By Abby Cloud | Photo: Jonah’s Fish & Grits
Tallahassee is home to a wide variety of businesses, restaurants, shops, and community events that many residents take advantage of. However, we are all familiar with those days where we’re yearning for something new to see or do. Fortunately, Tallahassee has a few neighboring towns and cities that provide new and exciting experiences, all within driving distance. Here are some ideas for your next adventure outside of the Capital City.
Bainbridge, Georgia — Just over an hour north of Tallahassee is a sweet, southern Georgia town. Its downtown district offers locally-owned businesses, such as the Bean Cafe, which specializes in simple sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream, and The American, another restaurant downtown, which is a patriotic and charming dining option with a traditional, American-style menu. You can watch a show at Bainbridge Little Theatre, visit the Decatur County History Museum, or take a stroll through their downtown park, Willis Park.
Cast iron skillet cornbread at The American | Photo: The American “Almond joy” drink from The Bean Cafe | Photo: The Bean Cafe Willis Park | Photo: City of Bainbridge, GA
Thomasville, Georgia — Thomasville is just under an hour north of Tallahassee and is home to a south Georgia charm you must experience. With a picture-perfect downtown area, you can stop by the numerous popular local shops and restaurants. Popular spots include Jonah’s Fish & Grits, Grassroots Coffee, and Pebble Hill Plantation.
Pebble Hill Plantation main house | Photo: Pebble Hill Plantation Shrimp, hush puppy, and fry platter from Jonah’s | Photo: Jonah’s Fish & Grits Breakfast at Grassroots Coffee Company | Photo: Grassroots Coffee Company
Havana, Florida — Only a few minutes north of Tallahassee, Havana is a town that is rich in history and charm. Havana’s downtown area is home to numerous local shops, such as Wanderings, an eclectic decor shop that specialize in antiques and other specialty items, and eateries like Oscar’s, an authentic Italian restaurant, and Havana Eatery, which serves yummy American classics. From the moment you drive into the town, you begin to experience the allure of Havana’s murals found on many buildings. Its downtown district is extremely picturesque and serves as the perfect backdrop for dining or shopping in this Florida town.
Coastal home decor from Wanderings | Photo: Wanderings 3 cheese pepperoni with reduced balsamic vinaigrette from Oscar’s | Photo: The Shoppes at Havana Trading Company Chicken and lemon meal from Havana Eatery | Photo: Havana Eatery
Wakulla, Florida — This small town is just east of Crawfordville and has lots to offer its visitors. One major attraction in Wakulla is Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, which features a spring and park full of history, and The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, which offers delicious dining options. Wakulla is also on the Big Bend Scenic Highway, where you can drive down and experience all the natural beauty of North Florida.
Manatee sighting at Wakulla Springs | Photo: Northwest Florida Water Management District Wakulla River | Photo: Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park Vegetable lasagna from The Lodge at Wakulla Springs | Photo: The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
Apalachicola, Florida — This Florida town on the Panhandle is home to delectable seafood, beautiful ocean views, and a variety of attractions. Each year, Apalachicola hosts the Florida Seafood Festival, which is a two-day event that highlights seafood in this seaside community. As for the town’s history, there is the Fort Gadsen Historic Site and the John Gorrie Museum State Park to tour.
Fort Gadsen Historic Site | Photo: Florida’s Forgotten Coast John Gorrie Museum | Photo: Florida State Parks Oysters at the Florida Seafood Festival | Photo: Visit Florida
Quincy, Florida — Located west of Tallahassee, Quincy may seem small, but it holds lots of history. You can catch a play or musical at the Quincy Music Theatre, or visit the Gadsden Arts Center, an art museum that exhibits local artists and hosts many programs for the community. Make sure to grab a bite at Damfino’s Cafe & Market, which offers fresh, locally-sourced, and seasonal meals.
Kitchen Sink sandwich on house-made English muffins from Damfino’s | Photo: Damfino’s Cafe & Market Performance of Cats at the Quincy Music Theatre | Photo: Quincy Music Theatre Local art for sale at the Gadsen Arts Center & Museum | Photo: Gadsen Arts Center & Museum
Thanks Bobby
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