Both geographically and in the hearts and minds of residents, Gainesville is at the center of Alachua County.

It's the cultural and entertainment hub of the area largely due to the University of Florida, but not entirely. Gainesville has plenty to offer in its own right. And so do the small nearby towns that surround it as you'll learn by reading on. Each town with its own history. Each with a different reason to visit. Maybe its antiquing or fishing. Maybe it's food or floating down a river. A festival. Who knows? But one thing is for certain. Venturing off the beaten path is well worth the effort here in Alachua County.