Thursday, 27 February
Journey from Pensacola to Tallahassee
We left Pensacola around 10 a.m. and arrived in Tallahassee around 2 p.m., stopping once at a Love’s Truck Stop for a quick rest break. The drive was smooth, with clear skies and warm temperatures hinting at a great day ahead.
Big Oak RV Park
At the entrance to Big Oak RV Park, our wagonmaster greeted us, and the local staff guided us to our pull-through site via golf cart. The campground features 120 sites, offering both pull-through and back-in options with full hookups—including water, electricity, sewer, and cable TV. Wi-Fi was available in most areas, and amenities included a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and shaded picnic spots beneath the park’s namesake oaks.
Our spot, site #13, was a gravel site with full hookups. With no shade and temperatures nearing 80 degrees, we relied on our trailer’s fans to keep things comfortable. Fortunately, setup was quick, and within no time, we were headed downtown to explore Tallahassee’s Cascades Park Bike Trail.
Cascades Park Bike Trail
We drove about seven miles to downtown Tallahassee and parked near the Cascades Park Bike Trail, close to Florida A&M University. From there, we set off on our bikes, riding along a scenic and historic route through the city.
Our journey began at the Railroad Square Art District, a vibrant 10-acre hub for arts and culture. Once a World War II-era industrial warehouse park, it has since been transformed into a creative community featuring over 70 art studios, galleries, and small businesses. Many buildings were adorned with colorful murals, adding to the district’s eclectic charm.
As we pedaled, we passed public art installations, sculptures, and civil rights historical markers, each telling a unique story of Tallahassee’s past. Statues and plaques commemorated key moments, including the city’s role in the 1956 bus boycott.
Arriving at Cascades Park, we took time to explore its 24 acres of green space, trails, and historic landmarks. The park preserves pieces of Tallahassee’s history, including the Tallahassee Waterworks building and the former Tallahassee Electric Building, now repurposed for events. A restored log cabin symbolized the original Old Capitol building, adding to the park’s historical significance. At the center stood the Capital City Amphitheater, an impressive outdoor venue, while nearby ponds and sprawling lawns provided a perfect setting for relaxation.
One of the most striking memorials was the Korean War Memorial, a solemn tribute to those who served. A large engraved stone honored the sacrifices of Florida veterans, with nearby benches offering a quiet place for reflection.
The park buzzed with activity—runners, cyclists, families enjoying the sunshine, and people simply unwinding on benches. After completing a full loop around the park, we returned to our truck and made our way back to the campground.
Friday, February 28
We met the motorcoach at 8:45 AM for a Capital City Tour. Though it was a nice, comfortable bus, the windows were very dirty, so we were unable to take many pictures.
Capital City Tour
Our guide joined us in downtown Tallahassee and directed the bus driver as she shared information about the city. We began by driving through the legislative area, where she mentioned that Tallahassee, like Rome, was built on seven hills. With the State Legislature not in session, the streets were less crowded. We passed the State Capitol, currently undergoing construction, the Supreme Court, and the exclusive Governor’s Restaurant.
Next, we visited the Railroad Square Art District, a historic warehouse district with 70+ artist studios, galleries, shops, cafés, and entertainment venues. Highlights included local art, vintage shops, a pinball arcade, and a café inside a railroad caboose. The buildings were adorned with artistic murals.
We then traveled up the hill to Florida A&M University (FAMU), a public HBCU founded in 1887. FAMU offers 50+ degree programs, excels in STEM research, and shares the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering with Florida State. The guide pointed out the eternal flame, several auditoriums, and an amphitheater. She also mentioned that up to 20% of pharmacy graduates come from FAMU and highlighted the “Marching 100,” who performed at the Super Bowl.
Following the Cascade Bike Trail, we made our way to Florida State University (FSU) and the 79,560-seat Doak Campbell Stadium. We parked by the towering “Unconquered” statue of a Seminole warrior, where the guide discussed the Seminole Wars and the statue’s depiction of Osceola. She also mentioned that it takes a 4.0 high school GPA to be admitted to FSU and pointed out several new, large sorority houses as we drove through campus.
We passed the Old City Cemetery, where Prince Achille Murat, a notable historical figure, is buried. The guide also pointed out the grave of Bessie T. Holtzclaw, whose unusual inscription and associated local legends have made it famous.
We continued through The Park Avenue Historic District, known for its well-preserved 19th-century homes in styles like Greek Revival, Victorian, and Gothic Revival. We passed the Governor’s Mansion, located just nine blocks from the Capitol, and stopped outside the Knott House Museum, where the Emancipation Proclamation was read in 1865.
Lunch
Our final stop before lunch was a cluster of restaurants at S Magnolia and E Park Ave where Lisa and I dined at Which Wich, a unique sandwich chain offering highly customizable options. We enjoyed our meal.
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
After lunch, the motorcoach took us to the Goodwood Museum, a historic plantation home built in 1835. This Greek Revival-style mansion features expansive columns, a broad porch, and grand windows. Originally constructed by wealthy plantation owner George Proctor, it has had five different owners, and many of the original furnishings remain. Surrounding the mansion are well-preserved formal gardens, oak-lined paths, and outbuildings, further illustrating the property’s historical significance.
We took a guided tour of the main house and were then free to explore the grounds. In addition to the outbuildings, we enjoyed seeing the roller rink and swimming pool.
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Next, we were driven to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. We were seated in a small theater, where we learned about the city’s history and the various expansions of the Capitol building. After it was no longer used as the Capitol, the building was returned to its 1902 configuration.
After the presentation, we were released to explore the museum independently. We first visited the 22nd-floor observation deck of the new Florida Capitol building next door, where clear skies offered unobstructed views of the city and beyond. They also had a temporary art exhibit.
Returning to the museum, we explored exhibits showcasing Florida’s political history. Highlights included the history of political access for minorities, including Cubans, Native Americans, African Americans, and women. Other exhibits that we enjoyed were information about various campaigns and controversial legislation such as the ERA or Civil Rights. One large section was devoted to the 2000 Bush-Gore race, in which Florida decided the national election by the smallest of margins. The museum also features reconstructed chambers of the House, Senate, and Supreme Court.
At 4:20 PM, we boarded the buses and returned to the campground.
Planetary Parade
At 6:30 PM, the caravan gathered at the Tailgunners Class A to socialize and watch an extraordinary planetary alignment. Seven planets were visible just after dusk. Using apps like Sky Map, we were able to spot Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. High-powered binoculars or a telescope were essential for seeing Uranus and Neptune. It was a fun gathering, but after a couple of hours, we headed back to our campers as the temperature quickly dropped.