I Officially Heart Tally

I'm fresh off a fantastic work trip to the state capital, where I got to take in all the good food that Tallahassee has to offer on a culinary media tour. Before my trip, I had always thought of Tallahassee as the capital city where all the state level politics were and of course as a huge college football town thanks to FSU. If you were following along on snapchat (@greenfashonista), instagram (@greenfashionista), or twitter (@GreenFashonista) you may have already seen a lot of my fun pics from the culinary tour.

I stayed at the beautiful Hotel Duval which is Tallahassee's only boutique hotel, and upon entering my room was greeted with an awesome swag bag full of goodies from the Visit Tallahassee team and vendors that I'd be meeting throughout my stay.


*The lighting in the room was terrible for pics, but it was so pretty*

After getting settled into my room, it was time for happy hour up at the Level 8 Lounge where I sampled their signature cocktail The Golden Key which is comprised of Ketel One Citron, Amaretto, Cointreau, Drambuie, Local Tupelo Honey, and topped with fresh Florida orange juice. Such a beautiful spot for happy hour, set up on the top floor with an outdoor patio and views all the way out to the Gulf of Mexico.

Then it was time for a special treat - a 6 course meal with drink pairings at Avenue Eat and Drink right off the town green.

The staff were amazing, the food was delish, and they even went above and beyond to accommodate my seafood allergy. I enjoyed a freshly made artichoke dip, lamb chop, grilled and chilled salad, braised beef, key lime pie, and carrot cake which were all paired exceptionally with bubbles, wine, and handcrafted drinks including an espresso martini which comprised of coffee beans from Lucky Goat tjat I enjoyed a tour at the following morning.

I enjoyed breakfast in bed the next morning from room service, complete with Starbucks coffee before heading over to the Lucky Goat for a coffee grinding tour. It was so much fun watching them roast the coffee beans, learn more about the history of the beans, and of course sample lots of different coffees including their cold brew (which is better than Starbucks!). I also found it neat that they sell growlers of their cold brew - it's THAT good!


*There was even an observation window so patrons can watch the coffee being roasted and grinded while enjoying their coffee.*
Next stop on my tour was a lunch time trip to Bradley Country Store for the best smoked sausage I've ever had and a grits grinding tour.

After enjoying a sausage sandwich and learning more about grits grinding, it was time for something sweet at Lofty Pursuits. This ice cream shop is also an old fashioned soda fountain, candy shop, and toy shop. Truly a one stop shop for kids and adults alike.
While getting a historical background from the animated owner, I was able to watch candy making and sample root beer floats, a frozen Arnold Palmer, a toasted marshmallow shake, and the best ice cream sundae I've ever had.
After all that food, my tour guide took us to Cascades Park to walk off some of the sweets and take in some more history and the beautiful views.
*How much fun would it be to see a concert at the new amphitheater under the stars?*


After a little downtime at the hotel and nursing my eye (oh yes - guess who came down with pink eye while traveling) it was time for dinner at KitchenAble. I'd never been to a cooking demonstration dinner, and I was in for a treat! The owner and head chef was such a colorful character, and the epitome of a former Disney employee. It was almost as if a Disney princess was cooking us an amazing dinner while telling us stories.



The next morning I was all set for my last full day of touring the beautiful city, but I woke up even sicker. My eye was worse, and I also had the added bonus of joint pain and a ridiculously sore throat. Why this would happen on a fantastic work trip is beyond me! But, I wanted to press on and do as much as I could until my body reached it's stopping point.

I was able to enjoy a delicious southern style breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company and then a tour of the gorgeous Hearth and Soul store before throwing in the towel on the magnificent weekend. I ended up missing out on a brewery tour, dinner at Kool Beanz, and an evening at a one of a kind blues cafe. But the 4 hour drive back to Orlando was super uncomfortable being as sick as I was and once I got home I passed out for the evening. So, as sad as I was to have missed the last few activities, my body needed me to get home and rest.

I could not get over how unique the Hearth and Soul store was, which is owned and run by Susie Busch Transou of the Busch beer family. It's truly a gathering place reminiscent of your home with "his and hers closets" for clothes shopping, a full kitchen that prepares brunch on the weekends, a fully stocked coffee and tea bar, living room, library, and even an outdoor patio where they have yoga, pilates, and barre classes. Events such as guys/girls night out, book signings, lululemon exercise classes, etc... are also thrown by the store which makes it such a unique concept. Also, everything in the store including the furniture and artwork is for sale so it may change each time you go there to shop.


*His and Hers Closets - the Hers was bigger of course*



I couldn't leave Tallahassee without driving through the FSU campus which was of course beautiful! Made me wonder why I ever decided to go to college back up north.

What I loved most about Tallahassee was how passionate everyone I met was about what they do, and the city they live in. You could truly feel the southern hospitality unlike anywhere else I've experienced in the sunshine state.

43 comments:

  1. Looks like such a great time! And that coffee....YES!!!

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  2. Well I wont mention anything about FSU being a Florida grad...but we stayed at Hotel Duval for my best friends wedding and had the same wonderful things to say about it!! I really loved the food and bar atmosphere there!! So glad you had a wonderful work trip! xo, biana -BlovedBoston

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  3. That hotel looks amazing!! And the food and that store....love seeing these pictures! So sorry you were sick, I hope your feeling much better!

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  4. What a cool work trip! Anything that involves all that yummy food is bound to be amazing! Hope you're feeling better!

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  5. Sounds like it was a really cool trip and nice that you got to sample so much of what the city offers!

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  6. That hotel looks gorgeous! I've only ever been to Tally for FSU games or our tennis tournaments but I had no idea they were such a foodie city! I want that biscuit right now! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  7. All of your food pictures have my mouth watering. Everything looks delicious! Your room was so chic. We always obsess over our room decor when we go out of town too. I loved those tall backed chairs. The Lucky Goat looks awesome. I'll be adding that to my list of pit-stops in FL lol.

    kaitlyn-danielle.blogspot.com

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  8. what a great recap! i haven't ever explored Tally and this gives me a reason to instead of just driving right through! it's not far at all. give me all the food and cold brew - you know that's my fav!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  9. Tallahassee looks so fun!! You guys did a lot! And I love the hotel!

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  10. This is a totally awesome weekend. I'd do something like this in a second!

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  11. I lived in Tally for 5 years and it's a great foodie experience! Hotel Duval was our wedding hotel! Can't get much better than Level 8! Next time, make sure you head to mid-town (Paisley cafe, Lucy & Leo's cupcakes, and Finnegan's Wake Irish pub! Glad you enjoyed yourself! Make today work, Rachel -CubicleCouture

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  12. What a fun trip! The food all looks + sounds amazind!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  13. Wow looks like SUCH a great work trip!!!! I use to host media visits like that so I know how much work they are ;) The funniest thing that caught my attention was your room service complete with STARBUCKS!!! I feel like hotels maybe offer a plain latte with room service but never that kind of drink! So cool!

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  14. What a fabulous hotel! It looks like you had an amazing trip!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  15. I'm so sorry that you got sick on this fabulous trip, but it sounds like you were able to push through some of it and still get to see and do a lot! All of the food that you ate sounds fantastic and has got me drooling over here! Is it lunchtime yet? I've never been to Tallahassee, but your post definitely makes me want to visit!

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  16. Can I have your job!? LOL! What an amazing and fun work trip, I loved your Snaps too! I'm so sorry you ended up getting sick though, hope you are feeling better!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  17. My best friend grew up in Tallahassee and she got married there a few years ago. We stayed at the Hotel Duval and it was amazing! We actually had her bachelorette party at the Level 8 Lounge! Unfortunately, we were there in the middle of the summer and it was ridiculously hot and we were so busy with wedding duties, there wasn't time to do much else. Also, how cute are those cookies!!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  18. How fun! I've never been, but it looks awesome. I always love exploring new places and the tasty food they offer.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  19. What an awesome trip! I was enjoying all your snaps!

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  20. Oh my, all the food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahaha! That hotel looks wonderful and what a fabulous swag bag you got to remember your trip with! I have never been but it looks like I need to go!

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  21. Sounds like such an awesome trip!!

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  22. What an awesome trip! Those cookies are adorable and I bet tasted delicious!

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  23. I haven't been to Tallehassee in forever but looks like I need to make a trip back! What a fun trip and that hotel is gorgeous!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  24. Holy moly, I had no idea there was so much good food in Tallahassee! I definitely would love to take a trip down there - maybe this football season!

    Meg, Borrowed Heaven

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  25. Looks like a fun trip, especially for work! We were in Tallahassee last month and saw Jason Isbell at the new amphitheater. It is a great venue!!!
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

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  26. I would gladly accept a work trip that consisted of all this good food and bag full of goodies at the hotel! It looks more like a fun trip than work. I've been wanting to go somewhere different from the places I usually vaca to and this might have to be on my list.
    On a side note, I love your blue bag!

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  27. Wow! Tallahassee has never been on my radar but now I want to plan a weekend trip! Sorry to hear you weren't feeling well, that's no fun :(

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  28. What an amazing work trip - all that food looks delicious - the root beer floats really caught me!

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  29. Your entire post made me feel like I was right there with you! Boo about getting sick, but looks like you made the best of it as much as you could. Seriously all that food has me drooling!! I need to check out Tallahassee for sure!!

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  30. What a wonderful hotel! Being sick is awful, you still look great though!

    God bless,

    XO, Claire

    Http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com

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  31. Love this hotel! Everything looks so delicious!
    Xoxo,
    Love from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

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  32. Interesting post ;)
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: CAFETALES IN COSTA RICA (COMFY CHIC LOOK)

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  33. Oh my gosh. This is my kind of work trip!! All of the food looks AMAZING! I would have been in heaven haha. Hope your eye is feeling better! Such a bummer to come down with that while you're supposed to be having fun - I mean working ;)

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  34. i love tally--spent a lot of time there in my college years. my ex bro-in-law was an all-american for them at fsu back in the day, so it holds a special place in my heart.

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  35. I mean, now I'm dying to go to Tallahassee! Never thought that was somewhere I wanted to go until reading this!! So fun!!

    Xox Dana Ivy // www.iadorewhatilove.com

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  36. What an awesome trip! I'd love to visit there soon!

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  37. This is amazing! Love all your swag & your food! You are rocking that cobalt dress, too! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

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  38. That is never a place I would think to visit, but it looks adorable and like you had such a great trip!

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  39. Wow I had no clue Tally had so much to offer! Looks like you were treated very well and got to try tons of great food and drinks.

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  40. Oh so fun! All of this food looks amazing! I'm going to be honest and say I kind of forget about Tallahassee! That cookie is adorable, and everywhere you went looks really fun. I'm eating my healthy breakfast... but can I get one of those biscuit sandwiches instead?! :P XO -Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  41. Wow. I would have never known it had all of this great stuff! You don't hear much about Tally (well here anyway). All of the food looks delish! I am so sorry you are sick... we've had an outbreak of pink eye at our office and it's been awful! Hope you're feeling better!

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  42. oh my word. i am so jealous! a culinary media tour?! all of it looks amazing, and the hotel looks super cool. that ice cream shop looks super fun, actually this whole trip seems awesome and fun (so much food!). except for the sick part, that obviously does not sound fun at all :( hope you are feeling better!

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  43. Oh my goodness. All the food. It all looks SO good. What a neat work trip!! Obviously I don't get to do cool things like that... so I'm sure it's actually a lot of work to be "on" for this type of trip - but it seriously looks amazing!!

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