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Thanks for making our tub famous, Thomas! To experience this divine tub, book the Cumberland Suite at https://www.laureloakinn.com/rooms/cumberland-suite


To learn more about Thomas Sanders, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Sanders_(entertainer)


Thomas Sanders (born April 24, 1989) is an American singer, actor, scriptwriter and internet personality made famous by Vine and YouTube. He is best known for his YouTube channel and Vine career, which lasted from April 2013 until the social media site was shut down by Twitter in 2017.[6][7][8][9] After the shutdown of Vine, he continued releasing videos across various social media sites. Sanders creates long videos on YouTube, while simultaneously posting shorter videos in the style of Vine to Instagram, Tumblr, TikTok and Twitter. His work consists of comedy sketches, pranks, stories, singing and civil rights activism.

Sanders is mainly known for the Vine series Narrating People's Lives, also known as Storytime, for the prank series "Disney Pranks with Friends," and on YouTube for the series Sanders Sides. He reached over 7.4 billion loops and 8.3 million followers on Vine,[10] making his career one of the most successful in this social media platform's short history. As of April 2023, his account on TikTok has a following of 10 million followers.[11] On YouTube, he has two channels, "Thomas Sanders" and "Thomas Sanders and Friends", with the latter being discontinued in November 2021. As of August 2023, his main channel has over 4.1 million subscribers and his second channel has 379,000 subscribers. Sanders has won two Shorty Awards[12][13] and one Streamy Award,[14] for best Viner and best YouTube comedian, and has been nominated for a Teen Choice Award[15] to "Choice Viner" among other recognitions.

As a singer, Sanders has published one EP in 2013,[16][17] one album in 2016,[18] and several singles from 2017[19] onwards.[20][21] He has had a career in musical theatre in his hometown in Florida since he was a teenager, performing since 2006 in Gainesville and Orlando, Florida, and starring in a tour through 17 cities in the US and Canada with his own stage musical, Ultimate Storytime, based on his Vine series.[22][23][24][25] In 2017, he made a guest appearance on the Disney Channel show Bizaardvark[26][27] and co-hosted a special episode of the Disney XD show Walk the Prank alongside David Lopez.[28]

PERSONAL LIFE

Sanders was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida.[29] His great-grandfather on his mother's side was born in Ireland.[30] His great-grandmother was a Ziegfeld Follies girl, something Sanders called his "ancestral connection with stage".[31] Sanders' father is a teacher.[32] Sanders has three brothers named Patrick, Christian, and Shea. He started singing in public and took his first steps in acting in middle-school at Kanapaha Middle School, located in Gainesville, singing in several choruses and appearing in several school plays.[33] In his high-school, Buchholz, he started combining acting and singing by doing his first roles in musical plays.[34] Later, Sanders combined his studies at the University of Florida with community theater, joining the Gainesville Community Playhouse from 2006 until 2015. When he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering in 2011,[35][36] he subsequently combined his daytime job as a manufacturing engineer at a pharmaceutical development company in Alachua[37] with his night-time job in theater, until his success on Vine prompted him to leave that first job and focus on Vine and theater.[29] In June 2017, he publicly came out as gay.[38]

CAREER

VINE AND SANDERS SHORTS

Thomas Sanders made his debut on Vine as "Foster Dawg", named after his first dog, Foster,[39] on April 14, 2013. An impression of Stewie Griffin from Family Guy in a drive-thru was his first Vine to go viral, leading to continued success on the app.[29] He later rebranded his channel to "Thomas Sanders". His channel reached 1 million followers on Vine in October 2013.[29] His biggest success on Vine was the Narrating People's Lives series, also known as Storytime, where he approached random strangers, comically narrated everyday activities they were doing, and showed their reaction.[40][41] Other Vine series he is known for are Disney Pranks with Friends, Pokémon Pranks, Misleading Compliments, and Shoutout Sunday, among others.[10] By April 2015, Sanders' Vine account had over 5 million followers, which made Thomas Sanders the 17th most followed Viner at the time.[42]

When Twitter announced that it was closing Vine down at the end of 2016, Sanders announced that he would continue making Vines until the app's last day.[43] When Vine was shut down on January 17, 2017, Sanders had reached 8.3 million followers.[44] Since that date, his short videos, now known as the Sanders Shorts, are first released on his Instagram, where as of November 2018 he has 2.5 million followers.[45]

On February 24, 2015, Sanders appeared as a guest on The View in a segment featuring Vine stars, where he was interviewed about his popularity on Vine,[29] and one of his Vines was featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in their section Vine after Vine.[46] Sanders has collaborated with Viners such as Vincent Marcus,[47] Brandon Calvillo[48] and Amymarie Gaertner,[49] and featured cameos and appearances from figures such as Sean Bean,[50] Nicolle Wallace,[51] Stacy London,[52] Nick Pitera (with whom he did a series of Vines, Unexpected Duets),[53] Brizzy Voices,[53] Gabbie Hanna,[54] Tara Strong,[55] E. G. Daily,[56] Jim Cummings,[57] Dan and Phil,[58] Adam Pascal[59] and the main actors from HamiltonTeen Titans Go! and Steven Universe,[60] among others.

YOUTUBE

Sanders opened his official YouTube account on March 15, 2009.[61] After amassing a following through Vine, he started publishing more frequently through YouTube. He had his first YouTube collaborations throughout 2015, consisting of pranks, games and challenges. Up until 2014, his subscriber count grew at a lower rate, with around 80,000 subscribers at the end of that year.[62] From that date, his user count growth started progressively accelerating, having 200,000 subscribers by April 2015[63] and more than 700,000 subscribers at the end of 2015.[64]

From the second half of 2016, at the same time his Vine activity slowed following Twitter's announcement of Vine's forthcoming closedown, Sanders announced he would be focusing on his YouTube content from then on in order to create more diversely formatted content. As of July 2023, his channel has 4.02 million subscribers.[65]

On October 29, 2018, he debuted a second YouTube channel called "Thomas Sanders & Friends", which would be dedicated to the monthly Sanders Shorts compilations and the unscripted, guest-oriented shows he had done previously on his main channel. The main channel would thereafter be dedicated exclusively to scripted series and shows as well as his music videoclips.[66] His second channel had 396,000 subscribers as of August 2021.[67] In November 2021, Sanders published the last content in this second channel, which has since been quietly discontinued, with its kind of content being brought back to the first channel ever since.

SANDERS SIDES


Sanders Sides Series logo since September 1, 2017.

Since October 19, 2016, Thomas Sanders has run a YouTube web series called Sanders Sides, formerly co-written with Joan S.,[68] in which he discusses personal or existential issues with four main characters, collectively known as the titular "Sanders Sides". Sanders Sides consists of two seasons with a total of 33 episodes as of January 2024, released on a variable periodicity. Season 1 has 17 episodes released from October 19, 2016, to July 19, 2017. Season 2 began on September 1, 2017, and as of January 2024, it has 15 episodes.[69] It is a spin-off from the Vine/Sanders Shorts series, as the characters Patton, Roman and Logan are inspired by characters that had previously debuted on Vine in 2014, as the "Dad Guy", the "Prince Guy", and the "Teacher Guy," respectively. The Sanders Sides are usually all portrayed by Sanders himself. Sanders Sides has featured guest stars such as Lilly Singh[70] or Butch Hartman who, apart from appearing as himself, created an animated sequence exclusively for Sanders Sides. Tara Strong, who had already appeared in several Vines and Sanders Shorts, also made a voice cameo in Hartman's episode.[71] On November 22, 2019, a companion series titled Sanders Asides was premiered, featuring the Sides in lighter stories in shorter episodes designed, in Sanders' words, to feature stories not directly linked to the main narrative.[72]

The Sanders Sides are "physical-mental projections" of Thomas' mind,[73] and represent different aspects of Thomas'[Note 1] personality. Thomas usually starts each episode as an ordinary vlog about a certain topic or dilemma. The series is mostly comedic, with some more dramatic elements and several ongoing plots.

THEATER

Apart from his Internet-based career, Sanders has worked in musical theater at the Gainesville Community Playhouse[29] for productions including Hot Mikado (2007),[74] Singin' in the Rain (2009),[75][76] The Producers (2010),[77] Anything Goes (2011),[78] Into the Woods (2014),[36] and Les Misérables (2014).[79] In 2015, Sanders did his first professional theater work starring in Heathers: The Musical as J.D. in a production performed in Orlando.[80] From August 8 to September 2, 2016, Sanders went on a stage musical tour, Ultimate Storytime, written by him with songs composed by Jacob Fjeldheim, and based on his Vine series Narrating People's Lives, performing in 17 cities in the US and Canada, including Toronto and New York City.[22][23][24][25] In 2019, Sanders was cast as the understudy for The Beast in Beauty and the Beast[citation needed] In 2022, he joined Heathers The Musical in Concert, a benefit concert reunion of the 2015 Orlando cast of Heathers: The Musical, portraying again J.D., which earned him a nomination to Best Performer in a Musical in the 2022 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards, as well as another nomination together with the rest of the cast to Best Ensemble Performance.[81]

MUSIC

Though critics often classified Sanders as a baritone,[82] he considers himself a bass singer.[83] He has sung primarily on Vine and YouTube. He has performed songs in a wide variety of genres but has personally showed a preference towards jazz music, mentioning Nat King Cole as one of his favorite singers.[84] He has musically collaborated with dodieJon CozartBen J. PierceDeedee Magno HallAdam Pascal, and AJ Rafael. He released his first EP, titled Merry Christmas, on Bandcamp on December 21, 2013; the EP consisted of Christmas songs.[16][17] In 2016, he released the soundtrack of his Ultimate Storytime stage musical, recorded alongside his co-stars, Terrence Williams Jr., Nicole Visco, Jay Harper (also known as JayIsJo) and Leo Anderson (also known as Leo the Giant).[18] On July 22, 2017, Sanders released on YouTube a new original song titled "The Things We Used to Share",[85] inspired by real events in Sanders' life.[19] It was followed by more singles in 2018 and the announcement of a new EP.[86]


Celebrate Graduation Weekend at the Laurel Oak Inn
By Susannah Peddie February 19, 2025
Choosing a private, historic inn over a standard hotel allows you to celebrate in style, enjoy luxurious amenities, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re looking for spacious accommodations, a cozy gathering space, or a convenient location near UF, these properties provide the perfect setting for an incredible graduation experience.
Kasai Sushi Bar & Kitchen in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie February 19, 2025
If you’re on the hunt for Gainesville’s best sushi, Kasai Sushi Bar & Kitchen is the place to be. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick sushi roll, a full-course meal, or a sake-pairing experience, you’ll leave impressed and satisfied.
By Susannah Peddie February 19, 2025
The Perfect Artists' Haven Why Gainesville? Gainesville, FL, offers a unique blend of nature and culture, making it the perfect city for artists seeking inspiration: Nature’s Beauty – From Paynes Prairie and the Sweetwater Wetlands to the picturesque trails of Devil’s Millhopper, Gainesville is full of breathtaking landscapes that inspire visual artists, writers, and musicians. Thriving Arts Scene – Home to The Hippodrome Theatre, the Harn Museum of Art, The Lynx Books, and an array of local galleries and markets, Gainesville fosters a deep appreciation for creativity. Community Support for the Arts – Regular art festivals, music events, and makers' markets provide artists with platforms to share and showcase their work. Why the Inns? Serene Setting – Nestled in Gainesville’s downtown historic district, these inns provide a peaceful retreat surrounded by century-old oak trees, lush gardens, and charming porches, perfect for quiet reflection. Elegant Accommodations – Spacious, beautifully decorated rooms create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, ideal for creative work and relaxation. Inspiring Spaces – Sun-drenched sitting rooms, wraparound porches, and garden nooks serve as natural studios for painters, writers, and musicians alike. Sense of Community – The layout of the inns allows for both privacy and social interaction, encouraging artistic collaboration through workshops, retreats, and creative gatherings. The inns are located next to each other, offering a combined 19 rooms: The Laurel Oak Inn – 7 rooms The Camellia Rose Inn – 7 rooms, 4 large one-bedroom apartments, and 1 studio The Laurel Oak Inn [Visit: www.laureloakinn.com ] The Laurel Oak Inn is a 5,700-square-foot historic Victorian home built in the 1880s. Fully restored in 2000 and upgraded again in 2018, it blends historic elegance with modern luxury. 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, all with en suite bathrooms First Floor: A bright gourmet kitchen, large casual sitting area, formal and informal dining rooms, a half-bath, and an ADA-compliant room Second Floor: 4 rooms, a spacious hallway, and laundry room Third Floor: A private 2-bedroom apartment with a kitchenette, office space, dining area, and living room Additional highlights: Original heart pine floors throughout 5 fireplaces (in 5 bedrooms, the living room, and the dining room) Spacious porches on the front and side, perfect for enjoying Florida’s warm shade Large backyard patio that seats up to 70 people Space available for the construction of a two-story ADU (architectural plans included) Parking for 7 cars, with additional free street parking The Camellia Rose Inn, The Hodges House & Spat's Hideaway [Visit: www.camelliaroseinn.com ] Built in 1903, the Camellia Rose Inn is a stunning Victorian home in Gainesville’s historic district. Restored in 2006, this charming retreat offers seven spacious bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. Features of the Camellia Rose Inn Historic charm with original heart pine floors 5 fireplaces, adding warmth to the living room and guest rooms First Floor: Cozy kitchen area, grand foyer, spacious dining room, and two guest rooms (one ADA-compliant) Second Floor: Five beautifully appointed rooms, a large upper porch with rocking chairs, and a private porch with a bistro-style seating area Expansive wraparound porch – A favorite feature for guests, offering a tranquil setting for morning coffee, creative brainstorming, or simply enjoying the shade of the towering oak trees Lush gardens and greenery, creating an inspirational atmosphere for artists The Hodges House: Spacious Artist Apartments Adjacent to the inn, The Victorian Hodges House offers four large one-bedroom apartments, each with ample space, natural light, and private living areas, kitchens and bedrooms. These thoughtfully designed units provide extended-stay accommodations, making them perfect for visiting artists, writers, and musicians seeking a peaceful, fully furnished retreat. Spat’s Hideaway: A Cozy Private Studio For those looking for seclusion, Spat’s Hideaway is a charming studio apartment tucked away on the property. It includes: A private screened-in porch A whirlpool tub for relaxation A tranquil retreat while remaining steps away from the main inn’s community spaces The Camellia Rose Inn, Hodges House, and Spat’s Hideaway offer more than just accommodations—they provide a true escape into tranquility, history, and inspiration. With wide porches, intimate common areas, and lush surroundings, this property is the ideal setting for an artist retreat where creativity flourishes in Gainesville’s rich cultural and natural beauty. The Camellia Rose Inn property (8,400 square feet, 7 rooms, 4 large one-bedroom apartments, 1200+ SF of covered porch space, and a spacious studio): https://staygainesville.holidayfuture.com/listings/361700 The Laurel Oak Inn (5700 square feet, 7 rooms): https://staygainesville.holidayfuture.com/listings/360427
Upcoming Events in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie February 19, 2025
Upcoming Gainesville Events You Won’t Want to Miss! Festivals, Sports, and More Gainesville is bustling with exciting events over the next few weeks , offering something for everyone—from community projects and live music to delicious festivals and thrilling sports games . Whether you’re looking to volunteer, celebrate, network, or just have fun , there are plenty of activities to check out. Here’s a roundup of must-attend events in Gainesville happening soon. Whether you’re a food lover, nature enthusiast, sports fan, or art aficionado , this list has you covered! 1. Great Invader Raider Rally – February 22, 2025 Join the Movement to Protect Gainesville’s Natural Spaces If you’re passionate about the environment and love getting involved in community projects , the Great Invader Raider Rally is the perfect opportunity. Taking place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM , this event is dedicated to removing invasive plant species to help Gainesville’s native wildlife flourish. What’s Happening at the Rally? 🌿 Volunteer Cleanup – Help remove non-native plant species from local parks. 📚 Educational Sessions – Learn about the impact of invasive plants and how to protect the ecosystem. 🎉 Family-Friendly Fun – Games and activities for children to get them excited about conservation. 🤝 Meet Like-Minded Nature Lovers – Network with environmentalists, park rangers, and community leaders . 📍 Location: Various parks and conservation areas in Gainesville. 🔗 Sign up or learn more: Gainesville.gov Great Invader Raider Rally 2. Swamp Fest 17 – February 22, 2025 Celebrate Swamp Head Brewery’s 17th Anniversary with Great Beer & Live Music Gainesville’s iconic Swamp Head Brewery is turning 17 , and they’re celebrating with a massive birthday party ! Swamp Fest 17 , happening on February 22, 2025 , promises an unforgettable day of craft beer, entertainment, and community fun . Festival Highlights: 🍺 Exclusive Beer Releases – Limited-edition brews available only at this event. 🎶 Live Music & DJs – Enjoy sets from local musicians and guest DJs . 🍽 Food Trucks Galore – Savor some of the best local eats from Gainesville’s top vendors . 🎟 Fun Games & Prizes – Participate in beer-themed contests and giveaways . 📍 Location: Swamp Head Brewery, Gainesville, FL 🔗 Find out more: Swamp Fest 17 Event Page 3. 5th Annual Strawberry Fest – February 22-23, 2025 Enjoy Sweet Treats & Family Fun at the Strawberry Festival Nothing says Florida springtime quite like a festival dedicated to strawberries ! Head over to the Suwannee County Fairgrounds in Live Oak on February 22-23, 2025 , to experience the 5th Annual Strawberry Fest —a must-visit for foodies and families alike. Festival Highlights: 🍓 Farm-Fresh Strawberries – Buy locally grown, sweet, juicy strawberries to take home. 🍰 Strawberry-Themed Treats – Try strawberry shortcake, pies, jams, and specialty drinks . 🎠 Carnival Rides & Games – Perfect for kids and families looking for a fun-filled weekend . 🛍 Local Vendors & Artisans – Shop for handmade goods, crafts, and unique gifts . 📍 Location: Suwannee County Fairgrounds, Live Oak, FL 🔗 Get festival details: 5th Annual Strawberry Fest 4. Florida Gators Softball Games – February 19 & February 21-23, 2025 Cheer on the Gators at Their Next Softball Matchups Sports fans, it’s time to support the Florida Gators softball team as they gear up for some exciting games this month. If you love high-energy college sports , this is the event for you! 📅 Game Schedule: February 19 – Florida Gators vs. North Florida (Home Game) February 21-23 – Florida Gators play in the Sun Devil Classic in Tempe, Arizona, taking on California Baptist, Arizona State, New Mexico State, Grand Canyon, and Iowa State. ⚾ Why Attend? 🏟 Live College Softball – Witness some of the best talent in women’s softball . 🎉 Exciting Atmosphere – Join the electric energy of Gator Nation . 🍔 Game Day Experience – Enjoy stadium snacks, great seating, and cheer for your team! 📍 Location: Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, Gainesville, FL 🔗 Game schedule & ticket info: Florida Gators Softball 5. Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) Luncheon – February 19, 2025 Discover Intuitive Eating & Connect with Local Women Leaders The Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) Luncheon is an empowering event designed to help women connect, learn, and grow professionally . This month’s topic is "Intuitive Eating: Discover Your Eating Wisdom," a discussion that promotes a healthier relationship with food and mindful eating habits . 💡 What to Expect: 🥗 Expert Insights on intuitive eating and wellness . 🏆 Networking Opportunities with local women in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship . 🍽 A Delicious Lunch while learning from industry professionals . 📍 Location: Gainesville, FL 🔗 Register or learn more: GAWN Luncheon 6. “A Seat at the Table” Multicultural Exhibition A Unique Celebration of Gainesville’s Diverse Cultures If you’re looking for an event that celebrates art, diversity, and creativity , be sure to check out “A Seat at the Table.” This multicultural exhibition features art, music, and food from different cultural backgrounds , bringing the community together in a beautiful and meaningful way. 🎭 Event Highlights: 🎤 Poetry & Live Performances – Enjoy spoken word, storytelling, and musical acts . 🍛 Multicultural Cuisine Tastings – Experience flavors from around the world . 🖼 Art Displays – View incredible works from local and international artists . 📍 Location: Gainesville, FL 🔗 More details here: A Seat at the Table Final Thoughts: Get Ready for an Exciting Few Weeks! From nature conservation and live music festivals to college sports and cultural exhibitions , Gainesville is brimming with activity in the coming weeks. 🗓 Which event are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share this guide with friends and family who want to make the most of what Gainesville has to offer! 📅 For even more local happenings, visit: 🔗 Visit Gainesville’s Event Calendar Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville . Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn - both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home. Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.
City Food Hall in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie February 12, 2025
With a wide range of flavors, cuisines, and experiences, City Food Hall offers something for everyone, whether you’re craving handcrafted sushi, Southern-style fried chicken, or gourmet grilled cheese. It’s the perfect spot for casual diners, foodies, and social gatherings, providing a unique way to explore Gainesville’s best eats—all in one place.
Barnyard Buddies - A Hands-On Farm Experience for Families in Gainesville Florida
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Dance Alive National Ballet: A Celebration of Art and Talent
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The Champagne Gala: Dancing with the Stars is a night of elegance, entertainment, and community impact. It’s a chance to see the city’s leaders embrace the transformative power of dance while supporting one of Gainesville’s most treasured arts organizations.
A Dozen Romantic Red Roses
By Susannah Peddie January 25, 2025
Looking for something to do for Valentine's Day Weekend in Gainesville, FL? We have the package for you! Book your 2 night stay at either The Laurel Oak Inn or The Camellia Rose Inn for a romantic getaway.
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie January 21, 2025
The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire: "Hoggetowne Goes Downtown" is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. By combining the rich traditions of the Middle Ages with Gainesville’s vibrant downtown, the event offers a fresh take on a beloved local tradition.
Embers Wood Grill
By Susannah Peddie January 15, 2025
If you’re searching for a dining experience that combines flavor, sophistication, and hospitality, look no further than Embers Wood Grill. With its wood-fired specialties, exceptional wine selection, and elegant ambiance, Embers is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of fine dining.
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