Grub Burger Bar in Gainesville is taking American classics and turning them on their heads. From milkshakes spiked with beer to burgers so spicy they’ll make you sweat, this fast-casual restaurant is dishing out some of the best food in the area.
Is there any better way to kick off a weekend than with a good glass of wine? I don’t think so! On Saturday I made my way out to the Island Grove Wine Company Tasting House in Hawthorne, about 20 minutes south of Gainesville to try some of their delicious wines.
The Island Grove Wine Company is Florida-based and prides itself on using its fresh fruit to create exceptional wine. I first tried their wine at the Gateway City Craft Beer & Wine Festival in Lake City and immediately fell in love. So when I realized the tasting house was less than an hour away from where I live, I knew I had to check it out.
This weekend I came to an epiphany about Gainesville, a city I’ve come to know well over the past few years: there’s no shortage of places to explore.
I’ve been working in Gainesville for a little over six months, and before then I spent nearly every weekend for the past two-and-a-half years making the drive there from Lake City to go the movies or to Target (Lake City doesn’t have one, I’m still appalled.)
On Saturday I decided to drive down and visit the Haile Village Center, a small community located near the larger Haile Plantation. Haile Village Center is known for its weekly farmers market and local restaurants, and I knew I had to check it out for myself.
Continue reading “A Perfect Day at the Haile Village Center”
The Fourth of July is just two days away! It’s a day to celebrate freedom with family, fireworks and of course, food. With all the burgers and hot dogs, starchy sides and beers and sweet teas that usually accompany holiday parties here in Florida, it’s hard to stay on track as far as healthy eating goes.
One sure-fire way to make sure there are healthy options for you at a July 4th cookout is to bring them yourself! Making some yummy, healthy alternatives to the heavier food choices will guarantee that you’re not feeling guilty after you eat, but the hostess will also be grateful for your contribution to the party.
Chances are if you’ve driven over the Florida border, you’ve passed through Lake City, Florida. However, when I tell people that’s where I live, I usually get confused looks in return.
When I first moved here two and a half years ago (wow, I can’t believe it’s been that long!), I didn’t know much about my new home either. With a little exploring I discovered that Lake City is more than just a place you pass through; it’s a destination.
This weekend I spent a few days in beautiful St. Augustine Beach with my boyfriend and his family. We stayed in a condo at the Colony Reef Club that was just steps away from the ocean. The trip was full of sunshine, stunning views, delicious food and tons of memories. Here are some of the highlights:
When it comes to hosting girls night, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful cheese board (or charcuterie board as the fancy people call it). However, all those fancy cheeses and meats can be expensive, and you could end up spending nearly $100 on them.
So when I decided to make my own cheese board to go with a night of wine drinking and gossiping with the girls, I knew I didn’t want to break the bank. After some research and some bargain hunting, I came up with the perfect formula for making a cheese board on a budget.
Continue reading “How To Make The Perfect Cheese Board On A Budget”
For those of you who don’t know, I live in Lake City, a semi-rural town less than an hour south of the Florida-Georgia border. It’s a city full of southern charm, and one of my favorite places is Lake City’s historic downtown district. Although it’s pretty small, some new businesses and restaurants have begun to transform the area into a place that caters to the younger generations in town.
My favorite restaurant in downtown Lake City is Marion Street Bistro and Brewhouse. The delicious food, the chill vibe and the fact that it’s nestled right in the heart of downtown makes it my go-to restaurant when I have guests in town or want to have lunch with the girls.
Continue reading “Lake City Eats: Marion Street Bistro and Brewhouse”
Did you know that North-Central Florida is the natural freshwater springs capital of the world? Well I had no idea until I moved to Lake City, right smack dab in the middle of North Florida two years ago.
Growing up I was a beach gal all the way. I had never even been to a freshwater spring until my boyfriend brought me to Lake City for the first time four years ago. Now, I can’t get enough! During the warm months we try to go to as many springs as we can. Each one has something different to offer.
Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to North Florida’s Springs”
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