The Town That Time Forgot: Things To Do in Micanopy, FL, for a Luxury Getaway

All Photos: Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryUnitedStates

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Located midway between the cities of Gainesville and Ocala, the tiny community of Micanopy makes for a superb luxury Florida getaway. A hop, skip, and a jump from the I-75 in the northern part of the Sunshine State, Micanopy is all too easy to pass by as you head to those popular beach destinations along the Gulf Coast.

But after hearing about this fascinating-sounding tiny town from someone who described it like a town that time had forgotten, I knew I had to visit. And when I found out it was home to one of the classiest B&Bs in Florida, well, there was no way I was not going to stop in next time I was in the area.

As I found out, Micanopy remains little changed since it was founded in 1821. Famous as the first official settlement in Florida, Micanopy’s historic (and compact) downtown area remains so well preserved that its entirety has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

 

Its 600 or so residents are extremely welcoming, too, with some of them running successful boutique shops and galleries. And, thanks to the establishment of the superb Herlong Mansion, undoubtedly one of the most luxurious places to stay in this part of Florida, you can do as I did and extend your visit for a few days while you explore everything Micanopy has to offer.

For ideas and inspiration about how best to enjoy a luxurious and unique getaway, be sure to read through this list of fun things to do in Micanopy, FL.

 

Enjoy a Romantic Getaway in a Micanopy Mansion

 

Located just a few minutes’ walk away from Micanopy Historic District, Herlong Mansion is quite rightly ranked as one of the top bed and breakfasts in Florida. This luxurious, grand old red brick home was built in 1845 in the ‘cracker’ style, and was upgraded and expanded soon after into its present configuration.

With its four grand Corinthian columns and its huge wraparound verandah overlooking lush formal gardens, you’ll feel like royalty as you relax on the property and soak up that special Southern hospitality.

 

 

Boasting luxurious rooms and suites decorated in period style, you’ll enjoy exquisite furnishings and elegant bathrooms with showers. Upgrade if you can to a room with a huge Jacuzzi tub and its own private patio for an extra-memorable stay.

Other perks include a great breakfast featuring local produce served in the lounge or dining room, an expansive garden, and ample parking.

LuxuryUnitedStates Recommends: For the latest rates and reviews, visit Herlong Mansion. For ideas about other great places to stay in Micaopy, click here.

 

Explore Micanopy Historic District 

 

While those who’ve checked into Herlong Mansion can make use of this luxurious Florida B&B’s ample parking, day trippers will find plenty of on-street parking available close to downtown Micanopy. Encompassing pretty much the entire downtown area, Micanopy Historic District covers an area of around a square mile between Cholokka Boulevard and Ocala Street, and Smith Street West and Okehumkee Street.

Consisting of 35 well-preserved old buildings dating from the community’s founding in 1821 to the early 1900s, the entire area is of such historic significance that its entirety is included on the United States National Register of Historic Places. With little traffic and wide sidewalks, it’s certainly fun to explore on foot.

 

 

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of fun places to visit, from boutique shops and antique stores to great cafés and eateries with pleasant street-side patios to relax on.

And have your camera ready as this unspoiled little community offers plenty of great photo opportunities, whether of the attractive old commercial and retail buildings or its fine old historic homes.

 

Hike the Trails at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

 

If you’re looking for a fun nature escape that’s located close to Micanopy, be sure to visit Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

An easy 5-minute drive northwest of Micanopy on the road to Gainesville, this 23,000-acre nature preserve is home to a vast array of wildlife, including birds and bison, as well as alligators, white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, and even wild horses. Various bird species can also be spotted, making it a great spot for birdwatchers.

 

 

Founded in 1971, the park is also home to numerous species of plants and draws its name from its unique (for Florida) savanna ecosystem. Popular activities include hiking the park’s eight well-marked trails, as well as kayaking and canoeing. Be sure to visit the visitor center’s observation tower for some superb views over the park.

Visit: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, Florida

Website: www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/paynes-prairie-preserve-state-park

 

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