant, 101 Cantina and Balls. And, since Midtown is within walking distance for many Gators, stumbling home after a rowdy night on the town is never a problem.<\/p>\n<h2>7. We Bring The Payne<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville7.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user Monik Markus<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nFlorida\u2019s first state preserve established in 1971, it\u2019s impossible to miss Paynes Prairie as you drive into Gainesville on Interstate 75. With eight trails for bike riding, horseback riding and hiking, this is the perfect place to visit for a wildlife getaway. Just make sure you bring lots of water if you plan on visiting during the hot Florida summer.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Downtown Has Everything You Need<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville8.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user LaggedOnUser<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nIf dancing and the club scene is more your thing, then downtown is the perfect fit. Filled with restaurants, theatres, nightclubs, parks and quaint shops, this area is perfect for an exciting Saturday night AND a quaint Sunday morning. In the center you\u2019ll find Bo Diddley Community Plaza, which always brings live music and plenty of entertainment.<\/p>\n<h2>9. We Make History Cool <\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville9.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Wikipedia user WillMcC<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nLocated conveniently on the UF campus, the Florida Museum of Natural History was originally created in 1891 and is the state\u2019s official natural history museum. The main exhibit explores the interesting flora, fauna and fossils of Florida. There\u2019s no better place to get a sense of the culture around you.<\/p>\n<h2>10. You\u2019ll Find We Have A Butterfly Effect<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville10.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user Rob Bixby<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nThis museum has one exhibit that\u2019s worth mentioning on its own. The Butterfly Rainforest features hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds as well as turtles and fish within a lush landscape. And it\u2019s a popular date spot in Gainesville too, because it\u2019s not pricy to visit but still a beautiful experience.<\/p>\n<h2>11. You Can Browse For Your Dinner<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville11.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Union Street Farmers Market Facebook page<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nEvery Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., Union Street in downtown Gainesville hosts a farmers market with all different types of yummy food and fresh fruits and veggies. This is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon or even for grocery shopping. Parking can be difficult, but it\u2019s completely worth it.<\/p>\n<h2>12. We\u2019re The Sunshine State?<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville12.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user cdsessums<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nFlorida may be known for its sunny weather, but summers in this state include plenty of downpour too. In Gainesville, the hot muggy swamp turns even muggier when the sun trades in for rainy clouds. If you\u2019re walking around campus or anywhere in this city during the summer, keep an umbrella on you at all times.<\/p>\n<h2>13. You Can Have Cookies All Night<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville13.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Midnight Cookies Facebook page<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nMidnight Cookies is every college kid\u2019s dream come true\u2014a cookie delivery service open late. There are crazy flavors like bananas foster or red velvet, and they\u2019re made fresh to order and brought right to your door until 2 a.m. during the week. You can even get milk too!<\/p>\n<h2>14. We\u2019ve Got A Natural Wonder<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville14.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user alans1948<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nDevil\u2019s Millhopper is a 120-foot bowl-shaped cavity in the earth leading to a miniature rain forest. It\u2019s also a National Natural Landmark that people have been visiting since the 1880s. It may not be the most exciting place in Gainesville, but it\u2019s definitely different.<\/p>\n<h2>15. You Can Get Your Punk On At FEST<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville15.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user CRUSTINA!<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nFor the past 12 years this annual punk festival has taken over the city of Gainesville and drawn a huge crowd for four days of music by hundreds of bands at a dozen different venues. Get your tickets early: Over 10,000 people travel here for the event!<\/p>\n<h2>16. We\u2019ve Got A Theater For Everything<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville16.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user LaggedOnUser<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nA common question visitors ask while exploring downtown is \u201cWhat\u2019s that big building in the center of downtown that looks like an old courthouse?\u201d That\u2019s the Hippodrome Theater. Nicknamed \u201cThe Hipp,\u201d this theater is a great place to see a play, a unique film, and even take acting classes.<\/p>\n<h2>17. You Can Get Your Summer On<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville17.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user Paul Clark<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nLocated on the Sante Fe River, Ginnie Springs is the perfect summertime getaway. With tubing, diving and kayaking, Ginnie has something for everyone. Come with a big group of friends for a day of drinking down the river, or bring the family for a barbecue by the water.<\/p>\n<h2>18. We\u2019ve Got High Culture, Too<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville18.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Wikipedia user WillMcC<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nThe Samuel P. Harn Museum opened in Gainesville in 1990 and displays more than 8,000 works of art. There are a wide range of collections to marvel at, including African, Asian and contemporary art and photography. And if you\u2019re a student interested in art, the museum offers internships to get even closer to the masterpieces.<\/p>\n<h2>19. Breakfast And Dinner Under The Same Roof<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville19.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user Muffet<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nA little hole in the wall restaurant just a block from campus, Bagels and Noodles serves up a unique combination of fare: Breakfast dishes along with Vietnamese cuisine. The service and atmosphere is unique to say the least, but the food and prices will keep you coming back for more. Try the pho, trust me.<\/p>\n<h2>20. They Are Gators, Hear Them Growl<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville20.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user Chris Bohn<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nThe main event of UF\u2019s homecoming is the Gator Growl. This student-run pep rally has been around for 90 years and brings in students, alumni, and Gainesville residents for a night of entertainment. The night features dancers, musical guests, comedy performers and a firework show as icing on the cake. Don\u2019t worry about forgetting\u2014people will be talking about it for months beforehand.<\/p>\n<h2>21.  Our College Isn\u2019t Just A Place To Study<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville21.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user Naufragio<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nThere\u2019s no denying that the University of Florida campus is the heart of the entire city of Gainesville. Although temperatures are high during the summer when school is out, strolling through the brick campus and admiring the architecture is basically a rite of passage. For a deeper understanding of the campus, book a scheduled tour.<\/p>\n<h2>22. You Can Get A View From The Top<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville22.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: The TOP Facebook page<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nIf you\u2019re looking for a more upscale dinner downtown, The Top is the place to go. Offering American style food (that\u2019s also vegetarian friendly) with a hipster ambiance, this place is always packed on the weekends, so prepare for a wait. But be reassured: Once you get your table, whatever you order is going to be absolutely delicious.<\/p>\n<h2>23. We\u2019re More Than Just Sports<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville23.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Wikipedia user DouglasGreen<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nNext to the Gators football stadium is the big white dome known as the Stephen C. O\u2019Connell Center. It\u2019s home to the basketball, gymnastics, swimming and volleyball teams, but the \u201cO-dome\u201d is so much more. It also holds graduation ceremonies, career resource fairs, concerts, speakers, family activities, and more. If you live in Gainesville, you\u2019ll end up here at some point.<\/p>\n<h2>24. We Eat At The Swamp (No, Really)<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville24.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Wikipedia user WillMcC<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nIf you go nowhere else in Gainesville, go to the Swamp Restaurant. The building was first built as a home for a UF professor in 1915, and has been a representation of Gainesville and the university ever since. Its big TV screens make it the perfect place to watch the game, and with live entertainment in the evenings, it&#8217;s perfect for a night out.<\/p>\n<h2>25. You Can Celebrate Local Art<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville25.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Downtown Festival and Art Show Facebook page<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nFor 32 years, the nationally recognized Downtown Festival and Art Show transforms downtown and brings out a crowd of more than 100,000 people. You can spend a weekend strolling through downtown watching more than 250 different artists work, or just sit and relax while watching live performances. And there&#8217;s even an Imagination Station for kids, so it\u2019s wonderful for the whole family.<\/p>\n<h2>26. We\u2019ve Got A Different Kind Of Miracle On 34th Street<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville26.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user LaggedOnUser<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nWhen driving on 34th Street, you will notice a 1,120-foot wall with different messages in paint and graffiti. Built in 1979, the wall includes marriage proposals, birthday wishes, graduation announcements, celebrations and tributes. It\u2019s technically illegal, but locals (including law enforcement) accept the wall as a Gainesville landmark.<\/p>\n<h2>27. Find Your Inner Peace<\/h2>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_21401\" style=\"width: 597px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21401\" alt=\"30 Things You Need to Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/sites\/2\/2014\/01\/movetogainesville27.jpg\" width=\"587\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Flickr user LaggedOnUser<\/p><\/div><br \/>\nIf you\u2019re looking for a place of meditation or just somewhere to escape for a moment, the Baughman Center is the perfect spot. Built right next to Lake Alice on UF\u2019s campus, the center features a serene pavilion with 1,500 feet of incredible architecture. To call it a beautiful spot would be an understatement.<br \/>\nFeature Image Source: Flickr user CRUSTINA!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Show Your Gator Pride Better known as \u2018The Swamp,&#8221; the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is home to the Florida Gators and is the largest in the state. A staple of the University of Florida campus and the entire community, you can find this house packed with around 90,000 people on Saturdays in the fall, or taking pictures next to the Tim Tebow statue in the off-season. 2. We\u2019re All About Hydration Gatorade was created right here in 1965 by a group of researchers trying to create a new beverage to keep the Gator football team hydrated during the hot [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinions","post--single"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>27 Things You Need To Know About Gainesville Before You Move There<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Midtown is a must, and cookies aren&#039;t just for after dinner. Check out these and 25 other tips for getting the most out of the heart of Gator Nation.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/move-to-gainesville\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"27 Things You Need To Know About Gainesville Before You Move There\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Midtown is a must, and cookies aren&#039;t just for after dinner. 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