Micanopy, Florida

When researching things to do in this area, I came upon this very tiny town of Micanopy Florida. It looked interesting as having a number of antique stores, as well as several restaurants, a couple of coffee shops, and a history museum. And their claim to fame is that the town is the oldest community in the interior of Florida that has been continually inhabited. Well, let’s go check it out!

The town’s slogan is “The Town that Time Forgot,” which is very evident as it appears that no updates have been made since the early 1900’s. And I quite like that. This is the old Florida that I always look for.

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The name is pronounced as (MIK-ə-NOH-pee). An old Indian name. Named after a Seminole chief. In 1821, the newly constructed hamlet of Micanopy became the first distinct United States town in the Florida Territory. One of the founders was Moses Elias Levy, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who was involved in West Indies shipping and other interests. More info LINK

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It was enjoyable to chat with the shop owners about their businesses and the local economy. The China Virus has put a huge dent in their income over this last year. We visited twice and both times on a weekday. They tell me that weekends are some busier. On our weekday visits there might have been five other cars in the town. Keeping a safe distance was not an issue.

One shop, an art studio/gift shop/coffee shop had just opened. The lady owner said that she had moved from Texas to this town just to open this small shop. In the middle of a pandemic no less. She has big plans for the place including a wine/beer bar and patio out back. Hope she does well.

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On our first visit, we browsed the shops, ate our picnic lunch, then went to a coffee shop for lattes and listen to the live folk music.

Micanopy is also known for being the filming location of the 1991 romantic comedy, Doc Hollywood. Don’t think I saw that one. But if you have seen it now you know.

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Driving through the small village there are a handful of prominent homes and many of the rustic old Florida homes that have some character to them. One of the old mansions has been beautifully preserved and turned into a B&B. A very charming place from the outside.

Micanopy is really nothing too special for most people, but it is a small slice of the Old Florida that I always look forward to finding. The small shops, the quaint homes, and the town green common area. We enjoyed the visit.

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