In a word, YES, taking part in even just a smattering of the events and activities during the 2024 Bicentennial of Tallahassee could change your life! It may not endow you with superpowers, but all the exciting doing and learning may very well open your eyes, your heart, and your mind in positive and transformative ways.

Do you know much about Tallahassee? Allow me to give you a glance at this wonderful town, through the eyes of a travel writer who happens to reside here. Tallahassee is a friendly and vibrant multicultural destination known for intertwining the best of art, education, greenery, and history. It warmly welcomes everyone from college students to retirees. Let’s take a look at some of the fascinating folks, food, facts, and fun…but not necessarily in that order!

TALLAHASSEE FACTS

Tallahassee was established as the capitol of Florida in 1824 because it sits at the top of the state’s Panhandle region, halfway between Pensacola and St. Augustine. Before then, it was home to the Indigenous tribes of the Apalachee and the Seminole. Back in 1824 the entire bottom portion of Florida was mostly uninhabitable swamp that politicians hardly took into consideration . Oh, yes, times certainly have changed!

Do you like numbers? Tallahassee has been home to 5 Nobel Prize winners, 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 2 astronauts. There have also been well over 100 celebrities including actors, artists, musicians, sports figures, and writers! Should I name just a few? Perhaps you have heard of Bobby Bowden, Burt Reynolds, Faye Dunaway, Polly Holiday, George Clinton, T-Pain, and Jim Morrison.

TALLAHASSEE FOLKS

Now I’m eager to tell you about three of the “regular” folks who currently add their own kind of joy to our town. These are people whom I have met and hold in high regard. Find these or similar Tally residents who will touch your heart and stay in your thoughts. They (uh, we) agree that the Tallahassee Bicentennial really can change your life on many levels.

THE MAYOR OF OUR FINE CITY

The mayor of our fine city is John Dailey, a good man with a strong commitment to the future. He listens with unconditional respect, helps solve the concerns of local citizens, and knows how to mix seriousness with fun. He loves Tallahassee for its small-town charm, natural beauty, and opportunities for education or retirement.

A BUSY BUREAU CHIEF

Shari Hubbard is a sparkling ray of sunshine who helps educate others on food issues in her role at the Florida Department of Agriculture. She values exercise, nutrition, and intentional kindness. She loves our town for its concerts, festivals, greenways, libraries, museums, and restaurants.

FOR A GREAT RIDE

Mike Goldstein owns Capital City Pedicabs “an inexpensive, environmentally friendly, fun, and safe means of transportation”. He can take you for a ride and show you the best places in town. Chat with him and you will know he deeply respects “Tally” and hopes you do, too.

TALLAHASSEE FOOD

Whether you are local or visiting Florida’s capital city, we want you to know that our fabulous food options and the Bicentennial can change your life. Here is a sampling (in alphabetical order) of the first six favorite places that came to my mind when thinking about how to satisfy and delight your foodie desires.

BRADLEY’S COUNTRY STORE 10655 Centerville Rd is almost 100 years old and in a very picturesque setting so bring your camera. Famous for smoked sausage. They also make their own grits, jams, and sauces.

CRACKER BARREL 2920 Hospitality Rd has your fill of comfort foods and a nice fireplace. Breakfast is served all day or pick from things like burgers, chicken, pork, salads and more.

Can’t beat this breakfast at Cracker Barrel!

HABANA’S BOARDWALK 2819 Mahan Dr will transport you to Cuba with lovely décor and authentic Cuban food that is more than delicious.

HARRY’S 301 S. Bronough St brings New Orleans cuisine to you in fine fashion. Shrimp, crawfish, and all your Cajun favorites served in a refined setting.

Sensational seafood and Cajun cuisine at Harry’s.

SAGE 33534 Maclay Blvd S offers American fare with a French feel. This high-end restaurant has excellent quiche, fancy meals, wonderful wines, and decadent desserts.

WAHOO 2714 Graves Rd does Southern food with a Cajun flare. In this fun and casual setting, fill up on gator tail, oysters, pasta, and all the best beverages.

Crab cakes and gator tail at Wahoo, oh yes!!!

TALLAHASSEE BICENTENNIAL FUN

Could the Tallahassee Bicentennial change your life? Dang, y’all… you better believe the answer is YES!!! Which of these is most appealing to you: art, diversity, food, history, murals, museums, music, or parades? Are you looking for inspiration, education, or excitement? Come find all that and more in 2024.

A small sampling of the events includes a Ball and a Poetry Jam in March, three festivals and Pridefest in April, and May will offer both the Southern Shakespeare Festival and the Emancipation Day Celebration. New events are still being added to the calendar practically every day.

Places not to be missed would have to include Cascades Park, FAMU, FSU, Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Lake Ella, Maclay Gardens, and Railroad Square. Be sure to see a few of the canopy roads, greenways, parks, and trails.

USEFUL LINKS https://visittallahassee.com/ https://choosetallahassee.com/news/ https://tallahasseeleoncounty200.com/ https://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingtallahassee

For those who love EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

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This is a story about family, faith, autism, and art. There was a sweet young African American girl who grew up in a nice family. Read this story to discover how she grew to embrace those who have obsessions. Find out how and why this became her obsession.

Her dad was in the military and they moved around often, living overseas and in several states. They moved to Tallahassee, Florida when he retired. She and her sister would each find unique and beautiful ways to express their creativity.

BETTY

The girl, Betty, was very smart and determined. She was not exactly sure what she would do with her life, but she knew it would involve helping others. She studied hard and eventually earned a master’s degree in Social Work at Florida State University.

NIJAH

Right after college she had a vision. In it she was helping young people, many with developmental disorders on the autism spectrum. Then she gave birth to a darling daughter whom she named Nijah. Difficulties in socializing and communicating led to Nijah being diagnosed with autism. Betty had a strong faith and did a lot of praying. She knew that this was totally a God thing, and that He would guide her in knowing what to do.

Betty and Nijah have been through a lot while learning about autism, about one another, and about life. A common component of autism is intense obsessing on only one topic. Betty wants to inform people that obsession does not have to be an obstacle. It can be reframed and reimagined to become a clear path that can pave the way to a career. Nijah is obsessed with art, so Betty is showing her how to translate her passion and skills into a livelihood.

OBSESSIONS

About four years ago, Betty opened a business named Obsessions. It is part gift shop, part arts and crafts, and part educational experience. According to this amazing owner, Betty Proctor, Obsessions is “a joyful place where young and old can socialize and create items like paintings and greeting cards”.

Find arts, crafts, gifts, and new friends.

MPAC

Obsessions is operated hand in hand with Betty’s nonprofit organization MPAC, which stands for Motivating People through Arts and Crafts. Through these two joint ventures, Betty Proctor promotes art, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to enhance life skills and leadership. Betty says it is so rewarding to help those with autism to learn, grow, and have fun.

Interviewing her was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Since I am primarily a travel writer, I just had to ask a few travel questions. She reports that one of her favorite beach spots is Destin, Florida, and that she would love to go back for more travel in San Francisco and in Germany. She would love to encourage visitors to choose Tallahassee as a great destination for dining, shopping, and fabulous photo opportunities.

Betty Proctor is impressive and inspiring.

THE MESSAGE

I asked her what makes her an exuberant person and what message might she wish to share with the world. Here is her reply, “What I do now is a faith walk in which God is with me and leads the right people to me. It is all for the good and has given me confidence. I’m driven to show that every human being is valuable and has so much to offer. No one should ever be discounted just because they have a label.”

Betty Proctor and her daughter Nijah invite you to visit Obsessions at 681 Industrial Drive in Tallahassee, Florida. It is in the Railroad Square Arts District. You can contact them here: https://www.facebook.com/obsessionsgifts

So now you know the story about Betty, the lady who embraces obsessions. Her story is impressive and admirable. She has turned adversity into advantage. She has turned sadness into joy. She thrives on matters of family, faith, autism, and art. This world needs many more folks like Betty Proctor.

COULD TALLAHASSEE BICENTENNIAL CHANGE YOUR LIFE?