The U.S. state of Florida is home to some of the most picturesque towns in the country and its capital, Tallahassee is no exception to this expectation. This is Florida's regional centre for trade and agriculture and is a thriving city that invites visitors with open arms and a welcoming atmosphere. The city is noted for its hilly terrain, which gives it a certain pleasant vibe and natural feel. It is regarded as "The Other Florida" when it comes to attitude, topography, climate and lifestyle, making it the perfect place to escape to all year round.
The hilly terrain of Tallahassee is best explored in a rental car. If you choose to fly in, there are several depot locations from which you can pick up your rental vehicle so all you have to do is decide which is most convenient for you and head off from here.
1. Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science
This institution combines a natural habitat zoo of Indigenous wildlife, historical buildings and an environmental science centre. The museum hosts a busy schedule of exhibits, programs, classes and field trips, ensuring that there is always something to see and do here.
A popular attraction at the museum if the Florida Wildlife exhibit. This exhibition features elevated boardwalks that allow you to view a zoo devoted exclusively to American wildlife in their natural habitats. Take a walk along the Habitat Trail and discover the waterfowl, White-tailed deer and wild turkey, the red wolf, river otters, the Florida Panther and an old favourite, the black bear.
The Discovery Centre is another popular attraction for the kids as it is where visual excitement abounds, allowing the kids to discover Florida's wildlife through the wonders of science.
2. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
If you are a nature freak and love wandering through beautifully landscaped gardens, you are going to love the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens in Tallahassee. These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 and since then have become a masterpiece of floral architecture. The gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, reflection pool, a walled garden, and not to mention hundreds of your favourite flowers.
The gardens are perfect just to wander through, but you can liven up the experience by cycling or horse back riding along the multi-purpose trails that wind through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet. This is the perfect way to get back in touch with nature and discover some of the state's finest manicured gardens.
3. Museum of Florida History
Since opening in 1977, the Museum of Florida History has collected, preserved, exhibited and interpreted evidence of the past and present cultures in Florida. Through an abundance of exhibits, educational programs, research and collections, the museum reflects the ways that Tallahassee has adapted to its cultural and natural environment. Popular exhibitions in the museum include Florida in the Civil war, Florida Remembers WWII, Seminole People of Florida and Visions of Paradise. No matter what you want to know about the past of Tallahassee, you are sure to find it here!
4. Apalachicola National Forest
The Apalachicola National Forest is the largest U.S. National Forest in the state of Florida. It is also the only National Forest located on the panhandle of Florida. This makes it a unique place to visit; a place full of fun, adventure and discovery. This is essentially the area's best destination for water and land based activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, hunting and fishing. The lakes that call the park home are also great recreational hotspots for picnics by the water or a fun, relaxed family day out.
5. Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
For all those car lovers out there, Tallahassee sure does have a treat for you! The Tallahassee Antique Car Museum is home to one of the south-east's finest collections of rare automobiles and unique collectible. Antiques such as old motorcycles, antique toys, pedal cars, time pieces and many historic artefacts call this museum home and are the source of much enjoyment. The cars featured here are another prominent source of this pleasure, as some of the most famous and brilliant cars in history can be found here. A visit here is the perfect way to enjoy the treasures of an era gone by!
Christine Barton
