Tallahassee shows a side of Florida many visitors never see: rolling hills, canopy roads shaded by giant oaks draped in Spanish moss, and a rich history. Florida's capital was chosen in 1824 as a meeting point between the territory's two major cities at the time, St. Augustine and Pensacola, and it still has a gracious, Old South feel.

Tour the historic Old Capitol and climb to the observation deck of the modern Capitol for views over the city. Step back in time at Mission San Luis, a reconstructed 17th-century Spanish mission and Apalachee village, and learn about the state's story at the Museum of Florida History. Explore beautiful gardens at Maclay Gardens State Park, see wildlife at the Tallahassee Museum and swim with manatees nearby in season at Wakulla Springs State Park, one of the largest freshwater springs in the world. Home to Florida State University and Florida A&M, the city has a lively college-town energy, especially on football weekends.

Tallahassee makes a great stop on a Florida Panhandle road trip, with the Gulf beaches of St. George Island and Panama City Beach within easy reach. I'll plan a weekend around a game, the capital's history or the area's natural springs.