On the Road with PMC: Tallahassee

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On the Road with Pensacola Mom Collective

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Maclay Gardens

Are you heading to Tallahassee to drop off your college student? Consider this our Tally locals’ guide for getting the perfect snack and enjoying the outdoors once they’ve moved in!

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 much 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. The historic Capitol Museum is also within the downtown complex. 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 Luis 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, and an exhibit gallery. It offers workshops on 17th-century crafts like pine needle weaving and blacksmithing and guided group tours. There are picnic tables, and it’s pet-friendly (if on a leash). 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 a 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 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 includes 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. Their home-brewed mint tea is to die for! We love the lunch specials, including gyros and Greek fries.

Riccardo’s 

A local Italian place, Riccardo’s, offers generous portions and “secret bread.” They also have a German night on Thursdays, and my husband (whose family is German) approves of Schnitzel. 

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. 

Z Bardhi’s Italian Cuisine 

If you find yourself in the more northern area, Z. 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. Try a Tallychino or grab an oversized pastry. 

Big Easy Snowballs

Big Easy Snowballs makes New Orleans-style snowballs. If you know, you know! You can get them plain or “stuffed” with frozen yogurt. Grab one and take a leisurely walk around Lake Ella to cool off after a long day of moving your student in.

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.

Others include Ology Brewing, Deep Brewing, and Lake Tribe Brewing. Take a look at each spot’s special offerings. Deep has an outdoor area with picnic tables, Ology has multiple locations (some with a brewpub), and also hosts 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. Most of these places are kid-friendly and really fun for watching sports events on their big screens! 

Enjoy Tallahassee with your student! Let us know if we left anything out!

Oh, and in the words of my 4-year-old, “Goooo Cinnamon Rolls!” (That’s “Go Seminoles!”)

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