Tallahassee Travel Information
Hugged by gentle hills and mature oak trees, Tallahassee is a
romantic blend of old and new. Magnificent glass structures peer down
over clusters of 19th Century brick buildings that house quaint shops
and charming cafes. Two capitol buildings stand with starkly different
styles, one behind the other — a modern 22-story facade that
functions as the current seat of state government overlooking the
original capitol building, restored to its 1902 elegance. To counter this capital
city's political side is a thriving student population
attendant at the two local universities, which assures this inland
destination an energetic night-life and tangibly youthful atmosphere.
Merely 14 miles from the Georgian border, Tallahassee has
something about it that feels more part of the genteel South proper
than the boisterous "Sunshine State" . Aromatic magnolias grace the
city, interspersed with
magnificent oaks which cast long shadows over old plantations
reminiscent of Gone With the Wind, while columned brick buildings given over to gentle aristocratic airs and framed by shady trees line the Historic District.
Shopping in town is a pleasurable experience, and there seems
to be no end to the variety of wares available, whether it’s antiques
or boutiques you seek. The
Downtown Marketplace on Park Avenue is especially titillating with
live entertainment and a tantalizing array of arts and crafts that are
sure to please. Out of the many museums and galleries in town, two are
particularly note-worthy: The Museum of Florida History which houses 44,000 items of
significance to Florida’s 10,000-year saga and the Tallahassee
Automobile Museum with its long list of rare autos. The
capital
district also presents some excellent sporting activities. Hiking,
swimming, boating, and fishing are found at Lake Talquin State Park
nearby, while
Lake Jackson is a well-known fishing hole for bass. Nature lovers
are bound to find their paradise in Apalachicola National Forest, 10
miles from town, the state's largest national forest and a prime spot
for mountain biking, hiking, primitive camping and Off Highway Vehicle
use. There are also a number of excellent golf greens and
biking paths in the area. 2900-acre Wakulla Springs State Park is
great for snorkeling in the cool, freshwater springs and about 45
miles from town, Shell Point Beach offers wonderful windsurfing
conditions.
Mid-way between Pensacola and St. Augustine in the
Florida panhandle, Tallahassee is a long, but easy 200-mile ride from both.
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