<p>I was thinking about applying to Florida State, but visited it and did not like the surrounding area outside of campus. The campus itslef was pretty, but am looikng for a college-town atmosphere (for example, I visited UF and Penn State and they both had areas off campus for students to dine, shop, party, etc - all within walking distance). Florida State did not seems to have this, only a few fast food places, bars, etc. on Tennessee Street. Did I miss something? I need immediate help!</p>
<p>A short walk to the immediate east from the main gate down College Avenue puts you into the Capitol area of downtown. There are places to eat and drink there as well. FSU and Tallahassee have a well developed bus system that also can get you to Governors Square Mall and the surrounding stores off of Apalachee Parkway.</p>
<p>West down Pensacola Street there are additional places to eat, drink and shop. Many are within walking distance. many places to eat and drink are located on Tennessee Street - all within walking distance.</p>
<p>I have been to Gainesville many times and frankly do not see much difference between FSU and UF as far as places to eat, shop and so forth. If anything, FSU - being much more compact - is easier to navigate on foot than UF, where you need a bike or car.</p>
<p>FSU has a well run police department and the Blue Light security system all over campus. If you use caution after dark you should be fine.</p>
<p>i agree </p>
<p>the UF campus is beautiful but feels (and is) much larger. the nicer restaurants in Gainesville (Marks US Prime Steakhouse, Dragonfly etc) are not really within walking distance to the campus. besides, my s for the most part wouldn't be eating at those places unless we were visiting him. as far as the area right across the street from the campus (where the "swamp" is) i really didn't notice much of a difference. if you are looking for wings, burgers, pizza etc, there are plenty right near both campuses.</p>
<p>i know what you are talking about with regards to parts of tennessee street. its busy and has every fast food you can think of. it also has some fun restaurant/bars.</p>
<p>we stayed downtown (doubletree) and it was very nice. there are some very nice restaurants there and the capital district area is very charming. parent2noles had given us some suggestions of fun places to eat on the west end of the campus. jim and milt's bbq was terrific and there are many other restaurants that were very nice over there as well. i wouldn't view tennessee street as being the only part of the college town. it is a piece and from what i have gathered a popular piece among students.</p>
<p>tripg- we have visited both towns here is my take on it from an oos parent. the positives at fsu more places (bars, eateries,etc) within walking distance of campus.</p>
<p>the downtown of Tally is a few minutes by car. it is small but has a charming establsihed vibe and we ate at three very good restaurants within walking distance of our hotel (doubletree located in the center). Andrews grill had a fun happy hour on friday with an outdoor band. students locals all ages were having fun some dancin to the band. andrews also had a trendy upscale place downstairs. on saturday moring we walked out the front door of our hotel to a street craft fair. the hotel didnt have a spa but i found one within walking distance of the hotel. the five ten minute walk took me thru a city sidewalk streets filled with old historical homes some victorian (ithink) very pretty. Tennesee Street isnt fancy but it certainly offered many bars and dance halls fitting for a college town. i didnt go in to any of them but my hubby and sons went to a sports bars and said it looke dlike a fun place to gather and watch games. </p>
<p>At uf the downtown area It was in the midst of a regentrification and there was an exciting vibe there. SOme interesting town homes and windy streets. we ate at some top notch restaurants including marks steak and dragonfly memorable meals.there was no doubt an energy in that area but i also recall that it was a drive away from campus. The swamp within walking distance very special fun. we have been to gainesville twice and made sure to visit each time.</p>
<p>tripg- we have visited both towns here is my take on it from an oos parent. the positives at fsu more places (bars, eateries,etc) within walking distance of campus.</p>
<p>the downtown of Tally is a few minutes by car. it is small but has a charming establsihed vibe and we ate at three very good restaurants within walking distance of our hotel (doubletree located in the center). Andrews grill had a fun happy hour on friday with an outdoor band. students locals all ages were having fun some dancin to the band. andrews also had a trendy upscale place downstairs. on saturday moring we walked out the front door of our hotel to a street craft fair. the hotel didnt have a spa but i found one within walking distance of the hotel. the five ten minute walk took me thru a city sidewalk streets filled with old historical homes some victorian (ithink) very pretty. Tennesee Street isnt fancy but it certainly offered many bars and dance halls fitting for a college town. i didnt go in to any of them but my hubby and sons went to a sports bars and said it looke dlike a fun place to gather and watch games. </p>
<p>At uf the downtown area It was in the midst of a regentrification and there was an exciting vibe there. SOme interesting town homes and windy streets. we ate at some top notch restaurants including marks steak and dragonfly memorable meals.there was no doubt an energy in that area but i also recall that it was a drive away from campus. The swamp within walking distance very special fun. we have been to gainesville twice and made sure to visit each time.</p>
<p>hopes this helps</p>
<p>An area you might have missed that has good eats within walking distance: at the NW end of campus, at the triangle intersection of Tennesee just before Stadium Drive, there are several restaurants that my son, living in a dorm without a car, frequents: Jimmy Johns is his hands on favorite sandwich shop in the world! And Momo's, with an outside deck, has great pizza. There are a few others in this section also.</p>
<p>I agree, UF has a bit nicer 'campus downtown' across from the university. However, in practical terms, there are only a few eats places there (albeit good ones!) and while on the main drag as you enter the campus proper, it is far away from most of the campus and many of the dorms. It is a hopping place on game days though.</p>
<p>I will submit that FSU still has a more friendly, warm, and convenient campus than UF. This is based on observations from another mom who knows that some of my son's friends at UF (and me as well from first hand experience with my own niece at UF) have had difficulty making friends at UF, vs. no such problems for those we know at FSU. </p>
<p>The speculation is that FSU's campus, due to its compactness and oval shape is more conducive to seeing your friends/classmates around as you go to/from classes, and that UF's campus is too large and not laid out the same way to encourage that random interchange.</p>
<p>I can't tell you how many times my son has called me as he goes to class, then yells out to a friend and then says- 'Gotta call you back, Mom. I see some friends.' ;)</p>
<p>CM - as a mom of a soon to be freshman your storyline ----
"i can't tell you how many times my son has called me as he goes to class, then yells out to a friend and then says- 'Gotta call you back, Mom. I see some friends" just warmed my heart! thx</p>