Tallahassee

Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida, but it is really a rather sleepy, relaxed town in comparison to its counterparts (Miami, Key West, St. Petersburg, Orlando, etc). This city is very much focused on politics and administration, so although there are pockets of nightlife and activities, this isn’t a city to necessarily vacation. Florida’s conservative politicians live in the vicinity of Tallahassee, and although there are people in the LGBT community living here, their numbers are few and their influence is stifled.

Having said that, the residential LGBT community is growing and although most politicians in Tallahassee don’t want to admit it, the LGBT community is gaining acceptance and tolerance on the street level with the everyday people of Tallahassee. Nearby Florida State University is doing more than its share of building tolerance, for they have several prominent LGBT related clubs on campus. While this city doesn’t roll out the welcome wagon per se, harassment is on a definite decline and is pretty rare nowadays. If you are looking for a lesbian or gay vacation, this is probably not the city you want to spend your vacation.

However, Tallahassee is located in the central portion of the panhandle, so if you are heading to the Emerald Coast, it is easy to pass through Tallahassee; we can definitely recommend a day/half day trip to the state capital. Long before Tallahassee was the state capital, it served as the main city (called Anhaica) of the original residents, the Apalachee. The conquistador Hernando De Soto conquered and decimated the residents of this city around Christmas time in 1539. When Florida became a state, Tallahassee was ostensibly named the capital because it was situated between the two major cities of the time, Pensacola and St. Augustine. To this day, daily tours are available of the Senate, the old Supreme Court, House of Representatives, and the Governors Office. These buildings are interesting if you are a history buff or interested in states rights and politics; otherwise, it may seem a bit boring.

Tallahassee has many museums and nature parks though. Startling displays at the Black Archives Research Center help Florida come to terms with its segregated and at times violent past. The museum itself is not very large, so the displays are constantly rotated. Some constant fixtures: a black leg chain used on a 17th century slave ship, notes from the battle of Olustee, and leaflets published and distributed by the Ku Klux Klan. This museum does an excellent job of accurately, and brutally honestly, describing the past.

Some of the natural attractions include St. George Island State Park, Ocholockonee River State Park, Fallings Water State Recreational Area (with views of a stunning waterfall, which is very rare since most of Florida is barely above sea level), Apalachicola National Forest (remember, palm trees are relatively rare in this section of Florida, but Oaks and Spanish Moss are abundant), and Three Rivers State Recreation Area.

Tallahassee also has many golfing, tennis, horseback riding, and boating opportunities. The great outdoors plays an important figure in Tallahassee life, so it is fitting that there are so many recreation parks surrounding the city.

The nightlife is decent, and many bars cater to the large university crowd. The nightlife runs the gamut from bargain prices to upscale, very exclusive parties. We have listed places to dine, party, and sleep on our “Places to Eat”, “Things to Do”, and “Places to Stay” options on our homepage.

Florida Tourists Guide - Tallahassee GLBT