Experience the surprising small-town spirit of the largest city in the Florida Panhandle, which is celebrating its bicentennial with a rousing calendar of family-friendly events all summer long. We’re sharing five of our top reasons to plan an escape to Tallahassee in the laid-back months ahead.
1. Enjoy a Shopper’s Paradise
“Tallahassee is a hidden jewel with so much outdoor beauty and just enough to do,” says Susie Busch-Transou, founder of Hearth & Soul boutique. Susie’s fashion and home goods shop is situated in the Market District among a cache of specialty stores. Browse chic apparel and accessories at Narcissus and then pop into its sister shop, Pink Narcissus, for Lilly Pulitzer luggage and fashions. My Favorite Things stocks fine tableware and gifts, while Midtown Reader appeals to any literary buff.
2. Step Back in Time at Beautiful Museums
Lush flora enhances the peacefulness of Goodwood Museum & Gardens, dotted with 16 preserved structures from the original 1830s plantation. Each room of the main house is dedicated to an enslaved person integral to the estate’s legacy and displays artifacts tied to the many families who lived there, including a sizable collection of china, glassware, and art. Touted as one of the state’s best preserved antebellum dwellings, the Call-Collins House is home to The Grove Museum. First-rate tours of the grounds and exhibits on Civil Rights history add to the appeal of this stately landmark.
3. Grab a Table at Delicious Eateries
House-made pasta and fresh seafood reign at Mimi’s Table Bistro & Wine Bar. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the specialty roasts at Lucky Goat Coffee Co., which has several locations around town. Jeri’s café dishes up satisfying fare with a warmth that beckons you to linger. Relish straight-from-the-garden eats at Backwoods Crossing or creative twists on deviled eggs and tasty salads at Sage. Come dinnertime, take in a watercolor sunset over Cascades Park while enjoying a casual meal at The Edison.
4. Explore the Outdoors at Any Pace
Tallahassee’s 700-plus miles of trails are ideal for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing along corridors of stately long-leaf pines, towering oaks, and other natural treasures that contribute to the region’s rich biodiversity. Stroll through manicured urban parks, paddle through scenic waterways, or wander among the fields at Orchard Pond farm. At Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, take in a stunning reflection pool and colorful blooms at every turn.
5. Join the Bicentennial Celebrations
Many happenings have played up Tallahassee’s 200th anniversary this year. Plan a trip around the biggest bash of them all, Tallyfest 2024, taking place June 1 at Cascades Park. From local food, art, and retail vendors to live music and kid-friendly activities, this grand celebration has plenty in store for family fun in the sun.
Find our full feature of Tallahassee in the March/April 2024 issue.
Photography by John O’Hagan
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