In the time we had, of course it was impossible to do more than even scratch the surface with covering all of the amazing offerings this community has to offer. But alas, that's what we hope to share via this website. For Urban Outfitters specifically, we tried to really capture the vibe of Tallahassee, rather than highlight each business. We were not paid by Urban Outfitters to do this story, nor did we have any control over what they chose to use in their final story. This submission to Urban Outfitters does not suggest the further profit of their company, but rather seeks to encourage and educate readers on the vast and blooming marketplace which is the local community and businesses of Tallahassee, FL. We actually sent a lot of great content to Urban, and didn't want it all going to waste! So we've decided to just publish it on our own site. Enjoy! And Jah Bless Tallahassee.
If I just have 48hrs to spend in Tally, what should I do?
Let’s assume that 48 hours begins first thing in the morning – because they’re some great brunch spots in this little town…
After you arrive in town you’ll probably want to perk up with some coffee – check out All Saints Cafe for a warm cup of their locally roasted coffee. While waiting at the counter look around for any clues as to what might be going down in town for the next few days – there’s always a litter of local fliers laying around. Assuming someone in your party is smart enough to use the bathroom, be sure to also check out the back bulletin board for upcoming events, and then the bathroom chalkboard for that daily dose of inspiration/LOL.
Because your morning will be spent in the outdoors, we advise checking out Bread and Roses Food Co-op, next door to All Saints. Grab some noms from the bulk bin section (dark choc covered coconut chews are where IT’S AT) and then find the in-house made raw energy bars stored in the refrigerator. Keep an eye open for local to-dos, maybe even meet some cool locals! The volunteers are awesome folk, ready to answer in “I’m new here” questions you may have along your journey.
Now it’s time to hit the road. Pray for sunny skies and spend your morning outside – if it’s warm enough, make the trek out to Leon Sinks or Wakulla Springs. Some serious North Florida wildlife gems to be found out that ways, and better swimming than the best pool could offer. At Leon Sinks, you’re left up to your own devices to make the hike towards river or sister sinks. Those who are brave enough, make sure to hang loose off the 60 ft rope swing (tell yr friends to have their phone cameras waiting). If you’re not in the mood for action head to Wakulla Springs, where you can chill on the sandy beach or take a relaxing river tour on their glass bottom boat.
After your morning with Mother Nature, no doubt you’ve worked up an appetite. If you’re in the for the best vegan tempeh reuben you’ll ever eat, head to Sweet Pea Cafe. The staff is a bunch of babes, and you can’t go wrong with a single item on the menu. Food is good and good for you! Plus rest assured most your meals is locally harvested and all organically grown. Feelin frisky? Get a Virgil’s Rootbeer float or a freshly baked cookie with your meal.
After lunch, walk that gut off heading back towards your morning stop on Gaines Street and visit a few of the local shops. Retrofit Records has the best record selection in town, is kind to your wallet, and is owned by a few of the coolest dudes around. While you’re there check out the newest releases put out by Spirit Cat, our favorite local tape label. Since you’re already on a road trip, might as well get a quick bro tat. Head to Euphoria or Old Glory to get tatted by some of Tallahassee’s finest artists, and don’t forget to tip! Shop the fresh tat pain away by stopping in Avant Garb for the best vintage collection in town, or in Olde Fields Clothing for a fresher take on your wardrobe. Definitely a few more great shops in the area if you have the time, like What’s the Point piercing studio and Phaze One skate shop.
Another round of noms! Pizza? Gaines St Pies is not only the closest option, but also one of the tastiest ones. Grab one of their original pies (gluten free friendly!) and head next door to St. Mikes for a beer and round of pool with your slice. St Mike’s offers great beers on tap and your fave bar games. Plus creepy wall murals, legit jukebox tunes, and if you’re lucky a cute bartender (sup DJ). Pizza and beer belly complete, walk over to Fermentation Lounge for an intimate, well lit atmosphere and another round of that favorite IPA.
Don’t overdo it though – still gotta make it to that local house show by 9! Hop in the car (or call a cab!) and go check out bands playing that night Ex-Breathers, Aircraft, Grounded, and opener Caitlin Dunn.
After the show, if you’re not ready to pass out, there are still a few things to go do. You may get peer pressured to go for a late-night pool swim sesh or stop by another bar for one last drink.
If you opt for the latter, go by Waterworks for one of their signature neon colored cocktails and a side of their amazing hummus platter. Waterworks is awesome for being a) smoke free b) a Tally classic and c) if it’s Wednesday you get to attend their world famous Science night.
Day two of Tallahassee and its time for another round of local coffee to jolt ya from last night. We suggest to stop by Craig’s Killer Coffee and try some of their own home brewed “Killer Coffee” and fresh baked slice of quiche still warm from the oven.
The next morning will keep you in town, but not in doors. Stop by Native Nurseries to see if there are any workshops going on, you may just leave a new expert in starting wildflowers from seed or growing tomato plants. Since you’ll already be on that side of town, drive towards the Miccosukee Greenway for the best ultimate frisbee endless open field you could ask for. Greenway is friendly to hammocks, dogs, and picnics. Any extra energy while out there should be spent hiking to the masonic cemetery easily led by the trail to the left of the parking lot.
Time for lunch! Drive to Paisley Cafe and enjoy your order outside in their front porch plant oasis. Their menu is solid and there’s always great specials to expect. Save room for dessert and walk over to Lucy and Leo’s cupcakery after lunch for a guilt-worthy freshly made treat.
If you need a post-lunch pick-me-up, Black Dog Cafe has great coffee and is also conveniently located on Lake Ella. So grab your cup of joe and walk off lunch around the half mile track which takes you along the lake. Be sure to pop in the other local shops you’ll encounter on your walk, like Joe’s Bike Shop and Quarter Moon Imports.
Once you’ve made your round, hop in the car and head over to Maclay Gardens. Weather willing, be sure to have your bathing suit on hand. For a mere six dollhairs, you can wander paths through their beautiful curated ornamental gardens or take a canoe out on scenic Lake Hall. Nearly 100 years old, Maclay Gardens is a historic Florida gem and a great place for first dates.
On to dinner! If you’re in the mood for amazing Asian noms, stop in Tan’s Asian Cafe on your way back into town. Order the Mongolian Tofu, you won’t regret it we bet our lives on that. If that’s not what you’re craving, keep driving until you reach Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack for their more all-American all-greasy all-worth it dinner menu. Veggie burger is where it’s at, and don’t be shy with your toppings. Fries or onion rings? Both. Plus they have a full bar. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a Thursday, karaoke too. Yolo.
Do it big and finish your stay in town with one last drink at Alchemy Spirits and Concoctions. This RSVP only themed speakeasy has absolutely some of the best drinks and most knowledgeable bartenders in town.
THROUGH ALL OF THIS, if you’re lucky enough to see us Bloomers ‘round town, be sure to give a big up to your fab tour guides that led you along the best time this small-ass town you could possibly offer.
Introduce yourselves…
Bloom zine was co-founded and created by Sarah Taylor, Barbara, and Elizabeth Georges.
Sarah: A Tallahassee native, Sarah has returned to her reliably-humid hometown from recently residing in North Carolina and previously New York City. Sarah received her BFA in English with a focus on writing and editing for new media, which has since spilled over into experience with digital journalism, photography, and video production. She spends her time balancing between work (dream world and real world), regularly attending the YMCA, listening to NPR, longing for the mountains, sippin’ on margaritas, wishing she was Beyoncé, and learning to be single forever… except for when she finally meets Drake.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth is cat mama to one and plant mama to tons. She spends her time learning about native/invasive flora and fauna, tending her vegetable garden, singing Smashing Pumpkins while hiking off the beaten path, concocting soaps & herbal remedies, collecting natural objects, and building random things out of scrap. While having a BS in Nutrition and affection for creativity, she’s out there to inspire others to be healthy, appreciate natural beauty and support other artists and makers.
Barbara: Driven by hip hop and inspired by punk rock, Barbara has fused the philosophies of these subcultures with the fundamentals of design, to create unorthodox ways of arranging visual information to convey powerful ideas. Barbara holds a BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design & Digital Media. She is currently digging Ancient Aliens, secret societies, screamo, and Susan Miller’s AstrologyZone app. Barbara’s hobbies include, but are not limited too, pole and aerial fitness (don’t judge meh), yoga, going to shows, singing shiteoke at her downstairs neighbor’s apartment, hanging with her roommate's cat Roger, and of course exploring the natural beauties of the South East.
How would you describe Tallahassee to someone who has never been?
Tallahassee has a sort of hidden charm that creeps up on you – the municipal structure of this city doesn’t quite provide the cute cliché downtown design of its regional contemporaries. Rather, the charm is more ingrained: the varied assortment of personal mugs and kindhearted smiles at Sweet Pea Café; the reliably beautiful canopy covered roads that lead to the Miccosukee Greenway; the always welcoming environment of familiar faces at local house shows – no matter if the night’s music is punk rock or pretty folk.
The hardest part about describing the charm of this town, is that its greatest attributes lie in the personal relationships one makes here that are so beyond objective description- whether its the relationship built with the long leaf pine or your favorite cafe barista, each create a sense of community engagement so specific to this town that you can’t help but feel attached after all’s said and done. That’s truly why so many people come here, for school, a boyfriend or otherwise, and really take so long to leave.
What do you love most about Tallahassee?
How did Team Bloom & Bloom zine come to life?
Bloom zine was formed to provide a sense of fellowship for those who consider themselves nutrition junkies and fitness babes; who are dedicated to working from scratch, believe in the healing powers of plants, long for the outdoors, and live for good company. Bloom zine seeks to provide as much visual satisfaction as it does education and inspiration, always topped off with a heap of sass.
Bloom ultimately seeks to share a respect for good, minimal design, high quality in the lowest of places, and the desire to inspire others with interests so deep. This of course only came after months of branding and editorial research (i.e. late night snack attack girl hang giggle parties) but is now here to stay until Elizabeth runs out of all her college research nutrition essays or we can no longer find ways to pair healing herbs with our favorite liquor -- as in NEVER.