TALLAHASSEE OFFERS A TASTE OF LOCAL FLAVOR

WITH SPRINGTIME CELEBRATIONS OF FLOWERS, FLYERS AND FOLKLORE

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 19, 2008 -- From alligators and artifacts, Seminoles to sinkholes and canopy roads to the Capitol Complex, Tallahassee offers historic and adventurous diversions to spring travelers en route to the white beaches and the magical castles of Florida. Nestled at the juncture of Florida’s panhandle and peninsula, Tallahassee radiates Southern charm from antebellum plantations and rare history to outdoor museums and natural excursions (http://www.VisitTallahassee.com).  

For travelers seeking romance, family fun or mouth-watering meanderings, Tallahassee’s spring events offer something for everyone.

MARCH

Annual Jazz and Blues Festival                       
Tallahassee Museum, (850) 575-8684
March 15 − 16                                   
Cool days and hot sounds echo through the prowling grounds of endangered Florida panthers, black bears and bald eagles as local jazz and blues artists play smooth tunes from the bayou and beyond. www.tallahasseemuseum.org

Springtime Tallahassee                           
Downtown Tallahassee, (850) 224-5012
March 28 − 30                               
“Celebrate the Legacy” is the theme of this year’s 40th Annual Springtime Tallahassee. A jubilee of parades, concerts, crafts and amusements make up Tallahassee’s largest community-wide celebration and one of the largest festivals in the Southeast.

APRIL

Wakulla Wildlife Festival                           
Wakulla Springs, (850) 224-5950
April 3 − 5                                   
Showcasing the Big Bend, families can take tours of Wakulla Springs State Park and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a fun-filled day of birding cruises, seminars and creative hands-on exhibits for children. www.wakullacounty.org

Big Bend Cycling Festival                           
Downtown Tallahassee, (850) 224-5012
April 5 – 6                                   
Downtown Tallahassee is expected to “spring” to life during the inaugural Big Bend Cycling Festival.  Merchants and businesses will get a chance to start fresh and gain momentum at the weekend festival happening April 5-6, 2008. www.VisitTallahassee.com

Flying High Circus                               
FSU Big Top, (850) 644-4874
April 4 – 6, April 11 – 12                           
America’s first and most prestigious collegiate circus celebrates more than 60 years of performances at Florida State University under the big top, showcasing aerial acrobatics, precision stunts and colorful clowns. www.fsu.edu

The Florida Wine Festival                       
Mary Brogan Museum, (850) 513-0700
April 10 – April 12                               
The Brogan has partnered with The City of Tallahassee and Florida A&M University for this year’s “Best of Five Years” 6th Annual Wine Festival. This three-day event kicks-off at the Brogan followed by a silent auction and concert at Kleman Plaza. www.thebrogan.org

Mother-Daughter Mad Hatter’s Tea                      
Southwood House and Cottages, (850) 224-6917
April 13                                             
Celebrate Spring, dance and family while meeting the characters of the new ballet, Alice in Wonderland, while enjoying face painting, storytelling, arts and crafts and a special mini-performance by the Tallahassee Ballet.

8th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival                   
Downtown Parks, (850) 222-8800
April 19 – 20                                          
Festival featuring 100 artists from across the United States, sponsored by the LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts.

MAY

Parade of Gardens                               
Maclay State Gardens, (850) 487-4556
May 2 − 3                                          
Gardening experts lead springtime tours of private residential and public gardens. www.floridastateparks.org

Dance for Spring “Peter Pan”                       
Ruby Diamond Auditorium, (850) 222-1287
May 3 – 4                                    
Tallahassee Ballet retells this adventurous tale of “the boy who never grew up,” complete with original choreography, costumes and set design. www.fsu.edu

Evening Cruise & Dinner                           
Wakulla Springs, (850) 224-5950
May 3 & 13                                   
Savor the scenic beauty of the Wakulla River at dusk, followed by a relaxed, charming dinner at the historic lodge. www.wakullacounty.org

Tallahassee Film Festival                           
(850) 201-9499
May 15 – 18                                  
Tallahassee will host a three-day festival celebrating professional and emerging talent in the film, music and related arts industries. www.tallahasseefilm.com

Emancipation Celebration                       
Knott House Museum, (850) 922-2459
May 20                                    
Event marks the day the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Tallahassee. Activities include a ceremony, music, re-enactors and a picnic in Lewis Park. www.flheritage.com


To experience “Springtime in Tallahassee,” see www.VisitTallahassee.com or call the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-628-2866.

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