"Tallahassee Magic" Top 5 Page for this destination Tallahassee by karenincalifornia

Tallahassee Travel Guide: 262 reviews and 474 photos

Downtown Tallahassee from a room with a view

Capital of the Sunshine State

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I visited Tallahassee. Before I knew much about this city, I pictured the stereotypical Floridian city - palm trees, flat, glamour, glitz, timeshares, and beaches.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Tallahassee has none of this. Well, almost none of this. I did find two palm trees, but other than that, Tallahassee was a complete and very pleasant surprise. The countryside consists of endless brilliant green rolling hills and beautiful two lane country roads lined with live oaks and dogwoods. "Glamour" and "glitz" are not appropriate adjectives at all. To the contrary, Tallahassee is quaint, charming, and homey with more historical landmarks than condos. No beaches will be found in Tallahassee - it is 35 miles inland - so leave the beach umbrella at home. Despite being inland, Tallahassee has plenty of water. I wouldn't be surprised if there are 1,209 swamps and ponds (home to Tally residents of the alligator and snake species) in the area.

The best part of Tallahassee is the people. The friendly Tally natives really know how to make visitors feel very welcome. One afternoon, as I was waiting on a park bench in downtown Tallahassee for my ride, every single person who walked by me greeted me with a smile and a "Hello."

Garnet and Gold

Tallahassee is a city that takes its universities and sports programs very seriously. Visit the city during a weekend when the Florida State University football team is playing at home and you will watch this relatively peaceful city transform itself into one gigantic party.

FSU's colors are garnet and gold. Sports are huge at FSU. The garnet and gold colors are resplendent throughout the city. In true school spirit, even roses reflect the FSU color scheme.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Tallahassee and I look forward to returning some day.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly natives, emerald green hills, historical landmarks
Cons:Long traffic lights that aren't synchronized - put a good CD in your car stereo to pass the time
In a nutshell:A perfect spot for a weekend getaway

Last visit to Tallahassee: Oct 2001
Intro Updated Sep 25, 2004
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Reviews (15)

Like being close to home Hotels (2)

The Courtyard by Marriott is my favorite place to stay in Tallahassee. The staff is friendly and they made sure I... more travel advice

Presbyterian Church in downtown Tallahassee - Tallahassee

Churches in Tallahassee Off The Beaten Path (1)

I visited Tallahassee on a Sunday, when the city is very quiet, compared to the weekdays when the downtown area is... more travel advice

Marching Chiefs at FSU game - Tallahassee

Halftime Entertainment Things to Do (11)

If you attend an FSU home game, be sure to take in the half time entertainment, rather than stand in line at the food... more travel advice

Downtown Tallahassee Things to Do (11)

Downtown Tallahassee is also old town Tallahassee. Tallahassee isn't one of those cities where the new business area was... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Rent a car

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Comments (6)

850prc Nov 11, 2009 at 10:35 AM Report Abuse

I see that you updated your Tally page. You didn't come here and not say howdy, did you? As for okra and Canada - no, didn't see no okra north of the border. :)
scottishvisitor May 26, 2005 at 1:45 PM Report Abuse

See you like a football game!! Good page
deecat Feb 22, 2005 at 10:29 AM Report Abuse

Superior pages, Karen. Knott House looks wonderful. Great tea recipe. thanks, Pchamlis! Great info on the football game, half time, and university. Superb hotel tips. These are certainly star-worthy pages.
Nemorino Oct 13, 2004 at 10:36 AM Report Abuse

Informative tips on a very nice-looking place. Even the Bankruptcy Courthouse looks good!
XenoHumph Sep 29, 2004 at 8:45 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page! I am visiting a friend this week-end in T, and found yur page very instructive! Thanks!
mtncorg Sep 24, 2004 at 11:02 AM Report Abuse

You would have looked a bit out of place if your rental map had led you to some place, say, like Gainesville wearing all of that garnet and gold;-0 Or was it Blue and white?