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Destination

At first glance, Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, does not look like Florida.  There are no beaches.  It’s closer to Atlanta, GA than to Miami.  People walk around in business suits, not bikinis.  Tallahassee’s slogan “Florida with a Southern Accent” rings true.  Tallahassee is an appealing mix of Deep South history and present business and politics in Florida.

Before exploring downtown Tallahassee, you can stop by the Welcome Center at the Florida State Capitol for the scoop on current happenings and to visit the 22nd-floor observatory which offers panoramic views of Tallahassee.  You can also catch a glimpse of government in action at the House and Senate viewing galleries.  Nearby, the R. A. Gray Building houses the Museum of Florida History, State Library, State Archives, Arts and Learning Gallery.  Steps away, the Old Capitol is home to the Florida Center of Political History and restored historic House and Senate Chambers, the Florida Supreme Court and Governor’s suite.  The Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science offers three floors of hands-on exhibits and the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee aerospace museum features a state-of the-art mission control center, simulators, IMAX theatre, and high-definition planetarium.

There’s plenty to do for the entire family in Tallahassee, since day trips around the Tallahassee area offer numerous entertaining options.  Although Tallahassee is landlocked, it sits mid-state between the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast and the Gulf of Mexico on the northwest coast, and is only a short drive for a day at the beach.  America’s largest number of Old South plantations lie between Tallahassee and Thomasville, GA.  There are 71 plantations in the 28-mile area.  Wakulla Springs State Park has one of the world’s largest and deepest fresh water springs, guided river boat tours, and 3,000 acres of pristine forest for hiking and camping.  The Leon County Geological Sinkhole Trail and Gumswamp Trail demonstrate the power of Mother Nature.  The limestone terrain is shaped and undermined by rain and groundwater forming crater-like depressions called sinkholes that range from small pits to depressions large enough to swallow entire homes and businesses.  This is a perfect environment for the KARST08 Conference.  You can also stop and admire 300 acres of gardens with over 200 varieties at Maclay State Gardens, or go on a quest for treasures at Florida’s antiquing center, Havana.