Forget what you know about Florida. As I learned on a recent visit to Tallahassee, the Sunshine State's capital is the other side of Florida and I don't mean just geographically. Twenty miles south of the Georgia border, this isn't where families go to hit the sand and surf or to visit one of the state's famous town-sized amusement parks. Instead, Tallahassee is a vibrant college-city packed with outdoor adventures, nature and wildlife, art and culture and great eats.
Tallahassee is a perfect weekend getaway (or mid-point break on a trip to Orlando, Tampa or Miami) with something for everyone: Spanish colonial and American Civil War history can be found at every turn, kayaking, hiking, fishing and cycling beckon the outdoor enthusiasts, and critters like alligators and manatee can be spotted in their natural habitats. Plus, there are a couple of cool things you can only see in "Tally" such as the spot where Hollywood filmed the 1950s sci-fi flick Creature from the Black Lagoon and a graveyard full of early generation, rusting Ford trucks.
Read on to find out what else there is to do on a Tallahassee family vacation.