Day Trips from Gainesville, Part 1

I drove out to Bell yesterday. For those who've never been to Bell, there are two ways to get to Bell from Gainesville:

1) Go west on SR 26 to Trenton. It's just a 15-minute ride from Newberry. In Trenton, turn north on US 129 and stop at the Suwannee Valley Quilt Shoppe. The quilt shop is located in the old 1925 Coca Cola Bottling Plant. Owner Stephanie Metts created a charming quilter's paradise within the historic bottling plant. To learn more or get exact directions visit the shop's website at: http://www.suwanneeshops.com/quiltshoppe.html . Since I'm a quilter, I have no problem spending an hour or so browsing the stacks and finding beautiful fabrics to add to my quilter's stash. Even if you don't quilt, step inside to check out the historic building and grab a bite to eat at the Suwannee Rose Cafe located inside the quilt shop.

While you're in Trenton, you probably also want to stop and check out the Suwannee Valley Stained Glass Works just a few doors down. Get a little holiday shopping done while you're there. Stain glass always makes a good gift for yourself or someone you love. Other stores are located along US 129 in Trenton, too. After browsing/shopping, head up US 129 to Bell. You'll know you're there when you get to Akins BBQ at the town's only stop light.

2) Head west on CR 232 and enjoy the winding country road. Few houses are found along this route, but you'll find plenty of flox, fields, and magnificent trees to keep you company. You'll be tempted to open the throttle and zip along this road. Don't rush it. Take the time to take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Depending on the time of day, deer will come out to feed along the side of the road, so keep an eye out for them. I've seen as many as four deer gathered at one time on the side of the road. Roll down your window, slow down, and enjoy the scenery. When you come to the end of the road (You'll see a limerock road ahead of you. Don't go down it), turn right onto US 129. US 129 will take you into Bell. Stop at Akins BBQ for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

"So what's in Bell?" you ask. My bff lives there. More importantly to you, the best bacon on the planet can be purchased at Scaff's market located just south of Akin's Restaurant. No kidding about the bacon. Get the stuff packed by Scaff's, take it home, bake it for 20-25 minutes (depending on how crispy you like your bacon) in a 350˚ oven, and eat. Delicious. Try Scaff's sausage, too. I don't really care for sausage, but the patties from Scaff's are yummy.

What to do after you eat all that good food in the next installment . . .