Micanopy, FL

Micanopy, FL is a town in Alachua county just south of Gaineville, FL.  It is about 90 minutes south of Jacksonville, FL.  Micanopy has a population of  652 with a median income of $27,800 and a median age of  43.    When Willian Bartram, an explorer and naturalist, visited the area in 1774 it was a seminole village called Cuscowilla.  Micanopy became the first distinct U.S. town in Florida with a settlement beginning right after Spain ceded the Florida territory in 1821.  Micanopy was built by the Florida Assoiciation of New Year, a development corporation headquartered in New York City.  The town was named after a Seminole Chief, Micanopy who was the leading Seminole chief during the Second Seminole Wars.  Micanopy was built along with two forts, Fort Defiance (1835-1836)  and Fort Micanopy (1837-1843).  The movie 'Doc Hollywood' was filmed in Micanopy using several buildings in the scenes.  Micanopy hosts aa Artist Festival in the fall which brings over 100 artists and vendors.  It is a huge two day festival where the streets are lined with booths and it is very well attended.
We have visited Micanopy several times and we love the little town.  The buildings are classic old buildings with tons of antiques.  There is one store you have to visit when you come to Micanopy.  It is called 'The Shoppe' and it literally has merchandise everywhere.  Most of the items sold are decorative nicknacks and it is a great place to pick up some gifts for family and friends.  During a holiday the front part of the store is dedicated to that holiday.  One of the two restaurants in town where we always go eat is the Sandwich shop.   It is a sandwich shop that serves good food, great coffee (so I have heard) and good ice cream.  It is owned by a rodeo clown who has one area of the store devoted to his trade and they are all very friendly.  All of Micanopy is friendly and occasionally you may linger too long in one of the antique stores and the owner starts telling you the stories and history behind the items he or she sells.  It is a great town to visit and would make a nice week end trip when pared up with Paynes Prairie.