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Tour The University of Florida Campus: StayGainesville's Tour

TAKE A TOUR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA: STAYGAINESVILLE'S COMPREHENSIVE TOUR

The University of Florida Campus: StayGainesville's comprehensive tour
A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the University of Florida Campus

The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville stands out not only for its academic excellence but also for its picturesque campus, rich in history and natural beauty. Whether you're a prospective student, a visiting family member, or a curious traveler, this guided tour will help you uncover the best sights and experiences UF has to offer.

1. **Welcome to the University of Florida**

Begin your exploration at the **Reitz Student Union**, the lively center of student activities. This multifunctional building features diverse dining options, a comprehensive bookstore, student organization offices, and essential student services. Starting your tour here provides a great introduction to the dynamic student life at UF.

**Highlights**:
- **Dining Variety**: Enjoy a wide range of food options from fast food to healthier choices.
- **UF Bookstore**: Ideal for purchasing Gator gear and textbooks.
- **Leisure Activities**: The game room offers pool, bowling, and video games for relaxation.

#### 2. **Century Tower**

Next, head towards **Century Tower**, a prominent carillon bell tower standing 157 feet tall. Erected in 1953 to mark UF's centennial and honor its war veterans, the tower's bells chime every quarter hour, and you might catch a delightful carillon concert.

**Highlights**:
- **Historic Tribute**: Commemorates UF's 100th anniversary and its veterans.
- **Musical Performances**: Enjoy the melodious tunes from the carillon bells.

#### 3. **Plaza of the Americas**

From there, move on to the **Plaza of the Americas**, a central green space that serves as a communal hub for students. This expansive plaza is often buzzing with activities such as outdoor classes, student events, and the beloved "Hare Krishna Lunch," where a vegetarian meal is offered for a nominal donation.

**Highlights**:
- **Hare Krishna Lunch**: A unique and budget-friendly dining experience.
- **Community Spot**: Perfect for observing campus life and unwinding.

#### 4. **Smathers Library (Library East)**

A short stroll from the Plaza brings you to **Smathers Library**, also known as Library East. As the oldest library on campus, opened in 1926, it boasts stunning architecture and historical significance. The library houses special collections and archives, including rare books and manuscripts.

**Highlights**:
- **Special Collections**: Explore rare books and valuable documents.
- **Architectural Beauty**: Admire the grand design and tranquil reading rooms.

#### 5. **The Florida Museum of Natural History**

Head towards the western part of the campus to visit the **Florida Museum of Natural History**, one of the nation's premier natural history museums. The museum features exhibits on Florida's diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage, with the Butterfly Rainforest being a standout attraction.

**Highlights**:
- **Butterfly Rainforest**: Walk among hundreds of live butterflies.
- **Cultural and Natural Exhibits**: Discover Florida's rich natural history and cultural artifacts.

#### 6. **The Harn Museum of Art**

Adjacent to the Natural History Museum is the **Harn Museum of Art**, one of the largest university art museums in the Southeast. The Harn's extensive collection includes contemporary art, African art, Asian art, and photography. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions and a variety of educational programs.

**Highlights**:
- **Diverse Art Collections**: View artworks from different cultures and eras.
- **Educational Events**: Participate in workshops, lectures, and exhibitions.

#### 7. **Ben Hill Griffin Stadium**

No visit to UF is complete without a stop at **Ben Hill Griffin Stadium**, known as "The Swamp." This is the home of the Florida Gators football team and one of college football's most famous stadiums. On game days, the energy is palpable. If you visit off-season, self-guided tours of the stadium are available.

**Highlights**:
- **Gator Football Spirit**: Feel the excitement of UF athletics.
- **Stadium Tours**: Explore the stadium and learn about its history.

#### 8. **University Auditorium**

Near Century Tower is the **University Auditorium**, a historic venue that hosts concerts, lectures, and ceremonies. Its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows make it a must-see, even if no events are scheduled during your visit.

**Highlights**:
- **Architectural Splendor**: Appreciate the Gothic design and stained glass.
- **Cultural Events**: Check for scheduled performances and lectures.

#### 9. **Marston Science Library**

Located centrally on campus, the **Marston Science Library** is a modern facility that serves as a hub for science and engineering students. The library features extensive resources, group study rooms, computer labs, and a rooftop garden offering panoramic views of the campus.

**Highlights**:
- **Rooftop Garden**: Enjoy stunning campus views.
- **Study Resources**: Utilize the extensive scientific collections and modern facilities.

#### 10. **Lake Alice and Baughman Center**

For a peaceful and scenic end to your tour, visit **Lake Alice**, a natural lake on campus that is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators and birds. Nearby is the **Baughman Center**, a serene lakeside chapel known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful architecture, often used for meditation, small weddings, and concerts.

**Highlights**:
- **Wildlife Watching**: Spot alligators and various birds around the lake.
- **Baughman Center**: Enjoy the serene and beautiful chapel.

#### 11. **Wilmot Gardens**

To further appreciate the natural beauty of the UF campus, visit **Wilmot Gardens**, a serene green space located centrally on campus. Established in the 1950s, Wilmot Gardens promotes health and well-being through nature. The gardens feature a variety of plants, including a stunning collection of camellias, azaleas, and native Florida flora. The Therapeutic Horticulture Program within the gardens offers activities that harness the healing power of plants.

**Highlights**:
- **Floral Displays**: Admire the beautiful collection of camellias, azaleas, and native plants.
- **Therapeutic Horticulture**: Learn about programs that promote wellness through gardening activities.

### Conclusion

The University of Florida campus is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From historic buildings and world-class museums to lush green spaces and vibrant student life, there's something for everyone to enjoy. This guided tour offers a glimpse into what UF has to offer, but there are many other spots to explore. So take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and discover why the University of Florida is such a special place.

Whether you're here for a short visit or a longer stay, the memories you make and the sights you see will leave a lasting impression. Welcome to the Gator Nation, and happy exploring!

Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville. Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn- both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home.

Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.
BAMBUU Asian Eatery in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie April 2, 2025
BAMBUU Asian Eatery: Gainesville’s Go-To Spot for Flavor-Packed Bowls and Modern Vibes Gainesville’s dining scene just got a major upgrade with the arrival of BAMBUU Asian Eatery, a fast-casual fusion concept that’s already making waves across town. From build-your-own bowls to freshly prepared appetizers and a welcoming atmosphere, BAMBUU offers a delicious, modern take on classic Asian flavors—all served fast and made with care. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a twist or just need a healthy lunch option near campus or work, BAMBUU hits the spot. ๐Ÿœ What Is BAMBUU? BAMBUU Asian Eatery is a Florida-born concept that blends traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking with a fresh, contemporary spin. It’s designed to deliver quick, high-quality meals built around customizable options and clean ingredients. Everything is made-to-order, and you’re in control—choose your base, mix in your favorite proteins or veggies, and top it off with scratch-made sauces. It’s a fun, casual experience that doesn’t compromise on flavor or freshness. ๐ŸŒ Visit BAMBUU Online ๐Ÿ“ Where to Find It The Gainesville location is right in the action at 3606 SW Archer Road , in the busy Butler Plaza area. That makes it super convenient for University of Florida students, Shands staff, and anyone shopping or running errands in the area. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between classes or picking up dinner on your way home, BAMBUU’s spot is easy to access and surrounded by plenty of parking. ๐Ÿฑ The Menu: Build Your Bowl, Your Way One of the most appealing aspects of BAMBUU is its build-your-own bowl format . Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky (hey, no judgment!), there’s something here for everyone. Start with a base like: White rice Fried rice Lo mein noodles Fresh greens Then add your proteins and vegetables—options include: Grilled chicken Spicy beef Korean BBQ pork Basil shrimp Tofu (for a plant-based option) Their signature combos include: The Bambuu Bowl : Choose 2 bases + 3 proteins/veggies The Four Bowl : 2 bases + 2 toppings The Two Bowl : A single base + 1 topping—perfect for lighter appetites Every bowl comes to life with bold sauces like sweet soy glaze, creamy sesame, or spicy chili garlic. ๐Ÿงพ Explore the Full Menu ๐Ÿฅ  Don’t Skip the Starters Before you even get to your bowl, BAMBUU’s appetizers deserve their own spotlight. They offer crave-worthy sides that are ideal for sharing (or hoarding for yourself). Top picks include: Cream Cheese Rangoon – Crispy and golden with a creamy, savory filling Veggie Spring Rolls – Light, crispy, and perfect with dipping sauce Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, these are the perfect sidekick to any bowl. ๐Ÿง‘‍๐Ÿณ Fast-Casual Done Right BAMBUU offers a quick and easy dining experience without sacrificing quality. Guests walk through the ordering line (similar to Chipotle), selecting bases, proteins, veggies, and sauces as they go. It’s efficient, friendly, and made right in front of you—so there’s no wondering what’s going into your food. The interior is clean and modern with just enough flair to feel fun and welcoming—whether you’re eating solo or with a group. ๐ŸŽ‰ Hosting an Event? They Cater, Too BAMBUU also provides group catering , which is perfect for office luncheons, family parties, or student events. Catering trays are available in several sizes and include full meals with proteins, bases, sauces, and sides. They make it easy to customize a spread for any crowd—with the same bold flavors and fresh ingredients they’re known for in-store. ๐Ÿฅก Order Catering via ezCater ๐Ÿ’ฌ Community First: Giving Back in Gainesville Since opening, BAMBUU has made it a point to give back to the Gainesville community. They’ve hosted appreciation events with free meals for teachers, hospital staff, and first responders , showing their gratitude to those who make the city better every day. That kind of heart isn’t something you see every day in a fast-casual restaurant—and it’s one of the many reasons BAMBUU is earning loyal fans quickly. ๐Ÿš€ Growing in Florida This is BAMBUU’s second location , following their successful debut in Vero Beach . Gainesville was selected as their next stop thanks to its diverse, energetic population and thriving food culture. Their vision doesn’t stop here—more locations are in the works, including one coming soon to Clermont, FL. ๐Ÿ“ See All BAMBUU Locations ๐ŸŒŸ What Customers Are Saying Reviews have been glowing so far. Customers love the bold flavors, the speedy service, and the freedom to create a meal that’s just right for them. One happy diner shared: “Fresh, flavorful, and fast. Exactly what Gainesville needed. The spicy sauce was amazing, and I’ll definitely be back for the cream cheese rangoons.” ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Read Reviews on Yelp ๐Ÿ“ฆ Dine Your Way: In-House, Pickup, or Delivery You can enjoy BAMBUU however you like: Dine-in for a casual sit-down meal Takeout for lunch breaks or dinners on the go Curbside pickup for convenience Delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats Whether you’re relaxing at home or on the move, your next flavorful meal is just a few taps away. Final Bite: Why BAMBUU Deserves a Spot on Your Foodie Radar Gainesville’s restaurant scene is always growing, but BAMBUU brings something fresh and exciting to the table. With high-quality ingredients, a commitment to community, and a menu that’s endlessly customizable, this is more than just another rice bowl joint. It’s a place to connect, eat well, and feel good about your meal—every single time. ๐Ÿ“ Visit BAMBUU at 3606 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 ๐ŸŒ Order Online or View Menu Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville . Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn - both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home. Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.
Things to do in Gainesville Florida this week!
By Susannah Peddie March 26, 2025
From garden blooms to craft brews and scenic bike rides, Gainesville is full of life this weekend. Whether you’re planning to explore or host, this is the perfect time to enjoy all that spring has to offer. And when you’re ready to rest or celebrate, The Laurel Oak Inn and The Camellia Rose Inn provide ideal settings to unwind in style.
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