You're committed to shopping local, and it doesn't get any more local than this. Starting in March and running every single Saturday through the end of November, the Downtown MarketPlace really does have something for everyone. Featuring the freshest homegrown produce, organic foods, fresh breads, flowers, eggs, plants and more...

This weekend, June 2nd, the North Florida Brewers League (NFBL) and the Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation (ASF) are teaming up for a day of local brews and adorable furry creatures. This wonderful union of craft beer and furry companions is something that I have been looking forward to for quite some time. Last year was a blast and I imagine this year will be better.

Mockingbird Café has recently shed its feathers and evolved into a new image. Growing past the need of being known as a "café," the name has slimmed down to just "The Mockingbird". The logo also changed from the old yellow and white impact lettering to its current minimalist mockingbird impression. I can appreciate the move towards a more elegant look. The café seems to have figured a few things out in its two year life span.

It's hard to imagine, I know, but this year we'll commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. The Museum of Florida History is committed to preserving the remaining pieces of Florida's often under-represented maritime and naval past from this period. This not to be missed exhibition includes artifacts recovered from The Maple Leaf, a Union transport ship that was sunk by a Confederate torpedo in the St. John's River near Jacksonville, during the latter part of the Civil War.

In driving across North Florida, you can still find old highways with abundant green space and small town charm. Highway 98 towards Perry is one of my favorites. Swallowtail kites are often seen in spring and early summer, hovering over piney woods and swamps. They literally dance on air, curling and dipping wings in their tight, graceful patterns. I've spotted bear and diamondback rattlesnakes on occasion, a sure sign of wildness. And in the ditches, I'll look for blue flag irises and spider lilies.

Lake Ella is one of the most beautiful places in Tallahassee. A short walk around that quaint body of water can release you from those nagging frustrations. I enjoy watching the ducks wade through the water and strolling under the tree branches that sway gently in the breeze. Almost any day you can stop by and experience that familiar comfort. On Wednesdays, however, the northern shore blooms with commerce.

It was May, 20, 1865 when the Emancipation Proclamation, made by President Abraham Lincoln was announced in downtown Tallahassee. Come celebrate this historic day in our nation's history on the actual site of the local announcement! The Proclamation will be read by Brigadier General Edward Moody McCook (portrayed by Brian Bibeau) followed by a free lunch on the lawn proceeding the program. In addition, you'll also experience period music, speeches and even costumed interpreters. The festivities take place from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at the Knott House Museum located at 301 E. Park Avenue and at Lewis Park across the street.

A hidden gem in the northern region of Tallahassee and a spring tour that is a community tradition. It all begins in the ornamental gardens of Maclay Gardens State Park. These magnificent and picturesque grounds are truly a masterpiece of floral architecture, and this tour is not to be missed. Hosted by The Department of Environmental Protection's Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and the Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc, the annual tour of gardens begins at 9:00 am with a breakfast, silent auction and plant sale. Participants are then given maps to tour the gardens at their leisure. Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased in advance at the park, Native Nurseries, Tallahassee Nurseries, Esposito Garden Center and Wild Birds Unlimited. Park entrance fees are waived on this day for participants.

Sometimes, I don't have the time or inclination to venture out to a trail somewhere for a hiking, biking or kayaking adventure. That's when I can find adventure is right in my backyard! Granted, I live in a forested area south of Tallahassee that is wilder than most downtown neighborhoods, but I hear stories of encounters with foxes, coyotes, snakes and other wildlife in downtown areas that tells me that these adventures are widespread.

Po' Boys had its 19^th annual Crawfish Festival a couple of weekends ago.  If you didn't go, you missed out on some delicious Creole food and music, but it's not the end of the world.  Tallahassee has some great spots to get some Cajun/Creole food any day of the week. 

What better way to support The Brogan Museum than over good wine and food, and with good friends?  It's that much anticipated time of year again...Time to round up friends and drink some wine for a good cause! 

Breathtaking. That's one word to describe Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Wakulla Springs is a hidden treasure that has a special place in my heart. As much as I like to think of it as a hidden treasure, it is actually a very famous place. If you have ever seen the movies Creature from the Black Lagoon, Tarzan or Airport 77, then you have seen Wakulla Springs. The scenery is so beautiful and majestic that it has lured Hollywood producers and directors to film major movies in the park for years and years. Aside from movies, Wakulla Springs offers swimming, nature trails, boat tours, a lodge and restaurant.

It's another perfect day in Tallahassee and you just want to get outside and enjoy it, right?  I know the perfect place!  Whether you want to kayak on Lake Hall, hike the scenic trails, stroll through the formal gardens, play on the playground, or simply picnic and watch the birds, Maclay Gardens is the place you need to head.  Conveniently located in the northeastern "Red Hills" area of town, just off Thomasville Road, this nearly 1200 acre park is a peaceful oasis of beauty tucked into a bustling city.

Ochlockonee River State Park, just south of Sopchoppy along Highway 319, is the perfect setting to walk along high river banks under arching live oaks and to walk (or ride) a scenic drive through some of the best maintained pine flatwoods in the state. The red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, is in relative abundance here along with an array of songbirds, deer and white squirrels (a color variant of the gray squirrel). Bobcat, fox and the occasional bear can also be seen.