Travel To Tallahassee, Florida’s Renaissance City

A CITY RICH IN HISTORY, culture and outdoor experiences, Tallahassee is celebrating its bicentennial year. But its renewed downtown center full of fine- and casual-dining restaurants, entertainment and nightlife spots is ushering in a new era of activity. In 1824, Tallahassee was declared the territorial capital of Florida. It was the midway point between St. Augustine and Pensacola and establishing a capital in Tallahassee would lessen the hardships of travel that could take up to 20 days between Florida’s two principal cities.

This was 21 years prior to Florida’s statehood; the Sunshine State became the nation’s seventh in 1845. Shortly after Tallahassee’s territorial proclamation, a log cabin capitol building was constructed. It was later torn down in lieu of the brick structure that became the third capitol, or Historical Capitol (financing fell through on an uncompleted second building), completed in 1845. The current Capitol, which was built in the ‘70s, is located directly in front of the Historic Capitol.

Home to History

The Florida Historical Capitol Museum chronicles Florida’s political history with displays of more than 250 artifacts in 21 rooms. The Historic Capitol has been restored to its 1902 appearance, with a stained-glass dome, the 1902 governor’s office, and chambers of Florida’s House of Representatives, Senate and Supreme Court. Learn more about the many different forms of government Florida has had throughout the decades at the “Florida Before 1885” exhibit. Just steps away from the capitol lies the Union Bank Museum. Built in 1841, the Union Bank is considered Florida’s oldest surviving bank building. While it opened as a planters’ bank, the building became home to the National Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company following Emancipation; the museum now tells the stories of people such as Charles Rollins, a man born into slavery in Florida who was the first person of color to open an account at the Tallahassee branch of the Freedman’s bank, and additional inspiring stories of Black citizens moving towards independence.

Take a jaunt from the museum to discover a historic library that may not house what you’re expecting. The former Walker Library is home to Bar 1903, and you’ll find a grand catalog of cocktails here, categorized into 20-30-year periods. Want to head back to the Roaring (19) ’20s? The Champs Élysées, with cognac and green chartreuse, is the cocktail you didn’t know you were missing out on. Are you an Old Fashioned girl? Try one with bourbon, gin, rum, mezcal or tequila. Mocktails more your style? The Allspice No Bite (pineapple, honey, cinnamon syrup, orange and smoked bitters) is at the top of our list. With a menu the size of a small book, you’ll want to spend some quality time here.

Next door to Bar 1903 lies the finest meal in Tallahassee and perhaps one of the best in the state. Il Lusso received Florida Trend magazine’s Golden Spoon award for “Best New Restaurant” in 2019, and indeed, the ambiance, service and cuisine are all top- notch. This Italian chophouse is perfect for both romantic dinners and large groups, with booths and communal tables, including those that look into an exhibition-style kitchen. As with its neighbor, you’ll want to try a bit of everything here; start with a half portion of pasta (we loved the Doppio Ravioli with braised lamb, goat cheese, pesto, mushrooms and pecorino), then delve into one of the most divine steaks you’ll ever sink your teeth into—be sure you investigate the specials.

A Journey of Discovery

The great thing about Tallahassee is that although many areas are supremely walkable, there are gems to discover off the beaten path. Let’s get in the car to discover some of those don’t-miss sites.

One of the most popular attractions in the Tallahassee area is Wakulla Springs State Park, home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, and a backdrop for the 1954 movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” It’s a site where mastodons once roamed and Old Florida still exists. Bring your swimsuit and plunge into the sapphire waters from a diving platform or take an hour-long, ranger-led boat tour; as you get up-close views of ancient cypress swamps and its abundance of wildlife, you’ll discover why Wakulla was chosen as a filming location. Afterwards, sit down to a hearty meal of Southern favorites at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs.

One thing you’ll notice as you get out and about in Tallahassee is the proliferation of greenery, and indeed, Tallahassee is known for its canopy roads, which are shaded by huge moss-draped live oaks, sweet gums, hickory and pine trees. You’ll drive down one as you make your way out to Bradley’s Country Store, famous for its sausage, cheese, stone-milled grits and canned goods that line its shelves. It stands just as it did in 1927, with third- and fourth-generation Bradleys now running the operation, and the stone mill still works out back. In 1984, the store received a designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you’re in the area on November 23, don’t miss Bradley’s 53rd Annual Fun Day, a family friendly event with more than 100 craft vendors, live music, clogging, cane grinding, syrup making, wagon rides and as much food as you can eat.

Natural wonders abound throughout the Tallahassee Museum’s 52 acres. On the half- mile Nature Trail loop, you make your way through a live oak tree hammock, a longleaf pine forest, seasonal wildflowers and gopher tortoise burrows. It’s a great place to see native wildlife in its natural habitat; among the animals who call the museum home are big cats such as the Florida panther, cougar and bobcat, North American river otters, wild turkeys, red wolves, grey foxes and many more. Sculptures made from old car parts add color to the experience.

An Engaging Entertainment District

Even given its natural and historical pursuits, Tallahassee does anything but roll up the carpets early—it incorporates them into its nightlife. Cascades Park is home to the Adderley Amphitheater, an outdoor space that’s home to music festivals, theater and other community events.

The Prime Meridian Marker, in the middle of the park, was originally set in 1824 and is the beginning point for all land surveys in the state of Florida. It is the original south- east corner for Tallahassee’s first boundary. It’s housed inside a map of Florida and inlaid into the bottom of the Prime Meridian Plaza with bricks and granite.

If you’re staying at the AC Marriott, a hop, skip and a jump from the park, you may be able to see its beautiful environs from your room. During a concert, kick back on your patio and take in the sounds that waft up from the park. Should you wish a closer view, line up early to snag a spot on the amphitheater’s lawn, or head to the patio at The Edison—in any case, stop here for a meal, but be forewarned, you may have trouble getting past appetizers such as the Miami Beach Ahi Tuna Tartare Layered Avocado and the Key West Lobster Guacamole. When you’re ready to venture on, the Boot Ranch Pork Chop is the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

Keep the party going at Amicus Brewing Ventures, just a few blocks from the park. There are a dozen beers on tap, plus cider, wine and our favorite, slushees. We love to taste test the frozen beer against its original form. Flights are available. Not ready for the night to end? Cap it off with a visit to Eve on Adams, located on the 17th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton. Cocktails and cuisine are works of art here; enjoy them from this seductive perch with the best view in town.

For more information, head to visittallahassee.com.