Tallahassee

Tallahassee, long known as the hub of state government and home to two state universities, now cultivates a vibrant identity that transcends, but compliments its traditional reputation.

The name “Tallahassee” is derived from a Muskogee word meaning “old town,” giving reference to the area’s former Apalachee villages destroyed by English and Creek raids between 1702 and 1704.  The city became the capital of the Florida territory on March 4, 1824, when Governor William P. Duval issued a proclamation. Not only home to the state legislature, Tallahassee is home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, the sixth-largest historically black university in the country.

In Tallahassee, there is no shortage of venues for enjoying live music and libations any night of the week. Whether you prefer concerts in a formal setting, jiving in the great outdoors, little dive bars, being serenaded while dining or attending festivals, you will be pleasantly surprised by the different nightlife options in Florida’s capital city. Tallahassee is home to Florida’s only spot on the National Blues Trail (Bradfordville Blues Club), one of the top-ranked civic centers in the state and FSU’s Doak Campbell Stadium that converts into a concert venue with national touring acts a few times each year.

Although the local culture permeates throughout the entire city, each district offers its own vibe featuring restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and live-music venues. Distinct districts include Downtown, Gaines Street, Uptown, CollegeTown, Midtown and Market District.

TALLAHASSEE’S BREW SCENE IS HOPPING. The Capital City is creating brews with heft such as Assassin Caterpillar, Sledgehammer Stout and Heffy Liftin. And—its crafting ales with local personality such as Miccosukee Honey Orange Wheat, G-Street Blonde, 850 Pale Ale and Chamber Goat, which is brewed with coffee from Lucky Goat, a local roastery. The stories behind Tallahassee’s craft breweries are as compelling as their beers.

Trailahassee.com connects outdoor enthusiasts with more than 600 scenic miles of running, biking, paddling and equestrian trails in county, city and state parks, state and national forests, greenways, national wildlife refuge and wildlife management areas. The award winning website advises consumers with interactive mapping and GPS technology, personalized features and details on outfitters and trail associations.

Railroad Square Art Park serves as Tallahassee’s “Art District,” the creative haven for many Tallahassee artists and other creative, small businesses, such as vintage clothing and thrift stores, shops featuring locally-made products and even a vintage pinball arcade and indoor rock climbing gym. Once a historic warehouse district, the 10-acre site is now home to more than 50 artist studios, galleries, and small shops.