Things to See and Do in Tallahassee

Yours truly does not know much about Tallahassee, Florida except that a friend ended up on the staff at Florida State University. I knew that Tallahassee was the capital of Florida but many senior citizens probably do not know that Tallahassee became the capital of Florida, then the Florida Territory, in 1824. In 2010, the population was just over 181,000 and the Tallahassee metropolitan area population has over 367,000 Floridians.

The name “Tallahassee” is a Muskogean Indian word often translated as “old fields”. Tallahassee is one of Florida’s most prominent college cities, and is home to several colleges and universities, most notably Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Along with Florida State University, the perennial Seminoles football champions, and FAMU’s fabled “Marching 100″ band, the city has more than a touch of the Old South. Vestiges of the city’s colorful past are found throughout. For example, in the capitol complex, the turn-of-the-20th-century Old Capitol building is strikingly paired with the New Capitol skyscraper and so Tallahassee STANDS TALL.

A Regional Center For Trade and Agriculture

Tallahassee is a regional center for trade and agriculture in the Florida Panhandle, and is served by Tallahassee Regional Airport. With one of the fastest growing manufacturing and high tech economies in Florida it has many major manufacturing plants. Being located where it is on the Panhandle area of the state near Apalachee Bay in the Gulf of Mexico, Tallahassee has a hot and humid subtropical climate, with long summers and mild, short winters. The city maintains a tranquility quite different from the sun-and-surf coastal towns and is Florida with a Southern accent. The only Southern capital spared in the Civil War, Tallahassee has preserved its past.

Springtime is the perfect time for a visit to Tallahassee and home to Natural Tallahassee, a season of flowers, food, festivals and fun for seniors who love to bike from all across the globe. The capital city shares a deep-rooted history and culture with unparalleled natural adventure and an upbeat vitality. A fusion of cosmopolitan flair and charming personality defines the spirit of the city. Stretching along the Florida Panhandle, it is a place where a college town meets a cultural center, politics meets performing arts and history meets nature. Given how little resemblance it bears to the rest of the state, Tallahassee seems like an unlikely spot for the state capital. More Southern than Floridian, more forest than beach, it’s a Gone With the Wind–style montage of moss-draped oaks, rolling hills and sprawling plantations.

The Tallahassee Museum and Downtown

The Tallahassee Museum welcomes seniors. It is loaded with North Florida’s history, nature, and wildlife all intersecting. From amazing native animals and rare historic buildings to beautiful natural scenery to exciting public programs, special events, and educational programs, there’s something inside for everyone. As per usual in any great university setting, downtown is the place to be. Parades, lectures, concerts, festivals and so much more are ongoing so find out what’s happening. Springtime Tallahassee produces one of the largest festivals in the Southeast and is voted one of the top 20 Events in Florida. The festival includes a Parade with over 70,000 participants, Jubilee in the Park featuring hand crafted items, a Children’s Park, four local entertainment stages, and national entertainment acts. The festival brings over 200,000 visitors to the Tallahassee area.

Miss Florida Takes You on a Journey Through Tallahassee

Kylie Williams loves her hometown and this video shows why. Nightlife, great food, excellence in education, excellent music, theater, the capital building museums and more make for a plethora of amenities for senior visitors. You might even catch a gator meandering along one of the lakes where Tarzan and the Creature of the Black Lagoon hung out. Frommers will fill in the gaps with maps, forums, photos and more prior to your visit and Lonely Planet highlights things to see and do. Enjoy your visit to Tallahassee. jeb