If you’re anything like us here at Strike UF, the chill in the air and the dreary monotony of finals season likely have you feeling more than a bit under the weather. Have no fear, Gators, for we’ve ever-so-kindly compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite Gainesville sites that are sure to chase your blues away! Although these cozy spots are bound to boost your mood at any time of the year, this curated lineup is specifically designed to infuse some warm holiday cheer into these — to put it mildly — stressful times.

LAKE WAUBURG

North Shore

133 REGATTA DRIVE MICANOPY, FL 32667

Monday and Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday – Friday: 12-5:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

South Shore

312 WHITEHURST ROAD MICANOPY, FL 32667

Monday - Thursday: Closed

Friday: 1-5:30 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m.–5:30pm

Calling all nature lovers and tree huggers — Lake Wauburg is going to be your new go-to spot, especially during this crisp winter season. Lake Wauburg is the place to be for all your favorite sports activities: boating and sailing, challenge courses, disc golf, swimming, mountain biking, volleyball and more. This spot is the perfect getaway for an active day with friends to let loose and frolic, if you will. Plus, everything is free with your Gator 1 Card. The peaceful views and entertaining activities will soothe your soul and bring all the good vibes, especially when you need a relaxation day from holiday season madness.

HAWTHORNE TRAIL

3400 S.E. 15TH ST. GAINESVILLE, FL 32641

Monday - Sunday: 8.am. - sundown

Hawthorne’s Trail is one of Gainesville’s most exquisite hidden treasures. This 16-mile long Florida State Park is the perfect bike trail for a sunny Sunday morning spent watching autumn leaves fall along the path. On this scenic route, you’ll find streams of clear water leading to calming meadows and small forests. Don't forget that Hawthorne’s Trail connects to the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, birding, horseback riding and fishing. This trail is full of different surprises to discover, making it a local favorite.

CRITTER CREEK FARM SANCTUARY

12626 NW COUNTRY ROAD 231 GAINESVILLE, FL 32609

Open to the public

Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve that rescues neglected cows and is home to pigs and donkeys. This spot is ideal for animal lovers, as you can hang out with the farm critters, feed them and get to know their silly personalities. Not to mention, Critter Creek hosts a monthly farmers “Mooket” for Gainesville locals to enjoy fresh produce and shop the vendors’ arts and crafts. This vegan market sells mouth-watering plant-based products every third Sunday of the month. Fan favorites include Proud Pickles and Soleil Confections to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings — this is one wholesome event you don’t want to miss. This is the number one spot to bundle up and get in touch with nature, bond with farm animals and support local businesses.

KARMA CREAM

607 W. UNIVERSITY AVE. GAINESVILLE, FL 32601

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

If you’re looking to satiate your sweet tooth, look no further than Karma Cream. Conveniently located on West University Avenue, this local staple is the place to go for drool-worthy baked goods, coffee, ice cream, sandwiches and other delicacies that’ll help you beat the cold-weather blues. The best part is, they serve vegan and organic treats for patrons with restrictive diets or looking to gain good karma! This cozy spot is renowned for its friendly service, eclectic atmosphere and unique flavors. Staff favorites include Karma Cream’s hot cocoa, brownies and the pastrami, a vegan pastrami sandwich with cilantro pesto. Be sure to treat yourself to Karma Cream more than once — they’re always sweetening their menu with seasonal delights that don’t stick around forever.

LAKE ALICE

982 MUSEUM ROAD GAINESVILLE, FL 32603

Monday - Sunday: sunrise - sundown

Take a trip to Lake Alice, one of UF’s natural wonders and a timeless classic for students. Visitors can relieve stress by strolling along the water, stringing up a hammock (bring a blanket, a good book and a comfy sweater!) or playing frisbee with friends. Just across Museum Road are UF’s Bat Houses, so plan to stay past sunset to watch the bats take flight. Also located along Lake Alice is the Baughman Center, an elegant “contemplation space” with towering windows and stunning architecture; there’s no better place to get a moment of reprieve and experience the season’s serenity.

THE AUK MARKET

2031 N.W. SIXTH ST. GAINESVILLE, FL 32609

Monday - Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays)

What do eye shadow, coffee, candles, and hot sauce have in common? They can all be found at the AUK Market, a true Gainesville gem. AUK Market will cater to all your vintage and holiday shopping needs with their exquisitely curated and seasonally rotated selection of goods and artwork from local vendors — you’re sure to find a fresh statement piece at any time of the year. The market shares its property with Curia on the Drag, a self-described “urban oasis” that holds Dad’s Bar, Curia Food Truck (calling all vegan foodies!) and a quaint coffee shop. Go on a weekday to tackle homework with a warm drink in one of AUK’s numerous study spots — we recommend the hammock — or attend a pop-up market for an even larger array of goods and an unbeatable atmosphere.

Whether you enjoy these Gainesville delights during the holiday season or in the midst of a sweltering Florida summer, don’t forget to document the experience and tag us on Instagram @strikemagazineuf! We can’t wait to see how gorgeous and cozy you look. If you can’t get enough of our team’s sublime seasonal spots, check out the honorable mentions below.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Butterfly Rainforest: @floridamuseum

Crane Ramen: @craneramengnv

Ginnie Springs: @ginniesprings

Luke's Bagels: @lukesnewyorkbagels

Muñecas Taco Garden: @munecas.downtown

Satchels: @satchelspizza

The Bull: @thebullgnv

Strike Out,

Writers: Sophie Collongette, Alexandra del Cañal

Editor: AJ Bafer

Gainesville

Gainesville’s Chillest Holiday Hangouts