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 The low-rise Old Capitol, originally built in 1845, is filled with historical documents.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.