Last year, somewhat unexpectedly, I found myself on a research exchange to a small town in northern Florida called Tallahassee – home to Floirda State University where I was to work with a professor in the social psychology department. Before going to Tallahassee I wasn’t sure what to expect, there wasn’t much available on the web aside from the bit about the university and it just seemed very distant from anything else in Florida. Going there for a short-term assignment also brought other uncertainties- where will I live? what would I do? who will I know?
But, things always seem to work out for me at the end. I’ve met some really wonderful people who have filled my Tallahassee life with joy, I’ve found a place to live and even Tallahassee proved far more interesting than I initially thought.
This post summarizes my 6 months on and off in Tallahassee, with the places I’ve visited and the things I’ve seen.
First off, Tallahassee has a collection of small museums. While they’re not what you might consider as world class, some are actually quite interesting. The automobile specialty museum is a cool little place with a very impressive collection. The Museum of Florida History will take you through the somewhat short yet interesting history of Florida State, and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum will tell you a bit more about the Floridian politics. The wonderful Mission San Luis de Apalachee will tell you the tale of Native-American Florida and a bit when Europeans first arrived in the area, while the John Riley House will explain a bit more about the African American minority history of the city. The Tallahassee Museum, or more like a zoo, will show you some of the local wild life and flora and will provide amusement for the kids. All together, there are over six museums for you to explore :
- The Automobile and Collectibles Specialty Museum : Tallahassee
- Museum of Florida History : Tallahassee
- Tallahassee Museum
- Florida Historic Capitol Museum : Tallahassee
- Tallahassee Observation Deck & New Capitol Building
- John Riley House & Museum : Tallahassee
- Mission San Luis de Apalachee : Tallahassee
But that’s jus the start. I think the highlight of Tallahassee actually lies in its parks, plantations and gardens, and there are quite a few wonderful places in or not too far away from town. The Wakulla Springs are gorgeous, the Maclay Gardens and Goodwood Gardens will take you back in time to a different era with a large estate building and charming gardens. :
- The picturesque Wakulla Springs : Tallahassee
- Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens : Tallahassee
- Goodwood Museum and Gardens : Plantations in Tallahassee
Tallahassee also has a few lakes for a bit of hiking, dog walks, or – in my case – endless hours sipping coffee and working on my things :
Local entertainment is mostly the local football team. I got to watch the Florida State Seminoles fight the University of Florida Gators :
But there were also some weird culture events (like, monster truck jam).
Other festivals and special occasions :
And… not too far away, an hour or so, are some really beautiful beaches :
Ah, yeah, and not to forget – Tallahassee is home to Florida State University.
Had a very memorable time, hope to make it back some day.