I travel to Gainesville once a month, and have gotten to go to many of the bars and restaurants around town. Since many are going thee this weekend, I thought that I would share with you guys the knowledge that I have picked up in my times there.

Florida fans are very passionate about their Gators, just like we are about our Tigers. If tiger fans can follow the same advice that we give to opposing fans on here, then you should get along with the majority of them. They will probably do some goodnatured yelling at you. If you do the same back, you will likely get offered a beer and some food, just like we do to them.

Do remember that you are not in Louisiana any more, and that the alcohol laws are a little less laxed there. Never drink out of a glass bottle, and never walk around with your drinks. If you are drinking at a tailgate, the police will not bother you. If you are walking across campus with a drink in hand, there is a chance you will be ticketed. And if you walk across University Avenue with a drink in hand, its beyond a chance, you WILL get ticketed.

Getting there

For those driving from Louisiana. simple, but boring drive. I-10 east, to I-75 South is all there is too it. Gas is more expensive in the state of Florida, so its best to have a full tank before you cross into Florida. Once in Florida, the cheapest gas can be found at exits 142 (Marianna/ Blountstown) and 192 (Quincy/Tallahassee)

if you are flying in to Orlando, then driving in, don't forget to have some cash handy for the tolls (about $6).

if you are flying in to Jacksonville, then driving in, you will be driving on back roads for majority of the drive. Be mindful of the speed limit as it changes often. Be particularly careful in Waldo.

If flying in to Tampa, its all interstate to G-ville.

The Bar Scene

G-ville has 3 different area to enjoy some decent nightlife:

Midtown is the closest to campus, being directly across University Avenue from the stadium. Think Tigerland. The bars there will have a younger crowd, and they will be very crowded.

Some notable bars in Midtown are:

Gator City/XS: This place is more like 3 bars in one. They have a dance club (XS), a room full of pool tables and video games (and a jukebox with not one, but 2 LSU songs on it), and another room with TV's and tables. Should have a decent LSU crowd on Friday and Saturday night, but get there early, as they are very strict about how many people are allowed in (fire code capacity)

Grog House: Simply put, this place is their Reggie's. If you are a college student, your best bet. If you are over 25 you should keep on moving.

Balls: more of a bar then a club. Smaller than the other 2, If comparing to an LSU bar, I would probably go with Slinky's.

The Swamp: Their version of Walk On's. Lots of TV's, lots of Gator collectibles on the walls. Will be full of LSU fans on Saturday morning, just like it is every time we go there. Food is decent and cheap, but if you sit there and drink for a while, you will run up a considerable tab.

Downtown

Downtown is just down University Ave. Most of the bars are on or near SE 2nd Ave. The crowds will be a little bit older. The bars won't have as much of the away game atmosphere, as the rowdier students will be in mid town. There seems to be a bar for just about everyone downtown. They have a cowboy bar (8 Seconds), a martini/hookah bar (101), a dance club (Sharab) , a hipster joint (Common Grounds), a pub (Market Street) and a bevy of other places to choose from.

The third area is between Downtown and Midtown. I rarely go anywhere in this area, as it seems to be full of places geared towards vegetarians and such. There is a Mellow Mushrom just past campus in this stretch though

Sports Bars: There are really only 3 of note; Ale House, Gator's Dockside, and The Swamp.

The Ale House is on Archer near a lot of the hotels. Great place to watch NFL on Sunday before heading out of town. Decent food, and they sometimes have spectacular drink specials.

Dockside is on University between campus ad the interstate. Its like a Buffalo Wild Wings. The food kind of sucks, but the beer flows cold, and they have a ton of TV's, including 5 projector screens.

see above for the Swamp.

if you need any other advice, just ask, and I'll try to answer any questions you have!

This post was edited on 10/8/10 at 8:29 am