Connecting with America before we were Americans
by pchamlis
Although Tallahassee is much more clearly associated with the American Civil War, we also had resident veterans of the American Revolution. A local downtown plaque lists the names of several local Revolution veterans who applied for federal pensions in 1832. So, Floridians were involved in our war of independence with Great Britain.
Many non-Americans (and even Americans) may not realize that Florida wasn't one of the original 13 colonies, entering the union some 40 years later. The war vets listed on our downtown plaque are:
Zachariah Gherkins (1757-1845)
A private in the North Carolina regiment
Moses Munson (1763-1835)
A private serving with Connecticut state troops
Rhesa Oliver (1756-1841)
A private in the North Carolina regiment
Joseph Singletary (1761-1846)
A private in the North Carolina regiment
Ansell Ferrell (1762-1746)
Served in the North Carolina militia
wacissa river
by doug48
the wacissa spring is located south east of downtown tallahassee. the wacissa is one of north florida's most beautiful wild and scenic rivers. you can rent kayaks at the spring to explore the river. there also is a swiming area at the spring. parking at the spring is free. to get to wacissa spring take apalachee parkway east (US27 south) about 15 miles to hwy 59. take hwy 59 about 5 miles south to wacissa. in wacissa hwy 59 takes a sharp turn west to hwy 98. do not take the turn just follow the dirt road straight to the spring.
good food plus 100 beers
by doug48 about ray's steel city saloon
in april i had the opportunity to meet the "king of tally" VT member pchamlis and his lovely family at ray's steel city saloon. good american fare moderately priced. they offer a selection of over 100 imported and domestic bottled beers. they also have a number of domestic and imports on tap. a fun place to eat and drink when in tallahassee.
War Chant
by karenincalifornia
You might as well learn how to do the "war chant" if you are planning to attend an FSU football game. The FSU fans do it about 91 times during one game.
Do not call it the "tomahawk chop". At least not in Tallahassee. It is a "war chant."
A true Seminoles fan knows how to do this without hitting the spectator sitting in front.
State Capital
by JudyinPA
"Alfred B Maclay State Park"
One of the most beautiful State Parks in Florida. The land was donated by the Maclay family to the state. The park consists of 3 lakes, an ornamental garden and water fountain area around the original home and bike/hiking trails. We took the trail with bicycles that led us into the woods ending at a lake at the base of a long hill. This park is off route 319 north of the city.
"Tallahassee/St Marks Historic Railroad State Trail"
We wanted to exercise and this was a great place to ride. We had to ride three different times to finally finish the trail. Our dog also got some exercise. The trail is flat and easy to ride for seniors like ourselves. The trail is located south of Tallahassee and continues south to the village of St. Marks. There are a couple restaurants on the main road along the way.
"VT Members meet in Tallahassee"
My husband and I spent 2 months in Tallahassee. We met 3 VT members and their spouses at one of the finer restaurants in town called Chez Pierre. Those people were pchamlis, doug 48 and velia candela.
Close look at the menu. (click to enlarge)
old city cemetery
Lake Bradford and Waterfowl
Tallahassee's Chinese community adds to the fun
