The seat of state government and home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee may be best known for the serious business of politics, higher learning and football. But viewed from the 22nd floor of the towering Capitol building, all that seems to disappear among a lush sea of green.
Tall pine trees, canopy roads with live oaks covered in Spanish moss, parks and gardens with azaleas and other native flowering plants, and a strong sense of history and culture mix with a bit of Southern charm to make Tallahassee a surprisingly picturesque and easygoing destination. www.visittallahassee.com/explore.
April is an especially good time to experience the city, as its signature event, Springtime Tallahassee, and a new literary festival, Word of South, meld two successive weekends of arts and entertainment, beginning with a Carnival-style parade and featuring an impressive lineup of writers and musicians.
Beyond that, the month that’s being billed as “Spring on Stage” includes Tallahassee Music Week, the Southern Shakespeare Festival, the LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival, and the Spring Concert Series.
As a bonus, short getaways around the Big Bend offer opportunities to commune with nature in one of the most unique and pristine environments in Florida, and taste a bounty of fresh local seafood.
Springtime Tallahassee, April 1-2
Springtime Tallahassee festivities span several days, with the main public events April 1-2. The Grand Parade is a colorful spectacle of marching bands, dance groups and Springtime Krewe floats. The Jubilee in the Park winds its way through downtown Tallahassee, creating a lively village of artisans, craftmakers and performers, along with music and food and a children's park. www.springtimetallahassee.com.
Tallahassee Music Week, April 2-10
The nine-day celebration of Tallahassee music kicks off with a concert the evening of April 2 on Adams Street in front of City Hall, capping off Springtime Tallahassee. More than 100 local musicians perform in 50-plus locations throughout the city, including grocery stores and nightclubs, parks, restaurants and plazas, featuring everything from classical and jazz to rock and reggae.www.facebook.com/TallahasseeMusicWeek/?fref=ts.
Word of South Festival, April 8-10
In its second season, this innovative event brings writers and musicians together on multiple stages in Cascades Park and at other Tallahassee venues for collaborative discussions, readings and performances. Over the weekend at the park's Capital City Amphitheater (www.capitalcityamphitheater.com), Tallahassee's Spring Concert Series presents L.A.-based folk-rock band Dawes on April 8, and 2016 Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell on April 9. www.wordofsouthfestival.com.
Southern Shakespeare Festival, April 15-17
Tallahassee's Shakespeare company presents "The Comedy of Errors," a funny tale involving two sets of identical twins, in three free performances in Cascades Park at the Capital City Amphitheater. http://southernshakespearefestival.org/our-2016-production/.
LeMoyne Chain of Parks Arts Festival, April 16-17
Under downtown Tallahassee's historic live oak trees, LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts brings more than 150 artists from around the country to present their original fine art for sale and to be judged by a juried panel in their media category. http://chainofparks.com/events/event/2016-lemoyne-chain-of-parks-art-festival/.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
A masterpiece of floral architecture that's beautiful in any season, this landmark state park features ornamental gardens planted in 1923 that come alive with blooms in springtime. The 1,176-acre grounds also include waterways and a historic home. 3540 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee. 850-487-4556, www.floridastateparks.org/park/Maclay-Gardens.
Where to eat and drink
The Edison: Located in the former City Electric Building in Cascades Park, the Edison represents a new era of Tallahassee dining, combining a historic space with internationally inspired cooking from chef John Minas. On the menu, fried Apalachicola oysters with pimento cheese and pickled veggies, and grouper a la plancha with ham hock succotash. 470 Suwannee St., Tallahassee. 850-765-9771, www.edisontally.com/home.
Food Glorious Food: A perennial Florida Trend Golden Spoon winner that delivers American fusion with Southern classics such as collards, cheese grits, seafood and Andouille sausage. Also on the menu are spiced duck breast, caramelized salmon, pan-fried grouper, fried green tomatoes with chilled shrimp, and a bounty of desserts. 1950 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee. 850-224-7279, www.foodgloriousfood.com.
Fermentation Lounge and Grain: Tallahassee's All Saints arts district is home to the city's original craft beer bar, with a sister restaurant next door serving inexpensive lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch items in a convivial, laid-back atmosphere. Look for at least 100 craft beers, wines, meads and ciders. 113 All Saints St., Tallahassee. 850-727-4033, http://fermentationlounge.com.
Liberty Bar & Restaurant: The scene can be raucous, with youngish crowds and music late into the night, but the cooking and cocktails surprise with local ingredients and a thoughtful selection of spirits, wine and craft beer. The weekend brunch may be the best (and quietest) meal to try, with the likes of blue crab Benedict and chicken and waffles. 1307 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee. 850-284-7966, www.libertytlh.com.
Where to sleep
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown: This contemporary cool hotel is geared to good times and features lots of amenities, including a lobby bar with a modest food menu, a 24/7 fitness center and an outdoor splash pool. The downtown location is close to restaurants and a 15-minute walk to Cascades Park and Capital City Amphitheater, with free shuttle service available within a 2-mile radius. 200 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee. 850-513-0313, www.alofttallahassee.com.
Park Avenue Inn: For those who prefer a quaint B&B experience with a dose of local history, this historic inn dates from the late 1830s. It offers a quiet retreat across the street from Tallahassee's Chain of Parks, which runs through the center of downtown, within walking distance of the Florida Capitol and Cascades Park. 323 E. Park Ave., Tallahassee. 1-855-236-0262, http://theparkavenueinnreservations.com.
Exploring the Big Bend
The "Big Bend" is where Florida's Gulf Coast curves westward. And the Big Bend Scenic Byway website offers one of the best guides to finding your way around this unique and historic land of marshes, rivers, beaches, forests and springs. www.floridabigbendscenicbyway.org.
Within a day-trip drive from Tallahassee, you'll find the Apalachicola National Forest, Wakulla Springs, the St. Marks River and Apalachee Bay, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and swimming, while discovering the area's off-the-beaten-path beauty. You can also opt for the two-day loop drive, which begins and ends in Tallahassee and covers the entire 220-mile Byway. www.floridabigbendscenicbyway.org/explore-byway/two-day-loop-drive.
