Tallahassee can be an overwhelming place at first glance. Luckily, Florida State University (FSU) tours help visitors to see many of the classic on-campus spots and landmarks. There’s nothing quite like seeing places such as Westcott Fountain, Landis Green and the Student Union for the first time to make you fall in love with the beauty of our campus. While these are of course iconic locations that are a must-see when deciding if FSU could be your future home, there are some other places around Tallahassee that campus tours don’t cover and I think might just be the icing on the cake. From the vivid art district to the cozy corners of Midtown, here are some spots in Tallahassee that I think are essential to see when coming into town for the first time.
1. Barefoot Campus Outfitters
If you’re looking for unique, trendy Florida State merchandise that will keep you repping the school and staying stylish all in one, this is the place for you. Barefoot Campus Outfitters is located right in between other Tally staples, Tin Lizzy’s and Little Masa on Madison Street in Collegetown. They are most well-known for their super fun, custom-made tailgate apparel that offers designs and styles that no other merchandise store in town has. If you’re more of a classic logo person, they also offer a large selection of traditional-style shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, hats, and just about everything in between. If you are coming into town for a tour or orientation, make sure to ask if they have any specials going on, as they occasionally run specials with free or discounted merch for new students and families!
2. Railroad Square Craft House
If you consider yourself a relatively artsy person or seek out that kind of environment, Railroad Square Craft House is a stop you need to add to your Tally itinerary. This is one of the first places I visited when I toured FSU, and I still remember how much it made me want to come back and go again. Located in the heart of the art district, the Craft House is an aesthetically pleasing, lively, and yummy restaurant that has something for everyone. If you find yourself there in the evening, there’s a good chance you’ll get to see one of our many local Tallahassee bands bringing energy and music to the outdoor dining experience. After you’re done eating, take a walk around the beautiful Railroad Square art district that surrounds the restaurant, and pop into the locally owned stores and businesses to see all the unique products they have to offer!
3. Cascades Park
This location is absolutely for nature lovers! Cascades Park is a beautiful park with rolling hills and open green located just a few minutes away from campus. Whether you’re going there for a picnic date, the breathtaking views at sunset, or just a fun day spent outside with friends, Cascades is a top spot to get your fix of the outdoors. If you get hungry while there or are scouting out a nice dinner and walk combo, The Edison is a beautiful restaurant located right on the outskirts of the park that overlooks the greenery. Going there on a Sunday? Grab some mimosas and brunch from The Edison and then take a Sunday stroll around the lake at the heart of the park.
4. Midtown
There’s nothing like the duality of a cute little town tucked away in the middle of a city. Sitting about a 10-minute drive from the campus area, Midtown is a quaint town jam-packed with fun shops, restaurants, and businesses that will fill your heart and give you a taste of Tallahassee outside of the college-centered environment. There’s something for everyone there, from Midtown Reader to Red Eye Coffee to Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar; Midtown will help you make memories that will keep you wanting to come back and make more. If you need a break from exploring all the fun shops, take a stroll at Lafayette Park and experience the beautiful hiking trails away from the hustle and bustle.
5. Tally Cat Cafe
Animal lovers, you’re going to like this one! Tally Cat Cafe has become quite the Tally staple over the years and is sure to give you an experience you will never forget when visiting. Head on over and enjoy the delicious coffee and wine it has to offer while getting to play with the cutest kitties in town. The best part—all the cats are up for adoption! So, if you fall in love with a furry friend over your beverage or know anyone looking to adopt, the cats are always looking for loving owners to take them home. If that’s not in the cards for you when you go, that’s perfectly ok too! You get to make a new four-legged friend and play with them as long as you’d like during your visit.
With these 5 places on your to-do list for your Tallahassee visit, you’ll not only get a well-rounded experience of all the town has to offer but you’d also be able to get a vibe of how your life would look as an FSU student. While Tally is a very college-centered town, it’s always fun to explore the surrounding attractions and areas on campus to get a feel for what there is to do outside of just campus life. Tallahassee has become home to thousands of students over the years, so start planning your trip and come experience the simulation!
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