Guide to Micanopy, FL Old Florida charm, a stone's throw from Gainesville
Welcome to Micanopy, FL!
Located just 10 miles south of Gainesville, Micanopy is as quaint as they come. Micanopy’s lovingly preserved historic homes are situated on some of the most beautiful Spanish-moss covered roads in Florida. It’s no wonder the Huffington Post included Micanopy in its list of the 12 Cutest Small Towns in America.
Where Is Micanopy, FL?
Micanopy is located just off I-75, 10 miles south of Gainesville, in growing Alachua County. The town is also accessible from scenic SR 441, which runs through majestic Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park.
What to Do in Micanopy
The historic district, which encompasses the entire town, is canopied with huge live oaks and offers a mix of nostalgic antique and vintage shops, modern dining options, and great historic photo ops!
Antique and Vintage Shops in the Historic District
Micanopy Trading Outpost
205 NE Cholokka Blvd
Mid-century furniture, interesting artwork, regional curiosities, and a good selection of vintage records are a few of the things that make Micanopy Trading Post a must visit. The staff is very knowledgeable, accommodating and helpful.
Antique City Mall
17020 SE Co. Rd 234
Located just off I-75 at the Micanopy exit, Antique City Mall is a cross between an auction house and a great thrift store. With over 50 vendors, there’s something for everyone here.
The Shop
210 NE Cholokka Blvd
The Shop is chock full of vintage home furnishings and curios, all reasonably priced. The over the top (in a good way) Christmas room steals the show during the holidays!
Hiking and Exploring History
Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah Blvd
Bordering Micanopy to the north and west, Payne’s Prairie Preserve is a vast savannah with many access points to enjoy its splendor and tranquility. Visitors can admire the variety of animals, from wild horses and bison to the 300 species and subspecies of birds, that call the prairie home. It’s worth returning to again and again, as you never know what you’re going to see on any given day!
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
18700 S Co Rd 325, Cross Creek, FL
Explore beloved local author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings historic farmyard, orange grove, and seasonal gardens–just as the Hawthorne transplant left them in the 1930s. Best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Yearling, Rawlings wrote young adult novels before the form became a staple of the publishing industry.
Picnic tables, a boat ramp to Orange Lake and a playground are located in the adjacent county park.
Herlong Mansion
The Herlong is one of the most popular B&Bs in the area, welcoming visitors year round as an inn. Set amid beautiful gardens, this elegant Victorian beauty is a convenient 2-minute walk to the Micanopy Historical Society Museum.
Best Restaurants in Micanopy
Antonio’s Made In Italy
22050 N US 441
Born and raised in Italy on an island off Naples, Antonio has been bringing his grandmother’s authentic recipes to North Florida since 2013.
The Depot/Speakeasy
22060 N US 441
For a more casual dining experience, try a hand-tossed pizza and a craft beer at The Depot next door. It’s housed in an 1881 train station and run by the same folks behind Antonio’s.
Pearl’s Country Store and Barbecue
106 NE US 441 A
This Micanopy fixture was featured in Southern Living for its authentic Southern comfort foods. Grab some tender ribs and delicious pulled brisket at Pearl’s and then head over to Payne’s Prairie for a picnic.
Old Florida Cafe
203 NE Cholokka Blvd
Old Florida serves a mix of Cuban and American standards in a cozy setting replete with pink plastic flamingos. Locals rave about the Cuban sandwiches.
The Yearling
14531 E Co Rd 325, Hawthorne, FL
The Yearling in neighboring Hawthorne offers catfish, frog legs, and other Southern fare, plus live music in homey digs. Â
Micanopy Public School Zoning
Elementary Schools:
- Metcalfe Elementary
- Alachua Learning Academy Elementary School
- Expressions Learning Arts Academy
Middle Schools:
- Kanapaha Middle School
- Professional Academy Magnet at Loften High School
- Alachua Learning Academy Middle
High Schools:
- Eastside High School
- Gainesville High School
Get In Touch with a Knowledgeable Realtor at Rabell
Thinking about putting down roots in Micanopy? Talk to your realtor at Rabell today to find out what’s available today.