Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
FSU | Life

You’re Finally Free: What to Do in Tally After Finals

Marie Gomez Student Contributor, Florida State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The “war” is over, and the exhausting finals season has come to an end. Say goodbye to late-night cram sessions, hand cramping from endless notetaking, and 50 tabs splattered across your computer screen.

With the semester ending and summer arriving, it’s finally time to relax. You may still have to pack up your dorm or apartment, but after all that responsibility, above all else, you should celebrate yourself. Here are a few spots in Tallahassee to relax, dine, and have a good time after your finals are over:

Visit Lake Elberta Park

Lake Elberta Park offers a stunning, beautiful natural spot located near campus. Perfect for outdoor adventures and unwinding, it has trails, a playground, and plenty of open space. It’s accessible and packed with amenities, so grab a blanket, lie down, touch some grass, take a nap, and enjoy some sunshine! You can take in the scenery, read a book, invite a few of your close friends, or have a picnic.

I’d suggest a relaxing activity, such as bird-watching, since it doesn’t require much movement — you’re only observing and listening to the birds. If you’re looking to simply soak up the outdoors and decompress, then Lake Elberta Park might be the ideal outing for you.

dine at Madison Social

Your stomach is grumbling after that two-hour math exam, and you don’t want to eat on campus. Head right over to Madison Social, the premium post-finals hangout. Located in the front part of College Town and close to FSU, it’s known for its lively energy, popular dining options, and pub-style vibe.

Their hours of operation fluctuate throughout the week, but it’s still worth the time. Whether you’re out with friends or flying solo, enjoy either indoor or outdoor patio seating. Let the vibrant sound of laughter and TV noise sink in.

Dive into the delicious food servings with refreshing beverages, all while celebrating the semester’s end. If you’re craving a nightlife filled with high energy, appetizers, and social gatherings, then Madison Social is calling your name.

shop at Real Cool Time Records

For a dose of fun and entertainment, check out Real Cool Time Records. As a haven for all music lovers, they’re open noon to 6 p.m. daily. This eccentric atmosphere has a wide selection of music genres, ranging from rock to classical, but it doesn’t stop with CDs and vinyls; they sell tech, comic books, posters, clothes, and shoes.

Not only do they sell a mix of collectibles and merchandise, but you can trade Long Plays (LPs) and Extended Plays (EPs) along with tapes. Sometimes the store hosts live music events with local bands, so you might get a chance to experience a performance.

With the welcoming staff and vintage music scenery, I don’t think anyone would pass up the chance to go. Bring a group of friends, sit back, and just listen to your favorite records. I’m excited to go visit after finals are over.

It’s been a long semester, especially with the weight of finals taking over. At least, after all the hard work and dedication that you’ve put into studying, you get to go have some fun. Tallahassee is the place to enjoy and indulge in your favorite activities and hobbies.

Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest!

Marie Gomez is a staff writer for the Her Campus at FSU chapter, where she crafts compelling content for the online magazine. This is her first semester in HCFSU.

Before her role at Her Campus, Marie was featured in The Hechinger Report, a respected nonprofit educational newsroom. Her article detailed her transformative experience with dual enrollment at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, during her junior and senior years of high school. She shared how this journey was more rewarding than traditional AP courses and offered suggestions for enhancing the program for future students seeking similar paths. Currently, Marie is a junior/first year in college at Florida State University, pursuing a major in Media Communication Studies with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism and a certificate in Special Events.

In her free time, Marie is a playlist enthusiast, managing over 75 playlists on Spotify. She loves working out while listening to her favorite podcast, Call Her Daddy. An avid reader, she adores romance novels and the enemies-to-lovers genre. You’ll often find her creating, editing, and sharing videos, or browsing Pinterest, pinning everything that catches her eye.