Tallahassee: Florida's Capital City for Canines.
Tallahassee has long been noted for its two great universities, Florida State and Florida A&
M.It’s also fair to say much of its growth and modernization has as much to do with it being the state capitol as it being a center of learning. Its downtown has always had its share of upscale boutiques, restaurants and hotels, as most towns with large universities do, catering to returning alumni and in this case, a steady flow of politicians and the lobbyists who lav- ishly entertain them. Until recently however, there were no upscale
pet-friendly hotels in the downtown area, and only a handful of pet-friendly
restaurants.Today, thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and business owners who support the Leon County Humane Society, Tallahassee is finally woof-worthy
Keith Baxter, the owner of Kool Beanz Café was on the forefront of both the culinary and canine scenes in Tallahassee. One of the most popular restaurants in the Midtown district for 17 years, Kool Beanz has always welcomed
Eat
four-legged family members on its cov- ered patio. The restaurant’s Bohemian vibe is enhanced by the colorful display
as
a travel destination. The city itself has made great strides in expanding its already generous green spaces in the downtown area, transforming many of them into dog-friendly fun zones. Like the Chain of Parks running through the heart of the urban district and the beautiful city park at Lake Ella,a water retention project that has become a favorite recreational area and dog-walking spot. Midtown, always a thriving little jewel, has become a mecca for dog-friendly restaurants, boutiques and entertainment venues. Tallahassee's unique canopy roads (where trees meet overhead to form a “topiary ceiling” over the road), rolling hills and beautiful parks offer a scenic kaleidoscope for you and your four-legged friends to explore.
–by Ginger Warders, author of Fido’s Florida: A Dog-Friendly Guide to the Sunshine State.
Sheraton Four Points 850-422-4201 or
FourPoints.com/Tallahassee
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown, 850-513-0313 or
www.alofthotels.com
Visit Tallahassee
www.visittallahassee.com
For an early morning walk with your
BFF (best furry friend), hit the Black Dog Café at Lake Ella for a great cup of Joe before strolling the scenic mile-long path around the lake. Indulge your sweet tooth at the decadent Cake Shop on Capital Circle, with offerings from tortes and cupcakes to a vast array of cookies, including dog cookies.
Stay The iconic round blue
tower that stands out in the city skyline is now the Sheraton Four Points, a
member of the pet-friendly Starwood hotel group. Open for just a few months after a total renovation, the Sheraton’s bright, modern décor and super-friendly staff welcome dogs under 40 pounds with no additional fees.Walk to the Capitol or one of the many “mini-parks” in the city’s Chain of Parks throughout the down- town area.
Another newcomer to the pet-
If you want to lobby like a local, you can catch the county commissioners enjoying
of local artwork, including the pet portraits created by Baxter's brother, Simon. Instead of taking a commission on the sale of art pieces, Baxter asks each artist to donate a comparable sum to their favorite charity.
78 THE NEW BARKER breakfast or lunch at the
Uptown Café and the state legislators arguing issues over dinner at Andrew’s near the Capitol. Both insider favorites have pet-friendly patios and both owners, Fred and Andy, are usually on hand to schmooze with their patrons.
friendly downtown scene is Aloft, an intriguing concept of W Hotels. Think European design hotel with hip lounge areas and bars, sleek Milan-modern styling, and high-tech bells and whistles. Aloft offers an Arf (Animals R Family) Program with special amenities for its canine guests in a welcoming ARF kit that includes a comfy bed and bowl, treats, toys,a dog tag and waste
bags.Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome with no additional fees or deposits.
www.TheNewBarker.com
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