Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
3540 Thomasville RoadTallahassee FL 32309
(850) 487-4556
A masterpiece of floral architecture, the gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool, walled garden and hundreds of camellias and azaleas.These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home.
Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Boats without gas-powered motors are allowed. Pavilions and grills along the lakeshore provide the perfect setting for a picnic.
For walking enthusiasts, two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy six miles of shared-use trails and five miles of designated biking trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens.
Peak blooming season is from January 1 through April 30, with the floral peak in mid-to-late March. During these months, a special fee is charged for visiting the gardens and the historic Maclay House.
A masterpiece of floral architecture, the gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool, walled garden and hundreds of camellias and azaleas.These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home.
Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Boats without gas-powered motors are allowed. Pavilions and grills along the lakeshore provide the perfect setting for a picnic.
For walking enthusiasts, two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy six miles of shared-use trails and five miles of designated biking trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens.
Peak blooming season is from January 1 through April 30, with the floral peak in mid-to-late March. During these months, a special fee is charged for visiting the gardens and the historic Maclay House.
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The Beyond Your Block: America 250 Edition Challenge is officially live!
Celebrate the summer by exploring Tallahassee`s best local spots, diving into our deep history, and winning great prizes along the way. Over the next five weeks, we’re challenging you to discover the parks, restaurants, breweries, and museums that make Tallahassee-Leon County incredible.
How to play:
📲 Download the free Visit Tallahassee mobile app.
📍 Explore & Check In at participating locations across town to rack up points.
🏛️ Level Up: Score the highest point values by visiting Tallahassee-Leon County`s six official Florida 250 historic road trip sites.
The Rewards:
The first 50 participants to reach 250 points will score a limited-edition, commemorative T-shirt. Plus, every single check-in counts as an entry into the grand prize drawing for an ultimate two-night Tallahassee staycation package.
Start the challenge today! 📲
http://visittallahassee.com/beyond-your-block
History has officially been made in Florida`s Capital City culinary scene! 🌟
The MICHELIN Guide Florida just announced its latest selections, and for the very first time, Tallahassee is on the map. Huge congratulations to our local trailblazers for earning their inaugural MICHELIN Guide Recommendations:
✨ @huntsmanrestaurants
✨ @blackradishtlh
This monumental milestone is a testament to the incredible creativity, passion, and hard work of our local chefs and restaurant teams. We are beyond proud to see our community`s dining scene recognized on a global stage.
Join us in celebrating this historic achievement, and map out your next exceptional dining experience to try these outstanding menus firsthand! 🙌
🇺🇸 As we spend time with loved ones this Memorial Day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Explore Tallahassee’s memorials and parks that honor the lives and legacies of our nation’s heroes.
🔗 Learn more: visittallahassee.com/blog/memorials/ (link in bio)
🖼️ Driving down one of Tallahassee’s nine official canopy roads feels like stepping into a living postcard. 🌳 These oak-shaded corridors have been welcoming travelers for generations, offering a glimpse of Old Florida`s timeless beauty.
Take a scenic drive and discover why they`re one of our most treasured features.
🚗 Plan your drive: visittallahassee.com/blog/canopy-roads/
IG 📷: alexarmitage_
Today, Tallahassee commemorates Emancipation Day. On May 20, 1865, General Edward M. McCook declared the Emancipation Proclamation in effect from the steps of the Knott House in downtown Tallahassee, and newly freed citizens gathered at Bull`s Pond (now Lake Ella) in joyful celebration.
This important tradition continues to this day at the Knott House at 11:30 a.m. for a special program and reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, followed by a free lunch and activities in Lewis Park. All are welcome.
For more info, visit 20thOfMay.com.
🐾 Big news for wildlife conservation in Tallahassee! The Tallahassee Museum has officially welcomed four newborn endangered red wolf puppies, born to mother Rue and father Ace.
Red wolves are considered the most endangered canid in the world, with fewer than 300 individuals in existence today. This new litter marks a massive milestone in the Tallahassee Museum’s nearly four-decade commitment to the American Red Wolf SAFE Project, helping to bring this critical species back from the brink of extinction.
To ensure the pups grow up healthy and retain the natural wild instincts needed for potential future release, the museum`s animal care team is keeping a safe distance and monitoring the den entirely via cameras.
While the puppies will remain tucked away in their den, visitors can look forward to seeing them explore the outdoor habitat later this summer.
Head to the link in our bio to read the full story behind this incredible local milestone and learn more about the science of saving the red wolf.
Weekend plans? We’ve got 10 amazing trails for walking, biking, and soaking up the sunshine with your crew! 🐾👟 Grab your water bottle, pack a snack, and let Tallahassee’s great outdoors do the rest.
👟 Lafayette Heritage Trail
👟 Miccosukee Greenway Trail
👟 J.R. Alford Greenway Trail
👟 St. Marks Historic Trail
👟 Wakulla Springs Trail
👟 Apalachee Regional Park Trails
👟 Cascades Park Trail
👟 Leon Sinks Geological Area Hiking Trail
👟 Lake Overstreet Trail
👟 Orchard Pond Trail
🔗 Start your trek → visittallahassee.com/blog/10-amazing-tallahassee-trails/
#IHeartTally | #Tallahassee
Head to the steps of the Knott House Museum this May 20th to commemorate Emancipation Day. This annual community tradition features musical performances, keynote speakers, and a powerful reading of the Emancipation Proclamation starting at 11:30 AM in Lewis Park.
Plan your day at 20thOfMay.com.
Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee on May 20, 1865, eleven days after the end of the American Civil War and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed those enslaved in Southern states. The Proclamation was read by Union General Edward M. McCook from the steps of the Knott House, effectively ending slavery in the state of Florida. For this reason, Emancipation Day is traditionally celebrated on May 20 in Florida.