Tallahassee
After You “Do” The Capitol, Consider Another Side of Tallahassee — The Natural One BY ZANDRA WOLFGRAM
Starting with the lush canopy created by lumbering live oaks, handsome hickory and sweet gum trees shading the town’s meandering, hilly roads, Florida’s charming capital city is an unexpected breath of fresh air. And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you choose from any number of outdoor excursions that await the young at heart. From invigorating mountain bike treks through state parks and tarzan-inspired tree-top ziplines above Cypress marshes to peaceful kayak and pontoon boat rides down the crisp, crystal-clear manatee-manned rivers of Wakulla Springs — there is an adventure awaiting. All you need to bring is your sense of spirit! Dining in Tallahassee is a bit of an adventure, too. With Tupelo honey infused in everything from salad dressing to ice cream and Gulf coast shrimp and grits reinvented on nearly every restaurant menu, it’s clear that the natural bounty harvested for Tallahassee’s culinary scene offers delicious twists on traditional Southern themes. New places such as The Front Porch bring casual elegance to dining, which is especially pleasant outside under the stars. Wakulla Springs Lodge may be low key, but Chef Jodi Perez’ menu is pretty 82 June–July 2014
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jazzy — the Bee Charmer Salad is a must try. The entrees at Cypress are as beautiful as the vibrant art collection. And for a big bite of soulful cooking, Paisley is the place to go. The menu and atmosphere are as charming and memorable as Kiersten Worrell, the owner, who asks of her Smoked Gouda Grits with a side of Apple Butter, “Can you taste the love?” The answer, if you can put your fork down long enough to utter it, is a resounding, “You betcha Chocolate Chip Whipping Cream Biscuits!” Adventure continues into wee hours with several watering holes. Andrew’s Capital Bar & Grill and Madison Social are great hot spots to see and be seen toasting friends with trendy cocktails, but venturing outside of town to Bradfordville Blues Club tucked behind a
PHOTOS BY SCOTT HOLSTEIN (HOTEL DUVAL), TRISTIN KROENING (CRAB CAKES), MIKE SCHWARZ (ZIPLINE)
// Tallahassee