Named for Juan Ponce de Leon: America 250 FL
Memorial Blue Star HwyTallahassee FL 32303
Juan Ponce de León (c. 1474–1521), for whom Leon County, Florida, is named, was a Spanish explorer and adventurer. In April 1513, he made the first documented European landing on Florida’s Atlantic coast, between present‑day St. Augustine and Melbourne Beach, and claimed the lush territory, naming it “La Florida," while he was, as legend tells it, in search of the Fountain of Youth. Following the discovery, he served as Puerto Rico’s first governor, charted the Gulf Stream, and sparked Spain’s colonial expansion in North America. His 1521 return attempt ended when he was fatally wounded, sealing his legacy as Florida’s earliest European explorer. Located at I-10, EB MM194, Rest Area.
Go to Website
Juan Ponce de León (c. 1474–1521), for whom Leon County, Florida, is named, was a Spanish explorer and adventurer. In April 1513, he made the first documented European landing on Florida’s Atlantic coast, between present‑day St. Augustine and Melbourne Beach, and claimed the lush territory, naming it “La Florida," while he was, as legend tells it, in search of the Fountain of Youth. Following the discovery, he served as Puerto Rico’s first governor, charted the Gulf Stream, and sparked Spain’s colonial expansion in North America. His 1521 return attempt ended when he was fatally wounded, sealing his legacy as Florida’s earliest European explorer. Located at I-10, EB MM194, Rest Area.
Share your most epic Tallahassee moments with #iHeartTally.
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.
Grab a pint and soak up the energy of the Gaines Street at Oyster City Brewing Company.🍺
The taproom serves as a hub where locals and visitors alike can enjoy craft beer in a relaxed, open-air environment. It is an essential stop on any Tallahassee itinerary for craft beer fans!
📸 @ocbc_tallahassee
Bradley’s Country Store is a living piece of history, remaining virtually unchanged since it opened in 1927. Located on a scenic canopy road just north of Tallahassee, the store is a multi-generation family business known for its traditional smoked sausage and coarse-ground grits.
The atmosphere is defined by the original wood-plank floors, shelves stocked with specialty gifts, and the sprawling oaks that shade the front porch. It is a grounded, essential stop for anyone exploring Tallahassee.
📍 Location: 10655 Centerville Road
🌭 Signature Item: Bradley’s Country Smoked Sausage (mild, medium, or hot)
🍦 The Experience: Grab lunch and a cold soda and enjoy the rockers on the front porch.
🏺 History: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
May is National Bike Month, and we`re inviting you to discover a side of Florida that might surprise you. Not all of Florida is flat! Tallahassee`s rolling hills and diverse terrain make it a premier destination for cyclists of all levels. Whether you`re looking to shred singletrack through pine forests, tackle technical descents, or cruise flowing trails with plenty of berms and switchbacks, our mountain biking scene delivers the kind of elevation and excitement you won`t find elsewhere in the Sunshine State.
Explore Tallahassee`s Trails ⤵️
🔗visittallahassee.com/blog/tallahassee-mountain-biking-trails/ (link in bio)
Bella Bella has spent years perfecting the art of the neighborhood Italian restaurant, and if there is one non-negotiable order in Tallahassee, it is the Bubble Bread.
Located in Midtown, Bella Bella has spent over twenty-five years serving as a gathering place for Florida’s Capital City. The dining room, characterized by its intimate booths and eclectic decor, offers a relaxed atmosphere for unwinding over a glass of wine. The menu features a wide range of Italian staples, from hearty pasta dishes to fresh, vibrant salads, making it a premier choice for a relaxed weekday dinner or a Saturday date night.
📍Bella Bella
🕒 Hours: Dinner (Tues-Sat)
📸 @stuffingmygrace
Congratulations to all the graduates! Graduation weekend is a time to celebrate achievements, create lasting memories, and show visiting family and friends the best of Tallahassee. Whether you`re looking for the perfect restaurant for a celebratory dinner, scenic spots for cap-and-gown photos, or fun activities to enjoy with out-of-town guests, our guide has everything you need to make this milestone weekend unforgettable.
Plan your graduation weekend ⤵️
🔗 visittallahassee.com/blog/graduation-weekend/ (link in bio)
Alabama Shakes absolutely commanded the stage tonight at The Adderley Amphitheater. The energy in Cascades Park was on another level, with a packed crowd matching every soulful note and powerhouse riff.
Thank you to everyone that came out and closed out our spring concert series!