Stacie and Brian Danahy live on the corner of SW 1st Place with their 3.5-year-old little girl, Vale, and Coco, their 12-year-old Shih Tzu Maltese mix. Coco is the OG Danahy baby and loves blueberries and sleeping on their feet. You may remember sweet Vale and her love of dance parties and candy from the October issue of Stroll. The Danahys share infectious smiles, a passion for food and travel, and a love for friendships and laughter.

 

Stacie was born in Boone, North Carolina, but grew up in Sneads Ferry near the Outer Banks. She attended North Carolina School of the Arts and East Carolina University before moving to New York City, where she attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The New School in NYC.  A triple threat, Stacie worked as a singer, actor, and dancer during her time in New York.   After moving to Gainesville, she worked in non-profit development and event design.  Walking into Stacie’s home, I immediately knew she had an eye for interior design and a passion for flowers.  She is currently a stay-at-home mom but works occasionally as a freelance floral designer, event planner, interior designer, and vocal coach.  

 

Stacie loves going back to North Carolina.  Each summer, the Danahys rent a beach house in Topsail Island, where they dig for crabs, roast oysters, host a low-country boil, and spend time with family. In Gainesville, Stacie enjoys hosting or attending large gatherings, playing her piano, dining alfresco, enjoying a margarita, singing karaoke, and taking in the local architecture.

 

Brian was born in Houston but grew up in Mandeville, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans. He attended LSU, Bentley College in Boston, and Brooklyn Law School in New York. Brian is the Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Exactech in Gainesville.

 

Brian is a loyal Saints football fan and is doing his best to make Vale a fan, too!  They watch the Saints games together.  Stacie said she “doesn’t understand football but enjoys the half-time show and finger foods.” Beyond watching football, Brian enjoys shooting for sport, Brazilian Jujitsu, and reading.

 

Brian and Stacie met at a local restaurant while living in NYC. After marriage, they lived in Brooklyn for a while, then Warsaw, IN, and Austin, TX, before Brian’s career brought them to Gainesville. They’ve been enjoying Town of Tioga since 2023.

 

Vale is full of energy and is very athletic. She loves gymnastics and is enrolled in Tumble Tots at Sun Country West.  She also enjoys the ‘stay and play’ Saturdays that Sun Country offers.  She loves hosting playdates with her mom, jumping on trampolines, catching ladybugs, eating sausage, and giving hugs.  

 

As a couple, Stacie and Brian enjoy simple things like snacks and a Netflix true-crime documentary. Home is their favorite place to be. Before becoming parents, Stacie and Brian enjoyed sleeping in late, but these days, they are out and about early. The Danahys go on impromptu family adventures to the museum, zoo, beach, or local farms. Traveling has always been their favorite activity. They tend to travel nationally and globally solely based on cuisine. Choosing their favorite travel spot is hard, but they have loved desert hiking in the Valley of Fire, Nevada, and Saguaro National Park. They have always found peace and joy in exploring America’s West. Other favorite vacation spots include Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Paris, and Sarasota.

 

The Danahys are adventurous eaters and love introducing Vale to different foods and flavors. Their favorite restaurant in Gainesville is Spark by Embers, but they also love Caps on the Water in St. Augustine. They enjoy Blue Highway, Public and General, Superette, Dragonfly, and Afternoon. Stacie believes, “The best-tasting meals are shared with friends - the kind full of long stories and laughter.”

 

As much as the Danahys enjoy traveling, they love backyard gatherings with other families in the neighborhood. That is what makes Tioga so unique!  Neighborhood movie nights and living-room dance parties are the best. Stacie shared, “Without family close by, we feel supported by our neighbors and tight-knit community. We are all raising our children together and having similar experiences. We are a welcoming community that lifts each other up. Tioga is a rare gem.”  

 

When Stacie and Brian meet someone new to the neighborhood, they say, "Come by our home sometime; we'd love to get to know you."  I experienced this firsthand when I met Stacie at the annual yard sale last year.  She bought a lunchbox from me and invited me over for coffee. She is one of those genuine individuals who is so easy to connect with – you feel like you’ve known them forever.  Town of Tioga is a great community because of friendly neighbors like Stacie, Brian, and Vale – warm and welcoming with the kindest of hearts.