I hate to give her more exposure, but this one hit close to home, as
Jenn Sterger’s Florida State Road Trip hit SI on Campus. Given that I spent three years in the coed Mecca that is Tallahassee, I thought I would evaluate how Jenn did with her favorite Tally hotspots.
Best place to celebrate a big win: Tennessee Street.
The Strip, as we call it, is a mecca for Tallahassee nightlife. From dive bars (The Pub), to '80s for the ladies (Yanni's), it has a little something for everyone. Not to mention its where my fellow Cowgirl Allison and newbie Jessica hold down sweet bartending gigs at Big Daddy's -- ranked one of the craziest bars in the country. So don't be surprised if you hear a little Charlie Daniels and some bar stomping on a Thursday night ... things are probably just getting started.
Jenn’s right on here, although my opinion on some of the bars she singled out differs slightly. Tennessee Street is like “O” Street on steroids. Literally. The guys are seriously meatheads. But the girls are tan, outgoing, and scantily-clad. What more could you ask for?
Best landmark:
The Capitol Building. Located next to Doak, it's better known for being an enormous phallic symbol. If you have to ask what I am talking about, I'm sure Google images can assist you.
I was shocked to learn that I had traded one phallic state capital structure for another. Florida’s version is far worse, however. It even has
balls.
Best place for a guy's night out:
The Palace Saloon. Forget the '80s music and girly cocktails. When the male population of Florida State needs to cut loose, they head to the Palace. The place just screams manliness: the lack of décor (aside from beer and sports neons), the abundance of pool tables and dartboards and the absence of any drink that requires a straw. Considering Tallahassee is devoid of gentleman's clubs, the Palace offers a retreat from the girlfriend's nagging, without the need for further explanation.
Again Jenn was right on. The Palace is the best. Bonus points for being located a block from my apartment. This is the bar that provided the motivation for my first solo trek to a drinking establishment. Shortly after moving Tally, and before I had met anyone, the siren call of cheap Bud Light was too great to resist. I soon became a happy hour regular.
Best place to grab a slice:
Momo's. Pizza is a college student's main source of nutrition, and Momo's does its part to make sure no student goes hungry. The slices they serve up redefine huge: They are as big as your head!! And that is no exaggeration.
More of the parallel world stuff. I went from LaBamba’s and “burritos as big as your head” to Momo’s with “pizza slices as big as your head”. Both were great drunk food and I’m just happy to have a fast metabolism.
Best pregame ritual:
The Village. Most schools have a special place to gather on game days... a building, a parking lot ... but Tallahassee has an entire village. The tenants of the apartment complex adjacent to Doak Campbell open up their homes, their hearts and their coolers to Seminole fans and visitors alike. Though visitors in blue and orange may get a bit of heckling, the kids that gather at the village are simply there to enjoy the pregame festivities and have a good time. Maybe it takes a 'village to raise a fan,' too.
My first home game, I was absolutely stunned to find out a place like the Village actually existed. Imagine a cul-de-sac of small duplex-type apartments. Each with its own keg and or/bar service. Now add several thousand students and you have the greatest pre-game atmosphere I have ever encountered. This place is where red solo cups go to die.
Hidden gem:
Club Publix. Normally the hardest decision you face when you go to the grocery store is paper or plastic. But imagine a place where shopping is more than just a pleasure, it's a place to meet your future ex-girlfriend. Some of the hottest girls in Tallahassee can be found as close as your nearest grocer's freezer. So now it's not just paper or plastic ... it's blonde, brunette or redhead.
Holy crap, I suddenly have a teensy-weensy bit of respect for Ms. Sterger. Publix is the Sistine Chapel of shopping excursions. Single guys in Tally were known to do their weekly shopping one item per trip, allowing ample time to gaze at the scenery. The only hidden gem that could perhaps compete was the weight room at the student recreation center. I used to joke that it was like working out at the Playboy Grotto. I don’t know what they put in sports bras, but it must be tougher than Kevlar. If you ever get the chance to watch a busty blonde hit the
pec deck machine, I recommend you stare. A lot.
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