Tallahassee

Established in 1824 as the capital of territorial Florida, Tallahassee is distinctly different from most of Florida, boasting extremely steep streets and a downtown that retains some colonial character. The buzz centers around the Capitol and the two universities – Florida State University and Florida A&M University – that flank downtown and encourage the arts to thrive. Step back in history at the Knott House, join the curious on a free tour of the Governor’s Mansion, or walk the grounds of plantations like Hickory Hill and Goodwood, rich with colorful azalea blooms each March. The kids can play and learn at the Challenger Center for Space ...

Established in 1824 as the capital of territorial Florida, Tallahassee is distinctly different from most of Florida, boasting extremely steep streets and a downtown that retains some colonial character. The buzz centers around the Capitol and the two universities – Florida State University and Florida A&M University – that flank downtown and encourage the arts to thrive. Step back in history at the Knott House, join the curious on a free tour of the Governor’s Mansion, or walk the grounds of plantations like Hickory Hill and Goodwood, rich with colorful azalea blooms each March. The kids can play and learn at the Challenger Center for Space Scenic Education and the Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science on Kleman Plaza. Tallahassee is a hard-working city, so during session, you can perch above the Senate in the peanut gallery, or sit back to back with a lobbyist at Andrew's Capital Bar & Grill. But Florida’s capital has a big secret: its big backyard. The city of Tallahassee is ringed by public lands, making the seat of power a perfect place to play hard, with mountain biking, cave diving, trail riding, and bass fishing all popular weekend pursuits.

About the Expert

Sandra Friend has written 12 books about Florida, including the Explorer's Guide (Countryman Press) series to Florida.