Burnt Out? Try These Perfect GNV Spots
The start of the semester is always the same. First, it’s sylly week. Next thing you know, the professor you swore wasn’t going to start assigning work until ‘next week’ is slamming you with in-class assignments and an intro quiz due Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Try surviving nightly visits to DTF, JJ’s and White Buff without waiting over 30 minutes, nursing a case of hangxiety the next morning, and resisting the nausea of having to wake up for an 8:30 a.m. lecture. I mean even that was a mouthful. Eventually, two weeks of heavy work and playing catch-up have written themselves into your planner. Well, lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to unwind, escape the noise (even if it’s just for a few hours) and make sure that burnout bug you felt creeping up on you is out of sight.
Pascal’s Coffeehouse
Image courtesy: @pascalscoffee
Coffee is to Gainesville what pizza slices are to NYC. We love our local coffee shops. It’s an integral part of Gainesville culture. Whether you’re a Pascal’s regular or not, switching up your caffeine stop every once in a while won’t kill you. Pack some light work (or none at all) and head just a few minutes off-campus for some homey vibes and a chai latte or iced coffee, whatever’s more your vibe. Channel your inner Blaise Pascal, the shop’s namesake and resident Renaissance man, and enjoy an hour with your mind and the higher pursuits. You’ll feel yourself getting smarter as you sip.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Image courtesy: Friends of Nature Parks
Looking for a less crowded alternative to Paynes Prairie or Ichetucknee Springs? Sweetwater’s got you covered. With several trails winding through the swampy landscape, it’s perfect for a midday “hot girl (or boy) walk” outside. With paved trails over the marsh and levees that twist out from the mainland like oak branches, you can spot gators sunbathing in the sawgrass if you get lucky. We’ve heard it everywhere: being outside has mental and physical benefits. Florida is the Sunshine State. Escape the noise and get outdoors, letting the sunshine glaze your skin. It’s the best medicine.
Brunch at Afternoon / Serpentine Plants + Provisions
Image courtesy: Lemonhearted
Will a change of scenery shake the burnout bug out? Afternoon is a modern brunch spot located at NW 10th Street, just ten blocks north of University. There’s some delicious bites cooking up in a part of town you’ve probably never been to and a vibe you can’t find anywhere else. Even if you’re not feeling brunch, take something to go, leave your car parked and cross the driveway to Serpentine Plants + Provisions. Some retail therapy could do you good, and Serpentine has trinkets like no other. While it’s not a major excursion, a couple of hours in a stomping ground you don’t regularly frequent might make your to-do list lighter. A new succulent or some boutique wine: take something home with you like a small reward.
Gainesville has some sweet local spots to wind down. Take it easy. You deserve it.
Strike out,
Writer: Andrea Valdes-Sueiras
Editor: Kate Corcoran
Graphic: Anabel Dent
Gainesville
