As autumn arrives and Halloween draws near, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all things batty. Throughout October, Hotel ELEO at the University of Florida in Gainesville is offering two-night “Going Batty” getaways that pair comfortable accommodations with festival fun. Packages include lodging, two complimentary brews and two tickets to the 18th annual Lubee Bat Fest on Oct. 22, including access to the event’s beer garden.
© Kevin Ruck
“Bats provide extremely important benefits within their native ecosystems,” said Dr. Shelly Johnson, state specialized agent in natural resources, UF/IFAS Extension, and affiliate faculty in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. “Fruit-eating bats, like those cared for at Lubee, play vital roles in pollination and seed dispersal. Most U.S. bats — and all 13 species native to Florida — feed on insects such as moths, beetles and mosquitoes. As the only major predators of night-flying insects, bats help control pests that can harm agriculture and human health.”
The Lubee Bat Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features food trucks, artwork from local artists, live music and a beer garden showcasing beverages from more than 10 regional breweries. The conservancy will have 165 bats representing 13 species on display, with caretakers and bat experts on hand to answer questions. The event is produced by the Lubee Bat Conservancy, an internationally recognized leader in bat research, habitat conservation and education, with a particular emphasis on the care of fruit bats.
Dr. Johnson also recommends visiting the UF Bat Houses, which are the world’s largest occupied bat houses and the site of an impressive nightly emergence. After sunset, an estimated half-million bats take to the skies in a dramatic exodus that’s a highlight for visitors and researchers alike.
© Kevin Ruck
Hotel ELEO sits roughly 30 minutes from the Lubee Bat Conservancy and offers 173 rooms and suites designed for comfort. Rooms feature luxury linens, L’Occitane en Provence bath amenities, two televisions, a Dohm® Natural Sound Machine, a Qi wireless phone charger, a Nespresso machine and a mini fridge. On-site dining at Covey Kitchen + Cocktails serves modern American cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, with outdoor seating and views over nearby Rush Lake.
With its blend of convenient accommodations and access to one of the region’s most unique wildlife events, Hotel ELEO’s Going Batty package provides an easy, memorable way to experience Gainesville’s autumn attractions. Whether you’re drawn by the conservation work, the festival atmosphere or the dramatic nightly bat emergence, the October offerings make a great seasonal escape.