By james art 
A CITY RICH IN HISTORY, culture and outdoor experiences, Tallahassee is celebrating its bicentennial. But its revamped downtown core, full of fine and casual restaurants, entertainment and nightlife, ushers in a new era of activity. In 1824, Tallahassee was declared the territorial capital of Florida. It was the intermediate point between St. Augustine and Pensacola, and establishing a capital in Tallahassee would lessen the difficulties of the journey, which could take up to 20 days between the two capitals of Florida.
This was 21 years before Florida statehood; The Sunshine State became the nation’s seventh in 1845. Shortly after the Tallahassee territories were proclaimed, a log cabin capitol building was built. It was later torn down in place of the brick structure that became the third Capitol or Historic Capitol (funding failed for an unfinished second building) completed in 1845. The current Capitol, which was built in the 1970s, stands directly in front of the historic Capitol.
Beginning of the story
The Florida Capitol History Museum chronicles Florida’s political history with displays of more than 250 artifacts in 21 rooms. The historic Capitol has been restored to its 1902 appearance with a stained glass dome, 1902 Governor’s Office and chambers of the Florida House of Representatives, Senate and Supreme Court. Learn about the many different forms of government Florida has had over the decades at the Florida Before 1885 exhibit. Just a few steps from the capital is the Union Bank Museum. Built in 1841, Union Bank is considered the oldest surviving bank building in Florida. While opening as a planters’ bank, the building became the home of the Friedman National Savings and Trust Company after emancipation; now the museum tells the stories of people like Charles Rollins, a man born into slavery in Florida who was the first person of color to open an account at the Tallahassee branch of Freedman’s Bank, as well as additional inspiring stories of black citizens moving toward independence.
Take a detour from the museum to discover a historic library that may not contain what you expect. The former Walker Library is home to Bar 1903 and here you’ll find a huge catalog of cocktails categorized into 20-30 year periods. Want to go back to the Roaring (19) 20s? The Champs Élysées, with cognac and green Chartreuse, is the cocktail you didn’t know you were missing. Are you an old fashioned girl? Try it with bourbon, gin, rum, mekal or tequila. Mocktails more your style? The No Bite spice (pineapple, honey, cinnamon syrup, orange and smoked bitters) is at the top of our list. With a menu the size of a small book, you’ll want to spend some time here.
Next door to Bar 1903 is the best food in Tallahassee and possibly some of the best in the state. Il Lusso received Florida Trend Magazine’s Golden Spoon Award for “Best New Restaurant” in 2019, and truly the atmosphere, service and cuisine are top notch. This Italian restaurant is ideal for both romantic dinners and large groups, with booths and communal tables, including those that overlook an exhibition-style kitchen. As with its neighbor, you’ll want to try a little bit of everything here; start with a half-portion of pasta (we loved the Doppio Ravioli with braised lamb, goat cheese, pesto, mushrooms and pecorino), then dig into one of the most divine steaks you’ll ever sink your teeth into – be sure to explore specials.
A journey of discovery
The great thing about Tallahassee is that while many areas are extremely walkable, there are gems to discover off the beaten path. Let’s get in the car to discover some of these must-see sites.
One of the most popular attractions in the Tallahassee area is Wakulla Springs State Park, home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world and the backdrop for the 1954 film Creature from the Black Lagoon. This is a place where mastodons once roamed and Old Florida still exists. Wear your bathing suit and dive into the sapphire waters from a diving platform or take a one-hour ranger-led boat tour; as you see ancient cypress swamps and abundant wildlife up close, you’ll discover why Wakula was chosen as a filming location. Then sit down to a hearty meal of Southern favorites at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs.
One thing you’ll notice as you get out and about in Tallahassee is the spread of greenery, and indeed Tallahassee is known for its shady roads that are shaded by huge moss-covered live oaks, sweetgums, hickories, and pine trees. You’ll get off the car as you pull up to Bradley’s Country Store, known for its charcuterie, cheese, stone-ground grits and canned goods that line its shelves. It stands just as it did in 1927, with third and fourth generation Bradleys now running the operation and the stone mill still running out back. In 1984, the store was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you’re in the area on Nov. 23, don’t miss the 53rd annual Bradley Fun Day, a family-friendly event with more than 100 craft vendors, live music, corking, cane grinding, syrup making, wagon rides and more maybe more food you can eat.
Natural wonders abound on the museum’s 52 acres in Tallahassee. Along the half-mile nature trail loop, you make your way through a live oak hammock, longleaf pine forest, seasonal wildflowers and gopher tortoise burrows. It’s a great place to see local wildlife in its natural habitat; among the animals that call the museum home are big cats such as the Florida panther, cougar and bobcat, North American river otters, wild turkeys, red wolves, gray foxes and many more. Sculptures made from old car parts add color to the experience.
Fascinating entertainment district
Even considering its natural and historical pursuits, Tallahassee does anything but roll up the rugs early — it incorporates them into its nightlife. Cascades Park is home to Adderley Amphitheatrean open space that is home to music festivals, theater and other community events.
The Prime Meridian marker, in the middle of the park, was originally placed in 1824 and is the starting point for all land surveys in the state of Florida. This is the original southeast corner for Tallahassee’s first boundary. It is housed in a map of Florida and is inlaid at the bottom of Prime Meridian Plaza with brick and granite.
If you are staying in AC Marriotta hop, skip and a jump from the park, you might be able to see its beautiful surroundings from your room. During a concert, relax on your patio and take in the sounds that drift in from the park. If you want a closer look, line up early for a spot on the amphitheater lawn or head to the patio at Edison— by all means, stop here for a bite to eat, but be warned, you might struggle with entrees like the Miami Beach Ahi Tuna Tartare Layered Avocado and Key West Lobster Guacamole. When you’re ready to take the plunge, the Boot Ranch Pork Chop is the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Keep the party going Amicus Brewing Venturesjust a few blocks from the park. There are a dozen beers on tap, plus cider, wine and our favorite slushies. We like to sample the frozen beer in its original form. There are flights. Not ready for the end of the night? Top it off with a visit to Eve on Adamslocated on the 17th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton. The cocktails and cuisine here are works of art; enjoy them from this seductive perch with the best view in town.
For more information, visit visittallahassee.com.