One does not simply begin making local honey at the drop of a hat. It requires some knowledge, space, a state inspection and bravery to face thousands of stingers.  

Thankfully, in Alachua County, around 132 people have registered with the state to maintain hives. And from those registered beekeepers, a number offer local honey to the rest of us.  

Here’s five sweet sources of honey to try out.  

Sleepy G’s Bees in Newberry 

Operating in Newberry for the past 16 years, with roots that go generations deeper, Sleepy G’s Bees offers honey from their farmstand and also visits local festivals. 

Jennifer Green said the fastest way to get an order is by texting, calling or sending a Facebook message. Most of the orders come through word of mouth from their history in the community. She said the upcoming list of fall festivals should be released soon, and you can find more information by following their Facebook page (linked below).  

Besides regular honey, the business also has specialties like Hot Honey, Gallberry and Wildflower as available. 

Sleepy G’s Bees is also looking at adding baked goods, jams and other offerings at their farmstand. Already at festivals, fans can get branded T-shirts.  

Phone: 352-538-2007 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepygbees/  

Crossroads Farm and Apiary in Gainesville 

Living up to its name, Crossroads Farm and Apiary is nestled between the city limits of Gainesville, Alachua and La Crosse.  

It’s a convenient spot for North Gainesville residents and—besides honey, obviously—offers a farm store, strawberry picking starting in the late winter and field trips. Weekend Fall Festivals will also happen starting in October, complete with a pumpkin patch, hayride and more.  

But back to the honey. Crossroads offers orange blossom, gallberry, clover, basswood and Tupelo varieties. 

The honey is available from the farm store. Opening hours vary, but it’s always open during the strawberry season and the fall festival. 

Phone: 386-462-2406 
Website: https://www.crossroadsfarmandapiary.com/home  

Facebook: Click here 

Thy Will Bee Done in High Springs 

Thy Will Be Done has raw, local honey and more available for purchase, from beeswax candles to soaps to balms and more. 

Honey flavors include orange blossom, gallberry wildflower, avocado and Brazilian pepper—some of these are seasonal. One big plus from Thy Will Bee Done is free local delivery of honey for anyone within 30 miles, which includes the city of Alachua and the majority of Gainesville. 

The business also has wares for sale at The Mantle in downtown High Springs. You can also order on Etsy.  

Find full details on their website.  

Website: Thy Will Bee Done Apiary| Beeswax Candles 

Facebook: Click here 

Marcinek Farms in Jonesville

Located in Jonesville, this farm does a lot, and luckily, honey is included.  

Along with the honey, the farm sells beef and sausage at local markets, including Gainesville, Alachua and Newberry. They’ve also got a selection of soaps. 

You can follow them on Facebook for updates on when and where they’ll be. 

Facebook: Marcinek Farms 

Kim n Kyle Straughn’s Honey in Waldo

Straughn Farms is known for its blueberry picking, but honey is another sweet offering. 

Located in Waldo, you can pick up honey when you stop by to pick your own berries or purchase their honey at Ward’s Supermarket and Fresh Market in Gainesville. 

Facebook: Kim n Kyle Straughn’s Honey