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Stay Classy, Tallahassee!
Confession: I spent most of my life convinced that Tallahassee was made up of only the capital building and a bunch of colleges. (This was after a field trip to the capital in the fourth grade.)
But then I lived there for three years during my Family Medicine Residency, and came to appreciate that the city has a lot more going for it. Though my alumni husband gets misty-eyed as he drives around the campus of The Florida State University, I look back more fondly on the off-the-beaten-path places we frequented. He remembers Momo’s and Gordo’s, which are great, but I wanted to highlight some of the greatest places you’ve never been (yet).
So here’s our run-down of the Tallahassee we came to know and love.
THE OBLIGATORY/BIG THINGS
The Florida State Capitol
Tallahassee was established as Florida’s state capitol in 1824. Open to the public on weekdays from 8:00am-5:00pm, you can take a self-guided tour or call in advance to arrange a group tour.
There’s an observation deck on the 22nd floor with great views of the city. Within the downtown complex is also the Historic Capitol Museum. Be sure to determine if the legislature is in session before visiting, as that could determine tours and access to seeing the galleries.
Mission San Louis: Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum
The only reconstructed Spanish mission in Florida, Mission San Louis can be explored for its historic landmark status as a place where Spanish and Native American lifestyles are exhibited.
The property includes gardens, a nature trail, exhibit gallery, and offers workshops on 17th-century crafts like pine-needle weaving and blacksmithing as well as guided group tours. There are picnic tables, it’s pet friendly (if on a leash), and kids will get a kick out of employees dressed in time-period clothing.
College Campuses
FSU, FAMU, and Tallahassee Community College all have their own special activities, including a host of sporting events. Check out what interests you!
FAMILY ACTIVITIES OFF THE BEATEN PATH (LITERALLY)
I first want to point out that Tallahassee is actually a lot more green and luscious, and outdoorsy than I ever knew. Here are some ideas:
The Tallahassee Museum
Hands down, the Tallahassee Museum is the best offering for families with kids of all ages. From a petting zoo to zip line course, there is something for everyone. The setup is essentially a boardwalk across marshes, and it is so weird and wonderful.
Piney Z Lake in Lafayette Heritage Trail and Tom Brown Park
Who would think that literally in the middle of a subdivision is a trail with a covered bridge and small lakes to walk by? It’s so random, but we frequented Piney Z Lake with kids all the time. There’s a playground, picnic area, and of course, walking trails (with a couple
Different entrances). People come here for exercise but even to take engagement photos! Nearby Tom Brown Park has some really cool playgrounds for all ages.
The Miccosukee Greenway
I love this trail. Dog and bike-friendly, the Miccosukee Greenway is actually where my husband and I went on walks when we were a cute little dating couple.
Cascades Park
Cascades Park is a revamped downtown area with benches, a walking trail, playground. Bring kids and dogs. It also has an amphitheater, so be on the lookout for any show offering! It’s right in the middle of downtown.
Railroad Square Art District
“A WWII-era industrial warehouse park turned urban core art district, Railroad Square is a 10-acre haven for the creatives of Tallahassee with more than 70 shops, galleries, and small businesses.” Artisan galleries, thrift/vintage shops, a craft beer garden, a pinball arcade, an indoor rock climbing wall, and more!
Maclay Gardens
Maclay Gardens is best seen in spring when the flowers are in full bloom. There are gardens and historic buildings to explore. There are often special events here, too (concerts, markets, etc).
St. Mark’s Historic Railroad State Trail
Park and walk/ bike down an old railway line turned asphalt. At the end, you’ll be at St. Marks, a river settlement with great views. There are a couple of places down there to have a drink or food, but we mostly just brought our own. If you want to drive all the way down, you can kayak the river on arrival.
Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs has glass-bottom boat tours and platforms for diving/jumping in. Parts of this area have literally blue water you can look right down through. There are manatees! Nothing is cooler coming upon a manatee.
The Wacissa River
Kayak down to the Blue Spring swimming hole on the Wacissa River. Just like it like it sounds; the water is clear blue, and you can swim and snorkel looking all the way down! There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, too.
ALL THE FOOD
Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
My family loves a dive. Bird’s is a small, random bar/restaurant nestled and essentially hidden downtown. A very limited menu where EVERYTHING is done RIGHT, whether that’s burgers, grouper sandwiches, hot dogs, a plant-based impossible burger, or fresh oysters from Apalachicola. (We recommend a dozen baked and topped with cheddar, jalapeño, and bacon.)
Persis
Persis is an Indian restaurant and was our go-to for curry and more, especially for the vegetarians in our friend group.
Canopy Road Cafe
Multiple locations exist for this brunch staple. You won’t go wrong with anything you order at Canopy Road Cafe, though our favorites were always Elvis pancakes (banana, peanut butter, bacon) or the veggie/egg scramble topped with avocado.
Sahara
Sahara is a local Mediterranean (Greek and Lebanese) restaurant. They have a home-brewed mint tea that is to die for! We love the lunch specials, including gyro and Greek fries.
Riccardo’s
A local Italian place Riccardo’s has generous portions and “secret bread.” They also do a German night on Thursdays! Schnitzel approved by my husband (whose family is German).
Midtown Caboose
Midtown Caboose has every kind of burger combination you could ever imagine. Our fave was the Mother of Dragons, a spicy fried-egg topped bacon cheeseburger. Add the mango habanero wings if you’re really hungry.
Table 23
Table 23 has a beautiful indoor-outdoor setup amongst mossy trees. Southern fare. Our favorite was to go here for happy hour and sit out under the huge porch. We recommend the Shrimp and Grits as well as the Grouper or Coffee-Rubbed Ribeye!
Kool Beanz Cafe
Kool Beans Cafe is more upscale and has excellent flavor combinations. Local art hangs on the wall available for purchase.
Bardhi’s Italian Cuisine
If you find yourself in the more northern area, Bardhi’s is great for a nicer dinner.
Lucky Goat Coffee
Lucky Goat is Tallahassee’s own local coffee shop, with multiple locations. The best cold brew.
BREWERIES
Tallahassee has its fair share of breweries, and honestly, they’re family (and often dog) friendly. I guess that’s the clientele because there are so many young professionals/students and young families.
Proof Brewing
Proof Brewing has a huge indoor and outdoor space with a brewpub. The outdoor part is great to let the kids run around in, complete with seating, picnic tables, and corn hole, all on a faux-grass yard.
There are others, including Ology Brewing, Deep Brewing, and Lake Tribe Brewing. Take a look for special offerings. Deep has an outdoor area with picnic tables, Ology has multiple locations (some with brewpub), and does a Jazz Brunch on the weekend.
You’ll notice we have left out a lot when it comes to places in and around FSU and FAMU. I’ll leave that to y’all, because it really depends on what sport is in season and the ages of your kids.
Enjoy! Let us know if we left anything out!
Oh, and in the words of my 3-year-old, “Goooo Cinnamon Rolls!” (That’s “Go Seminoles!”)
