Tallahassee’s Hidden Gems
It’s 2019 and it is officially time to mix it up. Maybe you frequent the same handful of study spots, or maybe you’re just looking for something new to do on weekends, or maybe you’re new to the area and are wanting to experience parts of the city a little off the beaten track. It seems like everyone in this college town has their favorite little corner of Tally, flocking to popular spots like Black Dog or Lucky Goat to crank out a study sesh, or spending Friday nights dancing it out at Happy Hour. If you’re craving some variety or just simply hoping to broaden your horizons, here are some of Tallahassee’s best kept secrets, hidden gems to keep on your radar the next time you’re looking for something fresh to do.
Tired of hitting the same old bars and clubs for Happy Hour and AYCD? Try…
Tallahassee is known for a lot of things: giant slices of pizza, brick buildings, football season. But one of its best-kept secrets is the budding music scene, both local and cultivated from the surrounding areas. One such venue, always with their ear to the ground, is The Wilbury. Located on Gaines Street, right in the heart of Tally’s music and arts district, the restaurant has garnered a small following for its barbecue alone. Their shows are curated through local Tallahassee independent, non-profit record label Cat Family Records, with the mission of helping local and independent artists thrive and “promote community and social progress.” Three-quarters of the shows hosted by The Wilbury have no cover charge and free admission, focusing instead on local business in order to foster and cultivate a music scene right in the heart of Tallahassee. If you miss going to live sets at Club Downunder, The Wilbury is hosting Club Downunder/Union Productions in the interim during construction on the new Student Union. They’re even offering free rides to some of the events!
Image Courtesy: Jake G
Don’t just take it from me, though – third year FSU student Paola Michel recently visited The Wilbury for the first time saying: “The atmosphere reminded me a lot of the places I would go to while I studied abroad in Europe, very hipster grunge.” Monica Clayton, another student, raves of the Wilbury’s scene saying, “The atmosphere was amazing. You could tell that the people there were there for the live music, and that was really different from anything else I’d been to in Tally.”
Upcoming events:
Japanese Breakfast w/ Long Beard: Feb. 7
tickets: $18 in advance from website
Cat Family Records Birthday Party: Feb. 22
Looking for a new study spot walking distance from campus? Try…
Calvin’s Coffee House– Ukirk, 548 W Park Ave
Image Courtesy: Devin Bittner
Tucked away between sorority houses and the Dunkin’ Donuts on College Ave lies the UKirk, a Presbyterian church that partners with students, run by and for students. Even if you don’t affiliate with any organized religion this place is still for you. The old church’s basement is home to Calvin’s Coffee House, an intimate café with the perfect relaxed environment and comfy couches to sip on a delicious cup of sustainable joe while cranking out those study hours. Aside from providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, Calvin’s is also focused on uplifting the Tallahassee community by hosting weekly Open Mic Nights, often with themes ranging from comedy to music to poetry, as well as movie nights, networking events, and more.
Devin Bittner, a barista and event coordinator at Calvin’s, hopes that it can become the same safe space for others as it did for her. “It’s my favorite thing in the whole city of Tallahassee, it’s been my safety net on days when I’ve felt like dying and it serves the same purpose for many wonderful people.” She hopes Calvin’s can expand its audiences and reach a wider group of people, “[…] let this place be for you what it has been for me: a cozy spot full of love and light and some of the best people you’ll ever meet.”
Upcoming Events
Open Mic Night – Thursdays 8-10:30 PM
Coffee & Conversations – March 6, 2019 at 6 PM
A night of discussion on religion and its relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. Hosted with the FSU Pride Student Union.
More information on the Calvin’s events page on Facebook.
Wanting to escape the buzz of the city in favor of something a little more outdoorsy? Try…
Plentiful Hiking Trails
Tallahassee is located in an area of Florida blessed with natural biodiversity and gorgeous hiking trails. On a particularly temperate day, if you and your friends are looking for something to unplug from school and social media for a couple of hours, look no further than the numerous hiking trails offered just a few miles away from campus. The perfect way to decompress from a long week of school, getting out in nature and away from the bustle of city life has proven to have a positive effect on both mental and physical health – the Japanese have turned it into a pastime, and they call it shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The simple act of being in nature, taking it in with your senses and connecting to the calm of the forest atmosphere is a practice that can dwindle in proximity to larger cities. Thankfully, Tallahassee has access to some of the best trails and parks in Florida.
Image courtesy: Hiking the Appalachians and Beyond
Leon Sinks Geological Area - National Forest 2564, Wildflower Road
Sprawling hiking trails that snake through the natural swamp and marshlands of North Florida, Leon Sinks is perfect for exploration. Natural limestone erosions millions of years in the making have formed sinkholes, caves, and freshwater springs just feet away from the edges of the trails.
Image courtesy: Florida Communities Trust Parks Directory
Lafayette Heritage Trail is often heralded as one of the most picturesque walks the area has to offer. Over 795 acres, the park offers opportunities to connect with wildlife of all sorts, most notable the range of native bird species. “Lafayette Heritage Trail is a beautiful place to enjoy the nature that Tallahassee has to offer. From birds to alligators to the gorgeous trees, there’s always something to explore,” says Florida State student Paulina Ostrowski of the abundance of these trails.
Strike Out,
Writer: Giselle Parks
Editor: Savannah Tindall
Graphic Designer: Sophie Li
Tallahassee