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In Micanopy, Atlantans find affordable Florida off the tourist trail
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Just a few minutes south of Florida’s biggest university lies a little village where you’ll find yesterday alive and thriving. Transport yourself back to yesteryear. Come to Micanopy, walk the sidewalks of Cholokka Boulevard and revel in a nostalgia so well preserved it could be a Hollywood movie set. Well, as a matter of fact, it was.
The film Doc Hollywood (starring Michael J. Fox) chose Micanopy (Mick-can-oh'-pee) for its location in 1991. The truth is, whether this little town played host to Hollywood stars in 1991, 1941 or 2041, little, if anything, would look any different. The.jpg)
ancient moss-draped oaks, palmetto thatches, thick Florida hammock and vintage architecture would all fill your eyes and make you feel like a time traveler.
Today, there are many reasons to visit this gracious town named after a Seminole chief. Foremost is bargain antique-shopping. Micanopy is legendary among people in the South who love antiquing. But there’s a lot more to see and do in and around town...more than shops and shopping because layers of Florida history keep bubbling up at every street corner and along every lonely two-lane road.
Explore the 19th and early 20th century architecture in all its funky glory. Then get set for some shop-till-you-drop antiquing. It’s a wall-to-wall treasure trove: rare books, simple keepsakes, hard-to-find collectibles, heirloom furniture and unusual estate jewelry. All on one street lined by towering live oaks.
If hunger strikes and it’s lunchtime, be sure to stop by the Old Florida Cafe with its cozy, open-air porch. There you’re going to get a very good sandwich made fresh for about $5-$6. The pressed cubans are great, especially with a classic side order of black beans & rice.
Staying overnight? You must dine at The Yearling a few miles away in Cross Creek. This old-time cracker landmark serves up icons of rural Florida cuisine like fried catfish, steamed crawdads, delicious gator tail, frog legs or venison. Soul food sides like greens, cheese grits or fried green tomatoes really work. But you can also get soft shell crab, scallops and shrimp; or fancy, big-tab items like prime rib. The Yearling may not be cheap, but it sure is memorable. Dinner, about $13-$26. Be sure to catch blues singer Willie Green Thursday-Saturday.
Speaking of spending the night, the only logical place to stay in Micanopy is the Herlong Mansion. Listed on the National 
Register of Historic Places, the Herlong not only has a fantastic location on Cholokka Boulevard, the classically-columned brick revival home breathes Micanopy history within its walls. The grounds too are elegant and spacious, and the place is tended with loving care, inside and out. For budget travelers, the Herlong is worth a one-night splurge, rooms from $119, most around $149. I like the Dogwood room on the second floor with access through French doors to the sweeping verandah.
A few miles north on US441 is Gainesville, Florida, with tons of dining and lodging options. It’s a very easy drive from Gainesville back to Micanopy.
While Micanopy’s charms are delightful any time of year, early spring and mid-fall are ideal. March and springtime will be here soon (let’s hope!), and if I were you, I would start making Micanopy plans now...
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