Following my trip to Paynes Prairie, I headed south to a quaint historic town that time seems to have forgotten. In Micanopy, Florida huge oak trees draped in Spanish moss line Cholokka Boulevard. This is a great example of “Old Florida”, the way Florida used to be. In fact, Micanopy is the oldest continuously occupied inland town in the state. Micanopy is home to just over 600 people.
Old-timey shops line the downtown area, making it a great place to wander and shop. As I meandered through Micanopy, popping into the shops of this small town, I almost expected to run into Sheriff Andy Taylor and Opie from The Andy Griffith Show. It has that kind of feel to it. Small-town America!
Where to Stay:
If you want to stay in Micanopy, the historic Herlong Mansion is your best bet. Built-in 1845 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a generous breakfast served every morning as well as platters of home-baked cookies and wine in the evenings. The Herlong Mansion is the perfect choice for a quiet weekend getaway.
History:
Established in 1821, Micanopy lies twelve miles south of Gainesville and The University of Florida. It was first established in 1821 as a trading post. The town was witness to Indian wars, army posts, and the beginnings of a new frontier. The town was named after Chief Micanopy (pronounced mic-uh-NO-pee} of the Seminole Nation.
Antiques:
Micanopy’s downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a stroll down Micanopy’s Main Street Cholokka Boulevard, once an Indian trading route. Antique shops line the rustic streets and the southern charm immediately draws you in.
Slow down and take your time as you hunt for treasures like unique gifts, books, antiques, and more.
Micanopy Historical Society Museum:
The wood-planked Thrasher Warehouse & General Store was once used for storing agricultural equipment. Now it houses the Micanopy Historical Society Museum and the Micanopy archives showcasing the relevance of earlier times for historians, and students. There is a lot of town history here and you can learn a lot. Hours are limited so check the times before you go.
The Church of the Mediator is a historic church in Micanopy, Florida which was built in 1874 as a Presbyterian church but since 1966 has been an Episcopal church.
Lunch at The Old Florida Cafe
You can’t go wrong with an authentic Cuban Sandwich and a piece of carrot cake from The Old Florida Cafe. If the weather is nice, enjoy lunch out on the patio.
Micanopy’s Hollywood Connection:
Visit the sites where parts of the film “Doc Hollywood” and “Cross Creek” was filmed in Micanopy. The garage below was the movie theatre in ‘Doc Hollywood”. The friendly townsfolks have all kinds of stories they will tell you about the time Hollywood came to town.
Gainesville’s own Tom Petty sang of Micanopy in “A Mind with a Heart of Its Own”. John Anderson sang of Micanopy in “Seminole Wind” a beautiful song that has my vote for Florida’s State Song.
Micanopy Fall Festival
Micanopy Florida is a scenic location for a fall arts and crafts festival. The town bustles with activity every fall as vendors pour into town and fill Cholokka Boulevard. Many local artists, crafters, and musicians participate in the festival, as well as other artists from across the southeast. Along with the two hundred displays of arts and crafts, there are many other attractions.
Paynes Prairie State Park
As long as you’re in the area, you might as well travel north a few miles to Paynes Prairie State Park. If you are lucky, you can see wild bison and cracker horses along with lots of alligators.
Whether you’re strolling down the tree-lined streets or browsing the local antique shops, it’s easy to see why Micanopy is the town that time forgot. The visit is so unique, you will remember this historical slice of Americana.
