By Choose Tallahassee
Each year it is truly inspiring to see Rattler alumni from across the nation make the journey back to Tallahassee for homecoming weekend. Since FAMU’s founding in 1887, the university has grown to become a leading institution not just in the state of Florida, but throughout the country. While campus may look a bit different since the last time you were here, it’s not the only thing that’s changed. The city of Tallahassee has grown with it and Choose Tallahassee, a grassroots nonprofit, is dedicated to showcasing the area as a premier retirement destination. One way this organization has decided to share the value of Tallahassee is through several “preview weekends” that will take participants through a sampling of activities available in the city. The first will be held the weekend of November 10th and includes events like a FAMU football game! Keep reading to see some of our local’s top picks that may be featured during these exciting weekends and learn more about how you can rediscover your love for the new capital city.
Arts & Culture:
The city of Tallahassee is proud to offer a wide variety of vibrant cultural events and artistic attractions. The newly developed Gaines Street area, located near FAMU’s campus, is home to the All Saints Cinema and Railroad Square Art Park, to name just a few popular spots. The Cinema, run by the Tallahassee Film Society, is known for showing noteworthy foreign and independent films, while Railroad Square supplies a creative space for local artists and hosts a “First Friday” event each month to showcase a variety of galleries and studios.
For more cultural opportunities, Tallahassee’s Council on Culture & Arts works to serve the creative industries of the capital city by sharing information on all local happenings.
Dining:
With an array of creative menu options, dining in the capital city will make you want to return again and again simply for the delicious food. A local favorite for casual eating is Momo’s Pizza, famous for slices “as big as your head!” as well as El Cocinero, featuring Latin American cuisine and agave-based spirits. Formal dining options include Masa and Sakura, both offering exceptional Japanese-fusion and sushi dishes, and Blu Halo, with its new location at Bannerman Crossing serving seasonal, hearty southern dishes that are flavorful and redefined.
Tallahassee also boasts a growing food truck scene, with these mobile establishments popping up at every popular outdoor event. Choose Tallahassee’s first preview weekend will host a food truck dinner, allowing participants to taste some of our best options for themselves!
Outdoors:
With topography unlike any other in Florida, Tallahassee is known for its seasonal climate and beautiful outdoor opportunities. The refreshing waters of Wakulla Springs provide a picture-perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, guided riverboat tours and so much more. Another popular destination is Cascades Park, a sprawling 24-acre downtown green space, home to the Capital City Amphitheater and a variety of multi-use trails, including FAMU Way, recently completed in 2016. This beautifully landscaped area features terraced seating by the pond, a children’s playground, and is the perfect location between Railroad Square Art Park and FAMU’s campus.
Monet & Mimosas, an event scheduled during the November preview weekend, will be held at Cascades Park and allow interested individuals to partake in an art class where they will be painting scenes from the beautiful nature around them. The weekend will also feature a morning walk through Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, known for its botanical gardens and historic sites.
Think you’re ready to make Tallahassee your home again? Visit www.choosetallahassee.com for more information and to sign up for one of the preview weekends today!
About Choose Tallahassee
Choose Tallahassee is a grassroots nonprofit that was founded by locals to show retirees all that our hometown has to offer. Tallahassee boasts beautiful outdoors, exceptional healthcare, an abundance of recreational offerings, and more. Choose Tallahassee is made up of over 60 local volunteers from both public and private entities. Deciding where to retire can be difficult, but Choose Tallahassee is dedicated to showcasing the clear answer.
Upcoming Events
November 2 and 3 | Greek Food Festival
November 2 and 3 | The Florida Tap Invitational
November 10, 11 and 12 | Choose Tallahassee Preview Weekend
