Zora Neale Hurston was born in 1891 in the small town of Notasulga, Alabama, located outside of Tuskegee and Montgomery. She was the fifth of eight children, and her grandparents had been enslaved. By age 10, the family moved to Eatonville, Florida, now a part of the greater Orlando area. It was the first incorporated all-black community in the United States. After the … [Read more...] about Literary South: Zora Neale Hurston
Gainesville
Literary South: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was born on August 8, 1896, in Washington DC. The daughter of a patent lawyer, she became interested in writing by the age of six. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she studied English. She worked for the school's literary magazine, where Marjorie first met Charles Rawlings. They were married … [Read more...] about Literary South: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Road Tripping From Atlanta to Gainesville
Many travelers heading south to Florida pass through Atlanta and South Georgia on their way to Gainesville and beyond. It's one of two routes on major highways, but you can also detour to the small towns that run alongside the highway for an enjoyable road trip. While I-75 is the fastest route, following the first half of the road trip between Atlanta and Savannah, you can … [Read more...] about Road Tripping From Atlanta to Gainesville
Weekend Guide to Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, Florida is best known as the home to the University of Florida. The area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years, starting with Native American tribes. Europeans settled in "The Swamp" in 1854, naming the city for a War of 1812 veteran. The historic district is home to many buildings from this time, including historic homes and a train depot. Visitors can also … [Read more...] about Weekend Guide to Gainesville, Florida
Southern Stays: Magnolia Plantation Bed & Breakfast
The university town of Gainesville, Florida is made up mostly of chain hotels to host visitors during football games and parents in from out of town, but there is a small group of independent inns and bed and breakfasts. Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast is just one of them. Joe and Cindy Montalto opened their bed and breakfast in 1990. The historic home is the former … [Read more...] about Southern Stays: Magnolia Plantation Bed & Breakfast
