Fill your days exploring local shops, taking a guided tour through our historic sites, enjoying one of our family-friendly attractions, exploring over 700 miles of trails, snapping pics of street art murals and so much more. Here is a sample itinerary…
DAY ONE
Where to Stay
DoubleTree Tallahassee
101 S Adams St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
850 224-5000
Wander thru Cascades Park
Located in the heart of downtown – just steps
aways from the Florida State Capitol – there are
three main trails to explore, altogether making up
2.3 miles of pathways.This 24-acre downtown park
includes Florida’s Prime Meridian marker, Capital
City Amphitheater, an interactive water fountain,
Discovery playscape, numerous historical markers
and more.
1001 S Gadsden St.
Dinner at The Edison
Enjoy dinner at The Edison, a modern setting
crafted from an original 1920s power plant,
featuring regional made-from-scratch ingredients
situated within Cascades Park.
470 Suwannee St.
Nightcap at Eve on Adams
Enjoy post-dinner drinks at Eve on Adams – located
on the 17th floor of the DoubleTree hotel. This
swanky rooftop lounge offers some of the best
views of the Tallahassee skyline.
101 South Adams St. (at your hotel on rooftop)
DAY TWO
Bountiful Bites on Site at Doubletree
Wake up to a morning spread served at Doubletree (your hotel). Enjoy a selection of individually wrapped, pre packaged breakfast items, such as hot breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt, and more.
Wildlife Adventure
Take a walk on the wild side at the Tallahassee Museum, set amidst 52 acres lakeside site of breathtaking Florida flora and fauna. The Museum’s living exhibits of native wildlife, nature trails and more.
3945 Museum Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32310
Lunch at Jeri’s Midtown Cafe
Enjoy lunch at Jeri’s Midtown Cafe – tucked away in a cozy garden patio – serving up pressed sandwiches, fresh salads and soups featuring the highest quality ingredients, known for delivering “love on a plate.”
1123 Thomasville Rd.
While you’re here we recommend checking out the cutest locally curated bookstore, Midtown Reader located right upstairs of Jeri’s.
Retail Rendezvous at Hearth & Soul
Take part in some retail therapy at Hearth & Soul, a gathering place and shopping experience where you can discover beautiful things for yourself, your home or someone special in your life – featuring a curated collection of simple, modern and classic items, including top brands and artisan goods that will both warm your heart and feed your soul.
1410 Market St. D-1
(Located right near breakfast spot, within walking distance)
Explore Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
Explore a masterpiece of floral architecture featuring a picturesque brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool – all surrounded by lush greenery and florals.
3540 Thomasville Rd.
Hotel Refresh
Relax and hang out by the outdoor pool and sunning deck!
Happy Hour at Hummingbird Wine Bar
Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Hummingbird Wine Bar, offering a variety of sip selections that go beyond the readily available options in grocery stores. Also, offering beer, cheese boards, salads and paninis. 1216-4 North Monroe St.
Dine Under The Trees at Table23
Enjoy dinner at Table 23, this “Southern porch, table, and bar” situated under oak trees on one of Tallahassee’s favorite street corners.
1215 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Dessert at Lofty Pursuits
Enjoy dessert at Lofty Pursuits – named “one of the best soda fountains in the country,” by The New York Times and is one of the country’s few sweet shops where the lost art of Victorian candy making comes to life – also serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
1355 Market St., STE A11
DAY THREE
Breakfast at Au Péché Mignon
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at Au Péché Mignon, a French pastry shop where the treats are almost too beautiful to eat. The shop sells savory breads, imported cheese, pastries, cakes, macaroons, and much more. Lunch sandwiches, quiche, soup and salad are available daily.
220 North Duval St.
Jungle Boat Cruise at Wakulla Springs
Reminiscent of old Florida vacation spots, Wakulla Springs is home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Enjoy a guided riverboat tour offering an up-close glimpse of wildlife including alligators, turtles, manatees, deer and an abundance of bird species.
On your way out, stop by the Wakulla Springs Lodge and gift shop offering souvenir items, food and an old fashion soda fountain.
550 Wakulla Park Dr.
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Explore Florida’s historic capitol and take some insta-worthy family photos in front of this stunner of a building – restored to its 1902 grandeur with stained-glass dome and candy-striped awnings, the Historic Capitol stands as an icon at the center of Florida’s Capital Complex. It houses exhibits on Florida’s political history, the former House and Senate Chambers, Supreme Court and Governor’s suite.
400 South Monroe St.
Lunch at Madison Social
Indulge a delicious lunch at Madison Social, located in the heart of CollegeTown, just steps from Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center and Dick Howser Baseball Stadium, known for being the heart of college game-days, dining, entertainment and year-round festivities for students, locals, travelers and alumni alike.
Madison Social – 705 S Woodward Ave. #101
Sweet Summer Treat at Sugar Rush Milkshake Bar
Indulge a simple milkshake or an epic milkshake extravaganza topped with cakes, cheesecakes, gummies and so much more. Hand-dipped ice cream and handcrafted goodness make for the milkshake of your dreams!
414 All Saints St #114
Explore Railroad Square Art District
Stroll through Railroad Square Art District, now home to more than 50 artist studios, galleries, and small shops:
Curio: Tallahassee’s most unique boutique
boasting an eclectic mix of vintage + modern items. {1046 Commercial Drive Tallahassee, FL 32310}
Other Side Vintage: Tallahassee’s most unique vintage store carrying retro clothing &
accessories, furniture, vinyl records, jewelry, art, collectibles, incense, lamps, mirrors, home decor, ephemera, smoking accessories, and DIY supplies. {607 McDonnell Dr.}
Rare Bird Interiors: Rare Bird aims to bring great design for every corner of your home — specializing in mid century modern furniture, vintage decor + designer goods. {1046 Commercial Dr.}
Hotel Refresh
Happy Hour at Proof Brewing Co.
Pre-dinner drinks at Proof Brewing Co. – the former 32,000 square foot Coca-Cola bottling factory featuring a modern tasting room, covered patio and expansive lawn.
Proof Brewing Co. – 1320 S Monroe St.
Dinner at Kool Beanz Cafe
Enjoy dinner at Kool Beanz Cafe, an eclectic, gourmet restaurant that is funky, fun and friendly. The walls are vibrant with bright colors and modern art, and the ambiance is lively and festive. Featured entrees include Cuban-spiced pork chops with mango habanero salsa, and sake/teriyaki-glazed salmon with sesame roasted asparagus.
921 Thomasville Rd.
Nightcap at Waterworks
Enjoy post dinner cocktails at Water works, Tallahassee’s premier Tiki Bar! Serving food, cocktails, 50+ beers and tiki drinks you won’t find anywhere else!
1133 Thomasville Rd.
DAY FOUR
Bountiful Bites on Site at Doubletree
Wake up to a morning spread served at Doubletree (your hotel). Enjoy a selection of individually wrapped, pre-packaged breakfast items, such as hot breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt, and more.
Fond Farewell
Check-out of hotel. Visit Tally again soon!
MORE ABOUT THE DESTINATION
OVERVIEW
Named as one of Southern Living’s top 10 Cities of the South, two years in a row, Tallahassee’s unique charm and style is derived from the undeniably pretty and often unexpected features found in Florida’s Capital. Tallahassee lies in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the U.S. and is home to more than 700 miles of varying trails — aptly lending the nickname “Trailahassee” – with abundant biking, hiking, paddling, equestrian and running trails. Whether by land or water, breath-taking landscapes, amazing wildlife and recreational activities abound for outdoor enthusiasts, explorers, trailblazers and adventurers of all types. Home to three major colleges and universities, Tallahassee’s vibrant arts, culture and deep-rooted history shine through its murals, museums and performing arts. With its many popular craft breweries and emerging culinary scene, locals and visitors alike are welcomed to wide open spaces and the flavor of Tallahassee.
DINING
Located in the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee blends traditional southern cuisine with modern eateries and fresh, farm-to-table purveyors. Regional specialties from freshly-caught fish to savory homemade sausage are featured throughout the variety of local restaurants creating a unique style of dining through innovative techniques.
Florida Trend Magazine recognized nine local restaurants in the 2019 Golden Spoon Awards, the most awards earned in Northwest Florida. The winners included Cypress Restaurant, Food Glorious Food, Lucilla, Masa, Sage, Table 23, Backwoods Crossing, Il Lusso and Savour, making the Capital City one of Florida’s most distinguished dining hubs.
FINE DINING
Il Lusso is Tallahassee’s newest fine-dining experience in downtown offering guests savory, homemade pasta, along with prime dry-aged steaks. Located just steps away, Savour features seasonally inspired, regionally sourced and creatively prepared cuisine in a chic and eclectic dining experience.
A local hotspot, Cypress presents a creative menu that features local produce and fresh seafood in an inviting ambiance. Food Glorious Food has culinary creations representing a variety of worldly cuisines including marinated lamb, spiced duck breast, caramelized salmon, seared tuna, spicy oyster shooters and more.
At Sage, chef Terry White and his staff create seasonal, multicultural menus that showcase the best local produce and seafood. Masa’s Asian fusion is executed by Lucy Ho, Tallahassee’s first Chinese cooking teacher.
Lucilla is a relaxed eatery offering delicious Southern comfort cuisine featuring fried oysters, pimento cheese fritters, warm goat cheese salad, cast iron filet mignon and so much more – plus they offer a notable weekend brunch.
AL FRESCO
Amid canopy trees and picturesque natural backdrops, alfresco dining options in Tallahassee are a plenty. Notable dining views include The Edison, where meals overlook Cascades Park’s 24-acres of rolling hills, waterways and gardens, and Andrew’s, a downtown dining terrace in the shadow of the Florida Capitol. Locals and visitors can also head to Lake Ella for Tallahassee’s weekly Food Truck Thursday to enjoy live music, local flavor and lake views. Table 23 serves classic southern dishes under a sprawling canopy of moss-covered oak trees. Midtown Caboose offers a full bar with patio seating right in the middle of midtown, serving famous burgers and other delicious items making a fun place to enjoy game day, a business lunch or date night. Harry’s Seafood & Grill is a trendy gathering spot for jambalaya and big easy grub, visitors can enjoy the patio with views of the fountain and downtown Tallahassee. If guests are craving a little luxury, The Blu Halo is a high-end steakhouse offering seafood items, a martini & wine bar and quaint outdoor seating.
FARM-TO-TABLE
Backwoods Crossing redefines farm-to-table cuisine with locally sourced food from its own backyard and regional farmers. Owners, Jesse and Tyler Rice, create modern dishes with a twist of Southern flair, made from fresh, farm-grown produce found on Backwoods’ three-and-a-half-acre farm. A cornucopia of veggies and fruits, in addition to a chicken and quail coop on-site, adds to the divine, ever-changing menu.
Kool Beanz Café serves a menu that changes daily featuring fresh, seasonal food and encourages guests to “Eat, Drink & Talk Loud – You’re Among Friends.” Inspired by their world travels, the chef and owner offer tastes from around the globe in an eclectic art-filled atmosphere.
ONLY IN TALLAHASSEE
Classic Southern fare can be found through a canopy of oak trees and Spanish moss at the iconic Bradley’s Country Store. Founded in 1927, Bradley’s makes and sells their famous country-smoked sausage and grits – often with a line of sausage lovers wrapped around the building.
Named “one of the best soda fountains in the country,” by The New York Times, Lofty Pursuits is one of the few sweet shops where the lost art of Victorian candy making comes to life. Owner Greg Cohen works to preserve Victorian hard candy techniques and equipment dating back to the 1800s.
ROASTERS
Tallahassee contains many local roasters and cafés to supply coffee lovers a much-needed caffeine fix. Lucky Goat Coffee is a Tallahassee-based roastery, tasting room and distribution company that serves single-origin coffees from unique growing regions with an emphasis on microlots and distinctive flavor profiles. Black Dog Café is a gourmet coffee shop featuring specialty coffees, teas, sodas, wine, pastries and snacks. Tucked between FSU and FAMU, All Saints Café offers coffee, tea and light vegetarian meals to its patrons. RedEye Coffee provides bird safe, organic coffee and tea served to guests in earth-friendly cups. By purchasing coffee and tea from small farmers at a fair price through certified organic cooperatives, RedEye donates all its profits to local and global humanitarian causes.
NIGHTLIFE
Tallahassee comes to life at night with a collection of CollegeTown hot spots and a bevy of beverage locales. From cocktail bars that boast college football spirit to award-winning homegrown craft breweries, Tallahassee brings something new to residents and visitors every night.
The beverage scene in Florida’s capital city is best-known for the craft breweries that call Tallahassee home — from humble suds to IPAs, local libations await. Adjacent to the family-friendly Cascades Park, Proof Brewing Co. invites guests to its 32,000 square foot modern tasting room, covered patio and pet-friendly expansive lawn for lounging and partaking in popular yard games. Tallahassee’s first and largest independently-owned production brewery, Proof’s most popular brews include Eightfive-O, Mango Wit and La La Land.
Ology Brewing Co. creates small batch ales that let the wild, funky flavors of beer converge. Deemed as an “experimental brewery,” Ology constantly works to revive old-world recipes, and experiment its new techniques to give guests better-quality beer experiences. A second tap room opened in 2019, convenient to local bike trails. DEEP Brewing Co. explores the depths of beer through its unique style influenced by historic European and American brews. Co-founders of Lake Tribe Brewing wanted to try home brewing which quickly expanded into the popular brewery that explores the vast art of fermentation.
The energetic CollegeTown offers a variety of walkable bars and restaurants that welcome locals and visitors alike. Madison Social and Township lend a lively atmosphere, signature drinks and an ideal location next to Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium. Patrons can grab a bold Bloody Mary before kick-off or have a postgame celebration with Township’s signature beer cocktails – served in steins.
In the Downtown district, located on the top floor of trendy Hotel Duval, Level 8 Lounge offers a picturesque view of Tallahassee, handcrafted cocktails and an expansive outdoor space. Eve on Adams is Tallahassee’s newest rooftop bar – located on the 17th floor of the DoubleTree Hotel downtown. The upscale cocktail lounge features signature drinks and a beautiful skyline view of the city. Located in the historic Walker Library, Bar 1903 offers journey back in time featuring a cocktail menu that highlights each decade’s popular mixes that span back 160 years.
Midtown provides a casual and comfortable atmosphere, where guests can find an island vibe complete with tiki torches and island-themed specialty cocktails at Waterworks, or lounge with food and wine pairings on the balcony at Over Under.
Located across from the popular Proof Brewing, Co., customers enjoy an adult spin on the classic Capri Sun juice pouch at Happy Motoring – a renovated gas station. This go-to cocktail spot offers an equally fun style of frozen drinks and atmosphere, including both indoor and outdoor seating, a beautiful mural and delectable dishes from Tally Mac Shack.
Railroad Square Craft House is Tallahassee’s newest entertainment and community gathering space. Featuring music, art and a curated beer presence, the lounge welcomes all guests to enjoy some of Tallahassee’s own craft brews. Down the street, The Wilbury, a cozy barbecue restaurant and bar, is a hub for live music with local and national bands performing weekly.
The Bradfordville Blues Club (BBC) made state history as Florida’s first site on the Mississippi Blues Trail. The BBC is a famed, one-room cinder block “juke joint” showcasing an impressive list of nationally renowned Blues acts. Featuring a different artist every Friday and Saturday evening, Miss Ernestine can be found out by the bonfire frying up catfish for music-goers.
SEASONALITY
Tallahassee has four distinct seasons to enjoy. In winter, visitors can expect to bundle up, but still enjoy the outdoors on one of Tallahassee’s many trails. Mild temperatures in spring make it difficult to stay inside and summer encourages visits to nearby springs and rivers to cool off on sunny days. The changing colors of autumn foliage usher in cooler temperatures and breathtaking sunsets.
TRAILS
Tallahassee is home to more than 700 miles wide open and diverse trails — aptly lending the nickname “Trailahassee” – with abundant biking, hiking, equestrian, paddling and running trails. The city’s diverse topography creates a network of trails unlike any other area in Florida. Outdoor enthusiasts can access information to Mother Nature’s pathways online at Trailahassee.com with interactive mapping, GPS technology, personalized features and details on outfitters and trail associations.
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee has more than 100 miles of diverse trails that run throughout the Capital City for every level of mountain biker.
Beginners enjoy Munson Hills, an eight-mile loop nestled in the northeast tip of the Apalachicola National Forest and the historic St. Marks Trail, tracing the route of Florida’s first and longest operating railroad. St. Marks Trail offers 20.5 miles of paved pathway from the city to the coastal community of St. Marks. The Lafayette Heritage Trail offers riders a variety of paved and unpaved paths, including technical jumps for thrill seekers. On the bike ride, a covered bridge and boardwalk overlook the incredible view of the Piney Z lake. The Cadillac Mountain Bike Trail is a must-ride trail for bikers and is marked with symbols throughout the seven-mile journey indicating the level of difficulty.
Experienced riders craving a challenge enjoy the Magnolia Mountain Bike Trail offering a 4.3-mile dirt path inside Tallahassee’s expansive Tom Brown Park. With winding, narrow chutes and steeply pitched hillsides, bicyclists’ skillsets are tested with each intricate twist and turn.
The Red Bug Trail is one of Tallahassee’s most advanced mountain biking trails, taking riders on a journey of rugged terrain characterized by dense foliage, wetlands and cross running creeks.
Ideal for single-track enthusiasts and cross-country runners, the Fern Trail is runs from Governor’s Park to the east side of Tallahassee, through railroad tracks and behind major roads.
The Leon County Bicycle Route Network has connected the community by designating bicycle-friendly roadways between destinations. Bikes are legal on all Leon County roadways and the Tallahassee road bike route map has road comfort ratings to help guests plan routes by providing a level of riding comfort on major roads in the city.
KAYAKING
Paddling down any of the 20 lakes or endless rivers Tallahassee offers, kayakers observe Florida’s wildlife on scenic adventures throughout the year. Lake Jackson, Lake lamonia, Carr Lake, Lake Lafayette and the Bradford Chain-of-Lakes are a few examples of excursions to enjoy in Tallahassee and the surrounding area.
Clear, spring-fed rivers – such as the Wacissa, Wakulla and St. Marks – allow paddlers to view the natural habitat of manatees and other wildlife.
CANOPY ROADS
Scenic drives define the Tallahassee area, especially its signature canopy roads where the limbs of huge moss-draped live oaks, sweet gums, hickory trees and pines provide a towering canopy over roads that were once paths traveled by native tribes. Tallahassee has nine official canopy roads offering more than 78 miles of intriguing shaded drives.
GOLF
Golf has a long history in Florida and Tallahassee plays a prominent role in the game’s presence. PGA tour winners have been raised in the city and the collegiate programs have turned out major champions, proclaimed players and local professionals. Florida’s Capital City is home to affordable offerings with a mix of public and private golf courses.
Capital City Country Club is located in beautiful downtown, less than five minutes from the State Capitol, Florida University and Florida A&M University. The Club is set in the pines and oaks with a spectacular view of the new Cascades Park Project. Designed by PGA Tour legend, Fred Couples and Gene Bates, Southwood Golf Club is an upscale public facility nestled among rolling hills, pastureland and ancient oaks. North of Tallahassee lies Golden Eagle Country Club – with an 18-hole golf course, designed by world renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The course sprawls 6,965 yards from the back tees and was rated “the most challenging golf course in Florida” by the US Golf Association. In 2020, Florida State University reopened the Don Veller Seminole Golf Course after undergoing an extensive $8 million-dollar renovation. The course is first Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course in North America.
BIRDING AND BUTTERFLIES
Tallahassee is located on two migratory pathways and is one of the top birding locations in the country. Birdwatchers can observe over 300 species of birds residing in or visiting Florida. Top locations for observing the several species of birds in Tallahassee include the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, the Apalachicola National Forest, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Lake Elberta Park, as well as the L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area.
More than two dozen species of butterflies can be seen on their migratory path to Mexico from December to February before winter’s first hard freeze. Florida’s state butterfly, the Zebra Heliconian, as well as American Ladies, Common Buckeyes, Monarchs, Pearl Crescents and Cloudless Sulphers are among the different species that can be spotted throughout winter at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park and Black Swamp Nature Preserve.
EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK
Wakulla Springs is home to the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, filled with manatees, alligators and diverse wildlife. Wakulla Springs is rich with history, from early Native Americans living in shoreline villages to filmmakers shooting iconic Hollywood pictures on site, including Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and Airport ’77 (1977).
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cascades Park is a 24-acre redeveloped green space featuring winding trails and historical markers in downtown Tallahassee. The Smokey Hollow Commemoration, Korean War Memorial, TLH Art Structure and Florida Prime Meridian marker can all be found within Cascades, along with an interactive water splash pad for children.
The Capital City Amphitheater, located within Cascades Park, is an outdoor venue accommodating 3,500 people. From rock and roll to the works of Shakespeare, the outdoor theater attracts a variety of artists year-round for music lovers to enjoy with the city’s idyllic weather.
Railroad Square Art Park serves as Tallahassee’s Art District. The creative haven is located in the historic warehouse district and now home to 50 local art studios, galleries and small businesses. Railroad Square is best known for its First Friday Gallery Hop, Tallahassee’s longest-running monthly festival. A favorite local highlight each month, the park comes alive with the celebration of art and music.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Visitors and locals gather for Tallahassee’s signature events throughout the year and winter and spring are no exception.
One of the top festivals in the Southeast, Springtime Tallahassee hosts a variety of activities for families. Comprised of the Springtime Tallahassee Music Festival in Kleman Plaza, the Grand Parade and Jubilee in the Park, the event is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Tallahassee’s Word of South festival features both literature and music and explores the relationship between the two arts.
Every spring the annual Red Hills International Horse Trials competition takes place at Tallahassee’s Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. The equestrian sporting event hosts global competitors and serves as a qualifier for each participating country’s Olympic and World Equestrian Games teams.
LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival is ranked as one of the top Fine Art Shows in the nation. The two-day event held in downtown Tallahassee is free for the public.
A celebration of lights, music and the arts, Tallahassee’s annual Winter Festival is takes place in the heart of downtown. The annual festivities include a lighting ceremony of downtown’s signature oak trees, the Jingle Bell Run and the nighttime holiday parade. Tallahassee’s Annual Market Days is one of the Southeast’s largest arts and crafts shows featuring over 300 artists’ unique, handmade creations.
HISTORY
Tallahassee has been a capital city for centuries and was once the principal village of the Apalachee people, dating back to the 1200s until Europeans arrived in the 1500s. With a rich, enchanting history, Florida’s Capital City has several museums to visit.
After becoming the capital in 1824, the Capitol was built. Now the Historic Capitol Museum, the building has been restored to its 1902 appearance and is an icon at the center of Florida’s Capitol Complex.
The 22-story Capitol building is home to Florida’s executive and legislative branches and sits on the Capitol Complex with the Historic Capitol Museum, Knott Building and the two buildings for the House of Representatives and Senate.
The Tallahassee Museum is one of North Florida’s most visited attractions. The 52-acre natural history museum is where native habitats of indigenous wildlife and history intersect to tell an intriguing story about Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum includes a unique 1880s farmstead, along with historical buildings that include an early African American church and schoolhouse, a Bellevue Mansion home of Princess Catherine Murat, live collection of native wildlife and scenic grounds – providing hands-on learning and entertainment for all ages, including a zip line and adventure course.
On the National Registry of Historic Places, The Grove is one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival architecture in Florida. From slavery to civil rights, the museum tells the story of critical moments that define the American experience.
Reconstructed to its original historic footprint circa 1690, Mission San Luis was home to Spanish colonials and the Apalachee in the 17th century. The living history museum now has several different programs and workshops for guests to enjoy.
The Museum of Florida History was established by the state Legislature in 1967 and opened to the public in 1977. More than 55,000 guests visit the museum annually to engage in the innovative and award-winning exhibits that span time periods and include the prehistoric mastodon and Space Age.
Tallahassee was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Five months after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in Alabama, two FAMU students took action in Tallahassee, leading to a seven-month standoff and bus boycott. Tallahassee witnessed several sit-ins in the early 1960s at Woolworth lunch counter, which led to arrests and the first jail-in of the civil rights movement, when eight students opted for jail time rather than pay their fines.
In 1976, the Carnegie Library on the historic campus of Florida A & M University became the founding home of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center & Museum. Known as the “Black Archives,” the center’s mission includes collecting, preserving, displaying and disseminating information about African Americans and people of Africa worldwide and is one of only 10 Black archives in the country. The museum is the permanent home of the Kinsey Collection “Flourishing Roots of our Past” that focuses on the key contributions made by African Americans to the country and its stability. Due to generous contributions from the public, the center’s holdings consist of more than 500,000 individual archival records and more than 5,000 individual museum artifacts.
Recently launched by the John G. Riley House, Soul Voices of Frenchtown features nine markers with audio components of the voices of its prominent residents both living and deceased telling the story of Frenchtown, one of Tallahassee’s oldest African American communities. Through these voices, visitors will discover, learn and celebrate a time when Frenchtown was a thriving, self-sustaining community of families, homes, businesses and pride – a time when Frenchtown had it all.
ONLY IN TALLAHASSEE
In 2019, Tallahassee was recognized by the readers of Southern Living as a “Top 10 City in the South” (No. 9). And was the only Florida city to be featured on this list.
Built in 1954, Tallahassee is home to the Lewis Spring House – the only private residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Florida. The unique “hemi-circle” design is comprised of concentric and intersecting circles meant to resemble a boat. Tours are given to the public on the second Sunday of each month or by appointment.
In 1539, Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando de Soto established his winter encampment site in what is now downtown Tallahassee and celebrated the first Christmas in the U.S. on a Tallahassee hillside. Although records are sparse, historians are confident that priests accompanied the explorer and celebrated Christmas mass with the encampment.
The Marching 100 is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s (FAMU) marching band. The famous band has been featured in films, documentaries, commercials and numerous publications, including “60 Minutes,” “20/20,” “CBS Evening News” and Sports Illustrated. Having performed in five NFL Super Bowls, six Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcases and three presidential inaugural parades, the Marching 100 is well known beyond Tallahassee.
The Tallahassee Automobile Museum opened in 1996 after local businessman, DeVoe Moore, decided to build the museum from his small collection of 15 automobiles. Now, triple the size of the original museum, the collection displays over 160 diverse automobiles, machinery, Native American artifacts, antique golf collectibles, pianos and more.
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is home to the world’s largest and most powerful magnets. More than 1,400 scientists and engineers from around the world conduct research at the Mag Lab, resulting in 54 patents and other products. The Mag Lab demonstrates its work and leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at seasonal open houses that attract thousands.
ON THE HORIZON
Several new hotels are currently under construction, bringing over 900 additional hotel rooms into the market by late 2020. The newly opened Hotel Indigo in CollegeTown was the first of many additional proposed projects including the Hyatt House at Railroad Square which will feature local artistry and AC Hotel by Marriott – complete with views of Cascades Park from its rooftop bar.
The Cascades Project is a $132 million-dollar investment in a mixed-use development overlooking Cascades Park. The project, which is anticipated to open in late 2020, will include residential, retail, office, restaurant and hotel space.
Other capital improvements include the Market Street District redevelopment on the northside of Tallahassee. Scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2020, the premier mixed-use development will contain 110,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, entertainment and office space, as well as a hotel and bike park for cycling enthusiasts.
The Capitol Complex is entering its final phase of a four-year project to improve the plaza, allowing for more space for memorials, shady spots to relax and improved public access to the Capitol Building and Historic Capitol Museum.
Once an easily overlooked tract of more than 100-acres, Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park is one of the nation’s few courses designed exclusively for championship cross-country running meets. In 2020 over $2 million will be invested in Apalachee Regional Park for extensive upgrades to the course facilities. In 2021, the park will host the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Cross-Country National Championship.
To learn more about Tallahassee or for the latest on the destination’s safety protocols, please visit www.visittallahassee.com.
Happy Travels 