Congrats! You’re graduating… now what?! The season where graduation pictures fill news feeds and everyone starts catching senioritis, the season where you feel like you have to do everything and anything before you graduate and head towards “the real world” and the season where everything hits you – all at once.
I know that most of us have been longing for this day since the minute we step foot on Florida State’s campus, but as your time inches closer and closer, you start to feel nostalgic about the past four brick-covered years you’ve spent at Florida State University.
Don’t worry, though. I’ve compiled a list of five MUST DO’S you absolutely have to do and see before you walk across that stage.
1. Go to First Friday – trust me, it’s an experience
Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
It’s Tallahassee’s own version of Wynwood – First Friday. Every first Friday of the month, the Tallahassee art, entertainment and food communities come together to display their treasured works and delicious treats – all for Tallahassians to enjoy. Stop by Railroad Square Art Park every first Friday to experience unique art, delicious food truck food, thrift stores and even catch some shows – it’s a Tallahassee night you won’t forget!
2. Explore Cascades Park
Courtesy: Visit Florida
Located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, Cascades Park offers a variety of events and entertainment in one venue, bringing together arts, Tallahassee culture, education, history and wellness. Cascades Park offers a variety of outdoor and recreational amenities, including a state-of-the-art amphitheater, an interactive water fountain, a children’s play area and miles of trails. It’s the perfect study-date, coffee break, and jog trail with beautiful scenery! Take your next picnic, sit on the grass, have some coffee and enjoy the Tallahassee air at Cascades Park before graduation.
3. Eat at Food Truck Thursday
Courtesy: Facebook
Food Truck Thursday, an official event of the Tallahassee Food Truck Association and the Lake Ella Merchants Association, features a local band and a variety of food-truck foods every Thursday. They only ask one thing of you – come hungry! With food ranging from Puerto Rican, Mexican, BBQ, American and others, you’ll definitely remember the array of Tallahassee food-tastings at Food Truck Thursday. Bring your dogs, coolers and come to hang out on the green space behind the cottages at Lake Ella.
4. Explore the several museums in Tallahassee
Courtesy: Visit Tallahassee
For all you history-nuts, Tallahassee has an array of museums for all to explore. Starting with the Tallahassee Museum, a 52-acre outdoor Museum located on Lake Bradford, guests can discover Florida’s story on history, wildlife and cultural heritage. The Tallahassee Museum is also home to the internationally acclaimed exhibit, Jim Gary’s Twentieth Century Dinosaurs, and a zip-line for all outdoor-lovers. Tallahassee is also home to the Florida Museum of Natural History, with many exciting exhibits such as South Florida People & Environments, Northwest Florida: Waterways & Wildlife, Florida Fossils and many more. Explore the history of Florida and the wonders of Florida’s nature at this one-of-a-kind museum!
5. Work out at Leach, watch a movie at the ASLC, and explore many more options at FSU!
Courtesy: FSU Legacy Walk
There are many Florida State traditions you must do before graduating – starting with the traditional jump in the fountain at 21, watching movie at the ASLC, experiencing homecoming with the homecoming parade and Doak After Dark, working out at the amazing 3-floor Leach, leaving home early from Thanksgiving break to watch a UF vs. FSU rivalry game and many, many, MANY more.
Don’t be afraid to walk around campus and discover all there is to see at Florida State.
Soak it all in. Because the time will come where you won’t be able to anymore – do it all while you can!