My oldest daughter is a very gifted artist. It is fascinating to me to see how amazing her work is when I don't have an artistic bone in my body. She had heard about these art galleries down at a place called Railroad Square and had been begging me to take her. I had heard that the first Friday of every month there was something called First Friday Gallery Hop at Railroad Square where all the galleries were opened late, but I was hesitant to go, not sure if it was appropriate for the younger kids. I had images of dressy people looking at beautiful artwork while my kids ran through the gallery knocking valuable pieces off the wall. After months of her trying to convince me that it would be fun for all of us, I agreed and we all loaded up to see what the hype was about.
This is one of the few times that I have had to confess that I was wrong and my daughter was right. Railroad Square is the home of what used to be the historic Amtrak train station and originally was the site of the historic McDonnell lumber yard. The lumber yard later became a downtown industrial park. In the mid-seventies, the daughter of the owner began to envision the park as a place for artists to show their work. What has been created is a unique place full of culture that you don't want to miss. It is a mile from the Capital building and within walking distance of both FSU and FAMU. To drive there, you want to find Railroad Avenue which will take you right into the park.
From the moment I unloaded the kids out of the car, I realized that we had been missing a true local gem and a fun event that has been going on for years. Many of the people I spoke with talked about how they just stumbled upon the event when looking for something to do on a Friday night or had friends tell them about it and they just keep coming back. There were students, families, business people and lots of fans who had come in town for the game. It is such a different environment than anything I have experienced in this city. I felt like I had left Tallahassee and was in an artsy section of a major city.
Each gallery is different, displaying unique pieces from local artists. In addition to the art studios, there is a rock climbing gym, a yoga studio, a little theater and a little café in what had once been an actual caboose. First Friday Gallery Hop is something you can go to on the first Friday of every month and you will see new artwork displayed each time. My dream about my children running through the galleries knocking over millions dollar pieces was unfounded because they were enchanted by what they saw. The music, people dancing and singing, the artists that encouraged them to ask questions, the wonderful man from the yoga studio and the new foods they got to taste kept them so entertained. I thought we might be there for an hour but we ended up staying for three.
The highlight of the night for them was getting to taste their first Red Velvet waffle with cream cheese frosting and fried chicken from The Cravings Truch. They thought their sister was crazy when she said we had to try it. The line was long but DO NOT let that stop you from ordering these. Talk about unbelievable!!! Who thought that red velvet waffles and fried chicken would become something my kids would beg for more of! I sat back with a full belly and watched my kids dance on the stage.
I can assure you that on the First Friday of every month you will know where to find me. Hope to see you there as well!
Tags: Art, Family, Gallery, Hop, Railroad Square, Tallahassee
Blythe NewsomeBlythe Newsome is a single mother of six children ages 6,8,10,12,14 and 16. While a morning radio show host, her family was featured on an episode of the Supernanny in 2007. The reality of this single mom who spends her days getting GI Joes out of the toilet, explaining to her girls that you can not cut your hair like you do your Barbie’s, convincing herself that ketchup on a hotdog counts as a vegetable and letting America see what hides underneath her couch cushions made her family one of “America’s Most Asked About Families” from the show according to producers. ABC came back to film the 100th episode which aired in March 2010. When not playing the role of nurse, teacher, chef, referee, taxi driver, coach, or housekeeper, she writes a syndicated column called Flirting with Forty.
“As a Tallahassee native, I am passionate about this city, raising my children here and I am always searching for new adventures for us. When people think about a vacation, this is the place to come. The city is rich in history, annual events and provides people of all ages with something to do”. Each week Blythe and her children will share with you the stories and pictures of the adventures that are waiting for you in Tallahassee!
