Tag Archives: destination

6 US Destinations for Cheese Lovers

Cheese has come a long way from the orange plastic stuff of school lunches. Throughout the United States, cheesemakers are whipping up flavorful goat cheeses, rich, sharp cheddars, mild bries, and so many more varieties. Whether you like your cheese straight up, on bread, with fruit or chocolate, or in creamy mac and cheese, there’s a cheese for you. And along with these cheesemakers’ creations are artisan cheese shops, cheese trails, festivals, and classes. Here are six destinations cheese lovers won’t want to miss.

Madison, Wisconsin

No list of destinations for cheese lovers would be complete without Wisconsin, and while the whole state could easily be on this list, it’s a big state. To cover the most Wisconsin cheese ground, head to Madison. The state’s capital city is full of specialty cheesemakers, restaurants, and artisan shops selling varieties from throughout the state and beyond. They go great with the many breweries that have popped in recent years as well. Make sure you order a batch of Wisconsin cheese curds at least once during your stay.

Visit: Fromagination, Brennan’s Market, Babcock Hall Dairy Store

cheese tasting

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Crescent City may be known for beignets and hickory coffee (and you should have those when you go) but in recent years, New Orleans has become a foodie paradise. From brewers to bakers to cheesemakers, New Orleans is a delicious weekend getaway. Throughout the city, you’ll find restaurants serving fancy cheese boards, casual cheese tastings, and shops specializing in all things cheese. And if you head just outside the city, you can even visit a farm producing cheese.

Visit: St. James Cheese Company, Belle Ecorce Farms

New York, New York

Photo courtesy of Riverdel

You can’t go very far in New York City without running into cheese. The city is home to every imaginable type, including a Brooklyn shop that specializes in all vegan cheese. Yep, you read that right. The most famous of NYC cheese shops though is probably Murray’s Cheese. Visit them in Grand Central Station or in Greenwich Village, or sign up in advance for one of their many cheese classes.

Visit: Murray’s Cheese, Riverdel Vegan CheeseSaxelby Cheesemongers

San Francisco, California

With so many farms just a stone’s throw from San Francisco, it’s no wonder the city is home to some amazing cheese shops. It’s also the location of one of the Cheesemonger Invitationals, which puts the best cheesemongers from around the country in one room.  Yum! Diehard cheese lovers should sign up in advance for a three-day intensive cheese program at The Cheese School. If that’s too intense, the school also has cheese tastings and pairing classes. Or simply pick up classic San Francisco sourdough and pair it with your favorite cheese from one the city’s many shops.

Visit: Cowgirl Creamery, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese CompanyBi-Rite Market

brie cheese

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Cheese and New Mexico probably don’t seem like they go together, but the state is the fourth largest cheese producer in the country with roughly 150 dairies. Head to Santa Fe for a weekend of exploring art (the city is home to both the Museum of International Folk Art and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum) and hiking in the area’s National Park, followed by tasting cheese from some of those many dairies.

Visit: Cheesemongers of Santa Fe, Bountiful Cow Cheese

Vermont

The small state packs a big cheese punch. Vermont is home to more cheesemakers per capita than any other state and those cheesemakers produce more than 150 kinds of cheese. To make the most of this cheese destination, plan on a road trip through the state following the Vermont Cheese Trail. It’ll take you by breathtaking scenery, quaint small towns with cheese tastings, and buying opportunities at every turn. It’s a dream come true for cheese lovers everywhere.

Visit: Vermont Creamery, Maplebrook Farm, Willow Hill Farm

The 9 Best Fried Chicken Destinations

There’s nothing quite like a plate of heaping fried chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food indulgence. In the South, fried chicken is religion and everyone has their favorite place or their favorite Aunt that they swear makes the best you’ve ever had. But fried chicken isn’t actually southern.  It’s Scottish.

The Scots have been frying chicken for centuries and Scottish immigrants first brought the dish to the United States, where it’s continued to evolve. Whether you want fried chicken and waffles, hot chicken, or traditional, you’ll find a plate or two to fall in love with in one of these nine states.

Nashville, Tennessee

If you can’t stand the heat, fried chicken in Music City might not be for you. Nashville is known for its iconic hot chicken, basically your traditional buttermilk-fried chicken doused in hot sauce. According to legend, Nashville hot chicken started in the 1930s, when the girlfriend of a man named Thornton Prince III got so frustrated with his philandering ways she taught him a lesson by adding cayenne pepper to his fried chicken. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack was born where you can still get hot chicken today.

Must-trys: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

San Francisco, California

Best known for sourdough bread, San Francisco has been having a bit of a love affair with classic Southern food in the past few years. A number of chefs have been opening up eateries featuring good ole’ fashioned comfort food, especially fried chicken. Here you’ll find everything from swanky supper clubs serving up chicken served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and -wait for it- a house-made chive biscuit, to laid back family joints serving chicken and waffles and more.

Must-trys: Frisco Fried, 1300 on Fillmore

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta takes its soul food seriously and there’s no shortage of restaurants in the city serving up fried chicken. Some have been around for nearly a century; others only a few weeks. But it’s almost impossible to have a bad dish of fried chicken in the city. Granted, as there’s only so much fried chicken you can eat during a stay you’ll want to head to the cafe that’s been dishing it up for more than 70 years, or, if you’re in town on a Wednesday night, the restaurant that only serves fried chicken on that night and often sells out. Get there early.

Must-trys: Busy Bee Cafe, Watershed on Peachtree

fried chicken sandwich

Louisville, Kentucky

Banish the words KFC from your mind. Yes, Kentucky may have introduced much of the world to fried chicken by way of KFC, but that’s not where Louisville locals go when they’re craving some comfort food. For fried chicken the way your grandmother made it (if she was the fried chicken-making type) you want Shirley Mae’s Cafe, whereas locavores will favor Harvest, where all the ingredients are sourced from within 100 miles. Both go well with a weekend of bourbon tasting or a trip to the Churchill Downs.

Must-trys: Harvest, Shirley Mae’s Cafe

New Orleans, Louisiana 

The Crescent City may be best known for chargrilled oysters, beignets, and gumbo but its chefs know how to whip up mean fried chicken too. The city even has an annual fried chicken festival in September. But no matter when you visit New Orleans you’ll find places serving up crispy, spicy battered, Cajun fried chicken and more. Perfect for a day after dancing, drinking and listening to music in the French Quarter.

Must-trys: Willie Mae’s Scotch House, Dooky Chase Restaurant, Willa Jean

New York, New York

The Big Apple may be a world away from the south but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to do fried chicken right. This is in large part thanks to both southern and international chefs who now call the city home and are leaving their own mark on soul food while creating new twists on the classic. Take, for instance, Virginia native Keedick Coulter who brines his free range birds overnight at the Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Club. One bite of the crispy, flaky, fried chicken and you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.

Must-trys: Sylvia’s Lunch Counter, Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Counter

Portland, Oregon

From beer to coffee and everything in between, foodies know that Portland, Oregon is its own type of eater paradise. That reputation extends to fried chicken as well, even if the city is thousands of miles away from the South. Here you’ll find indulgent fried chicken being served up with waffles and on sandwiches piled high with other fried goodies like green tomatoes and more. Fuel up before you spend an afternoon wandering around the city taking in the street art.

Must-trys: Pine State Biscuits, Simpatica

Multiple Cities, Virginia

Rumor has it the first printed U.S. recipe of fried chicken came from Virginia. Today, you’ll find delicious fried chicken options in every part of the state. You’ve heard of chicken and waffles but what about doughnuts and chicken? That’s what you’ll find in the metro Washington, D.C., area, whereas over in Charlottesville you’ll find a traditional fried chicken from a recipe dating back generations. And in Newport News, it’ll be melt off the bones, Korean fried chicken.

Must-trys: Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken, Chic N Fish, Wayside Chicken.
 korean fried chicken dish

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The city on Lake Michigan may seem like an odd place to find fried chicken but, trust us, this up and coming travel destination deserves a spot on every foodie travel list. Surrounded by farms, Milwaukee is a locavore’s dream. Chefs have been moving to the city in droves in the past few years, re-shaping the Milwaukee’s food scene and adding some great options for fried chicken. Here you’ll find traditional fried chicken, wings galore, and even Korean BBQ style.

Must-trys: TomKen’s Bar & Grill, Lazy Susan

5 Vacation Swaps to Avoid the Crowds this August

Vacationing at the end of the summer can sometimes mean being stuck in a crowd of other August travelers trying to squeeze in a trip before the season is over. Instead of picking a stereotypical summertime hot spot, consider some of these  alternatives that are less crowded with tourists this time of year, including winter destinations that offer discounted deals in the summer months, small cities that lie in the shadows of larger neighboring locales, and spots that are simply too gorgeous to overlook.

Here are five alternatives to popular summer destinations for a unique, uncrowded, and memorable vacation.

 

Popular vacation destination: New York City

Amazing alternative: Providence

If you want to visit the east coast, why not try Rhode Island’s capital? Unlike NYC, Providence is a college town that gets a little quieter as it empties of students during the summer.

Providence Rhode Island skyline.
Providence, Rhode Island skyline.

Known as America’s Renaissance City, Providence is certainly historical, but it is also eclectic with everything a tourist can want. One thing that is for sure is you won’t go hungry during your visit. Not only is it home to Johnson & Wales University, globally recognized as one of the best institutions for culinary arts and whose graduates oftentimes stay in the area to work, but the entire city is a foodie’s dream come true. Downtown is peppered with dining options from pizza places and fast food restaurants to a smorgasbord of diversity in the form of Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern, European and New American restaurants that are both family and singles-friendly and alive with musical entertainment. And if Italian food is among your favorites, hop over to Federal Hill, the city’s Little Italy.

providence rhode island
Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock.com

As one of the oldest cities in the US (and one of the 13 original colonies), many of the historical landmarks that reflect 19th and 18th century architecture are open to the public for tours. Among these is the John Brown House, a mansion that was once the home of John Brown (a major benefactor of the Ivy League Brown University) and visited by prominent historical figures like George Washington and John Quincy Adams. Providence also boasts cute boutiques, remarkable sculptures and nationally-renowned theaters that showcase a strong performing arts culture.

Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.
Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.

If you want to break your time between sightseeing and the seaside, head to one of the many gorgeous beaches on the nearby Rhode Island and Massachusetts coasts.  Skip over Cape Cod, which is a sardine-can tourist-packed alternative, and try any one of the several little beach-side towns, like Little Compton, that are the area’s lovely little secrets.

Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.
Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.

And don’t miss the chance to experience Water Fire, a public event that blends artistic expression with spiritual and community symbolism. During this event, 100 fire lanterns flow along the river through the city’s downtown area. Keep in mind that there are only a couple of these showings in August (it is mostly a fall event), so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy this experience.

 

Popular vacation destination: London

Amazing alternative: Ireland

Are you craving a taste of Europe, but are unsure whether you’re mentally prepared for the crowded August peak vacation season? While droves flock to England, why not head to Ireland? This is the perfect place to go for cool weather, luscious landscapes, thousands of castles, cathedrals, and more charming pubs than you can imagine.

Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.

While the well-known cities like Dublin, Galway and Belfast are must-sees, make your trip memorable by adding some unique stops along the way, like the breathtaking 2,000 year old Cliffs of Moher, whose landscape inspired centuries worth of Celtic folklore, myths, legends and witch stories, and where bird watchers and photographers spot over 20 species of seabirds. Or, jump back in time while visiting Kilkenny, home to Ireland’s Medieval Mile, which extends from the 13th-century St. Canice’s cathedral (and its 9th century tower) to the 13th-century Kilkenny castle and 16th century Rothe House and Garden.

Ocean and O'Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Ocean and O’Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Known as the Marble city due to the natural limestone that makes up many of the shiny pavements and buildings, Kilkenny is also chock full of pubs, including the Kyteler’s Inn Pub which was originally owned by Alice Kyteler, the woman whose story instigated the first witch trial in Irish history. .

ireland

In addition to immersing you in history, Ireland will also tickle your nerdy side. Do your best impression of a Hogwarts student while visiting the library at Trinity College (and sneak a peek at the Book of Kells), or spend a day acting as a member of your favorite Westeros clan during a Game Of Thrones tour in Belfast and Dublin.

ireland

And the summer is a time riddled with festivals: boat festivals, cultural festivals, horse races and drinking fests are on the agenda throughout the country all season long. Guinness, anyone?

 

Popular vacation destinations: Finland, Norway, Denmark

Amazing alternative: Iceland

Are the Nordic countries on your bucket list? While much of northern Europe is breathtakingly beautiful, few places in the world are as ethereal as Iceland. In fact, parts of the countryside feel so otherworldly that fantasy movies and TV shows are consistently filmed there.

Thingvellir National Park. Southern Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, Southern Iceland.

August is one of the best times to visit and though it’s also the country’s busiest season, the crowds may seem minuscule for tourists from most American or European cities. In Reykjavík, the capital, you can enjoy striking architecture, late-night clubs, and adventurous expeditions through nature, not to mention a diverse assortment of museums. The days are also long and you can expect between 16-18 hours of sunlight to help you see as much as possible.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland.

Unparalleled natural landscapes are the main magnets that attract tourists to Iceland and its three major national parks. To the southeast is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a mixture of fresh and salt water covered in chunks of floating ice. These glass mirrors of calm water reflect surroundings that include a painter’s palette of colors from blue and pink skies to black ice and sand, and turquoise glaciers.

Icelandic Ponies
Icelandic Ponies

Then, located 40 km east of Reykjavík, is Thingvellir National Park, the location of the oldest Parliament in the world, as well as one of the only spots where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen on land. Last, but certainly not least, is the 700,000 year old volcanic site built atop alternating lava and ash, known as Snæfellsjökull National Park. Located on the west coast, Snæfellsjökull is a spot for discovering caves, bird watching, and hiking.

Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.
Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.

In Iceland, you can also go swimming in a geothermal beach or the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, check out local festivals, drive around the perimeter of the country on its Ring Road for more photographic opportunities, and ride on Icelandic horses.

Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Summer is also the only time the roads open to the Highlands, the center of the country. More glaciers, volcanoes, nature reserves, mountains, deserts and hot springs than you can fathom are all part of the ecosystems in this virtually untouched part of the world.

 

Popular vacation destination: South Florida

Amazing Alternative: Mexico

In a hotspot with over 40 miles of beach lined with turquoise blue waters, the south of Florida is muy caliente (bienvenido a Miami), but don’t overlook the 6,000 miles of coastline in Mexico. The temperatures will scorch, which is why winter is a popular time to visit, but those who can handle the heat may appreciate the reduced airfare, hotel prices and decreased tourism.

Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun in Mexico
Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun will answer the prayers of party-seekers, but in August it also attracts families with thoughts of water parks, day and dinner cruises, and zoos. For a bit more sophistication, visit Playa del Carmen, and those who want to submerge can find one of the best snorkeling and Scuba diving sites in the world in Cozumel.

The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel
The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel, Mexico.

Then again, maybe snorkeling followed by yoga and exploring old ruins are more your pace? In that case, head to Tulum, which is also among the smallest and quietest beaches on the Mexican coastline. This relaxing little getaway might make you want to curl up on a hammock with a book and is filled with relaxing spas, but don’t overlook the hiking opportunities through Mayan archeological sites.

People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.
People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.

 

Popular vacation destination: Los Angeles

Amazing alternative: San Francisco

California conjures thoughts of summertime, convertibles, surfers’ waves, and beautiful, friendly people, so considering it as the location for your summer vacation is a no-brainer. And while it’s true that Los Angeles is where you will find both the happiest place on Earth and some of the best Mexican food without going to Mexico, the smog and traffic may be enough reason to avoid it and skip right on over to San Francisco.

The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.
The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.

The Golden Gate City is home to miles of waterfront, beautiful yet underrated beaches, and weather that is much cooler than in its southern counterpart. While it is the most densely-populated city in the state,and the second most densely populated city in the US, the vibe is welcoming and relaxing. Don’t let the jaw-dropping 10,000+ people per square mile make you overlook the countless and assorted neighborhoods that offer distinctive experiences from ritzy hotels and hipster bars to quieter “small town” streets. And no matter which part of the city you choose to visit, bring a camera as there is lots to see. One of the more popular spots is North Beach, the second “Little Italy” on this list, filled with cafes and restaurants. Here you can climb to the top of the 210-foot Coit Tower for panoramic views, picnic on the luscious green Washington Square, and absorb the beauty of the 19th-century Saints Peter and Paul Parish.

View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.
View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.

And don’t forget to enjoy the winding streets over the rolling hills, traversed by bright cable cars, that are as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise
Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise.

While the Mexican food may not compare to what you can find in LA, the other cuisines are widely known for their excellence and authenticity. Culinary diversity is strong in San Francisco and the area is especially known for delicious Filipino and Caribbean food. You can also find plenty of farmer’s markets (like Ferry Building Marketplace), where locals and tourists enjoy spending their days.

Tallahassee: the Florida City that’s Quietly Climbing its Way to Coolness

Most people planning a weekend trip to Florida have their eyes on the breezy beaches and cosmopolitan cities of South Florida, and you can hardly blame them. Miami has been a must-visit nightlife capital for most of living memory, and cities like St. Petersburg are among the first that come to mind when you think of young hipsters amassing to sip microbrews.

That’s partly why you should go to Tallahassee instead and enjoy the forgotten state capitol before everyone else figures out how awesome it has become almost overnight.

Tallahassee has historically belonged to that disdainfully ignored northern third of Florida that feels more like an extension of the rural South than the Caribbean seafood and palm tree-lined boulevards you see on Florida tourism ads. But in no more than a couple of years, this small town has transformed from a meh student town to a trendy urban center of entertainment, entrepreneurship, good eats, and locally-brewed drinks.

Tallahassee is first and foremost a student town. November's annual Homecoming Parade lights up the city with the international flavors of the university, like the Center for Intensive English Studies' float in last year's parade.
Tallahassee is first and foremost a student town. November’s annual Homecoming Parade lights up the city with the international flavors of the university, like the Center for Intensive English Studies’ float in last year’s parade. | Photo: Jakob Gibbons

Despite all the growth and change, Tallahassee is and probably always will be a student town at heart, which means there’s no lack of bars and clubs, from the tacky to the luxurious and everything in between. But now there’s so much more. If you’ve only got a weekend in Tally, try hitting most of these local highlights.

Tally Highlights: Obligatory Stops for a Weekend in the Florida Panhandle

Every burger joint in every American town boasts that it has the best burgers around, but Monk’s has the city awards and local cult following to prove it. Its official name is Wells Brothers Bar and Grill, but that’s too much of a mouthful for locals as they wax gastronomic about its perfectly fresh beef and argue over their favorite combination of the page-long list of options for building your own perfect burger for ten bucks. If your taste buds are up for a delicious adventure, try the Lip Smacker, their famous peanut butter burger, and consider ordering some homemade sweet potato fries with it. There’s a reason these guys have been voted Tally’s Best Burger pretty much every year in living memory.

The Warehouse is another popular hangout for Florida State English students and other literary enthusiasts, who go for the frequent readings and performances and stay for billiards and cheap beer.
The Warehouse is another popular hangout for Florida State English students and other literary enthusiasts, who go for the frequent readings and performances and stay for billiards and cheap beer. | Photo: Jakob Gibbons

 

That’s probably why Tallahassee’s favorite burger guys opened a second restaurant in the slightly upscale Midtown area, called The Midtown Caboose. It’s run by the same Wells Brothers of Monk’s, and despite being in a more moneyed neighborhood, the menu stops well short of being intimidatingly posh. You definitely shouldn’t shy away from the beef here, but also check out some of their inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes. A meal and a drink at Midtown Caboose will usually land you on the far side of $15, but you’ll have to throw in an appetizer or a second round of beers to cross the $20 mark.

After dinner at Monk’s, head one block down High Road to Proof Brewing Company, another locally-owned favorite. Unlike so many other bars in college towns, Proof maintains a solid mixed demographic, with lots of 21-and-up students and grad students as well as young professionals and generally just people who like good beer. Recent years have seen Proof evolve from a pub with a great selection of European beers to a craft brewery and centerpiece of the local beer scene.

The Tallahassee classic All Saints Cafe, in the artsy Railroad Square neighborhood
The Tallahassee classic All Saints Cafe, in the artsy Railroad Square neighborhood | Photo: Jakob Gibbons

During the development boom, they opened their Brewery, Taproom and Beer Garden just south of Florida State University. It’s a perfect place to sip a fresh brew with a view of the process that brought it to your appreciative lips, as the garden has a perfect view of the brewery itself. Check their schedule to catch some live music, or if you go on a quieter night you can enjoy your beer with a game of table tennis or bocce ball.

foodtruck outside an art store on Gaines Street close to the Railroad Square neighborhood
Food truck outside an art store on Gaines Street close to the Railroad Square neighborhood | Photo: Jakob Gibbons

The Beer Garden is in the Railroad Square neighborhood, long-time beating heart of Tally’s arts scene. Railroad Square Art Park is sandwiched between Florida State, Florida A&M, and the hip coffee shops of Railroad Avenue. The Art Park itself is full of galleries and studios, from painting to woodwork to clothing, and scattered between the art shops are plenty of places to sit down and have a meal or a drink. Make sure to catch First Friday, on the first Friday evening of every month, when all the local Tallahassee artists are there presenting and selling their crafts while the whole city comes to peruse their shops and stalls.

the International Bookmine
The International Bookmine | Photo: Jakob Gibbons

In walking distance from Railroad Square is Gaines Street, the hotspot of the current urban development. In the midst of all the new there, you’ll find a pleasant piece of old, a favorite of many Florida State English students and of local bookworms in general: the International Bookmine. This place has been here since the dirt in Tallahassee was new, and it’s a nice break from all the shiny new apartment buildings that surround it. As soon as you walk inside, the smell of old books and old buildings will converge on your nose in a more effective sales pitch than any of the 2-for-1 specials on the same street.

Street art in the parking area of Catalina Cafe, a coffee roaster and bakery on the newly developed Gaines Street.
Street art in the parking area of Catalina Cafe, a coffee roaster and bakery on the newly developed Gaines Street | Photo: Jakob Gibbons
Brand new upscale housing developments on Gaines Street
Brand new upscale housing developments on Gaines Street | Photo: Jakob Gibbons

If you’ve only got one weekend in Tallahassee, try to finish it up with a visit to the newly constructed Cascades Park, smack in the center of Downtown under the shadow of the capitol building. ‘Park’ is hardly a fair word for this place: it’s got your standard-issue swing sets and walking trails, but the Capital City Amphitheater is the epicenter, perfect for a great outdoor concert. On weekends when the amphitheater is empty, opt for a meal in The Edison, the new hip eatery in the repurposed county electric building, or enjoy a stroll under the perfect North Florida sun.

Brand new Cascades Park, a multi-purpose outdoor area with an amphitheater and live music venues, with the Florida state capitol building towering in the background.
Brand new Cascades Park, a multi-purpose outdoor area with an amphitheater and live music venues, with the Florida state capitol building towering in the background. | Photo: Jakob Gibbons

All the signs are pointing in the same direction in the Florida Panhandle: Tallahassee is the next up-and-coming big thing. Get ahead of the curve and schedule your next Florida vacation for the capitol, so you can assure its growing hipster population that you were there before it was cool.