To find that special treasure, visit Webb's Antique Mall. A mile or two south of the Columbia County line, in the Alachua County town of High Springs, antiques are big business, too. Several antique malls and a number of independent shops convert this former farming town to north Florida's antique boomtown. Two other popular Florida haunts for antique treasure seekers are Havana, in the Panhandle, and Micanopy, in south Alachua County. There are more than two dozen restaurants in the area, including many popular national chains.
Some restaurants have lounges that appeal to the small late-night set.
There's a theater group in the county, plus cultural offerings from Lake City Community College, a six-theater cineplex, and video games and bowling at Lake City Bowl. Although Gainesville isn't a big city, its a sizable community with rich cultural offerings because of its position as a university town. The University of Florida, the state's largest university, is just 45 miles away. As a retirement location, Columbia County offers a unique package that includes its convenient location, delightful climate, lovely setting and surprising affordability that delights arrivals from northern urban areas or even central and southern sections of Florida. About 13 percent of county residents are age 65 or older.