John Mahon Nature Park

  Some trails cannot handle too much rain, and this is one of them. Although conveniently located just off Newberry Road, this loop trail lacks solid ground. Literally.

   If you have a durable pair of shoes and don't mind navigating around muddy patches, then you can handle this trail! Otherwise, steer clear unless it's been a dry week. 

   The water level can be a deal breaker for a long hike. Amanda and I spent only about an hour there in between classes and most of the time I was skipping over puddles and bushes trying to keep my boots mud-free. 

    I may revisit John Mahon Nature Park when the conditions are better because the location is close by and it's a quickie (0.5 miles). It's worth a visit if you're in the area!

{John Mahon Nature Park} Recommended for just hikers but bicycles are allowed, as are pets.

(This is what it looks like when you have to cut through spider webs and bushes because your nice boots can't bear the muddy paths)

Coffee Culture Café

   If you are a coffee connoisseur like myself Coffee Culture is a café worth visiting. A friend and I spotted the small tan-and-green shop while driving down 13th Street and were lured in. 

   I had to do a twirl of a glance before I approached the counter just to soak in the rock and roll atmosphere. Not only was there a regular tableset area but there was also a small nook filled with comfy couches for studious patrons and open mic nights.

   Coffee Culture seems to attract all kinds - there were customers from age four to seventy enjoying pastreys and the popular free-refill coffee deal. 

   Even more diverse is the selection of books in the Lending Library, one of the pleasures of skipping the Drive-Thru option and embracing the charming ambiance.

   It took my friend and I took some time selecting our drinks but the barista patiently helped us. I chose the Iced Carmel Mocha that was simply thrilling. It took us longer to choose our drinks than it for him to make them! His comic flair was probably in step with the 80s golden tunes. 

   We thoroughly enjoyed Coffee Culture and recommend it to anyone looking for a caffeinated study break and hope to stop by for one of their open mic nights in the near future! 

{Coffee Culture} 2020 NW 13th St. 

Gainesville, FL 32609

Price Range $$/$$$$ 

(Wifi reserved for customers only!)

Morning Trails

January 11, 2014

   This morning my hiking buddy, Amanda, and I woke up early to find what is called the Hogtown Creek Greenway to begin our Hiking Bucket List! We accidentally ended up on a small trail, maybe 0.5 miles long which was not what we expected, but the discovery of a beautiful little creek flowing underneath a picturesque mossy bridge was well worth the detour. Right before we left, a herd of white-tailed deer pranced right past us -  a great reminder that sometimes the unexpected adventures are the best ones!
   Afterwards, the two of us tracked down the real Loblolly Woods with the Hogtown Creek Greenway trail (the address: 3315 NW 5th Ave). If you start in the neighborhood like us, go ahead and jump on the Loblolly wooden trail and if you find yourself facing a road after you get off of it, turn right and keep walking until you find the Hogtown Creek Greenway trail. It's really easy (although, "Slippery When Wet" mind you) and once you're off the bridge you are free to navigate through the woods or paths! We turned left and were soon faced with a wide creek just waiting for people to jump in. I ditched my Nikes to skip down the refreshing stream and found some shells to tote along. There are so many other parts of the Loblolly Woods Nature Parks that Amanda and I didn't have the opportunity to venture through, but we will most likely be back after experiencing the rarity of its clean and uncrowded trails. Overall, the day was very rewarding and I cannot wait to take on whatever trail we try out next!

(Click for links)
{Loblolly Woods Nature Parks} - Good for pets, running, biking, and hiking
{Hogtown Creek Greenway} - Some spots are not good for running or biking. Otherwise good for pets, hiking, and there are a few potential hammocking spots! (TIP: Wear appropriate shoes in case of muddy areas)