Cypress & Grove Brewing Co.: A (Delicious) Taste of Gainesville
A CYPRESS SIP OF SUNSHINE: EXPLORING GAINESVILLE'S CRAFT BEER OASIS - CYPRESS & GROVE BREWING CO.
Website: https://www.cypressandgrove.com/
Address: 1001 NW 4th Street,Gainesville, Florida (the corner of Cypress & Grove)
Take a Video Tour with Us: https://fb.watch/rS1ZmGQQtq/
Nestled in the heart of Gainesville, Florida, where the vibrant energy of the University of Florida spills onto the streets, lies a haven for craft beer enthusiasts – Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. Stepping through its doors is like stepping back in time, with the historic Gainesville Ice Factory building housing a modern-day mecca of delicious brews. But Cypress & Grove isn't just about the beer; it's a tapestry woven with local history, community spirit, and a passion for crafting exceptional beverages.
From Ice to Ales: A Legacy Reborn
The building that now houses Cypress & Grove has a rich history dating back to 1903. Originally, it functioned as the Gainesville Ice Factory, providing vital cooling solutions for a growing city. The deep artesian well on the property provided the source water, a testament to the pure, natural ingredients that remain at the heart of Cypress & Grove's brewing philosophy today.
Fast forward to 2011, when two friends, Gary Heil and Patrick Burger, envisioned a space dedicated to crafting artisanal beers in Gainesville. They saw an opportunity to revive the historic ice factory while offering a unique social hub for the community. Thus, Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. was born, drawing its name from the iconic intersection where the building resides.
A great article from gainesvilledowntown
gives the history of the beloved Cypress and Grove Brewing Co.:
Sally Adkins knew that Patrick Burger had a love affair with craft beer long before they crafted a love affair of their own.
“On my first date with him, he woke up at 6 a.m. so he could brew beer before we went on a bike ride,” she said.
That was in 1999. Almost two decades later, Burger and Adkins are a happily married couple, but Burger’s passion for craft beer is as strong as ever.
“It’s always been a pipe dream of his to open a brewery,” Adkins said.
This summer, Burger has realized that dream with the opening of Cypress & Grove Brewing Company at 1001 NW 4th St. in the former home of the historic Gainesville Ice and Cold Storage Co. — known by locals as simply “the Ice House.”
“There’s a lot of history here,” Burger said. “This was an active ice plant until 1976, but the original part of the building was built in 1896. We have an old well we get our water from that was later used in the ice-making process.”
On Saturday, the Cypress & Grove microbrewery celebrates its grand opening from 3-10 p.m. with locally brewed craft beer and craft seltzer as well as live music by Michael McCarthy and food trucks from Cilantro Tacos, Reggae Shack and Jodi Cannoli. The event will also mark the opening of the brewery’s tasting room, known as The Brick Room.
The brewery has been open on weekends for the past two months but will now expand its operation from Thursday through Monday.
The entrance to Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. (Photo by Gainesville Downtown)
On Friday, workers were busy hooking up lights and installing glass doors in the Brick Room and putting finishing touches on other areas of the spacious brewery at the corner of Northwest 4th Street and 10th Avenue, which in the old days was the corner of Cypress and Grove streets, thus the inspiration for the brewery’s name. Burger had planned to call the business Rainstorm Brewing Co. but there was a naming conflict with another brewery.
Burger and Adkins are partners in Cypress & Grove with another husband-and-wife team, Gary Heil and Anna Heineman. Heil’s interest in craft beer took off several years ago when his wife bought him a home-brewing kit. Heineman’s grandfather helped rebuild Munich’s historic Hofbrauhaus following World War II.
Burger is a civil engineer who specializes in groundwater hydrology for the St. Johns River Water Management District. Heil is a microbiologist at UF. Adkins coordinates the Clean Water Partnership for the City of Gainesville, while Heineman is an art historian.
The new Cypress & Grove tasting room, known as The Brick Room. (Photo by Gainesville Downtown)
When the two couples took over the dilapidated Ice House property in May 2015 and announced plans to build a craft brewery, the task seemed overwhelming, if not impossible.
“We purchased this building knowing it was a diamond in the rough,” Adkins said. “It looked like a horror house.”
There was little left of the roof and trusses from the old structure, and the flooring had to be replaced literally from the ground up. One area of the building required 93 yards of concrete to be poured.
“Now it’s clean and shining and beautiful with lots of help from our community, our friends and our families to restore it back to its original glory,” Adkins said.
The 15-barrel brewing facility at Cypress & Grove. (Photo by Gainesville Downtown)
Adkins said the goal is to make Cypress & Grove not only a popular brewery but a place where people can meet and exchange ideas in much the same way novelists J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis built a beautiful friendship over delicious brews at a hometown pub in Oxford, England.
“That would be our inspiration, for people to discuss ideas and relax,” Adkins said.
Cypress & Grove currently offers six of its own craft beers on tap — a blonde, pale, IPA, porter and stout, with an American wheat beer added this weekend for the grand opening. Each sells for $5 a glass. Customers can also purchase beers on tap from Swamp Head Brewery and First Magnitude, Mother Kombucha from St. Petersburg as well a variety of wines and locally made seltzer in three flavors.
An old sign from the Gainesville Ice & Cold Storage Co. (Photo by Gainesville Downtown)
According to Burger, Cypress & Grove has a 15-barrel brewhouse, meaning it can produce 450 gallons of beer at a time. There’s also a 90-barrel fermentation space and a walk-in cooler that can store hundreds of kegs at a time.
The brewery’s large Brick Room tasting area is built on the site of the original Ice House building from the 1890s, when ice was brought to Gainesville by railroad and stored. The heavy ice blocks were once rolled into the building and up a ramp on a trolley line.
Doug Porch, general contractor for the Cypress & Grove project, replaced the steep ramp with six steps that lead up to the Brick Room. Customers now can enjoy two billiard tables, two Foosball tables and a ping-pong table in an area where blocks of ice were once stored. Other tables in the room are made from heart-pine lumber that was once part of the roof structure.
“I think this place is unbelievable,” Porch said. “My favorite part is driving by now and hearing all the laughter from inside.”
— Noel Leroux
What a story!
Visit Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. at https://www.cypressandgrove.com/
See their IG Post about Cypress & Grove Brewing Co.: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4f7mUrN74B/
Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look not 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.
We were thrilled to welcome University of Florida's Tennis Great, Qavia Lopez to the Camellia Rose Inn this week! Qavia is one of our StayGainesville R.E.P. Program members and earns discounts for her herself, family and friends at our properties. We want to honor our Gainesville greats by partnering with them so that their family members can stay in the best properties in Gainesville. No more cookie-cutter hotels for our UF athletes. We offer 2 beautiful Inns in downtown Gainesville, as well as homes and condos near UF Campus. StayGainesville and Camellia Rose Inn owners, Susannah Peddie, had the pleasure of personally welcoming Qavia to the Inn on Monday night. We were thrilled to welcome her! Qavia's comments after her stay: "The Inn was great! It was very homey, and the breakfast was amazing. Thank you so much for the hospitality!" Thank YOU, Qavia, so much for staying with us! Learn all about UF's talented Qavia (Source: https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/qavia-lopez/16283 ): Top-ranked recruit in the nation for 2023 women's tennis class Babola No.1 recruit in the nation Earned five-star and blue-chip honors Holds a No. 19 career best international tennis federation ranking Reached the semi-finals of the 2022 J1 Nottingham, JB1 Indian Wells, and JA Criciuma tournaments Participated in the 2022 Wimbledon Junior Championships and 2022 Junior Australian Open In doubles competition she has claimed four titles, winning the 2022 JB1 Indian Wells title, 2021 JB1 Nicholasville and JB1 San Diego titles and 2020 J3 Lousada title Follow Qavia on InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/qavia.lopez/?hl=en Learn more about our REP Program Gator athletes are welcome to apply using the form on the StayGainesville REP Program information page . StayGainesville Launches StayGainesville REP Program: Rewarding Support for University of Florida Athletes GAINESVILLE, FL (April 22, 2024): Today, StayGainesville, a leading provider of temporary housing solutions in Gainesville, Florida, announces the launch of the StayGainesville REP (Refer, Earn, Post) Program. This innovative program aims to support University of Florida (UF) student-athletes and their families visiting Gainesville for athletic events. Student Athlete Program (staygainesville.com). Understanding the Needs of Student-Athletes: StayGainesville recognizes the unique challenges faced by UF student-athletes and their families. During busy athletic seasons, families may need comfortable and convenient housing for short-term stays. StayGainesville offers a wide range of accommodation types from large family homes to quaint bedrooms in our StayGainesville Inn properties, The Laurel Oak Inn and the Camellia Rose Inn. StayGainesville offers a wide range of fully-furnished rental properties, strategically located near UF's athletic facilities. Their rentals provide a comfortable and convenient home away from home, equipped with amenities to ensure a relaxing stay. The StayGainesville REP Program: The StayGainesville REP Program provides a win-win situation for UF student-athletes and their families. Here's how it works: UF student-athletes: Athletes can easily refer their families and fans to StayGainesville for temporary housing needs while earning monetary rewards based on number of nights stayed and promotion of StayGainesville on their social media accounts. Families: Families receive a significant discount on their stay at any StayGainesville rental property. This discount ensures comfortable and convenient housing at an affordable price. Become a StayGainesville Ambassador: For Athletes looking to earn higher rewards and show their support for local Gainesville businesses, StayGainesville has a Student Ambassador program that entails participating in local events supporting the thriving Gainesville community. Ambassadors will also have access to the catalog of StayGainesville Experience partnerships offering discounts on local goods and services usually reserved for Guests at a StayGainesville property. A Commitment to Supporting UF's Finest: "We are thrilled to launch the StayGainesville REP Program," says CEO, Susannah Peddie. "UF student-athletes dedicate themselves to excellence, and we want to ensure their families have a comfortable and supportive environment during visits. This program allows us to give back to the UF community and athletes while providing exceptional housing solutions." Contact: Susannah Peddie, CEO StayGainesville info@staygainesville.com www.staygainesville.com
Cultivating Creativity: A Journey Through the Gainesville Fine Arts Association Website: https://www.gainesvillefinearts.org/ Address: 1314 S Main Street in Gainesville, Florida Founded in 1923, the GFAA boasts a rich history as a champion of the arts, nurturing local talent and fostering a love for creativity within the Gainesville community. More Than Just an Art Gallery: A Hub for Artistic Exploration Step inside the stately, red-bricked GFAA building, and you'll be greeted by a welcoming atmosphere that pulsates with artistic energy. While the GFAA Gallery showcases captivating exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists, the organization's mission extends far beyond displaying art. It's a vibrant hub for artistic exploration, offering a diverse range of programs and services that cater to all ages and skill levels. A Gallery that Speaks Volumes: Diverse Exhibitions Throughout the Year The GFAA Gallery is a dynamic platform for artistic expression. Throughout the year, it hosts a curated selection of exhibitions that showcase a variety of mediums and artistic styles. From thought-provoking contemporary pieces to captivating photography exhibits, the gallery offers something to ignite the imagination of every visitor. Nurturing Artistic Seedlings: The GFAA's Renowned Education Programs One of the cornerstones of the GFAA is its unwavering commitment to art education. The organization offers a comprehensive curriculum of classes and workshops for all ages and artistic backgrounds. Whether you're a child yearning to explore the world of painting or an adult seeking to refine your pottery skills, the GFAA has a program designed to help you unlock your creative potential. Experienced instructors guide students through various artistic disciplines, fostering a love for learning and a supportive environment for artistic exploration. A Celebration of Local Talent: The Annual Student Juried Exhibition A highlight of the GFAA's educational efforts is the annual Student Juried Exhibition. This prestigious event showcases the exceptional work of students enrolled in the GFAA's art classes. The exhibition provides a platform for aspiring artists to gain valuable recognition, compete for scholarships, and see their work displayed in a professional setting. It's a testament to the GFAA's dedication to nurturing the next generation of artistic talent in Gainesville. Beyond the Classroom Walls: Fostering a Creative Community The GFAA's commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community extends beyond its walls. The organization hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including artist talks, gallery receptions, and community art walks. These events provide opportunities for artists to connect with the public, share their creative journeys, and inspire others. A Legacy of Impact: The GFAA's Enduring Influence on Gainesville For over 70 years, the GFAA has played a pivotal role in shaping Gainesville's cultural landscape. It has nurtured countless local artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work, hone their skills, and connect with a supportive community. The GFAA's educational programs have instilled a love for art in generations of Gainesville residents, enriching their lives and fostering a deeper appreciation for creativity. More Than Just Art Classes: A Space for Artistic Connection Visiting the GFAA isn't just about admiring art or taking a class; it's about connecting with the vibrant artistic spirit of Gainesville. The GFAA fosters a welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate art, learn new skills, and share their passion for creativity. Whether you're browsing the gallery exhibits, participating in a workshop, or simply attending an artist talk, you'll be surrounded by a community that values artistic expression. A Destination for Everyone: Why You Should Visit the Gainesville Fine Arts Association The GFAA offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art in Gainesville. Here are just a few reasons why: Experience Diverse Exhibitions: Immerse yourself in a variety of artistic styles and mediums throughout the year, from thought-provoking contemporary pieces to captivating photography exhibits. Discover Your Inner Artist: Explore your creativity through the GFAA's comprehensive art education programs, with classes and workshops catering to all ages and skill levels. Support Local Talent: Witness the exceptional work of emerging artists at the annual Student Juried Exhibition and contribute to Gainesville's thriving arts scene. Connect with the Artistic Community: Attend artist talks, gallery receptions, and community art walks to engage with local artists and fellow art enthusiasts. Spark a Lifelong Love of Art: Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply appreciate beauty, the GFAA offers a welcoming space to explore your creativity and deepen your appreciation for the arts. Planning Your Visit to the Gainesville Fine Arts Association The Gainesville Fine Arts Association is located at 131 4 S Main Street in Gainesville, Florida. It's open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Before you visit, check out their website (https://www.gainesvillefinearts.org/) for upcoming exhibitions, class schedules, and special events. You can also follow them on social media for a sneak peek at the current exhibits and a glimpse into the vibrant artistic community they cultivate. A Look to the Future: The GFAA's Continued Commitment to Creativity The Gainesville Fine Arts Association's story is far from over. As the organization embarks on its next chapter, it remains dedicated to its core mission – fostering a love for the arts and nurturing artistic talent in Gainesville. With innovative programming, a dedication to inclusivity, and an unwavering passion for creativity, the GFAA is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Gainesville's cultural scene for years to come. So, next time you find yourself in Gainesville, take a detour from the well-trodden paths and explore the Gainesville Fine Arts Association. You might just discover your inner artist, witness the burgeoning talent of local creators, or simply be inspired by the sheer power of artistic expression. The GFAA is more than just an art gallery; it's a vibrant hub of creativity, a testament to the enduring power of art in enriching lives and shaping communities. 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.
