Cascades Park
A place of recreation, Cascades Park offers 2.3 miles of paved pathways, a kid’s play area, and a water fountain that sprays water at random intervals. There are also restrooms and benches to take a break. The park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re walking, jogging, or cycling.
If you haven’t been to Cascades Park yet, you’re missing out on some of Tallahassee’s finest parks and attractions. This 24-acre downtown park was originally constructed as a storm-water management facility, but has since grown into a vibrant green space for residents and visitors alike. The park also features walking trails, the Capital City Amphitheater, and plenty of open space.
Cascades Park is also home to the Smokey Hollow Commemoration, a tribute to the Black community that existed in the city in the early 1900s. This neighborhood was home to some of the city’s most prominent black leaders. Three replica Smokey Hollow homes can be found near the John C. Riley Museum, which honors this time period. While in the park, you can also catch a concert at the Capital City Amphitheater, a stunning outdoor stage that can seat over 1,500 people.
Tampa’s Riverwalk is another wonderful place to visit. The riverside walkway features two miles of waterside paths that are perfect for walking or biking. In Ybor City, you can find an authentic Ybor City restaurant in the Columbia Cafe. If you prefer a more casual version of a traditional Ybor City hangout, you can head over to the nearby Sail Plaza beer garden. From there, you can take in the stunning views of the Tampa River and check out the Tampa Museum of Art.
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
Located in Goodwood, Florida, Goodwood Museum & Gardens features a grand 1830s plantation house, sixteen historic buildings, and an extensive collection of antiques. The gardens are stunning, with lush green lawns and fragrant and colorful flowers. Visitors can also see the museum’s original furniture and glassware.
The Goodwood House Museum is open to the public every day except Monday. This museum is part of the Pathways to Wellbeing initiative, which aims to create a connection between the historic landscape of the museum and the surrounding community, including the city’s medical district and neighborhoods. During your visit, be sure to stop by the museum’s memorial, which will commemorate the lives of those who were enslaved at Goodwood.
Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park
Visit Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park, places to visit in Tallahassee, Florida. These two parks are both free to enter and feature an idyllic setting, with a lake that was once home to cattle. There are picnic shelters and a paved walking trail that wind around the park. You can also enjoy astronomy or exercise on the park’s grounds, and enjoy the local wildlife. The park is also home to many local events.
Lake Ella is an historic site with a long history. It was the site of numerous Black Church Baptisms in the late 1800s, and in the mid-1900s, it was a popular destination for honeymooners. There are some lakefront cottages in the park, which were once used as honeymoon rooms. Today, they are used by local businesses. The area also includes the American Legion Post 13, which is located on the north shore of Lake Ella.
If you’re interested in the area’s history, you can tour the Natural Bridge State Park, which was the site of the second largest civil war battle in Florida. The park features guided tours and annual reenactments. In addition to history, visitors can see natural springs and sinkholes along the St. Marks River, and enjoy freshwater fishing. You can visit the park from 8 am until sundown.
Another great place to enjoy nature is Lake Ella Park, which is located in Tallahassee’s Midtown area. It features a large oak tree and several picnic areas. Pack a picnic lunch and feed the ducks. You can also pick up a sub at a nearby deli. Food trucks are also frequently seen in the area.
Lichgate on High Road
Lichgate on High Road is a hidden green space near Florida State University, nestled between apartment complexes and student housing. It was the dream of Laura Jepsen, a literature professor, who bought the land in 1956. She drew inspiration from the ancient Live Oak on the property and built a small cottage, modeled after an English Tudor cottage.
Laura Jepsen was a professor at Florida State University from 1946 to 1978. After her death, her property was sold to a group of her former students and colleagues, who have kept the property as a public space. The property features a Shakespeare Garden and a labyrinth for meditation. You can also rent the entire property for small parties or celebrations.
The Lichgate is open daily from dawn to dusk. During the day, visitors can tour the grounds and explore the cottage where Laura Jepsen lived. The grounds are meticulously maintained by volunteers without the assistance of public funds. While you’re visiting, be respectful of the property and the delicate balance of nature. You should also avoid climbing on tree limbs.
The site is also home to the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, which has replicas of Batman vehicles. It also features a 10-foot mastodon skeleton, which is over 12,000 years old. Another place to visit in Tampa, Florida is the Lichgate on High Road, a fairy tale cottage with historical significance. It was purchased by Dr. Laura Pauline Jepsen, a professor of literature at Florida State University.
Mission San Luis
The Mission San Luis is a museum and visitor center that has a range of services. In addition to its main lobby, the facility offers a 125-seat theater and several outdoor event spaces. It also features a warm kitchen and two 30-person classrooms. It is located on West Tennessee Street, less than three miles west of the Florida State Capitol complex.
Originally built in 1656, Mission San Luis served as the Spanish administrative center of western Florida. Its inhabitants included the powerful Apalachee chief and the Spanish deputy governor. In addition, it was home to many newcomers from Spain and was the largest mission settlement in early Florida.
On October 15, 1966, the former mission site was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark. A reconstruction project of the mission’s buildings began in 1996. The mission’s buildings were reconstructed based on historical and archaeological evidence. Today, the mission houses a museum dedicated to the mission and its missionaries.
Mission San Luis is an excellent learning facility for students. Students can learn about the indigenous culture and traditions of the Apalachee people, which was influenced by European colonization. The museum’s programs foster critical thinking and include interactive activities. The programs at the mission also align with Sunshine State Standards. During the Highlights Tour, groups can tour the mission’s reconstructed colonial buildings. Alternatively, they can take a Journey Tour of the entire historic village.
Railroad Square Art Park
If you want to experience Tallahassee’s art and culture district, Railroad Square is a great place to visit. This neighborhood is home to more than 70 galleries, studios, and small shops. The area operates at a slow pace most of the month, but it is alive with activity on First Fridays. Throughout the area, you can visit art galleries, working studios, and even a cafĂ© built into an actual railroad caboose. Each business has different hours, so be sure to check them out before you visit.
While visiting this area, don’t forget to check out the First Friday Gallery Hop, held at the art park. This event features live music, open galleries, and food trucks. While this event has been going on for over 20 years, it was temporarily suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will return on June 4, 2021. This annual event is an essential source of revenue for the arts district of Railroad Square, so don’t miss out.
Dining options in the neighborhood include the Black Dog Cafe on the Square. This cafe serves gourmet pops and coffee, and the Crumbox Gastgarden is an eclectic cafe. In addition to coffee and food, you can enjoy craft beer and pub fare at the Railroad Square Craft House.