Visit Tallahassee Promotes ?Outdoor October? as part of Florida Greenways and Trails Month
Monday, October 03 at 10:49 AM
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Sept. 30, 2011 - In celebration of October being Florida Greenways and Trails Month, Visit Tallahassee is promoting “Outdoor October” to remind visitors and residents alike to go outside and enjoy the fall’s cool and crisp weather. Called one of “America’s Last Great Places” by The Nature Conservancy and nestled in the Red Hills bio-region in the Panhandle, Tallahassee boasts topography unlike any other in Florida and is one of the most biologically-diverse regions in the United States. With numerous nature-based resources and recreational opportunities that surround Florida’s Capital City, from spotting manatees while kayaking down the Wakulla River to strolling along Tallahassee’s downtown corridor on a spooky ghost tour, the possibilities are endless for outdoor lovers of all ages to experience Tallahassee’s beautiful surroundings.
Hikers, cyclists, runners and equestrians alike will revel in the number of nature trails in Tallahassee - navigating through dense hardwood forests, traversing ravines, climbing bluffs and wading through swampy wetlands. Hikers of Tate’s Hell will see the beautiful, carnivorous pitcher plants and dwarf cypress forests - trees more than 300 years old but only six to 15 feet tall. Those looking for a bit of folklore will visit nearby Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve - the largest natural geological exposure in Florida and rumored Garden of Eden.
After major renovations, trail lovers can celebrate the official re-opening of the St. Marks Trail on Oct. 6. The entire trail from Tallahassee to St. Marks is now complete. For a more mountainous experience, nature lovers will visit Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway which parallels six miles of Tallahassee’s historic canopy roads through 500 acres of the Red Hills Region of northern Florida. Visitors have the opportunity to observe more than 46 species of birds, including ibis, egrets and herons, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and a variety of plants and wildflowers.
Explorers looking for history will visit Mission San Luis to walk through a community that disappeared three centuries ago and is now the only reconstructed 17th century mission in the
Southeast that has living ancestors - The Apalachees. Guests travel the re-created villages by foot observing old world structures such as the Mission’s Council House, the largest Native American structure ever built in the Southeast.
Foodies will experience a locally grown weekend during the New Leaf Market’s 4th Annual Farm Tour of 32 farms in the area Oct. 15 - 16. For locals who prefer a saltier outdoor adventure, the
Gulf Coast is less than 30 miles away. Fed by the Aucilla, Econfina, St. Marks and Ochlocknee Rivers and framed by the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the Appalachee Bay - a tranquil mix of fresh and salt water, grass flats and diving depths - merges with the Gulf of Mexico. Near the shore trout, redfish and giant tarpon make frequent appearances, while deep sea runs return prime kingfish and cobia.
Paddle enthusiasts can explore five rivers, 20 lakes, miles of pristine coastline and many acclaimed state-designated canoe/kayaking trails throughout the Tallahassee region. Waterbugs needing guides, supplies or rental gear can stop by T-N-T Hideaway or Wilderness Way to be outfitted for a day of gliding gently down a slow-flowing river taking in the sights and scenery.
Life-long butterfly chasers will experience the St. Marks Monarch Butterfly Festival taking place Oct. 22. Residents and visitors alike can help tag more than 2,000 butterflies for research as they migrate through St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and make the journey from North America to the mountains of Central Mexico.
Brave souls will be escorted by costumed guides through the streets of old Tallahassee, stopping at buildings said to be haunted during the Historic Ghost Walking Tour Oct. 20-23. Tour-goers will be chilled by retellings of unfortunate, actual events that transpired in Florida’s Capital City. More haunted happenings can be found in nearby Monticello where ghost hunters will journey through the South’s most haunted small town to hear tales of Dr. Palmer and his controversial 666 elixir or possibly catch a glimpse of the mysterious lady in pink gazing down from her window.
A fusion of cosmopolitan flair and charming personality defines the spirit of Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City - where it all comes together for visitors. Stretching along the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is a place where college town meets cultural center, politics meets performing arts and history meets nature - a place where the vibrancy of what to do is matched only by the city’s inviting hospitality. More information about Outdoor October can be found at www.VisitTallahassee.com or (800) 628-2866.
###
About Visit Tallahassee
Visit Tallahassee is the official tourism marketing organization for Tallahassee and Leon County Florida, operating as a department of Leon County Government. Visit Tallahassee promotes tourism to the area through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports, film, product development and visitor services. For more information, visit www.VisitTallahassee.com.
