Melrose, Micanopy & Hawthorne, Florida | Old Florida Small Towns, Local Stories & Carole Worthington

Join me on a beautiful drive through Old Florida as we visit Melrose, Micanopy, and Hawthorne — three small towns filled with history, charm, friendly locals, and that peaceful Florida feeling you just can’t find everywhere anymore. In this video, I’m heading out to explore the neighborhoods, back roads, local scenery, and small-town character of this special part of North Central Florida. We also feature local favorite Carol Worthington, sharing a little bit of the people and personality that make these towns so memorable. Melrose, Florida is a unique unincorporated community near Lake Santa Fe. One interesting fact is that parts of the Melrose area touch multiple counties, including Alachua, Bradford, Clay, and Putnam, which makes it different from most Florida towns. The community was once known as “Shake Rag” before the name Melrose was recorded in 1877. Today, it still has that quiet lake-town feeling, with historic homes, artists, local shops, and beautiful old Florida roads. Micanopy, Florida is known as one of the oldest inland towns in Florida. It was settled in 1821 and named after a Seminole chief. Walking or driving through Micanopy feels like stepping back in time, with antique shops, old buildings, oak trees, Spanish moss, and a downtown full of history. It is one of those towns where Florida’s past is still alive. Hawthorne, Florida is a small city in Alachua County with deep roots in agriculture, railroads, and rural Florida life. The area grew around old travel and trading routes, and the town became important when the railroad arrived in the late 1800s. Hawthorne is also known for the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, a paved trail that connects the area to Gainesville and passes through beautiful natural Florida scenery. These towns may be small, but they carry a big piece of Florida’s history. From lake life and country roads to antique shops, local restaurants, and friendly people, Melrose, Micanopy, and Hawthorne show a side of Florida that is peaceful, real, and full of character. Thank you for watching. Please like, comment, and subscribe for more local interviews, small-town drives, Florida history, and real stories from the people who make these communities special. #MelroseFlorida #MicanopyFlorida #HawthorneFlorida #OldFlorida #FloridaSmallTowns #NorthCentralFlorida #FloridaTravel #FloridaHistory #LocalInterviews #CarolWorthington #PeterSwieboda #FloridaLife #SmallTownFlorida