A- Overview:
Nearer to Atlanta than Miami, Tallahassee is “The Other Florida” in attitude, topography, climate and lifestyle. This northern Florida city blends a casual Southern style with the vibrant atmosphere of a major city. Tallahassee also holds the distinction of being the capital of the state of Florida.
“Tallahassee” is an Apalachee Indian word meaning “old town” or “abandoned fields”. The original inhabitants knew a good thing when they saw it. It is hard to imagine that this thriving city was once named for abandoned fields. Today there are many things to see and do in Tallahassee that the Apalachee Indians didn’t even dream about. A visit to this city today might take the lucky visitor in many directions. Of course, there is Florida State University, one of the best known universities in the United States. With year round activities taking place on campus, including the famous “Seminoles” games, a visit there is well worth the trip.
For a glimpse of the not too distant past, be sure to visit the Knott House Museum. This historic museum is a time capsule, restored to its 1928 splendor. The Knott House is one of the oldest buildings and the only house museum in the state capital’s Park Avenue Historic District. Within the 160-year-old walls, notes of verse penned by Luella Pugh Knott tell the story of the family which lived in the house between the two world wars. Enter the historic house and feel time stand still. To experience life well before this time period, a good bet is Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park. Here visitors experience the peace of what was once a bustling Native American community which flourished during the 1200-1500 AD period. The mound complex is interpreted through markers along the trails and exhibit area. Visitors can ascend the tallest of six mounds.
A well known resident of Tallahassee is the Governor of Florida and visitors can actually visit his home. The Governor’s Mansion functions as both the private and public residence of Florida’s chief executive officer and family. It was designed by Palm Beach architect, Marion Sims Wyeth and opened to the public in January 1957. Since that time, the public has been welcomed to tour “The People’s House”. Also, of political interest is the Old Capitol. The Old Capitol houses the Florida Center for Political History and Governance. The building has been restored to its 1902 appearance, symbolizing Florida’s political heritage. Artifacts, photographs and multimedia displays highlight individuals and events that shaped what Florida is today.
When it comes to the weather, any time of year is comfortable for travelers. Winter tends to be the busy season as visitors from the north come south to escape the cold. However, as the capital of Florida as well as the home of Florida State University, any time of year is busy in this cosmopolitan city.
With four very moderate seasons, Tallahassee offers its visitors ideal weather conditions. The summer can get hot with temperatures often exceeding 90 F during the day, so dress accordingly. The evenings do cool off to a more comfortable 70 F, making outdoor activities enjoyable during this time of day. Spring and fall are quite pleasant. With daytime high temperatures near 80 F during the day and the nights a cool 50 F, it’s the perfect time to experience any of the many outdoor activities available. Winters are mild when compared to those of Tallahassee’s northern visitors and all of the sites and attractions are open for visitors. Of course, at any time of the year, there is something of interest taking place in the Capitol complex, around town, and definitely at FSU.
B- City Information:
Population: 150,624
Elevation: 188 feet above sea level
Land Area: 95.7 miles
Location: Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, is located in the northwestern part of Florida on Interstate 10
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Tallahassee, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Tallahassee observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
51.6
54.6
60.9
66.2
74.2
80.1
82.1
81.8
78.6
68.9
60.3
53.6
High temperature (°F)
63.6
67.2
73.8
79.7
86.3
90.7
91.8
91.3
88.3
81.0
72.8
65.6
Low temperature (°F)
39.6
42.0
48.1
52.8
62.1
69.5
72.4
72.3
68.8
56.6
47.8
41.5
Precipitation (in)
5.4
4.6
6.4
3.6
4.8
6.7
7.8
6.8
4.8
3.2
3.8
4.0
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
10
9
9
6
8
13
17
14
9
5
7
8
Wind speed (mph)
6.7
7.1
7.5
6.8
6.2
5.7
5.0
5.0
5.9
6.3
5.9
6.3
Morning humidity (%)
87
87
89
91
90
91
94
95
93
91
90
88
Afternoon humidity (%)
58
54
51
47
50
56
61
61
58
53
55
57
Sunshine (%)
58
61
65
74
76
71
64
64
65
73
66
57
Days clear of clouds
8
8
9
11
9
6
4
5
8
13
11
9
Partly cloudy days
7
7
9
10
13
14
17
16
12
8
8
8
Cloudy days
15
13
13
9
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
14
Snowfall (in)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Local Seasons:
Winter tends to be the busy season as visitors from the north come south to escape the cold. However, as the capital of Florida as well as the home of Florida State University, any time of year is busy in this vibrant city. With four very moderate seasons, Tallahassee offers its visitors ideal weather conditions. The summer can get hot with temperatures often exceeding 90 F during the day so dress accordingly. The evenings do cool off to a more comfortable 70 F, making outdoor activities better during this time of day. Spring and fall are quite pleasant. With daytime high temperatures near 80 F during the day and the nights a cool 50 F, it’s the perfect time to experience any of the many outdoor activities available. Winters are mild when compared to the home towns of Tallahassee’s northern visitors and all of the sites and attractions are open for visitors. Of course, virtually any time of the year there is something of interest taking place in the Capitol and at FSU.
How to Get There:
By Air
Tallahassee Regional Airport
3300 Capital Cir SW.
Tallahassee, FL 32310
850-891-7800
Serviced by six national/regional airlines, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, Airport Gallery, retail shops, restaurants, lounge, FAMU lounge and visitor information station.
Ground Transportation
Most of the major car rental companies, as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus services are available at the airport and throughout the city.
By Car
There is direct access into Tallahassee from Interstate 10 from both the east and the west. From the major cities of the north as well as south Florida, it is best to take Interstate 75 to Interstate 10 and travel west.
By Train
Amtrak
Downtown, Railroad Ave
Tallahassee, Florida 32310
800-872-7245
Amtrak services Tallahassee with east-west service aboard the transcontinental Sunset with limited stops in LA, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami.
By Bus
Greyhound
112 W Tennessee Street
Tallahassee FL, 32301
850-222-4249
How to Get Around:
With so many things to see and do in and around the city, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day- Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day- 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day- 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day- last Mon. in May
Independence Day- July 4
Labor Day- 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day- 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day- Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve- Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee
200 S. Duval St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-645STAR
Hours: Open daily, except Christmas day, call for additional information
Admission Charged
The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee uses hands-on simulation and immersive theatres to foster long-term interest in math and science for students and provide an educational entertainment outlet for the general public. In accomplishing this mission the center features a Space Mission Simulator, an IMAX theatre, and a hi-def full-dome Digistar 3 digital planetarium.
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
1600 Miccosukee Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-877-4202
Hours: Museum: Mon – Fri. 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 2pm
Admission Free
Magnificent c.1834 estate featuring over twenty structures including a skating rink, aviary, swimming pool complete with restored pergola, water tower, several cottages, and carriage house with stables. The gracious Main House, built ca. 1840, restored to the 1920 era, has three-story mahogany stair, eight marble fireplaces, and oldest fresco ceilings in Florida, original furniture.
John G. Riley Center and Museum
419 E. Jefferson St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-681-7881
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10am – 4pm, closed most major Holidays
Admission Charged
The Riley House, built in 1890, is the last visible evidence of an African American owned community that thrived in downtown Tallahassee at the turn of the 20th century. The museum is a repository of African American history and archives from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Movement.
Knott House Museum
301 E. Park Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-922-2459
Hours: Tours: Wed. – Fri. 1pm, 2 pm, 3pm.; Sat. 10am – 4pm
Admission Charged for Special Events
Tallahassee’s historic Knott House Museum is a time capsule, restored to its 1928 splendor. The Knott House is one of the oldest buildings-and the only house museum-in the state capital’s Park Avenue Historic District. Within the 160-year-old walls, notes of verse penned by Luella Pugh Knott tell the story of the family which lived in the house between the two world wars. Enter this historic house and feel time stand still.
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
3600 Indian Mound Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-922-6007
Hours: 8am – sundown, daily
Admission Charged
Visitors experience the peace of what was once a bustling Native American community which flourished during the 1200-1500 AD period. The mound complex is interpreted by trails and exhibit area. Visitors can ascend the tallest of six mounds.
LeMoyne Art Foundation – Center for the Visual Arts
125 N. Gadsden St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-222-8800
Hours: Open year round; Tues. – Sat. 10am – 5pm; Sun. 1pm – 5pm (Extended in December for Holiday Show)
Admission Charged
Enjoy changing art exhibits by regional artists, as well as an annual Tri-State Watercolor Competition in March, the Chain of Parks Art Festival in April, and spectacular Holiday Show in December. Year-round art classes for children and adults are offered on site. Visit the gift shop and lush sculpture garden. Located in the historic district in downtown Tallahassee, close to the Capitol and government offices.
Letchworth Mounds
4500 Sunray Rd. S., off U.S. 90, 15 mi. E of Tallahassee
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850-922-6007
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Visitors to Letchworth Mounds will see one of Florida’s most significant Native American ceremonial sites from an era predating AD 1400. Interpretive exhibits and trails, as well as picnic facilities are available.
The Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science
350 S. Duval St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-513-0700
Hours: Open year round, Mon. – Sat. 10am – 5pm, Sun. 1pm – 5pm
Admission Charged
Two floors of interactive science experiences and a world-class art museum in one building. The Brogan is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
Mission San Luis
2021 Mission Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32304
850-487-3711
Hours: Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas; open Tues. – Sun. 10am – 4pm
Admission Charged
Mission San Luis functioned as the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704. It was home to nearly 1500 Spanish and Apalachee Indian residents. Today, the site is alive with costumed living history interpreters, especially on the third Saturday of every month. Reproductions of Mission buildings surround an outdoor central plaza. The visitor center offers hands-on exhibits for all ages and artifact cases that tell the story of life in the 17th century.
Museum of Florida History
500 S. Bronough St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-6400
Hours: Open year round; Mon. – Fri. 9am – 4:30pm, Sat. 10am – 4:30pm, Sun. noon – 4:30pm
Admission Free
The Museum of Florida History, as the state history museum, focuses on the unique heritage of this state. Through exhibits, educational programs, research, and its collections, the museum interprets Florida’s development and the roles Floridians have played in state, national and international events.
The Old Capitol: The Florida Center of Political History & Governance
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-487-1902
Hours: Open Year-Round; Mon. – Fri. 9am – 4:30pm; Sat. 10am – 4:30pm; Sun. noon – 4:30pm
Admission Free
The Old Capitol houses the Florida Center for Political History and Governance. The building has been restored to its 1902 appearance, symbolizing Florida’s political heritage. Artifacts, photographs and multimedia displays highlight individuals and events that shaped what Florida is today.
Tallahassee Automobile Museum
3550 Mahan Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-942-0137
Hours: Open year round except Thanksgiving and Christmas; Mon. – Sat. 10am – 5pm; Sun. noon – 5pm or by appointment
Admission Charged
Winner of the National AACA Award: Museum of the Year for preservation of antique cars. The museum offers a look at more than 80 rare automobiles including an 1894 Duryea, 1931 Duesenberg, the Tucker, Batmobiles plus vintage, antique, classic and muscle cars. You will also see a variety of collections including boat motors dating back to 1908, antique cash registers, Indian artifacts, baseball cards, sports memorabilia, knives, motorcycles, perfume bottles, glass baby bottles and much more.
Tallahassee Museum of History & Natural Science
3945 Museum Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32310
850-575-8684
Hours: Open year round except certain major holidays; Mon. – Sat. 9am – 5pm; Sun. 12:30 – 5pm
Admission Charged
A 52-acre outdoor museum located on a chain of lakes. Featuring over 100 native Florida animals in natural habitats, historic buildings, nature trails, 1880s farmstead, hands-on discovery center, annual special events, bi-annual guest animal exhibit, educational programs, audio tours and more.
Brokaw – McDougall House
329 N. Meridian St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-891-3900
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9am – 5pm, evenings & weekends according to schedule
Admission Charged
This is an historic house with gardens toured for free to walk-ins.
Governor’s Mansion
700 N. Adams St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-488-4661
Hours: Mon. Wed. Fri. 10am – 12pm; Tours during session (Mar. – May)
Admission Free
The Governor’s Mansion functions as both the private and public residence of Florida’s chief executive officer and family. It was designed by Palm Beach architect, Marion Sims Wyeth and opened to the public in January 1957. Since that time, the public has been welcomed to tour “The People’s House”.
Riley Museum Center of African American History and Culture
419 E. Jefferson St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-681-7881
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10am – 4pm
Admission Charged
The John C. Riley Center/Museum is located in the historic Riley House in downtown Tallahassee. Its mission is to preserve history of the house, as well as that of its original owner, John Gilmore Riley, and his contemporaries throughout the state of Florida from 1865 to 1968. Components include: tours, educational outreach to schools, research, publications, an oral history component and sponsorship of a statewide African American Heritage Preservation Conference.
Bradley’s Country Store
10655 Centerville Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850-893-1647
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Nestled amongst northeastern Leon County’s plantation lands, you’ll find Bradley’s Country Store (est. 1927); a family operated general store famous for their own brand of homemade sausage, produced entirely on site from a secret family recipe. Stop by and enjoy the quiet, rural setting while savoring a juicy sausage dog.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
3540 Thomasville Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850-487-4556
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Twenty-eight acres of beautiful ornamental gardens developed during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s by New York financier Alfred B. Maclay. The gardens represent one of the largest collections of camellias and azaleas in the Southeast. Set among the picturesque red hills of Tallahassee, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Features brick walkways, a secret garden, a reflection pool and hundreds of camellias and azaleas.
Governor’s Square
1500 Apalachee Pkwy.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-671INFO
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10am – 9pm; Sun. 12:30pm – 5:30pm
Admission Free
Over 100 retailers, both specialty and department stores, are located at Governor’s Square.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Florida State University Sports
502 S Copeland St
Tallahassee, FL 32304
850-644-6500
Call for event, game schedules as well as additional information
Admission Charged for most events
Come see a variety of sports played at the College level with the Seminoles.
The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee
200 S. Duval St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-645STAR
Hours: Open daily, except Christmas day, call for additional information
Admission Charged
The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee uses hands-on simulation and immersive theatres to foster long-term interest in math and science for students and provide an educational entertainment outlet for the general public. In accomplishing this mission the center features a Space Mission Simulator, an IMAX theatre, and a hi-def full-dome Digistar 3 digital planetarium.
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
3600 Indian Mound Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-922-6007
Hours: 8am – sundown, daily
Admission Charged
Visitors experience the peace of what was once a bustling Native American community which flourished during the 1200-1500 AD period. The mound complex is interpreted by trails and exhibit area. Visitors can ascend the tallest of six mounds.
Tallahassee Automobile Museum
3550 Mahan Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-942-0137
Hours: Open year round except Thanksgiving and Christmas; Mon. – Sat. 10am – 5pm; Sun. noon – 5pm or by appointment
Admission Charged
Winner of the National AACA Award: Museum of the Year for preservation of antique cars. The museum offers a look at more than 80 rare automobiles including an 1894 Duryea, 1931 Duesenberg, the Tucker, Batmobiles plus vintage, antique, classic and muscle cars. You will also see a variety of collections including boat motors dating back to 1908, antique cash registers, Indian artifacts, baseball cards, sports memorabilia, knives, motorcycles, perfume bottles, glass baby bottles and much more.
Tallahassee Museum of History & Natural Science
3945 Museum Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32310
850-575-8684
Hours: Open year round except certain major holidays; Mon. – Sat. 9am – 5pm; Sun. 12:30 – 5pm
Admission Charged
A 52-acre outdoor museum located on a chain of lakes. Featuring over 100 native Florida animals in natural habitats, historic buildings, nature trails, 1880s farmstead, hands-on discovery center, annual special events, bi-annual guest animal exhibit, educational programs, audio tours and more.
Governor’s Mansion
700 N. Adams St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-488-4661
Hours: Mon. Wed. Fri. 10am – 12pm; Tours during session (Mar. – May)
Admission Free
The Governor’s Mansion functions as both the private and public residence of Florida’s chief executive officer and family. It was designed by Palm Beach architect, Marion Sims Wyeth and opened to the public in January 1957. Since that time, the public has been welcomed to tour “The People’s House”.
Bradley’s Country Store
10655 Centerville Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850-893-1647
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Nestled amongst northeastern Leon County’s plantation lands, you’ll find Bradley’s Country Store (est. 1927); a family operated general store famous for their own brand of homemade sausage, produced entirely on site from a secret family recipe. Stop by and enjoy the quiet, rural setting while savoring a juicy sausage dog.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment
January
Freedom Blues Festival:
Held in early – mid January
Location: The Moon
850-668-5863
Honor and celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend in Tallahassee with the first Blues Festival of the New Year! A week-long celebration of America’s original art form, the blues, culminating in a two-day concert series.
February
Seven Days of Opening Nights
Held mid February
Location: Florida State University
850-644-1151
From bluegrass to opera and Shakespeare to folk art, this year’s schedule is packed with art and cultural events to suit every taste.
March
Red Hills Horse Trials
Held mid March
Location: Elinor Klapp- Phipps Park
850-385-3956
The Horse Trials features a challenging cross-country course designed by Captain Mark Phillips, Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor for the United States Equestrian Team and a former member of the Great Britain Olympic team. It features a variety of formidable obstacles, including water, banks and ditches, which wind through Phipps’ arboretum.
Four dressage rings, the stadium course, stabling, the “Red Hills Avenue of Shops”, “Red Hills Food Court”, and a variety of exhibits and educational demonstrations are staged on adjoining Northwest Florida Water Management District land known as the Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park.
Springtime Tallahassee
Held in late March – early April
209 East Park Avenue
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
850-224-5012
Springtime Tallahassee presents to you one of the finest parades in the South, the best possible collection of artists and artisans in the jubilee festival, delicious food, great entertainment, and a kid’s park that will delight children of all ages.
April
Springtime Tallahassee
Held in late March – early April
Location: East Park Avenue, Tallahassee
850-224-5012
Springtime Tallahassee presents to you one of the finest parades in the South, the best possible collection of artists and artisans in the jubilee festival, delicious food, great entertainment, and a kid’s park that will delight children of all ages.
FSU Flying High Circus
Held in mid April
Location: FSU Campus
850-644-6500
The Flying High Circus is an actual circus found on the campus of Florida State University. The Circus has ground acts, such as juggling, hand balancing, bicycle and aerial acts, such as Mexican cloud swing, swinging trapeze and flying trapeze.
June
The Saltwater Classic
Held in mid June
Location: Carrabelle
850-216-2272
Call for additional information
The Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic draws record anglers.
October
Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Held in late October
Location: Varies by event throughout Tallahassee
850- 894-6270
Join in this rousing weekend of fun and games. Experience such classics as: the Annual Knickers & Kilts Gold Tournament, the ever popular whiskey tasting, Celtic music, and, of course, the games! It’s fun for the entire family.
November
North Florida Fair
Held in early – mid November
Location: Fairgrounds in Tallahassee
850-878-FAIR
A district Fair serving North Florida to denote the accomplishments of this area in agriculture, education, industry, and recreation, portraying the resources of many of Florida’s northern counties.
December
Market Days
Held in early December
Location: North Florida Fairgrounds
850-575-8684
The unique and individually handmade creations of over 300 artists and craftspeople will fill six of the large fairgrounds buildings, as well as outdoor plazas and medians. A wide array of arts and crafts will be represented, including fine arts, ceramics, country furniture, stained glass, woodwork, dolls, clocks, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, metalwork, clothing, and calligraphy – a mixture of the humorous, unique, traditional, and unusual.
Tallahassee’s Winter Festival
Held in early December
Location: Downtown Tallahassee
850-891-FUNN
Welcome to the “Winter Festival – A Celebration of Lights, Music, and the Arts.” The City of Tallahassee is proud to present its annual Celebration of Lights, honored by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events in the southeastern region of the United States. Designed to bring together friends, families, and treasured visitors, the Celebration of Lights is chock-full of fun and entertainment sure to please everyone in attendance.
Entertainment
Tallahassee Ballet
850-222-1287
Season runs September – May
Performances held at Ruby Diamond Auditorium at FSU
The Tallahassee Ballet is a non-profit dance company which provides an outstanding training ground for emerging professionals while stimulating appreciation of the dance arts through quality productions of classical and contemporary works.
Tallahassee Symphony
850-224-0461
Season runs September – late April
Performances held at Ruby Diamond Auditorium at FSU
The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a professional symphony orchestra that provides a Masterworks series, holiday concerts, and young people’s concerts for the Tallahassee community and surrounding areas. Orchestra members include music faculty from Florida State University, graduate students from the university, and professional musicians from the Tallahassee Community as well.
Sports:
Florida State University Sports
502 South Copeland Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304
850-644-6500
Come see a variety of sports played at the college level with the world famous Seminoles