Legislative Session is in!
Tuesday, January 10 at 04:27 PM
Lawmakers from around the state have returned to Tallahassee for the annual legislative session, except two months earlier this year with the once-a-decade additional task of “reapportionment,” otherwise known as redistricting.
This once-a-decade assignment brings legislators in two months early as they will redraw district lines for both the Florida Senate and House seats as well as the U.S. Congress. The goal is to have new and approved maps by March 6, with new districts in effect around June 4, 2012 so everything will be ready in time for the November 6, 2012 elections. Especially during this exciting year of reapportionment, when “session is in” Tallahassee comes alive with a flurry of activity both day and night.
As hundreds of Legislators, lobbyists, community and industry leaders, and thousands of Floridians from every walk of life swoop into Tallahassee for the next 60 days and maybe longer, here are a few ideas to explore Florida’s Capital City if you find yourself with a little time to spare away from the intensity “on the hill.” Welcome to Tallahassee! We’re glad you’re here!
The Tower of Power & A Taste of North Florida Downtown
1 HOUR:
- Be sure to check out the 22nd Floor Observatory/Art Gallery in the tower for a birds-eye view of the city at the Capitol Complex (850-488-2074; S. Duval Street).
- Florida’s Historic Capital (850-487-1902; www.flhistoriccapitol.gov; 400 S. Monroe Street) is a must-see with its famed 1902 candy-striped awnings and collection of memorabilia of Florida’s political history.
- And if you are looking for a locally-made bauble or gift be sure to visit Visitor Information Centers’ Tallahassee Gift Shop. (850-606-2305; www.visittallahassee.com; 106 E. Jefferson Street) across the street from the Capitol Complex.
- Tours of the Governor’s Mansion (850-922-4991; www.floridagovernorsmansion.com; 700 N. Adams Street.) are available by appointment Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. January 23, 2012 through May 11, 2012.
- For a tasty treat, try out Spring Creek Mobile Restaurant (850-408-4505; www.springcreekfl.com; Gaines St. & MLK Blvd.). One of the few remaining “old Florida” family owned-operated restaurants that serves fresh, local, high-quality seafood. In the shadow of the Capitol, it’s a great grab-n-go or to enjoy at the picnic tables in the park next door.
Shopping
1+ HOUR:
- The main mall in town, Governor’s Square Mall (850-877-8106; www.governorssquare.com; 1500 Apalachee Parkway) will have everything you need including Dillard’s, Macys, JC Penney, Ann Taylor and many other shops.
- For sophisticated local duds, Nic’s Toggery downtown (850-222-0687; www.nicstoggery.com; 212 S. Monroe Street) is a Tallahassee institution offering the best in men’s fashion with a boutique upstairs for the ladies.
2+HOURS:
- For the hip and chic, Midtown/Lake Ella is an eclectic mix of high-fashion and funky shops including Divas & Devils, Way Out West, Cole Couture Boutique and Quarter Moon.
- The Market District on the north side of town is perfect for uptown fashionistas with more than 50 specialty shops and cafes including Narcissus, My Favorite Things, Coton Colors, Lofty Pursuits, and Ten Thousand Villages.
- Be sure to check out www.visittallahassee.com/shopping for more information and listings.
3+ HOURS:
- Historic Havana (www.havanaflorida.com) north of town offers an assortment of antique and furniture shops and is worth the drive if you are looking for an afternoon browsing for antiques in a very historic setting.
Tallahassee is rich, in History & Heritage, that is!
1-2 HOURS:
- The Museum of Florida History (850-245-6400; www.museumoffloridahistory.com; 500 S. Bronough Street in the R. A. Gray Building) traces Florida’s history for thousands of years.
- The John G. Riley Museum of African American History and Culture (850-681-7881; www.rileymuseum.org; 419 E. Jefferson Street) spotlights this prominent Tallahassee educator and the Smokey Hollow community that once thrived downtown.
- Also a must-see is the Union Bank/FAMU Black Archives (850-561-2603; www.famu.edu/acad/archives; 219 Apalachee Parkway) across the street from the Capitol Complex. This satellite collection of the very impressive Southeast Regional Black Archives & Research Center on the FAMU campus is a wealth of local and regional history.
3-4 HOURS:
- Mission San Luis (850-487-3711; www.missionsanluis.org; 2100 W. Tennessee Street) is an amazing and accurate living-history museum depicting the blended Spanish and Native American capital community of the 1600s and is the only re-created Spanish mission in Florida.
Need a little Tranquility?
1-2 HOURS:
- Take a stress-relieving stroll in the peaceful Chain of Parks stretching along Park Avenue downtown.
- In Midtown, get a heavenly massage or facial at Kanvas (850-224-7467; www.kanvasbeauty.com ; 1123 Thomasville Road)
- Also in Midtown, Goodwood Museum & Gardens (850-877-4202; www.goodwoodmuseum.org ; 1600 Miccosukee Road) is a lovely oasis to enjoy heirloom gardens, tour a magnificent historic plantation home or enjoy a light lunch.
- On the north side of town, Maclay Gardens State Park (850-487-4556; www.floridastateparks/maclaygardens; 3540 Thomasville Road) offers a variety of activities and is a wonderful respite from the Capitol hustle and bustle.
3-4 HOURS:
- Heading south to the coast, Wakulla Springs State Park (465 Wakulla Park Drive; www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings )
- On the coast, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (850-925-6121; www.fws.gov/saintmarks/html ; 1200 Lighthouse Road) is world-renowned for its birding, butterflies, hiking, cycling, paddling, wildlife viewing and historic lighthouse.
Staying in town for the weekend? Check out the calendar of events at http://www.visittallahassee.com/events/. Come back in the Spring when Tallahassee blooms in vibrant colors and bring the family to enjoy a season of flowers, festivals, food and outdoor fun.
