by The Editors | April 30, 2016
Tallahassee: Your Arts and Entertainment Getaway, District by District
The surprising cultural finds in the capital city
Looking for a weekend getaway filled with gallery hopping, vintage treasure hunting and top-notch eats? Tallahassee might not be the first spot that pops to mind, but its artsy energy and cultural charism is undeniable at every corner. From mid-century design shops and live music lounges to pinball parlors and modern murals, the capital city surprises at every turn.
Midtown: A Hub of Eclectic Arts and Entertainment
Whether it’s a Florence Knoll sofa or a Haywood Wakefield end table or an Eames lounge chair, these and other highlights of curated mid century and other vintage furniture designs will catch your imagination at Rare Bird Interiors, whose spacious Sixth Avenue showroom is a museum-worthy marvel of elegant contours and bold color. Next door is Ology Brewing Co., where the hangout vibe of craft beer and distilling culture extends from morning coffee to evening social gatherings—including weekly jazz nights that are standing room only. Music also thrives at Fire Betty’s, with karaoke every Wednesday plus live local and touring bands, as well as comedians. Likewise located in the Manor@Midtown complex, the gallery launched by multi-faceted artist Paul Tamanian displays his impressive paintings, which utilize mixed media on aluminum, as well as works by other artists. Across Thomasville Road is the Midtown Reader, which hosts multiple readings and conversations with local and national authors each month. The independent bookstore is set to expand its space for more books and bigger events. A creative menu also is a work of art at Black Radish, a stellar culinary showcase for (mostly) vegetarian dishes with an open kitchen layout that makes a whole show unto itself.
Market District: Curated Shopping Meets Unique Experiences
Discover an array of shopping and dining options on and around Market Street, off Thomasville Road on Tallahassee’s northside, with more than 100 retailers and restaurants. Check out the beguiling variety of goods on display at Hearth & Soul, a charming boutique where selections range from creative gift items to home furnishings to the latest in women’s and men’s clothing styles. Step into local history at Nic’s Toggery, for 75 years a family owned and operated mecca for men’s fashion, founded in 1950 by its namesake, Nic Gavalas. Reward your inner child (or an actual kid) at Lofty Pursuits, where a vintage-style soda fountain meets toy store meets candy shop. Grab a scoop of Cherry Oblivion or Salty Turtle and look on as the staff makes hard candies you can take home and enjoy or eat on the spot. For grown-up culinary cravings, visit the newly opened Connor’s Steak & Seafood, where surf-and-turf classics highlight the menu in an elegant dining room, adorned with paintings by Tallahassee nature artist Dean Gioia. Order a ribeye, Tomahawk pork chop or “Isle of Shellfish” and tuck in. Nearby, Sage is a city favorite, where prize-winning chef Terry White has been satisfying diners with his new American cuisine for two decades.
Railroad Square Art District: The City’s Artistic Core
For decades now, Railroad Square has been the artistic heart of Tallahassee, its assortment of studios and warehouses serving as a community magnet between the campuses of Florida A&M and Florida State Universities. The monthly First Friday celebration is a city tradition, but there’s always a discovery awaiting visitors to various shops and galleries, adorned with vivid murals and full of handcrafted items, artworks and all kinds of curious finds—along with the artists who make them. Venues like 621 Gallery host frequent exhibits with spirited opening receptions, fashion shows, live music events and parties. Cap City Video Lounge not only is one of the region’s few active video/DVD rental stores (with a massive array of movies), its screening room is available for private rentals and events. Visit Fat Cat Books to browse thrift literature and pet (or maybe adopt) a rescue kitten. Or drop by Flippin’ Great Pinball to try your luck at one of 70 vintage pinball machines and arcade games. Don’t fret if you work up an appetite: Food vendors abound, including two spots – Pineappetit and Halisiafrica – recently featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” show on the Food Network.
Southside: Tallahassee’s Dynamic District
A burgeoning nightlife and recreation zone just south of the state capitol, the Southside boasts a civic gem in Cascades Park, home to the Adderley Amphitheater (named in honor of hometown jazz heroes, Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and Nathaniel “Nat” Adderley). Recent concerts to light up the stage under the stars include Alison Krauss and Union Station, Wilco, and—as part of the annual Word of South festival—Tallahassee’s own George Clinton. Art and dining destinations are close by at SoMo Walls (which takes its cue from Miami’s celebrated Wynwood Walls), a showcase for local and visiting artists whose murals are on rotating display. The Monroe anchors the complex with high-end dining, fancy cocktails and a lively ambiance ideal for socializing with friends old and new. Walls Distilling creates high-quality, homegrown spirits that use locally sourced ingredients with an expert touch.
From lauded chefs to offbeat art nooks, Tallahassee is buzzing with its own distinct cultural vibrancy fueled by a thriving community of local talent. Whether you’re in it for the food, finds or festivals, there’s a neighborhood ready to charm you.
