A capital city getaway to Tallahassee.
Before making the 4.5-hour drive from my home in Atlanta through the small towns of south Georgia, I had little to no knowledge of Tallahassee. The city’s reputation as the home of Florida State University preceded it, so I went into my trip with an open mind, curious to see what a person who graduated many years ago could enjoy in a college town.
I drove into town on an oak-lined street straight out of a postcard before making my way into the city center. I passed the historic state capitol, with its red-and-white window awnings that make it look like a resort, and the surrounding buildings where the legislators work.
A few blocks away, I checked into the new AC Hotel by Marriott Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol, a sleek property overlooking Cascades Park. I dropped my bags to explore, starting with the park. It has an amphitheater that hosts live music, a playground, two restaurants in the city’s former power plant and connects to the 2.5-mile Capital Cascades Trail.
I went to the hotel’s eighth floor to grab an evening drink at Charlie Park, Tallahassee’s first rooftop bar. I tried the purple-hued Charlie, the bar’s signature cocktail made with lavender syrup and Empress Gin. It was the ideal refreshment as the sun set over the city, especially paired with the chocolate pretzel trifle.
The next morning, I fueled up with a croissant and Spanish omelet at the hotel before an active day, starting with the zipline course at the Tallahassee Museum. The sprawling 52-acre outdoor museum lets visitors soar above the cypress swamp that features metal sculptures modeled after dinosaurs.
On a mission to pick up some souvenirs, I sought out the city’s best shopping, starting with the Railroad Square Arts District. The mural-covered warehouse neighborhood is home to restaurants, vintage boutiques, art galleries and a small arthouse cinema.
That evening, my friends and I drove down a rural road to the legendary Bradfordville Blues Club. The cinderblock building under neon lights has been hosting some of music’s best artists since 1964. The interior is covered in paintings of these famed musicians such as Big- Eyes Willy Smith and Johnny Winter. The next morning, in need of a detox, I joined an outdoor yoga class at Maclay Gardens, a state park set around a 1923 estate. The sounds of the fountain and the soothing voice of the instructor calmed my mind and body.
After a quick detour at Hearth & Soul, a gorgeous home decor and clothing boutique owned by Susie Busch-Transou of the St. Louis brewing family, it was time for brunch. Jeri’s Midtown Cafe was the perfect spot for a meal. The garden courtyard gets crowded, so go early to enjoy gouda grits with apple butter and chicken salad croissant sandwiches. Afterwards, I browsed the stacks at Midtown Reader, the bookstore upstairs.
The day’s activities were far from over. I borrowed a bike from a local outfitter and hit some of the more than 700 miles of trails throughout the city. I rode back to the hotel on a paved section of the Capital Cascades Trail, following a former rail line. Enthusiastic cyclists can ride all the way to the coast.
I secured a table at Il Lusso, one of the top restaurants in Tallahassee, for my last night in town. Located steps from the capitol, the restaurant has a lengthy wine list and artfully prepared steaks, seafood and Italian dishes. I fell asleep easily that night, happy and full from my shrimp ravioli.
Before leaving town, I packed up my car with the goodies and souvenirs I’d purchased and made my way to brunch at Table 23, set in a former home. I sat underneath the oak trees and enjoyed chicken and waffles, my brunch dish of choice, while reminiscing about the trip, pleasantly surprised that Tallahassee has plenty to attract both students and alumni alike.
DETAILS
AC Hotel by Marriott Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol
850.392.7700
marriott.com, @achoteltallahassee
Visit Tallahassee
visittallahassee.com, @visit_tally
STORY: Caroline Eubanks
As a 17-year resident and leader in Tallahassee, I was a bit disheartened reading your stocks. It’s disappointing that you were unable to explore our city with a bit more balance, or at least your article doesn’t reflect it. You would have benefited greatly to visit the south side of town, or even Frenchtown. This is a well-known landmark where African American history abounds. Soul food restaurants are nestled throughout our city. Olean’s was one of the stops President Obama made during his historic first run. Leola’s Crab Shack and Early’s Kitchen are south side staples. If your goal was to present Tallahassee in its full context, it would have been helpful to mention Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College (Florida State isn’t the only school here).
I lived in the Atlanta Metro area for many years. I am a graduate of the Atlanta University Center, and my son was born in Cobb Wellstar Hospital. Just as Atlanta is multi-dimensional, so is Tallahassee. If you ever wish to stop through again, I will be honored to give you a more balanced tour. Ribs on me!
Thank you for considering my response.
You stayed down the street from FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY and never mentioned the school once….It’s more to Tallahassee then FSU….