By james art 
This article was written by a student writer from her campus at the FSU chapter.
It’s easy to get so caught up in college life that sometimes you forget to step back and look at the world around you. It’s my fault! Some days I don’t even look up from my laptop or phone. Luckily, there are plenty of places in and around Tallahassee where you can soak up the sun or just sit under the trees.
- Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
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i visited Maclay Gardens a few weeks ago and I wish I had checked it out sooner! This state park serves as a botanical garden and historic site, just about 15 minutes from the FSU campus. It offers a variety of amenities, including hiking and biking trails, a boating lake, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
However, the main highlight is the picturesque brick alley. Less than a mile long, this walkway takes you from the Visitor Center to the historic McLay House. If you’re up for more adventure, you can also wander down the small nearby paths that lead to places like the Reflection Pool, Walled Garden and Black Pond. Bring your friends and family for a relaxing walk and more outdoor fun!
- Cascade Park
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This is one of my favorite places in Tallahassee! Cascades Park is never a perfect place to walk. Located in downtown Tallahassee, this park spans 24 acres of peaceful green hills and lakes. There is plenty to see here, such as the paved walkway, Edison Restaurant and Adderley Amphitheatre. Stay tuned for upcoming events and concerts, as many are free to attend!
Often farmers markets pop up in the park on select weekends. I was in the park a few times during that time and listened to some local bands and checked out some small businesses. Cascades Park is a great place to either get away from campus or spend a relaxing weekend!
- Wakulla Springs State Park
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Although I haven’t been to Wakulla Springs yet, it’s on my list of places to visit! This place is a bit farther than the others, about a 30 minute drive from the FSU campus. It is known for its deep freshwater springs and diverse wildlife that can be spotted. Wakulla offers hiking, biking, swimming and snorkeling in its freshwater areas.
One unique aspect of this park is its historic glass-bottom boat tours that take you across the Wakulla River. These tours allow you to witness Florida wildlife such as alligators and manatees and hear stories about the river’s history from a local ranger. Find a sunny day to explore the wildlife and cool off in the water!
- Seminole Organic Garden
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In my opinion, the best place to connect with nature is just around the corner. The Seminole Organic Garden is located along the boardwalk between Wildwood Hall and Doak Campbell Stadium. This garden has a variety of plant beds that are used for pollination and even for growing food! There are many ways to get involved in this garden, whether you rent a garden bed of your choice or volunteer to help maintain it.
I’ve volunteered at the garden a few times and it’s been a great and relaxing experience. Pulling weeds wasn’t my favorite part, but I planted seeds and learned more about gardening. I even got to bring home an aloe plant once! Relax your mind with a trip to our local garden; you might learn something new.
No matter how busy your schedule is, take time to get some fresh air by getting outside and exploring nature. Even just a brisk walk can be relaxing after a long day of watching screens. There are many places to stumble upon a new adventure; just watch out for mosquitoes!
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