Tallahassee
Panhandle of Florida

Tallahassee is Florida’s state capital, its name translating from the Muskogean Indian word meaning ‘old fields’ or ‘old town’. The former site of a Spanish Mission, Tallahassee was chosen as the capital - because of its situation between the two old capitals of St. Augustine and Pensacola - when East and West Florida combined to become the State we recognize today.

COLORFUL ARTISTS’ AREA…
There is no shortage of culture in Tallahassee - downtown; there is a real buzz in the lively and colorful Railroad Square amongst the many art galleries, artists’ studios and cafes which have been converted from the old warehouses.

MUSEUMS WHICH WILL INTEREST ALL AGES…
The Museum of Florida History was opened in 1977 and has more than 44000 artifacts from Florida’s past, dating mainly from the mid-19th century to the present. The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science is a great place for kids of all ages. Here, there are two floors of interactive science experiences and a world class art museum. Early Learners is a special area for the youngest visitors, containing plenty of hands on exhibits. Youngsters will also love The Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science - it combines a natural habitat zoo for native animals with a collection of fascinating 19th century buildings.

FEEL A PART OF HISTORY IN THIS MAGNIFICENT HOUSE…
Goodwood Museum and Gardens is a step back in time to the 19th century. Goodwood Estate was originally a 2400 acre cotton and corn plantation in the 1830s, but by the 1880s it was a private residence with only 160 acres of land. Over the years the house and gardens have undergone major renovations and Goodwood is now one of the most authentic examples of homes from the country estate era. The main house, dating back to around 1840, is open to the public and its collections and furnishings are all original to the house. In the gardens - where no plants introduced later than 1929 are used, the visitor truly feels a part of the history of this fine plantation house.

GORGEOUS BLOOMS AND NATURE TRAILS…
Maclay State Gardens is a 1200 acre park and in Spring there are spectacular examples of azaleas and camellias here. There is a walled garden and garden tours can be arranged. There are also nature trails for hikers and cyclists, bass fishing in the lake and for water lovers - a swimming area and canoe and kayak rental.

GO BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY…
Mission San Luis is a must for those visitors who are keen to know more about the history of the South. The 60 acre site dates back to 1656, when the Spaniards first established a Mission here and there are regular tours of the area. Archaeologists work all year round on the site and are happy to answer questions about their discoveries.

WATCH OUT FOR ALLIGATORS…!
South of Tallahassee is Wakulla Springs - home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Swimming is permitted in certain areas but - a word of warning - some swimming areas are next to ones inhabited by alligators! The glass bottomed boat offers a more tranquil alternative and as it makes its way through the jungle setting - often used in some of the Tarzan movies - you can spot fish, alligators and turtles in the unbelievably clear and cool waters. For a mixture of wild and urban go to Tom Brown Park where there are Ball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts and a disc golf course. There are also wide open spaces, lakeside boardwalks and wooded paths.

A SMALL TOWN BIG ON CHARACTER…
There are many quaint and interesting small towns in the area and one of them - Havana - is well worth a visit. The town once made its money by growing tobacco and exporting it to Cuba. Sadly, the town went into decline but by the 1980s, antiques shops, art galleries and fine restaurants had moved into the old buildings and the town is thriving once more.

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