Things to Do in Gainesville, FL
Whether youre on a family vacation or live here year-round, there are lots of things to do in Gainesville, FL — especially if you love being out and about in nature! There are also plenty of equally fascinating and educational opportunities like the various exhibits at the Florida museum and the University of Florida Bat Houses. Learn more of our favorites from the team at Big Bend Chevrolet Buick!
Must-Visit Places in Gainesville
- Florida Museum: Travelling with the family in Florida? No matter your age, youre sure to love what the Florida Museum has to offer. Some favorite exhibits include the Butterfly Rainforest, Florida Fossils, Northwest Florida: Waterways and Wildlife, and plenty of other kid-friendly options. Theres even summer camp for when the kids are out of school and the weather in Gainesville is perfect!
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: Whether youre planning the perfect date night in Gainesville or simply love spending time in nature, check out the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens! Operated by the North Florida Botanical Society and located near Lake Kanapaha, these gardens are home to the states largest display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. The Gardens are also the venue of many social events, wedding receptions, retreats, and more!
- UF Bat Houses: A fun alternative to spending the night at home, the UF Bat Houses are open 24 hours so you can visit and watch hundreds of thousands of bats emerge on pleasant summer evenings just after sunset. The bats usually emerge from the houses 15-20 minutes after sunset on calm, warm evenings when its above 65 degrees.
- Canopy Climbers: Enjoy an experience unlike any other with a climbing tour in Gainesville! This award-winning tree-climbing school and adventure company teaches you how to climb awe-inspiring trees as well as connect with nature. They also promote the protection of trees and local parks, so you know youre supporting an establishments that supports local nature.
Rely on Big Bend Chevrolet Buick as Your Local Guide
Here at Big Bend Chevrolet Buick, we consider ourselves part of the wider Gainesville community. From here to Ocala to Crystal River, weve got you covered. Even if youre looking for hotel accommodations or the best restaurants in Gainesville, we cant wait to be your guide! Contact us at your convenience to learn more.
Photo Credit: Canopy Climbers (Danny Lyons Tree Climbing) onhttp://canopyclimbers.com/pgs/about.html
What is the Chevrolet Silverado 4500?
When it comes to Chevy work trucks, chances are youve heard of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Silverado 2500, and even the 3500HD, but what is the Chevrolet Silverado 4500? According to Chevy, its the most customer-focused medium-duty truck and delivers a variety of features that make it perfect for the Gainesville job site.
Explore Chevy Silverado 4500 Features
The new Chevy truck includes plenty of convenient features.
- Available in 2WD or 4WD
- The 4500 engine is a 6.6L Duramax diesel that generates 350 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque
- Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi
- 40-gallon fuel tank
- Fits up to 3 passengers
- 19.5-inch black painted steel wheels
Explore the Silverado 4500 at Big Bend Chevrolet
Whether youre looking fora medium-duty truck for your Ocala adventure or Crystal River jobsite, the Chevrolet Silverado 4500 is a good model to consider. Visit Big Bend Chevrolet today to find out more about the Chevy Silverado, or contact us to explore our available financing options.
Choosing the Right Work Truck For the Job
Whether you have a moving company in Gainesville or a construction site in Ocala, Chevrolet has a truck to fit your needs. Explore a variety of Chevy Work trucks below to see what each has to offer, then explore our Chevy trucks for sale at Big Bend Chevrolet Buick to find your favorite.
Chevy Trucks For Your Job
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: With a choice of three box lengths up to 8 and 12,500 pound towing capacity, this pickup truck is ideal for jobs like landscaping and light construction, but can handle being knocked about, with its high-strength steel frame and roll-formed steel bed.
- Chevrolet Silverado HD: These powerhouse pickup trucks are great for towing the big stuff when you still need some cab space, with 23,300 pounds maximum towing capacity in the 3500HD.
- Chevrolet Express Cutaway: The Express Cutaway is adaptable to a variety of upfit types, including a box truck, van body, shuttle bus, school bus, or ambulance and the available rear vision camera prep will make for a safer drive.
- Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab: The Chassis Cab offers both power and flexibility, with an available Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 engine and upfitting capabilities to a utility style, dump truck, or flatbed.
- Chevrolet Low Cab Forward: The Chevy LCF is another great vehicle in the lineup for big jobs, with a GVWR of up to 25,950 lbs, and features like 90-degree wide-open front doors, and available 100-gallon fuel tank, and more.
Explore Your Work Truck Options at Big Bend Chevrolet Buick
Learn more about what pickup trucks are out there by comparing the Chevy Silverado vs. GMC Sierra. Feel free to contact us at Big Bend Chevrolet Buick near Crystal River if you have any further questions about Chevy utility trucks or Chevy performance trucks.
Things to Do in Suwannee Valley
Find out what to do in Chiefland and Suwannee Valley this season. But before a day of activities in Gainesville, be sure to start it off right with one of the many brunch spots in Chiefland, and contact us at Big Bend Chevrolet Buick if you have any questions!
- Dakotah Winery: Enjoy a moment or five at Dakotah Winery, with a tasting room deck overlooking a koi pond and classic wine choices as well as dessert wine, blueberry wine, and non-alcoholic muscadine.
- Manatee Springs State Park: This pet-friendly park is located right in Chiefland. Just about every outdoor activity is available, including:
- Snorkeling
- Camping
- Boating
- Guided Hiking Tours
- Levy County Quilt Museum: If you love textiles or just want to see something funky, visit this free quilt museum and shop–one of their quilts is made from the neckties of former presidents and governors.
- Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge: Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is 40-minutes down the Suwannee River, and from dawn to dusk visitors can hike, take a boat tour, drive drive on a scenic route, and more.
More From Big Bend Chevrolet Buick
While out and about, stay connected with Chevy MyLink and the MyChevy app, or find out which pickup to take home by comparing the Ram 1500 vs Ford F150 vs Chevy SIlverado at Big Bend Chevrolet Buick near Ocala and Crystal River.
We Deliver Right to Your Home!
Buying a new vehicle at Big Bend Chevrolet has never been easier thanks to our home delivery service. Simply pick the Pick the vehicle you want and it will be delivered to your driveway! Whether you are an Ocala driver looking for a new truck or simply need a reliable family sedan, we can deliver it right to you.
Big Bend Chevrolet: Delivery made Easy!
With Big bend Chevrolet home delivery, the dealership is located just 15 feet from your doorstep. We deliver right to your driveway! Once you find a vehicle you want, you take a few steps to get behind the wheel. Most of this process, besides receiving the vehicle, is done over the phone or email. Forms are filled out to ensure youre getting everything you want in the vehicle youre interested in, whether it be the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or the Buick Encore.
Once the paperwork is done, we drive the vehicle to you for an inspection. We want to make sure that there are no surprises in your new vehicle. Test it out, look for the features you wanted, and inspect it to ensure its the right choice for you. You want to make sure that when buying a new vehicle, you have everything you want.
What Are the Benefits of Home Delivery?
When it comes to in-home car delivery, can you spare 20 minutes? Thats all it takes to get your new vehicle delivered to you. Besides saving you time, some other benefits of home delivery include:
- Low cost delivery
- No pressure to buy
- Move through the car buying process at your own pace
- The vehicle comes to you
We make it easy for you to get everything you want in a new vehicle while shopping in your own home. Whether youre looking for interior details of the Buick Enclave or shopping for a Chevy Equinox, we can get you the information you need.Learnwhich financing option is best for your home delivery purchase.Contact us at Big Bend Chevrolet to try it out!
Pros and Cons of Leasing vs. Financing
Leasing is ideal for Florida drivers who want a temporary option or a lower monthly down payment, but there are also perks to owning should you choose to finance a new car. Lets look into the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing by answering some common questions you might have before you browse our new inventory available near Chiefland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which option has a lower down payment, leasing or financing?
A: Leasing a Chevroletis an affordable way to access a higher value vehicle for less, because leasing requires a lower down payment or may not even require a down payment at all. When you lease a car, your monthly lease payments are often lower than financing which requires monthly car loan payments.
Q: Which lets me keep my car longer, leasing or financing?
A: For drivers who want to use a car until its ready to retire, the better option would be to finance your Chevrolet. Once youve completed your payments, you own your vehicle you can either trade in your vehicle for another or keep on driving it through Ocala once youve gained equity.
Q: If I want to keep up with the latest tech features and releases, should I buy or lease?
A: Leases typically last three years or less, so youll be able to regularly access the newest features like IntelliLink. Youll always have the option to choose another vehicle when your lease ends, so you can experience the latest technology features as they release.
Q: When I lease a car, can I customize my car and install accessories?
A: By leasing a car, you cannot customize it because the car belongs to the dealership. Financing a car gives you the freedom to make any changes and personal touches. If you want to personalize your Chevy and install accessories, consider buying instead of leasing.
Q: Which has the lowest maintenance cost and repair cost?
A: If you want to skip the trouble of dealing with long-term car maintenance, leasing is a great option. Aside from getting regular oil changes, you wont need to worry about most repairs because your vehicle will be under warranty during the lease period.
Q: If I drive long distances often, should I lease or buy my next car?
A: If you plan on putting on a lot of miles on your new Chevy car, youll want to choose financing. Most lease deals come with mileage limits that might end up being a hassle if you want your driving situation to accommodate your everyday commute as well as the occasional trip to Gainesville or a long distance moving day.
Trust Big Bend Chevrolet For Leasing & Financing Assistance
When youre ready to choose your nextChevrolet sedanor new truck, make the trip to Chiefland right outside Crystal River to see your favorite models in person. Before you visit, check out our current special offers. If you have any more questions about leasing or financing, dont hesitate to contact us at your convenience.
Best Brunch Restaurants in Chiefland
When looking for the best brunch restaurants in Chiefland, consider yourself in luck. With plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, and tasty local diners, youll easily find a place that delivers the filling brunch options youre looking for on a weekend in Chiefland.
Best Brunch and Breakfast Restaurants
When youre in the mood for a good hearty breakfast to start off your day before you head to Gainesville, be sure to check out these breakfast restaurants.
- Betts Bit T Restaurant: From the outside it doesnt look like much, but once you get inside youll enjoy delicious food that will make you come here all the way from Crystal River
- Mommas Dixie Kitchen: When you want breakfast, theres nothing like good old-fashioned home cooking, and thats what youll get at Mommas Dixie Kitchen.
Best Diners and Coffee Spots
Even Ocala residents knows that Chiefland diners typically have the best food, and theres no shortage of great diners for brunch.
- Huddle House Restaurant: When youre extremely hungry, Huddle House Restaurant will give you all the breakfast dishes you could want, from oversized waffles down to customized skillets.
- The Diner: With a name like The Diner, you can rest assured this mom and pop location is notorious for their comfort food.
Visit Big Bend Chevrolet
When you go for a relaxing drive down Route 98 through Chiefland, youll need a reliable vehicle to get you where you want to go. Stop by Big Bend Chevrolet on your way through town and explore our inventory of reliable SUVs, trucks, and new and used cars. Our staff is made up of all locals, so youll know youre getting the Chiefland hospitality at Big Bend.
What is the MyChevy App?
The MyChevy App is the technology needed to connect you to your vehicle even when youre not near it. Get access to the fuel level, parking meter reminder, or even schedule a service appointment from your smartphone.
How Does It Work?
Once youve downloaded the MyChevy App from the Apple App Store or Google Play store, youll need to register at the Chevrolet Owner Center on my.chevrolet.com. Then log in to the app using your OnStar or Chevrolet Owner Center username and password.
Want to customize your app? Select Edit Dashboard from the bottom of the home screen and re-order it with the features you want access to, then tap Save for your new dashboard. Customize it to show the some of following features:
- Remote Commands
- Stop/Start engine
- Lock or unlock doors
- Horn and light access
- Vehicle Status
- Fuel range or efficiency
- Tire pressure
- Oil life status
- Odometer reading
- Electric Vehicle charge status and level details
- Navigation
- Pinpoint your location
- Send mobile turn-by-turn directions to your vehicle
- Parked Location
- Pinpoint your vehicle on a map
- Add a note to describe your vehicles location
- Set a parking timer
- Get walking directions to your vehicle
- Preferred dealer
- Find a dealer near you
- Schedule service
- Check for recalls
- Vehicle Service
- Receive updates when your vehicle is in the shop like when its being looked at and when its ready to be picked up.
Does Your Model Give You Access to the MyChevy App?
If the MyChevy App is something you want in your new vehicle, make sure youre looking into the features of the model youre wanting. Some models that include the MyChevy App integration include the Chevy Equinox and Chevy Silverado 1500. This app keeps you in tune with your vehicle, making the Chevrolet SIlverado performance better for your driving experience. There are many choices that come equipped with the MyChevy technology. Not sure which model is best for your next vehicle? We can help! See each model compared to each other using our comparison guide to find the best option for you and your budget then contact us at Big Bend Chevrolet near Crystal River to take it for a spin!
How to Get Your Pickup Truck Ready for Off-Roading
Off-roading enthusiasts who want to take their pickup truck along for the ride should make sure to follow a few tips before tackling the Gainesville roads. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your off-roading explorations don’t leave you stuck in the mud:
- Check your clearance. A low-riding vehicle can get caught on rocks, boulders, and brush, sustaining serious damage, so make sure youve got enough clearance.
- Get protection. If you plan on doing extreme off-roading, especially on rocky terrain, its a good idea to add skid plates to the underside of the vehicle
- Get the right tires. Street tires are great for commuting but not for loose soil, gravel, sand, and mud. Larger off-road tires are designed to handle these conditions and can keep you from getting stuck.
- Consider four-wheel-drive. While two-wheel drive vehicles can manage in certain off-road conditions, four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles will provide much better traction on rugged terrain.
- Reduce your tire pressure. When youre driving off-road, slightly deflating your tires will improve grip by allowing more rubber to connect with the road.
- Stock up. Make sure that you have the essential equipment just in case something breaks while youre on your adventure. Extra fuel, water, an air compressor, and basic tools can make all the difference.
- Know your vehicle. Understand what your vehicle is capable of and try a few easy test-runs before tackling any trails. Make adjustments as needed.
Find the Right Off-Roading Truck at Big Bend Chevrolet
Get ready for your off-roading adventure with an off-road capable truck from Big Bend Chevrolet. Contact us or visit us at Big Bend Chevrolet to test drive and learn about financing your next pickup truck!
Connect with us
