By Neilia Sherman

photo by: Linda Aksomitis

Tallahassee is very different than the Florida cities that most tourists visit. There are no theme parks, no tourist traps and pretty much everyone has a southern accent. That's because Tallahassee is much closer to the state of Georgia than it is to Miami and more closely resembles its Southern neighbors in topography, climate and lifestyle.

I didn't know much about Tallahassee before my visit and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. I was, in fact, seeing 'the other Florida'. The climate is cooler and the look is different; there are lush rolling hills and giant oak trees covered in hanging Spanish moss. Some have grown to such an extent that trees on either side of the road actually meet in the middle, creating a natural canopy, thus five "official canopy roads" have been designated and these are very lovely roads on which to take an afternoon drive.

Some people are surprised to hear that Tallahassee is Florida's capital city, due to its distance from the ocean and 'sleepy town' image, but Tallahassee has fiercely clung to this title. The history of its designation goes back to 1823, when William Pope DuVal, governor of the new Territory of Florida, decided to choose a central location for the legislature. He sent one explorer on horseback from St. Augustine and another by boat from Pensacola and when the two met near a waterfall, in the spot the Indians referred to as "tallahasee" meaning "old town", it was declared Florida's capital.

One thing that I noticed about Tallahassee, is that the people love good food and they are willing to drive to wherever it takes to get it. That's why I found myself on the way to Bradley's Country Store, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, to get a taste of what is known as the best sausage around. And it was truly delicious. It is seasoned according to Grandma Mary's special recipe and folks have been coming from miles around for years, just to grab one for lunch or buy a bunch to take home.

It was also worth the drive to Nicholson's Farm House Restaurant, where I had the best steak that I've ever eaten. The farm house was built in 1828 and is now an historic site. I wolfed down a huge Delmonico steak, which was made with perfectly aged beef that was cut onsite and seasoned to perfection. The atmosphere here is relaxed and homey. The meal begins with a complimentary appetizer of boiled peanuts, a local favorite; that I must say did nothing for me, but were hastily gobbled down by my dinner companions. (CONTINUE...)