Exploring Central Florida: Historic Micanopy, FL

Mary and I traveled to Micanopy, FL on Sunday (11/1/09). Honestly, we had never heard of this town until a few weeks ago when we saw that one of Steve Rajtar's historic walking tours would be held there on 11/1, and that there would also be a craft festival in town the same day. It sounded interesting, and we're glad that we took the chance to go.

Micanopy is a very sleepy and quaint town, and is the oldest continuously settled "inland" town in Florida. It is a small town (pop. ~653) , most of which is listed on the National Register since 1983. After taking the one and a half hour walking tour with Steve - about 3 miles round trip - we spent several hours visiting the booths set up for the fair, several of the stores in town, and the museum in the old Thrasher General Store building. There are several antique stores, at least 2 used book stores, a few restaurants, and stores selling arts, crafts, and collectibles. It is also home to the Herlong Mansion, which is a popular bed and breakfast that is also on the National Register. Micanopy also boasts that 2 movies have been shot in the town - Doc Hollywood and Cross Creek.

After leaving the main part of town, we drove out past the old cemetery that we passed during the walking tour. Here we stopped and spent another few hours. Mary and I both enjoy walking through old cemeteries, and the earliest recorded burial here was in 1826. It continues to be used today.

We plan to return for the day sometime soon when there is not a festival happening to get a better feel for the town and to visit more of the stores and sites. We also plan to visit the Paynes Prairie State Preserve at the same time, which is located in the same general area. This is well worth the trip if you are either a history buff or just want to browse the antique and collectible shops.