Hawthorne FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hawthorne, Florida.
1. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
LITERARY HISTORY COMES ALIVE
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park preserves the home and farm of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'The Yearling'. Visitors can tour the cracker-style farmhouse where Rawlings lived and wrote her famous works, experiencing the authentic Florida setting that inspired her stories. The park offers guided tours, beautiful gardens, and a glimpse into rural Florida life in the early 20th century.
2. Island Grove Winery
BOUTIQUE BLUEBERRY WINES
Island Grove Winery specializes in unique blueberry wines made from locally grown fruit. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their award-winning blueberry wines and other fruit wine varieties in a charming countryside setting. The winery offers tours explaining their wine-making process, a gift shop with local products, and seasonal events throughout the year.
3. Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION PATH
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a 16-mile paved path connecting the two cities through beautiful natural landscapes. Perfect for cycling, walking, or running, the trail passes through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and offers chances to view diverse wildlife. The well-maintained path provides access points, rest facilities, and interpretive signage about the region's ecology and history.
4. Hawthorne Historical Museum and Cultural Center
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Hawthorne Historical Museum and Cultural Center houses artifacts and paintings that tell the story of the town's past. Located in a restored African-American church from 1907, the museum features paintings by Francis Moore, known locally as 'Hawthorne's Grandpa Moses', and a quilt depicting 20 historic homes in the area. The carefully preserved building stands near the site of the original train depot from when Hawthorne began as a railroad town in 1879.
5. Brown's Farm
AUTHENTIC AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Brown's Farm offers visitors a glimpse into Florida's agricultural heritage with its working farm environment. Guests can interact with farm animals, learn about sustainable farming practices, and participate in seasonal activities like pumpkin picking or hayrides. The farm provides an educational experience for all ages, showcasing the importance of agriculture in the region's history and economy.
6. Cross Creek Groves Orange Shop
CITRUS TRADITION SINCE 1936
Cross Creek Groves Orange Shop is a beloved local institution offering fresh Florida citrus and homemade products. Visitors can sample and purchase oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus varieties grown in the surrounding groves, along with jams, jellies, and honey. The charming shop provides a taste of authentic Florida with its old-fashioned atmosphere and connection to the area's agricultural traditions.
7. The Yearling Restaurant
CLASSIC FLORIDA CRACKER CUISINE
The Yearling Restaurant serves authentic Florida 'cracker' cuisine in a setting inspired by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' famous novel. Diners can enjoy Southern specialties like sour orange pie, catfish, and venison in a rustic atmosphere decorated with local memorabilia and artwork. The restaurant often features live music, adding to the cultural experience that celebrates the region's literary and culinary heritage.
8. Putnam Lakes Preserve
PRISTINE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Putnam Lakes Preserve offers visitors access to pristine Florida wetlands and lake ecosystems. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails that wind through diverse habitats, providing opportunities for bird watching, wildlife photography, and plant identification. The preserve's quiet setting allows for peaceful reflection while experiencing the natural beauty that has characterized this region for centuries.
9. Clear Lake
TRANQUIL WATERFRONT RECREATION
Clear Lake provides a peaceful setting for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities in Hawthorne. The lake's clean waters are home to various fish species, making it a favorite spot for local anglers seeking bass, crappie, and bream. Surrounding the lake are scenic areas perfect for picnicking, wildlife observation, and enjoying Florida's natural beauty.
10. Lochloosa Harbor Fish Camp and Diner
AUTHENTIC OLD FLORIDA EXPERIENCE
Lochloosa Harbor Fish Camp and Diner combines casual dining with access to one of the area's premier fishing lakes. Visitors can enjoy fresh, simple American fare in a rustic setting before renting a boat or launching their own for a day on Lake Lochloosa. The camp maintains the authentic feel of old Florida fish camps, offering bait, tackle, and local fishing knowledge alongside its dining services.
11. UF Stone Fruit Field Day
AGRICULTURAL LEARNING EVENT
The UF Stone Fruit Field Day is an educational agricultural event hosted by the University of Florida near Hawthorne. Participants learn about stone fruit cultivation, new varieties, and sustainable growing practices through demonstrations and expert presentations. This annual event attracts gardeners, farmers, and agricultural enthusiasts interested in Florida's unique growing conditions for peaches, plums, and other stone fruits.
12. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
WILD FLORIDA SAVANNA EXPERIENCE
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, just outside Hawthorne, is a 21,000-acre savanna offering a unique Florida wilderness experience. Visitors can observe wild horses, bison, and abundant birdlife while exploring eight trails traversing diverse ecosystems from wetlands to forests. The park's La Chua Trail provides spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, including alligators in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
13. Cross Creek
LITERARY PILGRIMAGE SITE
Cross Creek, the tiny community near Hawthorne, inspired much of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' writing and her memoir 'Cross Creek.' Visitors can explore this authentic slice of rural Florida that has changed little since Rawlings' time, with its moss-draped oaks and tranquil waterways. The area between Orange and Lochloosa lakes offers fishing opportunities and a glimpse into the 'Florida Cracker' culture that formed the backdrop for Rawlings' beloved stories.
14. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
HISTORIC NATURAL RETREAT
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, located near Hawthorne, features rare scrub ecosystems and a deep ravine with a spring-fed stream. Visitors can swim in the park's lake, hike through diverse habitats, or stay in historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park offers camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing opportunities in one of Florida's oldest state parks, established in 1935.
15. Ocala National Forest
VAST NATURAL WONDERLAND
Ocala National Forest, within driving distance of Hawthorne, spans over 600 square miles of protected wilderness with crystal-clear springs and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can swim in natural springs like Juniper Springs or Alexander Springs, hike portions of the Florida National Scenic Trail, or camp beneath the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The forest offers countless recreational activities including canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing throughout its vast expanse.