May 5, 2010 - 6:00pm
OK, so it's not exactly Miami or Tampa. Heck, it isn't even St. Petersburg, but Tallahassee still offers its own brand of charm.
If you're spending your summer in the city, check out our list of local activities to help you pass the long, hot days ahead.
- Take the kids to Lake Ella for an afternoon of walking, dog-petting, and pointing at those freakishly huge ducks.
- Sample some of the best sushi in town at Sakura, located at 1318 N. Monroe St. We recommend ordering the Butterfly Roll.
- On the first Friday of each month, head over to Railroad Square for its gallery hop, a chance to view tons of local art and hear live music.
- Change a life by volunteering to mentor a child in need. Call Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend at (850) 386-6002.
- Forget the pool -- go for a swim at Lake Hall.
- Relive your childhood: Invest in a Slip 'N Slide.
- Pack a picnic and drive to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park for a picture-perfect afternoon.
- Venture beyond the normal Hollywood schlock and catch a movie at the Regal Miracle 5 (1815 Thomasville Rd.), which shows mainstream films as well as a great variety of independent ones.
- You're probably familiar with the new Capitol complex, but have you ever toured the Historic Capitol? Thought not. The building is open seven days a week, and admission is free.
- Skip the bars on Tennessee Street and head to a classier venue. Try The Winery at the Red Bar, 1122 Thomasville Rd.
- Visit the Black Archives Research Center at Florida A & M University, whose exhibits examine topics like African-Americans in science and the military.
- Cool off with some frozen yogurt. We like Yogaberry at 800 Ocala Rd.
- Stop by My Favorite Books, 1415 Timberlane Rd., to pick out some summer reads. Make sure to bring in used books of your own to earn store credit.
- Give in to a late-afternoon libation. Drinks at 101 Restaurant, at 215 W. College Ave., are half-price from 4 p.m. till 7 p.m.
- Check out both educational films and big-budget fare at the Imax downtown. Call (850) 644-IMAX for upcoming show times.
- Buy a book on origami or a foreign language to spend your summer learning something new.
- Indulge yourself with a day at Chelsea Salon, located at 1629 Mahan Center Blvd.
- Embark on a day trip to Wakulla Springs State Park, just 14 miles south of Tallahassee, to experience natural Florida.
- If you've got some money to burn but are stuck in town for the weekend, treat yourself to a short stay at one of Tallahassee's posh hotels. You know you've always secretly wanted to order room service at Aloft Tallahassee Downtown or Hotel Duval. Book your dream stay-cation by calling Aloft at (850) 513-0313 or Hotel Duval at (850) 224-6000.
- Ever eaten a Boss? It's a wildly elaborate hot dog available at Super Perros, the Colombian fast-food joint at 2010 W. Tennessee St. Don't put off your meal there any longer.
- Learn about Native Americans at the Brogan Museum's summer art exhibit, which runs through Sept. 19.
- Spend those hot summer nights sipping mixed drinks with the trendy set at Waterworks, an ironically themed tiki bar at 1133 Thomasville Rd.
- Take a Museum of Florida History Highlights Tour, offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. It will take you from prehistoric Florida to the present. Best of all, it's free.
- Witness living history during a visit to Mission San Luis, which recreates the historic Spanish/Native American community .
- You've probably done it before, but it never gets old: Ride an elevator to the 22nd floor of the Capitol to fully take in Tallahassee's beauty.
Lyndsey Lewis can be reached at llewis@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859.
