Welcome Home To Tallahassee

Among low, rolling hills, down moss-draped canopy roads, within picturesque historical districts, and across seas of flowering azaleas lies a magical part of the sunshine state-Tallahassee, Florida's capital city. With its intriguing combination of power-play politics and classic character splashed with a twist of southern beauty and charm, Tallahassee is a side of Florida few expect to find.

Boasting more than 145 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tallahassee is a living showcase of Florida history and heritage. The crowning jewel of Florida's historic "Capitol Hill" is the Old Capitol, beautifully restored to its 1902 splendor complete with the red-and-white striped awnings, a dome adorned with stained glass, antique furnishings and political memorabilia. The 22nd floor observatory of the New Capitol Building offers a breathtaking view of this surprising Southern city, awash in flowering azaleas, snowy dogwoods, towering pines, fragrant magnolias, and hundreds of lakes, springs, swamps, rivers and sink holes.

The 40 foot tall U.S. Flag is suspended between twin granite towers inscribed with the names of Florida's Vietnam War casualties and soldiers missing in action. Located across from the old capitol in Downtown, Tallahassee.

Charming downtown historic districts graced with lush linear parks lead visitors to the Knott House Museum, The Columns, First Presbyterian Church, John G. Riley House Museum and Old City Cemetery. Free walking tours and replica turn-of-the-century street cars carry passengers to antebellum mansions, picturesque churches and other downtown delights.

Minutes from downtown lies the lush 52-acre natural habitat and 1880s farm of the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science, home to the rare Florida panther and other furry "natives".

The area surrounding Tallahassee reveals numerous other historic and archaeological treasures, such as De Soto Archaeological and Historical site, Mission San Luis, Natural Bridge Battlefield and San Marcos de Apalache. Visitors can explore prehistoric Florida at the Museum of Florida History, where they are greeted by a giant 12,000-year-old mastodon pulled from nearby Wakulla Springs.

On the shores of Wakulla Springs, alligators still laze under the watchful eyes of "snake birds" perched on twisted cypress trees. The site of many underwater scenes in "Tarzan" movies, it's one of the world's deepest freshwater springs. Glass-bottomed boat tours across these mystical waters are available.

The Alfred B Maclay gardens, donated to the state in 1953, is a masterful collection of floral architecture. Peak blooming begins in December and continues through April. The bricked walkway takes visitors through the gardens to the Maclay House.

Other sightseeing favorites include the floral masterpiece of Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens; Bradley's Country Store; FAMU Black Archives; and the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum. Nearby small towns offer fascinating excursions to places such as Pebble Hill Plantation, Florida Caverns State Park, Monticello Opera House and St. George Island.

Tallahassee is almost as rich in cultural treasures as it is in history. A widely-acclaimed collection of art, science and history museums and galleries, year-round festivals and non-stop entertainment at the 14,000-seat Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, feed a variety of cultural appetites.

Visitors with hunger for the great outdoors will find Tallahassee ideal for all types of outdoor recreation-from canoeing down dark, cypress-lined rivers and biking up steep slopes to exploring backcountry wildernesses and hunting bobwhite quail. Area lakes, rivers, ponds, and the gulf-just 30 minutes away-offer a paradise for boating and fishing. Lakes Jackson and Talquin are renowned in the bass fishing world for yielding the "big ones". Local wildlife areas, such as the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Apalachicola National Forest, are perfect spots for camping, picnicking, swimming, biking and exploring.

Tallahassee and Leon County protect over 65 miles of canopy roads, and in 1996, these roads won acclaim as among the nation's top 10 most scenic drives. One of the more impressive, continual stretches of canopy occurs along the Miccosukee Road. In 1998 over six miles of land fronting this road was acquired by the state for a public greenway and county park.

And while Tallahassee also features eight golf courses and plenty of places to raise a racquet, it's a wild array of spectator sports that leave the crowds screaming for more. The Florida State Seminoles and Florida A&M Rattlers provide collegiate action, with three professional and one minor league team providing fast-action hockey, soccer and football. And always a sure bet are the nearby greyhound races.

For another favorite "sport" - shopping - two large regional malls and many specialty centers offer an array of "playing options", from popular chains to curiosity and antique shops". Unique shopping locales include downtown parks, lakeside cottages and small Southern towns.

Tallahassee serves a scrumptious selection of tantalizing restaurants ranging from fast food to five-star. Local specialties include homemade country sausage, melt-in-your-mouth steaks, wild game and succulent seafood fresh from the gulf.

From luxury to economy, accommodations are plentiful and include restored bed and breakfasts, rustic "gentlemen" lodges, beachside escapes and comfortable chain hotels. For those who choose to follow in the footsteps of early travelers, Tallahassee also boasts 15 beautiful campsites. Continuous air service, Amtrak and four major highways make it easy for visitors to get to Tallahassee. But no matter how you arrive, the history and hospitality of Tallahassee make it difficult to ever leave for long.

Everything you expect from a bank. And more.
Tallahassee State Bank
info@talstatebank.com
(850) 576-1182