Micanopy, Florida: The Town that Time Forgot

Micanopy, Florida, is one of the least-occupied, small Florida towns. Located in Alachua County, Micanopy has a population of less than 700. This town is so small, the main historic district is the center of town, which consists of mainly antique shops, which have been featured in the book Antiquing in Florida and many other guides.

Though one who is used to the hustle and bustle of bigger towns and cities might feel lost when going to a place like this, it is an enchanting area. The streets are lined with giant oaks, Spanish moss dripping, swaying lazily in the mellow breeze. The entire district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the buildings being from the eighteen hundreds, and still in use today. This town was also frequented by the likes of Marjorie Kinan Rawlings, who lived close by in Cross Creek, and was the location for the films Doc Hollywood, starring Michael J. Fox, and Cross Creek, the story of Marjorie Kinan Rawlings life, starring Mary Steenburgen.

Micanopy, pronounced Mic-en-opa, was named after a famous Seminole Indian chief. The town used to be the site of a Seminole village called Cuscowilla, and was settled in 1821. Ten years later, during the Second Seminole War, the town was occupied territory. Decades after the war, some of the grand buildings and architecture was created, which is most prevalent in central north Florida areas that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are areas documented for their historical roots, and protected from land development, condominiums and the like. There are some lovely restored 1910 Queen Anne style homes, and historic homes used for business and museums.

If you are a photographer and environmentalist, this place is not to be missed, along with the nearby towns such as Cross Creek. If you are an antiquer, this is one stop while traveling through Florida not to be missed as well. There is a lot of variety in merchandise to be found, ranging from vintage cameo jewelry made from coral and shell, old Florida souvenirs, and much more.

The general areas in town are located on Main Street and Cholokka Boulevard. This is the antique district, where there is also a book store known for carrying historical guides about Florida and local authors. Many people come to Micanopy just to antique, but are also taken in by the laid-back and natural surroundings, for Micanopy and Cross Creek are still as rural as the days when Marjorie Kinan Rawlings wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Yearling. She based the characters in the book on some of her neighbors, genuine Floridians who taught the author so much from observation and friendship. There are many lakes nearby that were included in the filming of the movie, and they too retain their old Florida charm. To get to Micanopy, take I-75 to exit 73 east.