Tallahassee Hotel Guide

The Sunshine State's capitol, Tallahassee, is not your typical Florida vacation city. It doesn't have sandy, white beaches, high-rise condos, or crowded theme parks.

But this "Other Florida" in the state's northern panhandle is wonderfully positioned for a variety of fun activities. Just 25 miles inland from the aquamarine waves of the Gulf of Mexico and 14 miles from the Georgia border, this genteel city of historic buildings, ante-bellum homes, and magnificent magnolia trees still harkens back to the Old South.

Tallahassee became the seat of government in 1823 and was the only uncaptured Confederate capitol east of the Mississippi during the Civil War. Visitors readily sense the rich historical heritage. The city has 124 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

And Tallahassee's modernity is just as visible. Exemplifying this duality is the rare sight of two adjacent state capitols. The low-rise Old Capitol, originally built in 1845, is filled with historical documents. The 22-story New Capitol is wired with cutting edge technology that allows legislators to have all the information they need at their fingertips. Both buildings are open to the public. On clear days, visitors can catch a panoramic view of Tallahassee all the way to the Gulf of Mexico from the New Capitol.

The city's downtown is clean, safe, and walkable. Self-guided walking tours lead guests by gorgeous churches, Native American settlement sites, and the state's oldest bank, opened in 1833. The Old City Cemetery has graves dating back to 1829. A free shuttle bus takes visitors on tours of downtown historic trails.

The rolling hills, towering live oaks draped with Spanish moss, and sparkling lakes add up to a paradise for joggers, cyclers, and nature lovers. The 16-mile Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad Trail has been preserved as a recreational trail for walking, hiking, and biking. It is considered one of the safest trails in the state.

Besides being the legislative center, the city is also home to two prominent state colleges - Florida State University and Florida A & M University. As you'd suspect with a college town, there are numerous pubs and nightclubs with live dance music where you can find action. Kids like to hang out at Railroad Square downtown. Formerly an industrial park, local artists took over old warehouses and transformed them into studios. They sponsor many special events, including a gallery hop the first Friday of every month. There's also a popular rock-climbing gym here.

When the sun goes down, visitors enjoy the upscale jazzy atmosphere of Clyde's and Costello's downtown and the Moon, a high-energy multi-level nightclub featuring DJs, laser lights, and live entertainment.

Shoppers will find dozens of unique stores at Governor's Square and the Tallahassee Mall. For the most part, Tallahassee is a very reasonably priced town. Free family attractions include the Old Capitol Museum, Florida Korean War Memorial, Florida Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, Governor's Mansion (open during the legislative session), Goodwood Plantation Gardens, Knott House Museum, San Luis Archaeological and Historic Site, Museum of Florida History, and Florida Art Center and Gallery.

Tallahassee is a prominent stop along the Florida Black Heritage Trail. Some of the places along the route include Florida A&M University (the oldest historically black university in the state), FAMU's Black Archives Research Center and Museum, and First Presbyterian Church, built in the 1830s.

If you are flying in, the Tallahassee Regional Airport is five miles southwest of the city. Car rental companies include Alamo, Dollar, and Hertz. A cab ride from the airport to downtown typically runs around $15. Tallahassee also has an Amtrak train station. Four major highways serve the city. East/west access is by I-10 and Highway 90, while north/south access is by Highways 27 and 319.

The best way to get around the rolling tree-lined streets is by car. The Old Town Trolley offers free downtown transportation from the Visitor Information Center at 106 E. Jefferson Street.

Lodging options are numerous. Downtown is a great place to start. Two other major areas are just north of downtown along Monroe Street at Exit 29 off I-10 and along Appalachee Highway east of downtown. Most lodging prices stay constant year-round, unlike most other Florida destinations that vary according to season. Keep in mind that lodging may get tight during the legislative session (usually late January through late March) and during college football weekends from September to November.

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