This mini travel guide will assist residents and travelers to Florida’s capital city in finding things to do near Tallahassee.
North of Tallahassee: Antiquing in Havana
A tobacco growing community during the turn of the twentieth century, Havana is now recognized for its Southern hospitality and antiquing. Former warehouses have been converted into antique shops, galleries and cafés. Cindy’s Chepaux has vintage clothing and other classic accessories. (213 NW 1st Street; Telephone: (850) 752-4566). Light N Up Art Co-op & Studios showcases jewelry, paintings and pottery by local artists. (208 NW. 1st Street; Telephone: (850) 539-0006).
Directions from Tallahassee: Located less than 30 minutes, follow U.S. 27 north.
South of Tallahassee: Oyster-Rich Apalachicola
The coastal community of Apalachicola is just like the town’s famous oysters. At first sight, it’s a little rugged on the outside but embrace Apalachicola’s mariner ambience and it’s easy to find the pearl inside.
Once a busy port, oystering and shrimping are still important Apalachicola industries. Walk and discover coastal chic boutiques, funky shops and galleries. The Apalachicola Sponge Company (16 Avenue East; Telephone: (850) 653-3550) sells Apalachicola Bay sponges. The Bay’s sea sponge beds have opened to harvesting after being closed for at least 75 years so these sponges are true treasures. Savor Apalachicola Bay oysters at Boss Oyster. (123 Water Street; Telephone: (850) 653-9364)
Directions from Tallahassee: Follow U.S. 319/U.S. 98 south and southwest for 90 minutes. Stop in Carrabelle to see the World’s Smallest Police Station.
East of Tallahassee: Ghost Hunting and Wine Tasting in Monticello
Monticello was named the South’s Most Haunted Town in 2003 by ABC News for the town’s concentration of ghosts. The Monticello Chamber of Commerce has a free, self-guided walking guide of the quaint historic district and neighborhood. It’s a historical journey through the town’s pre and post Civil War history. Begin the Monticello walking tour at the chamber, which is located in an early 1900s Catholic church.
Buildings aren’t indicated as haunted on the map but look for the 1872 John Denham House Bed and Breakfast on West Palmer Mill Road and the Monticello Opera House. These are a couple of Monticello’s many ghost-inhabited buildings.
Big Bend Ghost Trackers is a ghost hunting group offering ghost walking tours through Monticello. Most ghost walks are conducted around Halloween but private walks can be arranged and ghost hunting workshops are offered throughout the year. (Telephone: (850) 562-2516).
Taste the dry white and red wines made from handpicked sweet, organic muscadine grapes at Monticello Vineyards & Winery at Ladybird Organics. Wine tastings are Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by appointment. During September and October, visitors can pick muscadines. (1211 Waukeenah Highway; Telephone: (850) 294-9463)
Directions from Tallahassee: Travel about 30 minutes eastbound either on scenic Highway 90 or Interstate 10.
West of Tallahassee: Caving in Marianna
Florida’s only air-filled (not water-filled) cave open to the public for touring is in Florida Caverns State Park. State park rangers lead 45-minute tours into the park’s primary cave, Florida Cavern. Bring a flashlight to spot brown fuzzy things on the walls, most likely Eastern pipistrelle bats.
Florida Cavern’s 65 degree Fahrenheit year-round temperature makes it a refreshing escape during hot and humid Florida summers. The park is open daily and tours are given daily except on major holidays. The park entrance fee is $4 per vehicle and adult tour prices are $8. (3345 Caverns Road; Telephone: (850) 482-9598, Cave Tour Information: (850) 482-9599)
Directions from Tallahassee: Located 90 minutes away, head west on Interstate 10 to the Marianna exit (#142). The park is three miles north of Marianna on S.R. 166 and located in the Central Standard Time Zone.
No matter which direction, there are many interesting things to do near Tallahassee. Traveling to Tallahassee? Related articles include Ecotourism Travel to Wakulla, Free Things to Do in Tallahassee and Guide to Trashy Tallahassee.
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