Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida. The rolling hills, streets shaded by moss covered oaks mile after mile, has specifically caused Tallahassee to be of great renown in the world of tourism.It was founded in 1824, on a site that was earlier inhabited by Native American and Spanish settlements. When the United States took control in 1821, the need for a capital in between East and West Florida became real, thus, Tallahassee came into being. When the civil war broke out, Tallahassee had already started to flourish. Other than the mesmerizing natural beauty, there are vast numbers of historic sites and museums that illustrate and vividly put forward the rich cultural heritage of Florida.
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum dates back to 1845, it was to be brought down in the late 1970s, but its fate was altered by the private citizens who paid for its refurbishment. A walk to the reception desk through the stairs will mark the sheer grandeur of this museum. Governor William Sherman Jennings’ mahogany table used from 1901 to 1905 can be seen in the governor’s private office. It is rumored that soldiers during the Civil War bunked in the lower level of the capitol building.
Tallahassee Antique Car museum is a feast for the eyes of a sophisticated car lover. Starting from ’65 Mustangs to steam-powered vehicles, the antique car museum has it all. Even the horse-driven hearse that took Abraham Lincoln to his resting place is there. Other items such as antique cars, motorbikes, and sports memorabilia are also on display to eliminate any chance of monotony.
Located on the shores of Lake Bradford is the Tallahassee Museum. One distinct attribute of the museum is the 20th Century Dinosaur Exhibit by Jim Gary. It is quite curious how the dinosaurs are all made out of discarded auto parts. The museum also features the Big Bend Farm, it has always been a family favorite. A usual farmhouse has been recreated here along with the atmosphere and mood. Donning period costumes, the park personnel are seen devoting themselves to grinding wheat, working in blacksmith shops, etc. It feels as though one is time traveling backward to a much simpler era.
The picturesque natural setting of Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park is where one can let their minds wander free and be overwhelmed by the fact that Native Americans once lived here about 800 years earlier. Following the trails here leads to the four earthen mounds, two of the mounds are open to the general people for exploration. At the bottom of these mounds once existed the ancient village of the Native Americans.
Other than the monumental places of Tallahassee, there are countless similar places that can be visited for as less as $5! The Florida State University ‘Mag Lab’ from the category is a must see. It is home to a magnet that has a magnetic field 1 million times stronger than that of Earth. For a free tour of the Mag Lab, appointments must be made. Another treat to the eyes in terms of natural beauty are intriguing, shady and scenic canopy roads. It stretches a total of 78 miles and is shaded by moss-covered oak trees on both sides of the roads. It looks as though the trees are holding hands and forming an umbrella- a refuge for whoever passes by.
During the month of January the focus is diverted to Hernando DeSoto Winter encampment, where the focus is on the Spanish and Apalachee cultures. Every year in mid-October, hosted by the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church, a Greek food festival is held. This festival marks the diversity of cultures in Tallahassee. One can get a taste of traditional Greek foods, such as gyro, spanakopita, baklava, tzatziki, etc. At the same time, they can experience the Greek culture through the dances that are performed in old traditional costumes. In spring, Jazz and Blues festivals are held at the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science.