Travel: A Hipster's Guide to Tallahassee

Art, History, and Good Eats in Florida's State Capital

By Christine Stoddard
QuailBellMagazine.com

Strapped for cash but got the travel itch bad? Luckily, frugalista vacations are all the rage. And even if they weren't, you're nearly broke, anyway, so what choice do you have if you want to get out of town? One place to put on your Quail-dar is Tallahassee, Florida, a state capital and college city with character. If you want a tamer, smaller, more manageable Austin without leaving the East, this is the spot for you. You'll get “hippie” and “Southern” both at once, for cheap. Based upon my recent visit to Tally, here are some of my suggestions if you've got limited time and a bitty budget:

Pile into your piece of junk car with your bestie and hit the road. It's going to be a long ride from New York, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia or whatever other East Coast city's your flagship. After all, Tallahassee isn't actually on the East Coast. It's located in “Florabama,” the Florida panhandle, which borders Alabama. Geographically (and culturally), it's removed from 95. You'll have to hop onto I-10 from Jacksonville and meander for about four hours before you've even reached the land of Florida State University and Florida A&M.

Well before your arrival, however, comes the adventure of your road trip. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the ideal days for travel, since most 9-to-5ers are chained to their desks. If you can't shed your shackles, remember to leave early to beat the traffic and hit at least one Waffle House along the way. When you're tired or gotta pee, check out a few places not too far off of 95. The seedy but hilarious South of the Border attraction in South Carolina; the precious Savannah, Georgia; and the freakin' huge Jacksonville, Florida are all sound options.

Once you finally get to Tallahassee, feed your face. All Saints Cafe, which specializes in coffee, tea, and vegetarian munchables, is always open. It's good for breakfast and it's good for late-night hankerings, too. There's no waiter service. Instead you walk up to the counter, chat up the barista, order, claim your food, and then plop down on a sofa and use the Wi-Fi. Vegan? No problem. The ambience is relaxed, making it the perfect place to unwind after spending hours cooped up in the car.

Let's say vegan's not your style. How about bacon-wrapped hotdogs and homemade burgers instead? You'll want to try Voodoo Dog. It's phenomenally cheap--you'll fill up on $3 or $4—and the quirky spot has a funky aesthetic with lots of paintings heavy on black, red, and purple. The menu item names are pretty amusing, too: Bon Jovi dog, Wake-n-Bake dog, Good Ol' Boy dog, etc. And, yes, there's a veggie burger.

Once you've had a good night's sleep, make a day trip out of visiting Wakulla Springs. This state park lays claim to one of the deepest and biggest freshwater springs on the planet. Many alligators, turtles, deer, birds, snakes, and other wild animals call the park home. Go on a guided riverboat tour and you might even spot a manatee. The park and its notable lodge (built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasting a National Natural Landmark designation, as well. Pack a picnic and hang out.

If you'd like to stay close to downtown, check out one of the city's museums. The Museum of Florida History will give you a healthy taste of the state's natural and human stories, with exhibits on the Seminole Indians, Florida's role in the Civil War, Colonial Florida, and more. Meanwhile, the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, which has been restored to its original 1902 appearance, houses exhibits on the Office of the Governor, Florida before 1885, the Civil Rights era, and other political highlights. A trip up to the nearby City Hall's observation deck will give you a beautiful panoramic view of Tallahassee, with a bonus rotating art exhibit there, too.

After all that learnin', you probably deserve a sweet treat. Lucy and Leo's Cupcakery is the city's favorite cupcake shop. Flavors change daily, with delectable choices like Chocolate Ginger, Neapolitan, Key Lime, and Lemon Blue on the menu. (I went for the reliable Chocolate Peanut Butter.) The gift shop features, among other things, books by local authors. While you're in the neighborhood, take a walk and admire some of the 1920s architecture. If you're ready for dinner, jump over to KOOL Beanz Cafe for a locally sourced meal and low-key atmosphere.

Last but not least, you must see the Railroad Square Art Park for over 50 studios, galleries, small shops, and non-profits to entertain you. The area's First Friday Gallery Hop gets pretty popping, with open doors galore and live performances.


There's much more to Tallahassee than I've mentioned here, especially if you're of college age, but these were just a few of my favorites. Give it a chance and may you make the best of memories.