Weekend in Tallahassee, Fla., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: College town meets history in Florida's capital city. Play on nearly 600 miles of biking, hiking, running, paddling and equestrian trails in the area. Take a drive along rolling hills under canopies of huge moss-draped oaks. There are nine official canopy roads offering 78 miles of scenic drives to explore by bike or car. www.leoncountyfl.gov/pubworks/oper/canopy/PDF/canopyrds_all.pdf.
March is the peak month for spring blooms at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, but any season is perfect for a stroll through this park on scenic Lake Hall, 20 minutes north of downtown.
Getting there: The drive from Atlanta takes about 4.5 hours. Nonstop Delta flights start from $290 round-trip, based on a 21-day advance purchase.
BUDGET
Stay: Best Western Plus Tallahassee North is convenient to I-10 and close to downtown. Guest amenities include an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym and complimentary hot breakfast. Rates from $101. 2727 Graves Road, Tallahassee. 850-562-7200, http://bestwesternflorida.com.
Eat: Railroad-themed Midtown Caboose serves inventive starters and salads (to $10) and an assortment of burgers, wraps and sandwiches ($10-$14). Each menu item is cleverly named. The Mac Daddy Burger ($12) is slathered with mac-n-cheese, bacon, fried pickles, and barbecue sauce served on a toasted onion roll. One-of-a-kind vegetarian and vegan options also offered. 1406 N. Meridian Road, Tallahassee. 850-521-1933, www.midtowncaboose.com.
Experience: More than 1,400 Apalachee Indians and newcomers from Spain lived together harmoniously at Mission San Luis from 1656 to 1704. History is re-created at this peaceful 63-acre site with costumed interpreters, hands-on exhibits, re-created period buildings and 300-year-old archaeological excavations. On site are a museum and a nature trail. Adults $5; $2 ages 6-17. 2100 W. Tennessee St., Tallahassee. 850-245-6406, www.missionsanluis.org.
MODERATE
Stay: It's a nine-minute walk to the state Capitol building from Aloft Tallahassee Downtown and less to local attractions and restaurants. This contemporary hotel features a lobby-lounge with a fireplace, billiards table, a coffee shop, a cocktail bar serving snacks, 24/7 fitness center and an outdoor pool. A local shuttle, within a 2-mile radius, is complimentary. From $159. 200 N Monroe St., Tallahassee. 850-513-0313, www.alofttallahassee.com.
Eat: Avenue Eat and Drink is a trendy restaurant with seasonal Southern-inspired menus ($10-$30). It's a popular lunch spot for lawyers, judges and government workers. Brunch is served from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 115 E. Park Ave., Tallahassee. 850-224-0115, www.avenueeatanddrink.com.
Experience: Ranked as one of the state's top museums, the 52-acre Tallahassee Museum has 14 historic buildings to explore and experience 19th-century lifestyles of Southern communities. Visit a preserved plantation house, once home to Tallahassee's own Princess Murat (a relative of George Washington), and buildings from 19th-century farms including a gristmill and barnyard animals. The museum also features Florida panthers, gators, wild turkeys and American bald eagles in natural habitats. Adults $10; $7.50 ages 4-15. 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee. 850-575-8684, http://tallahasseemuseum.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: The Governors Inn is a boutique hotel located just steps from Florida's Capitol and fine restaurants. The Museum of Florida History is a short walk. The spacious Chamber Suite features 8-foot windows and 15-foot vaulted ceilings, and four-poster king bed ($199). 209 S. Adams St., Tallahassee. 850-681-6855, http://thegovinn.org.
Eat: Pop into Clusters & Hops, a special artisan grocery and wine shop offering fine dining options for lunch and dinner. Nightly European and American specials incorporate displayed products from around the world. There are over 100 cheese selections, 75 beer selections and 1,200 wine choices. Dinners, $19-$24; add foie gras to any dish for $12. 707 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee. 850-222-2669, http://winencheese.com.
Experience: Zip through tree tops at Tallahassee Tree to Tree Adventures. Choose from three courses based on skill level, height and age. An introductory course, Canopy Crossing ($28) has over a dozen treetop challenges and two zip lines. The more challenging Soaring Cypress ($45) features large zip lines rising to heights of up to 60 feet that soar above more than 700 feet of cypress wetlands and past the local wildlife such as eagles and deer. Children's Treemendous Adventures is $15 (must be accompanied by an adult). 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee. 850-575-8684, http://tallahasseemuseum.org/treetotreeadventures.
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