Hidden Gems of Gainesville

I know I post things about Gainesville, but there is this great event in Orlando on Tuesday. If anyone is a blogger and is looking to expand their readership, followers and their brand all together, you should definitely attend this event.  The event is called "Advanced Instagram for Business." You will learn about a dvanced Instagram techniques to help your business grow. Orlando based blogger Brittany Clark will host the event. You will go over Feed Planning, Instagramming with Intention, Photography, Engagement Tips and How to Use Instagram Stories to attract new readers and followers.  Brittany Clark is not your ordinary blogger. She has been blogging on Instagram for the past 3 years. In that time she's grown her following from 1k to 10k and started making money each month on sponsored brand posts on Instagram. Some brands she's worked with include: Wendy's, Dr. Pepper, Reebok, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Caesar's Palace and more! I am in Orlando f

It's that time of year again! Time to watch Hocus Pocus , decorate the house with ghouls and scare, buy or make a scary costume and eat some candy. It's Halloween! The Gainesville Sun put out an article about all the spooky fun things to do before, during and after the October 31st holiday. Some of the events they share are farm festivals, corn mazes and even a peanut patch! Check it out: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20181019/get-ready-for-some-spooky-fun

Roger's Farm is a family owned farm for over 30 years and as of March 2018, the farm was sold to a local family that is 5th generation in agriculture. The  goal of the new owners is to keep the character of the farm alive.  They have many events that include the "u-pick strawberry" in the spring, fresh peas and butter beans pickin' during the summer and right now they have a fall festivity -the annual fall festival and corn maze! I went here with my friends last week and we had so much fun! I have never been a maze before, I got to live out a childhood dream. Make sure to take some photos and wear your best fall outfit. They are open every Friday from 5-11 pm, Saturday from 11 am - 11 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. Keep in my they are open unil November 3rd for the fall season.  https://rogersfarmfl.com

This past month, I have been working on a radio story about therapy dogs who are read books by kids at some of the library branches in Alachua County. It's a beautiful story and these kids love to come to the library to read to the dog that is there for the day. It not only puts smile to their face but it gets them reading, learning and interacting with other kids. This article, by the Ocala Star Banner , says they have the same program going on at the Freedom Public Library in Ocala. The program will go on until October 26 at the library, but the Alachua County libraries will have it going on for longer. This article has some photos for you to take a look at. You can also go to the events page on the Alachua County Library District to see when and which library they also will have this program. https://www.ocala.com/news/20180926/reading-to-hannah-just-one-of-many-library-programs

The K9 Splash Bash is held every year for dog owners! This event is  Dog-Gone Fun! Bring your four-legged pal and make a splash! There are plenty of activities for dog lovers of all ages. They have a costume contest, vendors from different animal organizations and veterinarian hospitals, all the dogs can swim in the pool, and they even have a doggie bath. I made a short interview with the organizer of the event, Lance Baltzley, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Newberry Animal Hospital. I also filmed a short video of myself to tell you about what when on at the event.   Please be advised: Admission: $5 per Dog.  Proof of rabies vaccination certificate required for entry. 

Each year, the Florida Museum of Natural History hosts the Butterfly Fest ButterflyFest. It's an annual free festival to celebrate backyard wildlife with an emphasis on pollinators! From native butterfly releases, live animals, workshops and plant sales to vendors, entertainment and food, all activities are fun-for-all-ages! Butterfly fest is held once a year. The evnt promoted the Florida Museums exhibit, the Butterfly Rainforest. Butterfly Rainforest exhibit admission is $14 for adults ($12 Fla. residents) and $7 for ages 3-17. Admission is free for Museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. Some vendors may charge for their services. They had food trucks, a plant sale and some local vendors selling their products like honey, paintings and both products like soap. Here are some tweets and photos I took during the event: I am at the 13th annual Butterfly Fest! ButterflyFest is a FREE festival to celebrate backyard wildlife with an emphasis on pollina