Game On­­ – Dining, Adventure, Fun (And Football)

Highlight Fall Weekends in Tallahassee 

            Ah, fall. For college football fans, that means one thing – the end of that excruciating period of darkness without a college game to enjoy, digest and dissect with your closest friends.  Fall football Saturdays mean one thing – road trip. The highways connecting Tallahassee to all points on the horizon get busier now as the Florida State and Florida A&M faithful bring their passion, lucky game-day outfits and rituals to town for the annual autumn-long party. Visit Tallahassee invites visitors to wrap a weekend around that special time rooting for the Seminoles or Rattlers at either Doak – Campbell or Bragg Stadium. 

The Friday before game day, visitors arrive early and head downtown for a fun, free evening at the Downtown Get-down and Seminole Block Party.  Think street fair with a football flavor offering musical concerts, food and beverages since hydrating becomes important prior to those sunny afternoons in the stadium, standing and cheering.  Visitors park at Kleman Plaza – the epicenter of Get-down fun.  Events start at 6 PM.  Party-goers be sure to dress comfortably, with team accents, of course.

On the big day it is always important for visitors to pick a breakfast dining option and get fortified for a full day.  Guests make it as adventuresome as they like by wandering among the historic buildings and wildlife exhibits at the Tallahassee Museum or soaring above the crowd and testing their skills with the new Tree to Tree Adventure, one of Florida’s most unique zip line courses. 

History buffs gain insight into the state’s history with a scenic but educational stroll through the grounds at Mission San Luis or by soaking up some air conditioned comfort while viewing the “Forever Changed’ exhibit at the Museum of Florida History. Hint – In 2013, Florida celebrates 500 years since the Spanish first arrived so gain a knowledge advantage and impress the neighbors back home.  And yes, there’s a ball game tie-in with the ancient Apalachee Indians.

Lunch might find foodies enjoying white tablecloth treatment, something a bit more casual or a scenic mini-adventure into another time period.  The latter takes visitors along Centerville Road, one of Tallahassee’s famed canopy roads, to the 1927-era Bradley’s Country Store.  It’s a national landmark where enjoying a grilled homemade sausage dog and soft drink while sitting in a rocking chair on the porch puts an exclamation point on the day – until game time anyway.  Hint – Take home some smoked sausage or the acclaimed ground-right-there grits.  For grits connoisseurs, these set a very high standard. At some point, fans migrate to the stadium and the open-air festivities that define a college football weekend, all accented by the aroma of creations of a legion of tailgating chefs. 

The toughest decision for fans is making a choice for a post-game meal.  Do football enthusiasts discuss their team’s performance over fresh seafood (contemporary touches or down-home fried fare), a traditional steak with the trimmings, all-world barbecue, Italian, Greek, Asian fusion or sushi?  Visitors take their time and enjoy.  The party continues late in the night in Tallahassee.

For early morning risers on Sunday, the requisite visit to a coffee shop starts the day.  Then it’s on to brunch, perhaps a little shopping or sightseeing before visitors head home and face another workweek. There's always a Monday upside - another game, another road trip awaits.

Visitors review that Tallahassee bucket list and figure out a way of squeezing in some golf, kayaking, checking out a few galleries or a few other hotspots on the next trip. And underline the part about ordering more fresh, Apalachicola oysters.

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Please visit the Fall Frenzy page at www.VisitTallahassee.com to sort through the expanse of dining, entertainment and exploration options, building that “perfect football and more weekend”.