Historic Photos of Tallahassee

For those interested in the cultural roots of Tallahassee, October is quite an exciting month!

Historian and author Andrew Edel recently published Historic Photos of Tallahassee, which chronicles two centuries of Florida's capital city, from it's founding around 1824 to the present. Text is sparse, but generally unnecessary, as the photos tell their own stories. Most of the images have been pulled from various archives and presented more or less chronologically. As a non-native -- I'm from Orlando -- I have a hard time appreciating details that Tallahassee natives (and history buffs) will surely find fascinating. The city has a lot of history waiting to be discovered.

Andrew Edel will be speaking and signing books on October 25, at 7:00pm in the Knott House Museum. For anyone interested in history or in Tallahassee's roots, the museum is also hosting a Historic Architecture tour during the month of October, which is cheap and unique. Aside from that, the Tallahassee Visitor's Bureau also hosts a Historic Ghost tour during October that embarks at 6:00pm and explores architectural history and ghostly lore by twilight.

FSU Kaleidoscope Series

With an outstanding array of musicians, the Kaleidoscope Series of concerts at FSU is a wonderful - and cheap! - way to see, hear and generally experience chamber music. But with such a misleading name, I wonder if these concerts suffer low attendance. I'm sure that many Tallahassee natives are very familiar with Kaleidoscope and readily recognize it as the chamber music series, but for the 40,000 students at FSU who have the opportunity to enjoy free chamber music, it might be a little vague.

That being said, if you have any interest in classical music, you absolutely must try one of these concerts. Even if you find full orchestras to be somewhat boring, I can guarantee that chamber music is a different experience - much more personal and far more interesting.

These concerts are always held in Opperman Music Hall, which is a little out of the way if you've never been there and aren't familiar with that corner of the FSU campus. You can see it pretty well on the Beta version of the FSU Campus Map. Tickets can be bought at the door, and are always free for FSU students. For more information, like directions, updated times, season subscriptions, and anything else you may want to ask, call (850) 644-4774.

Tallahassee Democrats Event Listings

Tallahassee Democrat Event Calendar

Always I am finding new things to do in Tallahassee and new resources to find interesting activities. This is a rather obvious one that I overlooked, perhaps because the Democrat's website does not include a readily accessible link to the 'Events' section. The search feature takes a little effort to use, unless you know exactly what you're looking for, and unfortunately it's difficult to browse by category. It's a simple matter, though, to check out what's going on during a specific day. There's a surprising number of entries here, most (if not all) of which are not related to FSU or university life, which is very refreshing.

The Beta Bar

http://www.thebetabar.com/calendar.htm

As a venue I think that the Beta Bar is dirty and poorly planned, but it hosts some bands that are well worth the sacrifice. Notably, Band Marino (from Orland0), The Ums (Tallahassee natives) and Look Mexico (also Tallahassee natives) usually play shows at the Beta Bar. Check out their calendar for the full schedule of concerts, including some I might not have added to this blog's calendar.

Art-Bike Parade

http://art.fsu.edu/bike-power/

After creating bikes that are also works of arts and possibly dressing in costume, cyclists from around the Tallahassee area will ride a slow parade through Downtown to showcase their work. Afterward, there will be a free Bike Film Fest in Railroad Square and a Bike-Power exhibit at 621 Gallery. Ride your bike to the parade, the film fest and the gallery!

Tallahassee Film Society

http://www.tallahasseefilms.com/

This horribly rendered site has a schedule hidden in it of all the movies playing at independent venues in Tallahassee, including All-Saints Cinema and other small, obscure theaters. Definitely not for exclusive fans of mainstream movies.

Visit Tallahassee's Online Event Calendar

http://www.visittallahassee.com/events/tallahassee_leon_county/

Surprisingly, Leon County's Tallahassee Visitor's Guide has a very decent calendar of events. Unfortunately, it's all on one flat page, so you simply have to scroll down and browse, but it includes a lot of interesting art shows and events that are fairly well hidden, in addition to many that are highly advertised.

FSU Museum of Fine Arts

http://www.mofa.fsu.edu/
Just because it's small and unassuming doesn't mean it's boring. The exhibits that pass through this gallery are varied in both size and quality, but are always constant in one thing: They're interesting. From student work to famous work, MoFA is always worth a visit. Check the website or the calendar of events for the exhibit openings, when you can get free food and usually free wine, as well as meet the artists.

The Quincy Music Theatre

http://www.qmtonline.com/

Roughly 30 minutes away from Tallahassee is the small town of Quincy, where you'll find this theatre. If you like musicals, it's the place to go.

FSU School of Theatre

http://www.theatre.fsu.edu/pages/season/eventcal.html

It seems so obvious, yet I think it's probably often overlooked or bypassed by students. Check out the calendar and support the School of Theatre!

Tallahassee Little Theatre

http://www.tallahasseelittletheatre.org/

A small venue hidden on the side of Thomasville Road, the Tallahassee Little Theatre produces anything but little plays. Although the size is true to the name, the set design is wonderful, the atmosphere is friendly and the acting is certainly above average. I would highly recommend seeing something at this theatre during your time in Tallahassee.

Alfred B. Maclay State Park & Gardens

http://www.floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens/

Although I've never been to the recreational area of the park, I have visited the gardens and they are spectacular. During the winter, they look a bit shabby and udergroomed, but they are large and filled with a variety of gorgeous plants, winding brick trails and relaxing stopping points with chairs and benches. This is a popular spot for photography, but is great for gathering with friends, doing homework or just relaxing.

Some of the scenery at the Gardens: 1 2 3 4

Dorothy B. Oven Park

http://tlcgis6.co.leon.fl.us/website/Parks_SDE/Oven.htm

Tucked away among the suburban housing along Thomasville Road is a small but meticulously landscaped city park complete with a boardwalk overlooking a lake, a water feature surrounded by benches and a gazebo. It's a great place to walk, draw, read or do homework!

Element3

http://www.mye3.org/site/

An emerging youth group in Tallahassee, E3 offers a great way to meet new people.

Free Wi-Fi

A list of free Wi-Fi spots in Tallahassee, according to Wi-Fi Freespot.

All Saints Cafe - 903 Railroad Avenue - (850) 224 0805
Atlanta Bread Co. - Governor’s Square Blvd.
BagelHeads - 1935 Apalachee Pkwy - (850) 574-1122
Bagel Bagel Café - 2030 Apalachee Parkway - (850) 877-0111
Betton Hills Coffee & Tea - 2086-B Thomasville Rd. - 850-386-9800
Crispers Fresh Salads & Such - 1241 Apalachee Parkway - (850) 656-4222
Donut Connection - 1243 North Monroe St. - (850) 222-7995
Qdoba Mexican Grill - 1350 W Tennessee St. - 850-222-3334
Qdoba Mexican Grill - 2264 N. Monroe St - 850-421-3334
Qdoba Mexican Grill - 1594 Governors Square Blvd. - (850) 671-3334
Fast Trixx Powersports - 2386 Allen Road - 850-580-3278
FSU Campus
Tallahassee Progressive Center - 1720 S. Gadsden Street
Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library, Parkway Branch - 1210 Capital Cir Se - (850) 487-1926
The Coffee Pub, 1127-7 Thomasville Road, The Manor at Midtown - (850) 425-5701

Tom Brown Park

http://www.talgov.com/parks/tombrownpk.cfm

The largest park in the city of Tallahassee, Tom Brown Park is filled with trails, playgrounds, grassy fields and trees. If it's a beautiful day outside, don't just sit on Landis Green - go to Tom Brown Park!

First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, from 6-10pm, there's an explosion of culture at Railroad Square, when most of the galleries are open late and cheap wine abounds. Live music, belly dancing and community art are just some of the things you will encounter at the First Friday Gallery Hop. Lots of fun, especially with a group of friends.

Railroad Square

First Friday Destinations

More Than You Thought

http://www.morethanyouthought.com/

Maintained and sponsored by the Council On Culture & Arts (our tax money coming back to us???), this is a very comprehensive calendar of events in Tallahassee - perhaps TOO comprehensive. Since it's a community project, which means that anyone can add or edit an event, it's filled with a lot of very specific meetings and classes. It is, after all, free advertising: If you're planning a party or a concert, put it up here!

This site actually covers a lot of information and is VERY helpful. It's my first stop when searching for things to do here.

Railroad Square

http://www.railroadsquare.com/

Filled with art galleries and eclectic stores, this block of old and abused warehouses has been converted into a miniature cultural center. Don't let the physical size fool you - there are untold treasures in the depths of Railroad Square, like Tallahassee Rock Gym, Krank It Up and the Renaissance Cafe. It's a pretty quiet place during the day, but the first Friday of every month finds the one street filled with locals.

For a very basic map of the square and directions to it, check out the website.

621 Gallery

http://www.621gallery.com/

Located in Railroad Square this is one of the better known art galleries outside of the university. It's small but often displays student work and hosts some interesting shows. You can find a full schedule on their website.

The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science

http://www.thebrogan.org/

Unfortunately, MOAS has a horrible website with very small type, but don't be deterred. The "science" part probably won't offer much fun to anyone over 16, but there is an art gallery on the top floor and the museum hosts some interesting events like Buddhist monks building a mandala for world peace and The Florida Wine Festival.

Challenger Learning Center - IMAX & Planetarium

http://www.challengertlh.com/imax.aspx
http://www.challengertlh.com/planetarium.aspx

Yes, this is a learning center designed to teach children about science, but it also happens to house the only IMAX theater in the Tallahassee area as well as a good old-fashioned planetarium which offers shows like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon in addition to the usual starry night stuff. It's only $4.50 for students and $5 for adults, which is about half the price of a movie and a lot more unique. Check out the full schedule and price list at the website.

FSU College of Music

http://music.fsu.edu/pr/performance-dates.htm

Music students perform at recitals. Recitals are free. They may be students and prone to mistakes, but it's still free classical music.

The FSU College of Music calendar lists all recitals as well as full performances of the University Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles, such as jazz and winds – most (if not all) of which are free for FSU students and cheap for the general public.

Tallahasseeshows.com

http://tallahasseeshows.com/

I'm not going to attempt to list all the concert venues and upcoming shows in Tallahassee, though I may highlight a few I find to be particularly amenable. Tallahassee Shows is a great database of all venues and upcoming concerts. Check it out!

Club Downunder

http://union.fsu.edu/cdu/

I think it's safe to say that every student at FSU knows about this great venue, but I don't think everyone appreciates just HOW great it is. Some really amazing bands pass through Club Downunder, but it's also used for various other events, such as the ACUI Poetry Slam. And, of course, all events are free for FSU students.

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

http://tsolive.org/

Symphony orchestras are fantastic. They are not-for-profit, talented and filled with musicians who are passionate about their craft. Best of all, they're almost always cheap for students. The TSO plays in the Ruby Diamond Auditorium at FSU and offers a 50% discount for students. They only play once every few weeks, so make sure to mark it on your calendar.

Student Life Cinema

http://movies.fsu.edu/home/

FSU's movie theater is cheap and has a great lineup of movies, ranging from pre-releases to old classics to just plain wacky. This is free for FSU students with ID and only $4 for everyone else - a lot cheaper than most theaters.