Flamingo Trail Guide to Biking Tallahassee
If you’re planning a bike trip to Florida’s capital, here’s a trail-by-trail guide of what to do pre- and post-ride.
RED BUG, LAKE OVERSTREET, MICCOSUKEE GREENWAY TRAILS
GORDOS: Cuban cuisine with a lively atmosphere
MOMO’S PIZZA: Signature pies with a slogan of “slices as big as your head”
GROVE MARKET CAFÉ: Breakfast and lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options
DEEP BREWING CO.: Craft beer and local food trucks
SAGE: Upscale dining from a winner of Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award
HIGHER GROUND BICYCLE CO.: Steps away from top trails, organizer of a Tuesday night group ride
FERN, MAGNOLIA, LAFAYETTE HERITAGE, CADILLAC, J.R. ALFORD GREENWAY TRAILS
LUCKY GOAT COFFEE AND REDEYE COFFEE: Favorite local roasters for a pre-ride caffeine fix
FLORIDA WING FACTORY: Known for stuffing wings with bacon and cheese, jambalaya and mac and cheese
AZU LUCY HO’S: Serving Asian dishes in Tally for four decades
GREAT BICYCLE SHOP: A neighborhood Tallahassee shop since ’72
ST. MARKS, MUNSON, CASCADES TRAILS
MADISON SOCIAL: An energetic bar and restaurant on the corner of FSU’s campus
SHELL OYSTER: A Tallahassee classic, cash-only hole in the wall
PROOF BREWING CO.: Craft brewery with outdoor beer garden ideal for post-ride beers
EL COCINERO: Cool atmosphere with creative tacos and tequila
UNIVERSITY CYCLES OF TALLAHASSEE: A full-service shop located near FSU’s campus
TALLAHASSEE AREA BIKE EVENTS
Urban Gorilla // Feb. 2
For two decades now, mountain bikers have gathered on Super Bowl Sunday to bomb the city’s trails. The ride begins around 9 a.m. at City Hall and continues for sometimes as much as 70 miles, with riders dropping off and joining in along the way. Few make the whole trip, but those who do will get to sample many of the city’s trails.
Dirty Pecan // March 7
The Dirty Pecan gravel ride will slice routes of 60 to 150 miles along mostly clay roads through plantations and farmland. Organized by Jefferson County Commissioner Betsy Barfield, it’s unsupported, meaning riders bring everything they need. As the event organizers explain, “If you need a juice box and a hug every 20 miles, this is not the ride for you, please stay home.”
Tallahassee Trail Festival // March 20–22
The first-year event unfolds with a series of group rides, local beer and camping in an effort to showcase “the full monty of Tallahassee.” Find tickets and more info on Eventbrite.
Read the story of how Florida’s capital became a cycling and hiking Mecca.
WHERE TO STAY IN TALLAHASSEE
THE PARK AVENUE INN
Construction began on the historic mansion that holds the Park Avenue Inn in 1837, and five generations of the Chittenden family have owned it since. Kate Bruner took over as manager in 2015 and gave the home a facelift; it’s now full of furnishings exuding Southern charm. Bikes can be stored on the patio out back, and it’s just a short, mostly downhill ride to the Cascades Trail.
