The Main Cottage Alachua (Madalene’s guidebook)
Restaurants and Eateries
Great coffee, Fried Yucca, and Plantains. Great cuban food. Lively atmosphere in the morning!
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mi Apá Latin Café of Alachua
15634 US-441Great coffee, Fried Yucca, and Plantains. Great cuban food. Lively atmosphere in the morning!
New York Pizza Plus
15202 NW 147 DrGreat Pizza and Italian snacks.
El Toro Mexican Restaurant
15202 NW 147 DrReally good Mexican style food. Prices are perfect for a budget too.
Tony and Al's Deli
14960 Main StGreat Specialty Coffee, Hang out with friends, Friendly Folks, a good place to take your computer to work with wifi. Did I mention Malabar Tea ? Must try.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Doxa Coffee Co.
15551 NW US Hwy 441Great Specialty Coffee, Hang out with friends, Friendly Folks, a good place to take your computer to work with wifi. Did I mention Malabar Tea ? Must try.
The Bomb for Vegan Lunch. Buddha Bowls are big and filling. Sandwiches and sides made with organic ingredients and Love. Highly recommend. Outside dining.Get it to go in summer weather.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bambi's Country Market & Cafe
18592 High Springs Main StThe Bomb for Vegan Lunch. Buddha Bowls are big and filling. Sandwiches and sides made with organic ingredients and Love. Highly recommend. Outside dining.Get it to go in summer weather.
Conestogas Restaurant
14920 Main StLocal steak house.
The best fried okra in alachua county.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bev's Better Burgers
639 NE Santa Fe BlvdThe best fried okra in alachua county.
Cilantro Tacos
15551 Northwest US Highway 441New on the Scene, next to Doxa
coffee. Vegetarian choices.
Brown's Country Buffet
14423 NW US Hwy 441Traditional Southern breakfast.
They Moved!! Just into the most Beautiful Victorian in Alachua! Just next Door, still on Main street. You can see it from your front porch. Must try the scones with clotted cream and jam. And the Apple flowers!
Teatime Tranquility & Treasures
14603 Main StThey Moved!! Just into the most Beautiful Victorian in Alachua! Just next Door, still on Main street. You can see it from your front porch. Must try the scones with clotted cream and jam. And the Apple flowers!
While you're Downtown....Opens at 5:00 pm. No reservations, but if you are there at 5, you'll get a table.
Great choices of food, that are yummy, spirits, and prices are very reasonable. Very popular dining, drinking spot. Outside seating, front and back patio, in good weather. One of my favorites. Gets very loud and crowded about 7:pm.
And you may have to stand in line 45-60 minutes. Go at 5 to eat, then hang at bar for college nightlife
The Top
While you're Downtown....Opens at 5:00 pm. No reservations, but if you are there at 5, you'll get a table.
Great choices of food, that are yummy, spirits, and prices are very reasonable. Very popular dining, drinking spot. Outside seating, front and back patio, in good weather. One of my favorites. Gets very loud and crowded about 7:pm.
And you may have to stand in line 45-60 minutes. Go at 5 to eat, then hang at bar for college nightlife
Heathy Places to visit
Massages and acupuncture available. Staff are local neighbors dedicated to our good health and longevity.💓
The Healing House of Alachua
14804 NW 140th StMassages and acupuncture available. Staff are local neighbors dedicated to our good health and longevity.💓
It's all about your health and well being. Message and Pancha Karma treatments, dietary advice, and yoga classes. Retreats for your health. Call and visit them.
Ayurveda Health Retreat
14616 NW 140th StIt's all about your health and well being. Message and Pancha Karma treatments, dietary advice, and yoga classes. Retreats for your health. Call and visit them.
Culture
For Rainy days......
The Santa Fe River disappears underground here into a pile of rocks. No worries though, It resurfaces again downstream.
Really great natural park to visit. Picnic, hike, walk on the dry river. Take mosquito repellant as this is a wet environment.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
O'Leno State Park & River Rise
410 SE Oleno Park RdThe Santa Fe River disappears underground here into a pile of rocks. No worries though, It resurfaces again downstream.
Really great natural park to visit. Picnic, hike, walk on the dry river. Take mosquito repellant as this is a wet environment.
Faces our city park. Tennis courts, basketball courts, and little league baseball field. Picnic tables and restroom next to the kiddie park, across from CVS drugstore. Post office next door.
Alachua City Hall
15100 NW 142 TerraceFaces our city park. Tennis courts, basketball courts, and little league baseball field. Picnic tables and restroom next to the kiddie park, across from CVS drugstore. Post office next door.
Great place to have a picnic! This tree can be seen from space, it is so big. Take a blanket and sit under its giant branches and take pictures for your grandchildren.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cellon Oak Park
4100 NW 169th PlGreat place to have a picnic! This tree can be seen from space, it is so big. Take a blanket and sit under its giant branches and take pictures for your grandchildren.
A bike trail through the bush that goes for miles. Up graded parking and restrooms on site.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
San Felasco State Park
13201 San Felasco ParkwayA bike trail through the bush that goes for miles. Up graded parking and restrooms on site.
A really great place to see Art and
cool off in hot weather.
124 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull RdA really great place to see Art and
cool off in hot weather.
Spiritual places for upliftment
Alachua is one of the most spiritual diverse communities in America. With so many people involved in some kind of daily "spiritual practice", there is no wonder it has such a very low rate of crime.
Monday and thursday nights (lectures) "talks" are given by Michael Singer. 'Micky' is considered one of the great teachers of spiritual freedom and awareness of our time. Sundays 9:30am talk and group chanting. Lovely news and beautiful place to visit.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Temple of the Universe
15808 NW 90 StMonday and thursday nights (lectures) "talks" are given by Michael Singer. 'Micky' is considered one of the great teachers of spiritual freedom and awareness of our time. Sundays 9:30am talk and group chanting. Lovely news and beautiful place to visit.
The largest Hindu community in North America, right here in little Alachua. Over 2,000 devotees of Radha Krishna worship here and live nearby. Huge festivals and feast days are held here. The food is indian style and so are many of the costumes.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hare Krishna Iskcon Temple Mandir
17306 NW 112th BlvdThe largest Hindu community in North America, right here in little Alachua. Over 2,000 devotees of Radha Krishna worship here and live nearby. Huge festivals and feast days are held here. The food is indian style and so are many of the costumes.
Buddha is here. These GIANT, buddha deities made of white marble took months to arrive in Gainesville with the help of local philanthropists. They will be here for our Great, great, great, great, grandchildren to wonder how and why they came to live here. We consider them awesome.
Tu Viện A Nan
2120 SE 15th StBuddha is here. These GIANT, buddha deities made of white marble took months to arrive in Gainesville with the help of local philanthropists. They will be here for our Great, great, great, great, grandchildren to wonder how and why they came to live here. We consider them awesome.
The Temple of the Universe is just 7 miles from our home. Michael Singer, (Micky) is a local resident, spiritual teacher, philanthropist, and famous Author. He founded TOU back in the '70s and has been a promenant part of many persons " self awareness" or "awakening".
People come from all over the world to hear him speak. It is worth a visit.
I'm a big fan, have read his books and highly recommend visiting the temple to hear his" talks".You can find out more by visiting the website. TOU.
I'm also happy to tell you about all the Temples in our area. (Largest Hare Krsna Community outside of India and A Buddest Temple with Giant (deities) Statues in Gainesville.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Temple of the Universe
15808 NW 90 StThe Temple of the Universe is just 7 miles from our home. Michael Singer, (Micky) is a local resident, spiritual teacher, philanthropist, and famous Author. He founded TOU back in the '70s and has been a promenant part of many persons " self awareness" or "awakening".
People come from all over the world to hear him speak. It is worth a visit.
I'm a big fan, have read his books and highly recommend visiting the temple to hear his" talks".You can find out more by visiting the website. TOU.
I'm also happy to tell you about all the Temples in our area. (Largest Hare Krsna Community outside of India and A Buddest Temple with Giant (deities) Statues in Gainesville.
Recreation and fun!
Great biking trails and lots of nature to see. Walking too, but watch for fast riders. Not suitable for young children unless you are carrying them.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
San Felasco State Park
13201 San Felasco ParkwayGreat biking trails and lots of nature to see. Walking too, but watch for fast riders. Not suitable for young children unless you are carrying them.
Locals call this the Head Springs. It is where the Ichetucknee begins. You can swim in the cool pool of water or just wade in. Great for kids. Picnic tables and restrooms available. (Snack bar in season)Newly built disabled access too. Paddling adventures available. Contact park.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paddling Adventures at Ichetucknee State Park North Entrance
8294 SW Elim Church RdLocals call this the Head Springs. It is where the Ichetucknee begins. You can swim in the cool pool of water or just wade in. Great for kids. Picnic tables and restrooms available. (Snack bar in season)Newly built disabled access too. Paddling adventures available. Contact park.
Float down the river on a tube or raft for a relaxing day with your friends or family. Pristine spring-fed "river" is a rarity. Florida aquifer is fed by the "Iche". The Head springs at the North entrance is a must see. This is where it all begins. Take a picnic, your swim suit and your camera. Don't miss this.
179 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Entrada sur del Parque Estatal de Ichetucknee Springs
U.S. 27Float down the river on a tube or raft for a relaxing day with your friends or family. Pristine spring-fed "river" is a rarity. Florida aquifer is fed by the "Iche". The Head springs at the North entrance is a must see. This is where it all begins. Take a picnic, your swim suit and your camera. Don't miss this.
Lovely warm water to canoe or kyack. You'll see turtles, birds, and fish. Maybe a snake. The alligators are shy and only come out at night. Many crystal clear springs feeding the river along the way. Paddle in and watch the fish or swim. (Alligators don't care for the colder 71° F. water) Nature is surrounding you here. Many accesses to the river.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Santa Fe River
Lovely warm water to canoe or kyack. You'll see turtles, birds, and fish. Maybe a snake. The alligators are shy and only come out at night. Many crystal clear springs feeding the river along the way. Paddle in and watch the fish or swim. (Alligators don't care for the colder 71° F. water) Nature is surrounding you here. Many accesses to the river.
Best place to rent canoes or kayaks and see the Santa Fe River. Leave from Rum island and forget your worries as you pass pristine blue springs, multiple turtle families, birds, and fish.
Swim in the clear waters of July Spring, picnic, and float on down to be picked up and returned to your car. (you actually pass Ginnie Springs and can canoe in) My favorite day out! Rum 138 is very popular. CLOSED on TUESDAY. Make a reservation and mention The Main Cottage in Alachua.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rum 138
2070 SW County Rd 138Best place to rent canoes or kayaks and see the Santa Fe River. Leave from Rum island and forget your worries as you pass pristine blue springs, multiple turtle families, birds, and fish.
Swim in the clear waters of July Spring, picnic, and float on down to be picked up and returned to your car. (you actually pass Ginnie Springs and can canoe in) My favorite day out! Rum 138 is very popular. CLOSED on TUESDAY. Make a reservation and mention The Main Cottage in Alachua.
This newly built amphitheater housed its first ballet in 2019. Dance Alive put on its annual "Nut Cracker" here for residents. A children's park on the grounds is well appointed.
Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
15400 Peggy RdThis newly built amphitheater housed its first ballet in 2019. Dance Alive put on its annual "Nut Cracker" here for residents. A children's park on the grounds is well appointed.
Just a lovely little bit of paradise. Picnic and swim in the spring. Local favorite.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Poe Springs
28800 NW 182nd AveJust a lovely little bit of paradise. Picnic and swim in the spring. Local favorite.
Blissful water experience!
179 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Entrada sur del Parque Estatal de Ichetucknee Springs
U.S. 27Blissful water experience!
The head of the Ichatucknee. A pristine spring that you can dip your toes in without much effort. Picnic, bathrooms, showers. Car entrance $6 cash. Just breath taking when no one is there stirring up the sand. Early morning or late afternoon. Swim out to the middle and drink as much as you can!
Head Spring
The head of the Ichatucknee. A pristine spring that you can dip your toes in without much effort. Picnic, bathrooms, showers. Car entrance $6 cash. Just breath taking when no one is there stirring up the sand. Early morning or late afternoon. Swim out to the middle and drink as much as you can!
Just an amazing place to see more pristine water. Diving also. It is just a short drive south on I-75. Worth the trip. For your return trip get off at Archer Road and stop at The Cheese Factory. (Desert)or PF Chang for the best Oriental food in Alachua County.
175 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring
5390 NE 180th AveJust an amazing place to see more pristine water. Diving also. It is just a short drive south on I-75. Worth the trip. For your return trip get off at Archer Road and stop at The Cheese Factory. (Desert)or PF Chang for the best Oriental food in Alachua County.
This is an easy in and out swim experience. Shallow at edge but gets deeper near the cave where the springs are. Larger than Ichetucknee head springs and roomier banks.
124 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal de Gilchrist Blue Springs
7450 NE 60th StThis is an easy in and out swim experience. Shallow at edge but gets deeper near the cave where the springs are. Larger than Ichetucknee head springs and roomier banks.
Cedar Lakes Woods y Jardines
4990 NE 180th AveSightseeing
Coolest place in Florida! Literally.
Temperature at the bottom is degrees cooler than on top. A nice descend into many micro climates.
94 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal Geológico del Diablo Millhopper
4732 Millhopper RdCoolest place in Florida! Literally.
Temperature at the bottom is degrees cooler than on top. A nice descend into many micro climates.
Cedar Lakes Woods y Jardines
4990 NE 180th Ave