Gainesville Real Estate and Community News

Happy 2023 everyone! We hope your year is off to a great start and you have already begun working on your goals for the new year. Get out of the house and enjoy time with your family and friends at these events to start the new year right!

Iche Nippy Dippy Day

Join the Friends of Ichetucknee Springs State Park for the 10th annual new year tradition of taking a quick dip in the park's headspring. The group will provide giveaways for Iche Nippy Dippers! Wondering how the water temperature will feel? Dippers say the colder it is outside, the better it feels inside. This year's dip will be held in memory of Earl Kinard, who started this tradition more than 80 years ago, and all money raised by the event will go directly to supporting the park and its goals. Hot cocoa, coffee, and a bonfire will be available to you after your dip in the springs!

Location: Ichetucknee Springs State Park 8294 SW Elim Church Rd Fort White, FL 32038

Time: Saturday January 7, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Cost: $6 entry fee per vehicle (two to eight people)

Perspectives in the Park Speaker Series

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park is pleased to start their Perspectives in the Park speaker series! On the first Sunday of each month, come learn from experts in their field about nature, history, and art, and hear some of their amazing stories. The topic this month is Gainesville’s Water Story, so come learn about your drinking water from source to sink!

Location: Hogtown Creek Headwaters Park 1500 NW 45th Ave Gainesville, FL 32605

Time: Sunday January 8, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

Florida Museum of Natural History Tot Trot

Get your toddler excited about exploring the great outdoors! Join Discovery Zone nature ambassadors for a safe and interactive nature walk on Tot Tuesdays. Each program has a focused theme and encourages exploration with a close look at the natural world, while also sharing Museum treasures. This month’s theme is animals, and the topic for this event will be fur, hair, feathers, and scales! Be sure to arrive at 9:00 AM to check in and start on time.

Location: Florida Museum of Natural History 3215 Hull Road Gainesville FL, 32611

Time: Tuesday January 10, 9:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Cost: Members $6 | Non-Members $7 | Under 2 Free

Storytime and Hike with a Ranger

Join us for outdoor stories and a morning nature walk with a park ranger! The park ranger will read park-relevant tales about wildlife, mindfulness or environmental stewardship then lead a short walk on our Discovery Trail. We will connect the main ideas from the stories we read to what we see on the trail. Weather permitting (at least 50°F and no rain) we will read outside by the visitor center. Parents and families can bring blankets and chairs to spread out and enjoy the fresh air. Otherwise, we will read inside in an air-conditioned room. This program was designed for preschoolers but anyone who enjoys a picture book is more than welcome to join in on the fun!

Location: Ichetucknee Springs State Park 12087 SW Highway 27 Fort White, FL 32608

Time: Thursday January 12, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Cost: $6 state park entry fee, program is free

Easton Newberry Sports Archery Funtastic Fridays

Join us every Friday for the most fun you can have with a bow. Bring a friend and see who can play best, Tic-Tac-Toe, Battle Ship, Bowling with Bows, you name it we’ve played it! It’s not always just about hitting the bullseye. Open shooting is from 5:30pm - 6:30pm and archery games are from 6:30pm - 7:30pm, so don’t miss out on these activities if you are interested!

Location: Easton Newberry Sports Complex 24880 NW 16th Avenue Newberry, FL 32669

Time: Friday January 13, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Cost: $10 for non-members, $5 equipment rental, free for members

Featured photo by Amy Humphries on Unsplash

Gainesville’s beloved Bed and Breakfast District is located in the historic Southeast neighborhood of the city. This charming neighborhood is just a short walk from Downtown Gainesville, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. Plus, the Bed and Breakfast District is close to the University of Florida, making it a great home base for out of towners and residents alike.

In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of the Bed and Breakfast District, including its history, amenities, and real estate market. Keep reading to learn more about this one-of-a-kind neighborhood in Gainesville’s historic core!

Welcome to the Bed and Breakfast District!

Located less than 2 miles east of the University of Florida's flagship campus, the Bed and Breakfast District is a quiet, residential neighborhood in downtown Gainesville. The neighborhood is full of beautiful Victorian homes, some of which have been converted into bed and breakfasts, each with its own unique style and personality.

Visitors to Gainesville who want the traditional B&B experience have their choice of the Laurel Oak Inn, the Camellia Rose, Magnolia Plantation Bed & Breakfast Inn and Cottages, and Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast. These restored Victorian mansions were built in the late 1800s in a variety of styles, from Queen Anne to Second French Empire, and are lovingly maintained to historic standards.

Preserving Downtown Gainesville's Historic Character

When Cindy and Joe purchased the Baird Mansion in 1990, hippies and college students (including a young Tom Petty) had lived in it for 30 years. Most of the Victorians had been carved up into multi-family apartments and were in disrepair. "It was more like Animal House than a Victorian mansion," Cindy and Joe write on their website. Undaunted, the couple rolled up their sleeves and restored the 1885 French Second Empire Victorian mansion to Magnolia Plantation, and opened to guests a year later.

The Camellia Rose is the new kid on the block. When Pat and Tom McCants opened their restored home to guests in 2007, they joined three other B&Bs to cap off the boomlet that has helped restore the Southeast Historic District to its former distinction. Each restoration was a labor of love for its owners. Today, the entire Southeast Historic District benefits from the presence of these elegant guest homes.

The four traditional B&Bs that comprise the district are mostly clustered between SE 7th Street and SE 2nd Ave, with the Sweetwater Branch Inn, opened in 1993, around the corner on University Avenue. Weekends when the Gators are playing over at Ben Griffin stadium (known affectionately by locals as "The Swamp") and graduations are the busiest times for bookings.

Sweetwater Branch Inn, pictured below, provides boutique lodging and events, with 28 rooms and suites in two Victorian homes and eight restored cottages, on approximately 2 acres of curated grounds and gardens. Amenities include a heated saltwater pool, complimentary bike rental, and breakfast served daily. 

Thinking of Buying a Home in Gainesville?

Charles Ely at Sweetwater Branch Inn points out that B&Bs are a great resource for out of towners who are house shopping as well, "to get a homier version of Gainesville!" We couldn't agree more.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Gainesville, the Bed and Breakfast District and the neighboring Duckpond are great neighborhoods to consider.

These quiet, historic neighborhoods are just a short walk to thriving downtown Gainesville. A night out could include dinner at Dragonfly Sushi, a show at the Hippodrome Theatre, and a visit to Wyatt's Cafe, one of our favorite coffee shops in Gainesville.

Other neighborhood amenities within walking distance are Depot Park, a great picnic spot anchored by the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, and Bo Diddley Plaza, which hosts free outdoor concerts and free yoga throughout the year.

Homes for sale in the area run the gamut from ornate Victorian mansions to colonial-era cottages closer to Depot Park and in the nearby Pleasant Street Historic District. See below for the latest listings, or inquire with Rabell Realty Group about homes for sale in nearby areas.

Welcome to Rabell Realty Group’s 2022 12 Days of Christmas week 4! For the last week of this series we are highlighting Short Media Group and Zen Fitness!

Short Media Group

Located in the San Felasco Tech City in Alachua, Short Media Group is a professional video production company that aims to make their clients stand out from the crowd. 

The company was founded by Justin Short in 2018 and their priority is to generate results for their clients businesses and solve issues related to brand awareness, hiring, and internal operating efficiency. Justin believes that the best part about being a local company is their high level of understanding of the Gainesville area and market.

If you or anyone you know is interested in Short Media Group’s services, the best way to contact them is to fill out a form submission on their website.

Zen Fitness

Zen Fitness is a personal training studio that blends powerful nutrition with friendly trainers and believes that relationships are just as important as results.

Zen Fitness’ philosophy is that everyone’s ideal fitness can become a reality by making simple lifestyle changes and training suited just for you. The trainers at Zen Fitness lead innovative workouts that achieve results tailored to their client's specific goals and needs. Their results leave their clients looking and feeling their best and prepared for their healthier life, perfect for the new year!

If you know anyone looking for a new fitness studio, or are interested in one for yourself, be sure to give the Zen Fitness team a call at 352-333-0936 to talk about your personal goals.

Final Thoughts:

Thank you for tuning in for the fourth and final week of our 12 days of Christmas series! We hope you enjoyed reading along and learned a little more about some of our favorite local businesses and vendors.

If you missed any of the first three weeks of Rabell’s 12 Days of Christmas series, be sure to check them out on the blog here!

Sparks in the Park at Depot Park

Sparks in the Park is back, come out and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Depot Park. All festivities are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Beginning at 5 pm, bring blankets and chairs and find a spot in the park to enjoy the last sunset of 2022 while a DJ hosts a family-friendly dance party throughout the park. At 6:30 pm, the fun continues with a 20-minute musically choreographed fireworks show over the main pond. Following the fireworks display, neighbors are invited to enjoy dinner, drinks, festivities and all that downtown has to offer. Later, the Downtown Countdown begins at 9 pm, and continues until midnight in Bo Diddley Plaza.

Location: Depot Park 874 SE 4th St Gainesville, FL 32601

Time: Saturday December 31, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Cost: Free

City of Gainesville Downtown Countdown

Ring in the New Year at the City of Gainesville's Downtown Countdown! The party at Bo Diddley Plaza kicks off at 9 pm on Saturday, December 31, and continues through 12:30 am. The night features performances by Jackquelyn Graham and her Trio and 24-7. Let's celebrate 2023 together!

Location: Bo Diddley Plaza 111 E University Ave Gainesville, FL 32601

Time: Saturday, December 31, 9:00 PM - Sunday January 1, 12:30 AM

Cost: Free

First Day Hike at Dudley Farm Historic State Park

Happy New Year! All 50 states are offering First Day Hikes in state parks across the country as a way to promote healthy lifestyles. Join us at Dudley Farm for a hike led by Ted & Mary Ellen from the Alachua Audubon Society. Other first day hikes in the Gainesville area include Ravine Gardens State Park, Paynes Prairie, and Manatee Springs State Park!

Location: Dudley Farm Historic State Park 18730 W Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669

Time: Sunday, January 1, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Cost: $5 per vehicle

First Fridays Downtown Newberry

Join the Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce for First Fridays this Fall! The local Chamber Board will be hosting themed gatherings once a month in Downtown Newberry. These free events will feature family-friendly movies projected on the City Hall Lawn, fun activities for kids, contests & prizes and much more! Head downtown to take a stroll, visit the local shops & restaurants, and enjoy the community.

Location: 25420 W Newberry Rd Newberry, FL 32669

Time: Friday, January 6, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Fun 4 Gator Kids Playgroup Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Fun 4 Gator Kids Playgroup is heading to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo! Meet them for a self-guided tour at 9:30 am. This is fun for all ages, and it's shady and stroller friendly. Let them know if they will see you there and sign up now!

Location: Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo 3000 NW 83 St Gainesville, FL 32606

Time: Monday, January 2, 9:30 AM

Cost: $5 admission (be sure to mention Fun 4 Gator Kids)

Featured Image by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Welcome to Rabell Realty Group’s 2022 12 Days of Christmas week 3! This week we are highlighting Down to Earth Boutique and Jes Odom at Florida Farm Bureau Insurance! Check back on the blog next Friday and follow along with us on our social media through the month of December to see what companies we highlight for all 12 days of Christmas!

Down to Earth Boutique

Established in 1995, Down to Earth Boutique adopted a more high-end and chic persona with new brands, accessories, and an overall expansion of merchandise.

As it stands today, Down to Earth Boutique has become a prolific women and men’s clothing store ranging from cashmere tops to leather jackets, graphic tees, and various shoes/accessories.

If you find yourself in Tioga Town Center, be sure to stop by Down to Earth Boutique and shop some of their amazing pieces. If you can’t make it to one of their storefronts, don’t worry! Down to Earth ships everywhere in the continental United States, so check out their website and update your wardrobe for the new year.

Jes Odom at Florida Farm Bureau Insurance

The Florida Farm Bureau Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company. The Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company began 50 years ago with a group of Farm Bureau leaders, who shared a vision for better member service and lower insurance rates.

Jes Odom has been an insurance agent for 13 years and his office is located in Northwest Gainesville. Jes said that the best part about working for a local company is being able to support his community, and he enjoys working with realtors due to the mutual trust they have to do what’s best for their clients!

If you, or any realtors in your life, are looking for an insurance agent, be sure to contact Jes Odom at 352-378-1389 Ext 3 or jesodom@ffbic.com.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for tuning in for the third week of our 12 Days of Christmas series! We hope you enjoyed reading and learned a little more about some of our favorite local businesses and vendors. Follow us on Facebook to get real time updates for our 12 Days of Christmas series and give our businesses and vendors some love!

If you missed the first or second week of Rabell’s 12 Days of Christmas series, be sure to check them out on the blog here!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We hope you are enjoying spending time with loved ones this holiday season and continue to do so by participating in some of these fun-filled activities around the Gainesville Area!

Carson Springs Wildlife Christmas Walk or Ride Tour

The Christmas themed Walk or Ride Tour is great, outdoor fun for the whole family, guided by professional zoologists. It’s a special event held by the foundation on Christmas Eve where you can witness big cat feeding demonstrations and get close to some of your favorite animals! Instead of walking, ride and drive along the path with our fun, wildlife-themed, motorized, tour vehicles! The vehicles are suitable for our older and wiser folks who do not feel like walking, adults age 12+ with a younger passenger, or groups of students, friends, and couples. There is limited availability for each tour, so book your spot now!

Location: 8528 East County Rd 225 Gainesville, FL 32609

Time: Saturday December 24, 10:00 AM

Cost: Adults $35 | Ages 3-11 are $15 | Under 2 Free

Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train

Kirby Family Farm welcomes you to the 2022 Christmas Train! It’s their 11th year hosting this fun Holiday activity for the whole family. It's a Christmas tradition for SO MANY families that support their organization. Your contributions support the development and outreach programs for at-risk, foster, medically needy, and special needs children. You’ll get to see Christmas lights like you’ve never seen before as you take the 20-minute journey around the Kirby Family Farm property on their authentic, narrow-gauge historic locomotive. Get your tickets in advance or purchase them at the gate on the day of the event!

Location: 19630 NE 30th St. Williston, FL 32696

Time: Monday December 26, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Cost: Ages 10+ are $15.99 in advance, $20 at the gate. Ages 3-9 are $10.99 in advance, $15 at the gate. Children 2 and under are Free.

Cade Museum Little Sparks

Little Sparks is a fun and interactive program that introduces littles (ages 0-5) to science concepts through music, dancing, crafting, story time, and more. Little Sparks is included in the cost of general admission to the museum. No pre-registration required. Members get in free!

Location: The Cade Museum, 811 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601

Time: Thursday December 29, 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Cost: Free with museum admission

Flip Factory Fun Zone Friday Night Lights

Every Friday night, Flip Factory Zone will be hosting Friday Night Lights for ages 13-25! You can expect unlimited jump time, laser tag, and a ropes course, and you must present the Facebook post below at checkout!

Location: 7400 W Newberry Rd Gainesville, FL 32605

Time: Friday December 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Cost: $10

Featured Image by Jonathon Borba on Unsplash

GAINESVILLE December 13, 2022 -- Rabell Realty Group has been selected for the 2022 Best of Gainesville Award in the Real Estate Agency category by the Gainesville Award Program.

Each year, the Gainesville Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Gainesville area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2022 Gainesville Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Gainesville Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Gainesville Award Program

The Gainesville Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Gainesville area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Gainesville Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Their organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Their mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

Welcome to Rabell Realty Group’s 2022 12 Days of Christmas week 2! This week we are highlighting Thornebrook Chocolates, Landmark Mortgage Planners, and Sudas Fit Foot! Check back on the blog every Friday and follow along with us on our social media through the month of December to see what companies we highlight for all 12 days of Christmas!

Thornebrook Chocolates

Gainesville’s home of fine hand-dipped confections, Thornebrook Chocolates, offers unique gifts for all of the most important people in your lives! Thornebrook Chocolates offers treats such as chocolate covered pretzels, truffles, gelato, fudge, and candies. They also offer a variety of treats for special occasions like holiday basket trays and assortment boxes. 

Visit Thornebrook Chocolates storefront in Thornebrook Village or follow them on Facebook to learn more about their unique offerings!

Landmark Mortgage Planners

Located on NW 43rd Street, Landmark Mortgage Planners has been established for over 15 years. Their mortgage planners will help you choose the best home loan for your personal short and long-term investment goals. They will meet with you to evaluate your situation and arrange a plan for you to get a home loan, even if you don’t qualify today. 

Landmark believes that being a local company gives them an advantage as they communicate with their clients about the area they are moving to, or moving within. "Out of town Mortgage Lenders aren’t able to speak on local market conditions and don’t contribute to local charities and events that make our community so great!"

You can visit Landmark Mortgage Planners website or contact their office directly at 352-505-5040.

Suda's Fit Foot

Suda’s FitFoot is a mobile athletic shoe store, run by Betsy Suda, ready to help you live your life to the fullest by freeing you from foot and leg pain! Suda’s Fit Foot has been in business for 4 years and their offerings include shoes, socks, apparel, mugs, candles, and more. 

Betsy said that the best part about being a local company is knowing her customers and anticipating their needs. Suda’s FitFoot has hundreds of returning customers that already know their needs and desires, and that makes the shoe buying experience more hassle free and enjoyable for all parties involved!

Suda’s FitFoot has many pop ups each year in Gainesville and Jacksonville, FL where they will measure your feet, assess your footwear needs, listen to your movement history, answer your questions, take into account your preferences, and curate a selection of running shoes perfect for you!

If you can’t make it to a popup, feel free to send an email to sudasfitfoot@gmail.com with questions and they can give you suggestions on what shoes may work for you!

Final Thoughts:

Thank you for tuning in for the second week of our 12 Days of Christmas series! We hope you enjoyed reading and learned a little more about some of our favorite local businesses and vendors. Follow us on Facebook to get real time updates for our 12 Days of Christmas series and give our businesses and vendors some love!

If you missed the first week of Rabell's 12 Days of Christmas series, be sure to check it out here!

We hope everyone is having a fun-filled December! Continue getting into the holiday spirit with these events for the whole family to enjoy!

Princess Crafting Party with the Holiday Princess at Pinspiration

Join us at Pinspiration Gainesville for a morning your little one (and you!) will always remember. First, we are going to create our very own winter landscape, ornament, or other royal accouterments…and then the Holiday Princess will arrive in person for more crafting, fun, snacks, and photos! Think snowflakes and holidays! Book your tickets here. 

Location: 1132 NW 76th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32606

Time: Saturday December 17, 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Cost: $45 / crafter includes craft, instruction, snacks, and time for photos with our princess! Crafts may vary slightly, depending on supply availability.

Hoggy Holidays Open House at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary

Experience Rooterville's holiday lights and set the mood for a beautiful Christmas and Holiday season. ALL proceeds help us to give all of these rescued animals the care and help that they need. We'll be open Saturday evening from 4-7 pm so you can enjoy the lights and decorations with the kids. Shop in our gift shop for great gifts for your loved ones and help animals with every purchase.

Location: Rooterville Animal Sanctuary 1208 N County Rd 315 Melrose, Florida 32666

Time: Saturday December 17, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Cost: $10 suggested donation

Sunday with Santa at Blackadder Brewing

Santa's back for Sunday with Santa! Bring the kids to meet Santa and join us for milk & cookies! Food Truck on site: Stubbie's Sausages.

Location: Blackadder Brewing, 618-A NW 60th St Suite A Gainesville, Florida 32607

Time: Sunday December 18, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Cost: Free

Welcome to Rabell Realty Group’s 2022 12 Days of Christmas where we showcase some of our favorite local businesses and vendors that you can check out this holiday season! This week we are highlighting Sweet Paws Bakery, Scruggs Carmichael and Wershow, and Halo Health CBD! Check back on the blog every Friday and follow along with us on our social media through the month of December to see what companies we highlight for all 12 Days of Christmas!

Sweet Paws Bakery

Sweet Paws Bakery, located in the Haile Village Center, is a dog bakery, boutique, small dog daycare, and self serve dog-wash all in one! Their shop offers a wide variety of products such as dog cakes, cookies, personalized treat boxes, collars, leashes, apparel, and so much more! 

Sweet Paws Bakery is committed to providing a safe, fun and stimulating social environment for your dog during weekday business hours in their doggy daycare. Their daycare caters to dogs under 35 pounds and offers complimentary services such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning! If you are interested in enrolling your pup in doggy daycare, simply print and fill out the forms here. 

If any of the realtors in your life have a furry friend, Sweet Paws Bakery is a must go for gifts for the Holiday season!

Scruggs Carmichael and Wershow

Established in 1944, Scruggs, Carmichael & Wershow, P.A. is one of the oldest and largest law firms in Gainesville, FL. The firm has provided a broad range of representation for individual, commercial, and governmental clients in general and specialized areas of law for over 70 years. They are currently located at 2233 NW 40th Terrace, but their new location starting next year will be 4923 NW 43rd Street, so be sure to save the new address if you are interested in their services for the new year!

The real estate lawyer we want to highlight from Scruggs Carmichael and Wershow is Maury Ivey, who has been in this role since 2018. Maury’s favorite part about working for a local company is his local knowledge and connections. He cares deeply about how he presents himself and knows that he wants to make a difference for others in his hometown. Maury Ivey and his closers Elizabeth Ivey and Jon Green form the “i-team”! Elizabeth and Jon handle the day-to-day processing of closings while Maury oversees all operations and stays on call to create solutions for problems and support his realtors.

If you or someone you know is looking for a real estate lawyer in Gainesville, make sure to contact Maury by sending him an email to mivey@scwlegal.org or calling him at 352-317-1629.

Halo Health CBD

Halo health CBD was founded by Heather Hardin in 2018 and is a CBD product and premium supplement supplier. All of Halo Health’s CBD purchases are guided by Heather, as she is a naturopathic pharmacist. She makes sure that CBD is appropriate for her clients, and helps guide them to the correct dosing regimen. 

Some of the most popular products that Heather recommends as gifts are CBD bath bombs, the 10-pack of CBD gummies, and CBD product bundles. Another great option for gifts are e-gift cards that are available on the Halo Health Website, so the person receiving the gift card can choose exactly what items they want.

If you are interested in buying some products from Halo Health CBD to give to your friends and family, visit their websiteor contact Heather directly at pharmie@cox.net or 352-359-5518. 

Final Thoughts:

Thank you for tuning in for the first week of our 12 Days of Christmas series! We hope you enjoyed reading and learned a little more about some of our favorite local businesses and vendors. Follow us on Facebook to get real time updates for our 12 Days of Christmas series and give our businesses and vendors some love!