Welcome to Kate’s Fish Camp, Family owned and operated since 1961.
Kate’s dream was to open a restaurant right here on Prairie creek.
Back then on a little 2 lane highway. But the county would not let her, So her sister Evelyn joined her and they opened up a bar along with boat rentals, bait shop, and camping. And so it was for many decades, known as a local haunt, attracting famous writers, actors, and musicians. One special visitor, Michael J. Fox, hung out here during the filming of Doc Hollywood, in Micanopy.
Back then, the parking lot was huge and located where the bridge and palm trees are today. And that highway changed everything! So instead of selling out to the State, Aunt Katie and Mike’s Mom, Evelyn, asked us if we wanted to continue the dream. And we jumped at the opportunity, selling our business, and moved in to run Kate’s! We did festivals to promote the lake and creek, canoe races, concerts, and fundraisers for local causes. Today, Owners Mike, and Monica Carter, are here to help you in any way we can!
Here are a few tips on places to eat and fun things to do while staying in Gainesville, Fl. Kate’s fish camp is located on Historic Newnan’s lake, a huge freshwater lake, enjoyed for all the many types of wildlife. From the many bald eagles, osprey, and herons, to fish and butterflies.
Prairie Creek, the outflow for Newnan’s lake, is a 2-hour run downstream to Payne’s Prairie. You can canoe, kayak, and fish this run. The Gainesville to Hawthorne rail trail connection is near the front office under the Hawthorne bridge, a 14-mile-long trail famous for wildlife and a wonderful ride. There is a boardwalk that follows Prairie creek to the left of the fish camp. Fishing is allowed from the trail. You can find the bait in Hawthorne at the bridge, Hawthorne bait. Or in town at Parks place on N.W. 39th. And Super Walmart on Waldo road towards Gainesville has tackle and worms in the camping and hunting area in the back of the store; along with a variety of RV gear and supplies.
Gainesville is a University town and that means plenty of fun to have!
Besides the bars downtown, we have unique museums, art galleries, theaters, malls, and endless parks to visit and see a plethora of wildlife.
Natural History Museum and Butterfly living exhibit
Harn museum of art
Kanappaha botanical gardens
Devils Millhopper is a huge sinkhole with stairs and seating all the way to the bottom.
Sweetwater branch park has lots of wildlife and alligators just hanging out with visitors.
You are 10 minutes away from Historic Micanopy which is the second oldest town in Florida, with amazing antique shops, and old-fashioned ice cream parlors and is the official site of the Doc Hollywood film set.
You are 45 minutes away from Historic St. Augustine Florida, the oldest city in Florida.
St. Augustine has a Spanish castle, old-time chocolate shops, candle shops, pubs, and buildings to explore all built with Spanish architecture. Enjoy the many gift shops and specialty restaurants. Take a stroll or enjoy one of the many tours by horse or train.
You are 45 minutes away from the bluest water on the planet, Freshwater springs flow freely in High Springs Florida. You can grab a bite to eat at Bev’s Burgers or sit down and enjoy something really special at the Great Outdoors café.
Stroll the main street and grab an old-fashioned ice cream cone and stroll the local antique shops.
On your way out check Alachua main street is pretty special in the evening time. You can grab a whoopie pie or ice cream and if you get hungry stop at Conestoga’s, a Family-owned fixture since 1988 with a Western motif & a massive burger, plus seafood & steak meals.
Address: 14920 N Main St, Alachua, FL 32615 Hours: Open 11 am to 9 PM Closed Sunday
Phone: (386) 462-1294 Menu: conestogasrestaurant.com
Great Places to Eat!
Breakfast
East End Eatery
Casual American outlet offering vegan, veggie & gluten-free options, plus a kids’ play area & patio. Created by the French Chief. Lovely!
Address: 1202 NE 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 378-9870
Hours: Opens 8:30 AM to 3 pm Monday through Friday, Closed Saturday
Peach Valley
Relaxed local chain serving a range of American breakfast & lunch fare, from waffles to patty melts. To write home about!
Address: 3275 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
Phone: (352) 376-1834 Hours: ⋅ Opens 7AM to 2:30 pm Menu: places.singleplatform.com
Metro Diner
Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.
Located in: 34th Street Plaza Address: 2130 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608 Phone: (352) 353-2889 Open 6:30 am to 9 PM Menu: metrodiner.com
(Local favorites)
Micanopy places:
Blue Highway Pizza Phone: (352) 466-0062 Menu: bluehighwaypizza.com
Local chain eatery serving pizzas, panini & Mediterranean small plates in a colorful, casual space.
Address: 204 NE Hwy 441, Micanopy, FL 32667 Open ⋅ 11:30 am 9 PM daily Sunday 12 to 8 pm
Pearls BBQ & Country store Phone: (352) 466-4025
You’ll find great barbecue, country breakfasts, and even books on Florida’s cultural and natural history. Whether you’re visiting the historic sites at Micanopy or biking with friends, Pearl Country Store’s friendly community atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and get a bite to eat. Address: 106 US-441 A, Micanopy, FL 32667 Open 6 am to close 9 PM
Old Florida Café Phone: (352) 466-3663
Black beans and rice are served as well as a variety of sandwiches, side dishes as well as ice cream! Chicken noodle soup, rice, beans, key lime cheesecake- all homemade and superb.
Address: 203 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667 Open 11 am to 4:30 PM
Loosey’s Downtown is our favorite place to grab a hamburger in the metro area. Check out their menu: https://www.looseys.com/menu/
Sonny’s Real-Pit BBQ
A long-standing local favorite, specializing in BBQ slow smoked over oak! Great place to take the Family for a sit-down meal, lunch, or dinner. They offer take-out calls ahead for faster service. And Catering. Call early on game days!!!
Address: 2700 N NE Waldo Rd, Gainesville, FL 32609
Hours: Open 11 am to 9:30 PM Phone: (352) 378-7881 Menu: https://www.sonnysbbq.com/menu/appetizers
Harry’s Seafood bar and grill
A downtown favorite for meeting friends for drinks and appetizers. Features delicious, freshly prepared Cajun, Creole & Southern cuisine, in a 1930’s New Orleans-style atmosphere. They also offer to pick up/to-go orders. I always enjoy the seared tuna, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, grouper, and mahi-mahi sandwiches, and the crawfish etouffee is a real treat. Drinks are always cold and you can eat inside or out on the patio. Address: 110 SE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Hours: Open 11 am to 11PM · Phone: (352) 372-1555 Menu: hookedonharrys.com
Satchels Pizza Phone: (352) 335-7272
Quirky stop featuring thin-crust pies & calzones, plus outdoor seating in a van or on an arty patio. 1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609 11 AM–10 PM Closed Sunday and Monday
Hogan’s Hero’s Phone: (352) 376-6224
Founded in 1983, this basic shop serves subs & classic deli sandwiches, plus draft & bottled beer.
Address: 2327 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 Open 10 am to 12 AM
The Upper Crust is Our Favorite bakery! Step into a special little French bakery and fill your heart’s desire with specialty bread, flaky, tender croissants, and crunchy baguettes and don’t leave without a Carmel-walnut rose, believe me, you are going to want to take some home! Everything, including the hummus, is a special treat!
Mothercrust (they have a second location in Hale plantation called the Petit Upper crust
4118 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, Fl 32605, (352) 376-7187
Online Menu https://www.uppercrustgnv.com/menu
North West Seafood Is another Favorite, when we are near the Upper crust bakery we always pop in for the fried grouper, shrimp, and some steamed veggies to go!
Treat your family to the highest quality and freshest seafood in Gainesville!
Pick your selection from the counter, tell them how you want it prepared and they will cook it up for you to eat there or take with you! Highly Recommend!
Phone: (352) 371-4155 Menu: https://northwestseafood.com/our_menu/ Address: 4110 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605 Open 10 AM to 6:30 pm Closed Sunday
The Yearling
This Florida landmark, where time stands still in an old orange grove, inspiration and home to famous writer Marjorie K. Rawlings, Offers Southern hospitality, Locally sourced fish and game, set back in a 1930’s steamboat setting, you’ll love the antiques and local fare. Offering southern fried green tomatoes, fried catfish, frog legs, Gator tail, Palm salad, and live music in Cross creek.
Address: Hawthorne, FL 32640 Open Thursday to Sunday ⋅ 12 to 8 PM
Phone: (352) 466-3999 Menu: https://www.yearlingrestaurant.net/menu
Embers Phone: (352) 380-0901 Menu: places.singleplatform.com
High-end chophouse serves surf ‘n’ turf & a broad wine list with a full bar & outdoor seating.
Address: 3545 SW 34th St A, Gainesville, FL 32608 Open 5 pm to 11 PM Closed Sunday
Marks Prime
Prime meats & seafood entrees with traditional sides are showcased in this elegant steakhouse.
Address: 201 SE 2nd Ave #102, Gainesville, FL 32601
Hours: Open 5 pm to 10 PM Closed Sunday Phone: (352) 336-0077
Ready to Eat ~ Local Produce and Grocery
Ward’s Supermarket
Old-fashioned, family-run grocery store with an emphasis on products from local farms & vendors. Hot In-house BBQ, Seafood, and side dishes are ready to go!
Address: 515 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Hours: Open 8 am to 8 pm daily Phone: (352) 372-1741
Publix Grab hot chicken and sides ready to eat
Groceries and other supplies. Address: 3720 NW 13th St #9, Gainesville, FL 32609
Hours: Open 7 am to 10 PM Phone: (352) 335-3785
Walmart Supercenter, located 1800 NE 12th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641 5.6 miles away
WIFI password is: happy camper
If you need anything, please call anytime or visit the office. (352) 372-1026 office Mike or Monica 352-281-3223 cell phone