Coming soon! StayGainesville Best of the Best 2025

Get ready for StayGainesville's Best of the Best 2025!

StayGainesville's Best of the Best

📅 StayGainesville Best of the Best 2025


Every town has its favorites — the go-to coffee shop, the hidden gem of a boutique, the brunch spot you recommend to out-of-town friends. At StayGainesville, we believe those local legends deserve recognition, which is why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the StayGainesville Best of the Best 2025 contest. This community-powered initiative celebrates the businesses, venues, flavors, and experiences that define the Gainesville area.


From July 1 through August 15, 2025, locals and visitors alike can vote for their favorites across more than 15 categories. It’s 100% free to enter, entirely community-driven, and built on the belief that the people of North Central Florida know best.


📣 What is the Best of the Best 2025?


The Best of the Best is a grassroots recognition campaign designed to spotlight the exceptional businesses and destinations that make our region vibrant. Unlike other contests that rely on paid sponsorships or corporate voting systems, this one is proudly entirely fueled by local nominations and votes.


Whether you’re passionate about Gainesville’s growing food scene, devoted to your favorite live music venue, or can’t get enough of a certain food truck in Newberry — your vote helps determine who stands at the top.


🌟 Categories That Capture the Heart of the Region


Our 2025 contest features over 15 diverse and locally relevant categories, including:

  • Best Local Restaurant
  • Best Coffee Shop
  • Best Bar
  • Best Brunch Spot
  • Best Food Truck
  • Best Locally Owned Store
  • Best Outdoor Adventure (Park, Trail, or Garden)
  • Best Small Business
  • Best Event Venue (Weddings, Reunions, Retreats)
  • Best Museum
  • Best Pet-Friendly Spot (Park, Patio, or Business)
  • Best Brewery
  • Best Live Music Venue
  • Favorite Local Nonprofit
  • Favorite Local Real Estate Company

These categories are designed to include a range of small businesses and community favorites that contribute to the cultural and economic life of Alachua County and its neighboring towns.


🔁 How It Works


The contest runs in two main phases: Nominations and Voting.


  1. Nominations (June 9 – June 30):
  • Community members can nominate their favorite businesses using a simple form embedded on the StayGainesville website.
  • Each category will accept open write-in responses to ensure a truly community-centered list of finalists.

  1. Voting (July 81 – August 15):
  • The top-nominated businesses in each category will be added to a voting ballot hosted on SweepWidget.
  • To vote, users must follow StayGainesville on Facebook and Instagram and can cast one vote per day.
  • Voting is free and takes less than 5 minutes — a small but impactful way to show love for local businesses.

🏆 What Winners Receive


There is no cash prize — and that’s intentional. Winners receive:

  • An official "Best of the Best 2025" window decal for display
  • A digital badge for use on their website and social media
  • A framed certificate or plaque
  • A feature in StayGainesville’s winner spotlight series on Instagram, Facebook, and our blog
  • Inclusion in a downloadable Best of the Best 2025 Guide
  • A custom press kit with social templates

In addition, winners will have the opportunity to be considered for future collaborations or guest features through the StayGainesville platform.


🤝 Why It Matters

This contest isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s about building visibility for small businesses, encouraging residents to shop local, and showcasing the unique character of our area. Gainesville is full of places that deserve a spotlight — and when local people vote, it sends a clear message: community matters.


In a time when small businesses are still recovering and adapting, something as simple as winning a local title can be a major morale booster and marketing win.


🏠 Who Can Vote?

Anyone! Whether you live here, work here, visit often, or just love the community spirit of Gainesville, you’re welcome to vote. All you need is an email address and a verified Instagram and Facebook follow.


You can vote once every 24 hours between July 8 and August 15, and we encourage you to share the contest with friends, family, and fellow fans of North Florida.


🛍️ How Businesses Can Get Involved

If you’re a local business, it’s free to be nominated and free to promote your inclusion. We encourage you to:

  • Share the nomination and voting links on your social media
  • Ask your followers to vote daily
  • Use our downloadable marketing assets (coming soon!)

Want to boost your visibility? Reach out to us at info@staygainesville.com to receive your custom promotional graphics.


✨ Stay Local. Stay Proud. StayGainesville.

The StayGainesville Best of the Best 2025 isn’t just a contest — it’s a celebration. It’s about recognizing the soul of our neighborhoods, honoring the people who show up for our community, and reminding everyone that the best of Gainesville isn’t on some national list — it’s right here.

Nominate your favorites, vote daily, and let’s make this our biggest year yet.


Voting opens July 1.
Winners announced August 20.

For more, visit www.staygainesville.com/best-of-the-best



#StayGNVBest #StayGainesville #BestOfGainesville2025 #SupportLocal

AirBNB homes with outdoor space
By Susannah Peddie September 5, 2025
Gainesville Vacation Rentals with Beautiful Outdoor Spaces When you’re planning a trip to Gainesville, chances are you’re coming for more than just a place to sleep. Whether you’re cheering on the Gators, visiting friends and family, or exploring North Florida’s springs and trails, your accommodations should be a retreat of their own. That’s where StayGainesville comes in. Our collection of vacation rentals is designed not only for comfort inside but also for relaxation and fun outside. From private pools perfect for Florida sunshine to fenced yards where kids and pets can run free, our homes are built for guests who want more than four walls. In this post, we’re highlighting some of the beautiful outdoor spaces you’ll find when you book with us. Why Outdoor Space Matters Vacations and getaways are about slowing down, connecting, and making memories. An outdoor area extends your living space and gives you options: Morning coffee on the porch with birdsong in the background. Afternoon swims in the pool to beat the Florida heat. Evening cookouts on the patio with everyone gathered around. Quiet fenced yards where little ones (and pets) can play safely. These simple pleasures can make your Gainesville stay feel less like a trip and more like home. StayGainesville Homes with Pools There’s something magical about having your own pool while on vacation. No crowded hotel decks, no closing hours—just a sparkling, private oasis steps from your back door. Several StayGainesville rentals feature in-ground pools surrounded by lush greenery or spacious decks where you can stretch out with a book. Families love them for the kids, while adults enjoy winding down after a day of adventure. Gainesville’s warm weather means pool season lasts much longer here than in other parts of the country, so no matter when you visit, you’ll likely get to take a dip. Imagine spending your Saturday at a Gator football game and then cooling off in your own pool when you get back. That’s the kind of experience that makes guests return to us year after year. Patios and Porches Made for Gathering For those who prefer lounging over laps, our homes with patios and porches offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Picture yourself sipping a glass of wine under string lights, or reading a novel in a rocking chair while the breeze drifts by. Screened-in porches mean no bug spray needed while you enjoy the Florida evenings. Covered patios provide shade during sunny afternoons. Outdoor seating and dining areas let you take every meal al fresco. One of the most common comments we hear from guests is how much they loved “just hanging out on the porch.” It’s a simple pleasure that turns a good vacation into a memorable one. Fenced Yards for Families and Pets We know that for many of our guests, pets are family too. That’s why several StayGainesville properties feature large, fenced yards where dogs can explore and play safely. Families with kids also appreciate these yards—there’s peace of mind knowing everyone can enjoy the outdoors without worry. Traveling with your furry friend? No need to stress about pet policies or tiny hotel rooms. Our homes are designed to welcome wagging tails, with plenty of space for everyone to stretch out. Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Vacations are about sharing meals and laughter, and nothing sets the scene better than a great outdoor dining setup. Many of our rentals come with: Gas or charcoal grills for cookouts. Patio tables and umbrellas for shaded lunches. Fire pits for roasting marshmallows on cooler nights. In Gainesville, evenings are often balmy and perfect for gathering outside. Whether you’re grilling burgers before a game day or enjoying a quiet dinner under the stars, our outdoor spaces make it easy to stay connected with the people who matter most. Gainesville: A City Made for Outdoor Living Of course, part of the beauty of having great outdoor space at your rental is how well it pairs with Gainesville’s natural surroundings. When you’re not enjoying the pool or porch, you can step out and explore: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, just a short drive away, with 24 themed gardens to wander. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where you might spot wild horses, bison, or a sunset over the prairie. Local springs like Ginnie Springs or Blue Springs, famous for their crystal-clear waters. Biking and walking trails, such as the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, perfect for an active morning. After a day of adventuring, coming back to a home with its own backyard retreat makes your trip feel balanced and refreshing. Who Our Outdoor Spaces Are Perfect For Families with kids : Let them splash in the pool or play tag in the yard while you relax nearby. Couples : Share morning coffee on the porch or a private dinner under the stars. Pet owners : Give your four-legged friend freedom to roam safely. Groups of friends : Host a cookout, hang by the pool, and make memories together. Whatever your group looks like, StayGainesville has a property designed with you in mind. Why Choose StayGainesville? It’s not just about the amenities—it’s about the experience. When you stay with us, you’re choosing: Homes with personality: Every property is thoughtfully designed and furnished. Local expertise: We’ve been part of Gainesville’s community for years, and we love sharing it with visitors. Flexibility: From whole homes for large groups to cozy retreats for couples, we offer spaces that fit your trip. Peace of mind: Professionally managed homes mean you’ll enjoy a clean, reliable, and comfortable stay. Hotels can’t compete with the privacy, space, and comfort of a rental home—especially when it comes with a beautiful outdoor area all to yourself. Book Your Gainesville Outdoor Retreat Your vacation should feel like a breath of fresh air—literally. StayGainesville’s rentals with pools, fenced yards, patios, and porches give you room to relax, play, and connect. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a season, our homes are ready to welcome you. Browse our collection and find the outdoor oasis that’s perfect for your Gainesville getaway. We’ll handle the details—you just bring the sunscreen, the burgers, and your favorite people. Ready to plan your stay? Book directly with StayGainesville for the best rates and availability. Call us at 352-519-3994 or book on our website .
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