GainesvilleMoms.com

So, hubby's having me visit so that I can look at apartments with him. Anything I should do or see while I'm in town?

Well you should definitely see some apartments! LOL! Sorry it's one of those days and I'm one of those people. However, depending on what type of person you are, Gainesville actually does have a lot to offer as far as venue is concerned but I'm from a farm town called Mayo so it may be just me. You can visit the many parks and Kanapaha Gardens or the Butterfly Museum if you're out-doorsey or you can stroll the many hotspots and coffee shops downtown (we love Maude's for great dessert and coffee). There is the Hippodrome for plays and of course the Phillips Center for Performing Arts. UF campus is beautiful with historic architecture as well. That is a basic rundown and I hope you enjoy your trip here!

There is a lot to see and do here. What interests you and how much free time are you going to have?

I'll have plenty of free time...hubby is picking me up Friday in Orlando and I imagine we will be looking at apartments over the weekend. He'll be working Monday through Thursday though, so during the days I'll be on my own. Mary did a really good job of doing a general rundown. I actually know a bit about the area already since I've visited some of Scott's family there before. It's always great to learn about new things though...Mmm, did someone say Maude's for dessert and coffee=-)

OOOOh! I LOVE Maude's! The have the BEST peanut butter/chocolate cake!! As far as things to do during the week..the museum is pretty cool (and air conditioned!). The weather has been pretty crummy in the afternoons, so if you are wanting to do anything outside I would try to do it in the am. We have actually been going to the library downtown for some shows and just hanging out and reading. I know they have a kid's show this Monday but I'm not sure what it is. Then there are also free kid's movies at Regal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I think there is a post on here about them. I'm pretty sure it's the theater on Newberry Road (the newer one). If I think of anything else I will add it

maybe I missed it, but where is your hubby staying now?

The Villa's on W University Ave (off of Tower Road just off of Newberry Road) has some apartments available, so does fox hollow. I live in the Villa's (at Ashton Square). but I guess it depends how close you want to be downtown or further away. I like it cuz its actually quiet here.

I know there are new apartments/condos near Shands/UF. I'm not sure how the cost but can imagine it is high.

Good luck in your search!

Are your kids coming with you?

Yeah, the weather has been a bit crummy in the late afternoon, so mornings are the best to do anything outdoors. If you want to see alligators, Lake Alice (on campus) and the Alachua Sink (part of Payne's Prairie) are good places. Someone mentioned the museum which is nice. Parking is $3 and admission is free (although donations are welcome). If the weather is nice in the evening, you can watch 60,000 bats fly out of the bat house on campus. Satchel's is a fun and quirky restaurant. I love Emiliano's, too. I'm fairly new to town, so I'm sure there are a lot of more fun things to see and do.