Micanopy, Florida, with a total area of just one square mile, is known as Florida’s smallest town. But it certainly punches above its size.
Located just south of Gainesville, Micanopy is one of Central Florida’s oldest towns, founded in 1810. And it’s well-preserved Cholokka Boulevard has earned it the nickname of the “Town that Time Forgot.”
This town was named for the honorable Seminole chief that settled in Micanopy in 1821. The population is just over 600 people, but the town is rich in history, art, food and character.
You can start by taking a tour of the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, then grab a coffee at one of the town’s charming bakeries and start exploring on your own.
Antiques
Micanopy has plenty of treasures tucked away in the surprisingly large number of antique shops that are strategically placed around the town. From furniture and figurines to glass trinkets and more, Micanopy is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind present.
Can’t-miss spots include Lost Ark Antiques and Wren Wood Antiques.
Dining
You won’t find a bunch of chain restaurants cluttering up Micanopy’s charming streets. Instead, you’ll find one-of-a-kind local eateries serving up delicious bites and a side of Old Florida charm.
Pearl Country Store & Barbeque serves up classic southern fare (including an amazing breakfast menu), while The Depot offers whisky, beer and pizza in an old-school speakeasy atmosphere.
Hiking
There are several hiking trails around town. Most of them aren’t long, so they’re perfect for casual hikers. The real draw is the incrediblr scenery and abundance of wildlife. Depending on when you visit, you may see herons, egrets, ibises and storks. In the fall, the area is a popular breeding ground for snakes, turtles and alligators.
Encompassing 500 acres along the rim of Tuscawilla Prairie, the Tuscawilla Preserve offers great hiking and plenty of scenic spots for a mid-hike picnic.
The Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve on the other hand offers beautiful natural surroundings, but it’s real purpose is to preserve and protect the archeological footprint — including a burial mound — of the Alachua people who once called the area home.
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