For this project I wanted to use my experience as a local to inform my audience of the best restaurants, nightlife, and parks to visit in Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is not very expansive and it may often seem like there is not much to do, living here for my whole life has forced me to find things to enjoy in my free time. 

My intended audience for this blog post is people who are visiting Tallahassee or are new to the city. While I included some information for the slightly older crowd, I mostly based the message off my personal favorite things to do and so it is slightly aimed at a crowd around my age versus other age groups, particularly the nightlife section. Because I was aiming at a younger crowd that relates to myself, I thought a blog post would be an appropriate genre to be my main form of communication. Most people turn to the internet when they are searching for travel tips and information, and I often come across blogs when I’m doing my research before travelling somewhere. 

As my secondary genre to communicate in, I chose to include many visual images to display the ideas and locations I was talking about. Not only does this help the reader to picture the places I’m describing, it also peaks visual interest and catches the eyes of readers who may click off of a post with only long, boring text. It adds an aesthetically pleasing factor to the blog post and builds upon it to create communicate even more strongly to the audience the messages about places they would want to visit.

The third genre I chose to communicate in was a video that I did not create, but is a promo video for Recess, one of the nightlife locations I highlighted. The video is highly edited to convey a sense of fun and craziness that you can really only find near campus. The music and lighting catches a viewer’s attention and attracts them, convincing those who that appeals to, to visit recess on a Friday night and hopefully enjoy their time. I chose to embed this genre because again, it is eye-catching, exciting, and keeps the audience focused on my message. 

There are a lot of travel blogs and websites out there, but mine is unique because I wrote it on a city that does not have very much tourism and is not necessarily known as a travel spot. Many people find themselves here for college or politics and may find they are struggling to adjust or feel at home in Tallahassee. I wanted to help my audience gain knowledge of the best things to do here and hopefully feel a sense of peace with being here, or enjoy their time here while visiting for family or work. Using all three genres to communicate built a stronger argument for the enjoyment of Tallahassee and helps to keep the audience tuned in and interested, not clicking off to see any other travel information the internet may offer.

Tallahassee may not be known for its amazing nightlife or tourism, but it certainly is home to some great parks and lots and lots of nature.

Lafayette Heritage Park is a favorite of many of my friends. Walk many beautiful trails and observe the waters of Piney Z lake when you visit this park on the east side of Tallahassee. 

Closer to Florida State located in downtown Tallahassee you will find Cascade’s Park. While not very extensive of nature-y, it’s a good place to sit and relax with a book by the small man made lakes, take your kids to play on the playgrounds, or attend outdoor concerts.

The Tallahassee Museum is somewhere I went frequently growing up. It’s a very nature-y small zoo with animals native to Florida and has a fun ziplining course over the animal’s habitats and the lakes. 

On the north side of town you’ll find Maclay Gardens, a beautiful park with extensive gardens, lakes, reflection pools, and building you can rent to hold events. Entrance is at a small fee, but it is worth it. Me and my friends took prom pictures here several times. You can even have your wedding at the gardens!

Tallahassee is a mostly suburban city but if you head downtown you can find some nightlife, mostly surrounded around campus. 

For the 18+ crowd, Recess Nightclub in college town features a rooftop view of the stadium (and a pool, but most would not recommend taking a swim) and is known for being popular on Friday nights.

Places such as The Strip, Potbelly’s and Bullwinkle’s (21+) have been around since my parents were at Florida State and are still popular for 18+ and 21+ crowds.

If you’d rather sit back and enjoy live music with some good food than go out, there are several spots for you. Hurricane Grill, The Wilbury, amd Island Wing Company are great restaurants with live music on the weekends.

If you’re free the Friday night before an FSU home game, try going to the Downtown Get-Down on Klemen Plaza. There are food vendors, games, and always live music. Sometimes it features pretty famous musicians, usually country. 

If you find yourself on the north side of town, Bannerman Crossings hosts a “Northtown Get-down” once a month. You can always find live music, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. The clothing and coffee shops will stay open late for you to walk around and take a look at.

Tallahassee has many great local restaurants, depending on what you’re in to. Over year of living here, I’ve found many gems sprinkled around the city.

If you like Mexican food, stop by San Miguel on North Monroe for authentic food and great service. This small and underrated spot was a special place to me and my friends in high school and we still go back often for the amazing quesadillas and best rice and beans in the city. The servers know us by name and never fail to make it a great experience.

Essence of India on Apalachee Parkway is hands down the best place to get your fix of rich and flavorful Indian food. From Butter Chicken to Tikka Masala and amazing Naan, they have it all. Go at lunch for a diverse all you can eat buffet lineup or at dinner for a large serving of your favorite dish. A favorite of my family’s for years.

MoMo’s Pizza is your best bet if you’re tired of the same old pizza chains. They have huge pizza’s at a good price that will fill you and your friends up in just a slice or two.

For the coffee fans out there, such as myself, take a trip to one of the Redeye Coffee locations (where I used to be a barista!) or to Black Dog Café on Lake Ella. Redeye is nonprofit company with many charity programs and Black Dog is the cutest little lowkey café in town. Both know how to expertly prepare their espresso and provide a great study space. 

Backwoods Crossing is Tallahassee’s local farm-to-table restaurant located on Mahan Drive. It’s southern style food and you can see growing their vegetables right out front in their very own garden. Sometimes, you can even catch some live music.