Tallahassee, most known as a college town home to over 70,000 students, has even more to offer in its rural areas.
Communities such as Bradfordville, Centerville and Miccosukee maintain a country feel despite the urban development work happening throughout Tallahassee. The local landscape features rolling hills, canopy roads and farmlands.
Life as a college student gets busy, making it easy to overlook the lush scenery and engaging activities on the outskirts of Tallahassee. Still, rural Tallahassee provides a fresh perspective of the Capital City, perfect for disconnecting from campus life and engaging with nature.
Orchard Pond Organic Farm, a farm and shop in Red Hills, Tallahassee, boasts homemade honey, fresh produce and products from other local companies. Lisa Bauman, an associate at Orchard Pond, enjoys the relaxing environment while still being close to the city.
“When you’re out here, you don’t feel like you’re in Tallahassee,” Bauman said. “You just feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but you’re like five minutes from the middle of Tallahassee.”
At farms like Orchard Pond, visitors can enjoy seasonal U-Pick experiences, where they harvest fresh produce directly from the fields. This opportunity supports a local business and provides a cost-effective, organic alternative to produce bought in stores. Orchard Pond’s next U-Pick is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Ten minutes south of Orchard Pond, the Leon County Humane Society offers explorers a quiet break from city life and an opportunity to give back to the community. The society rescues and rehabilitates abandoned animals while facilitating fosters, adoptions and education on responsible pet care. Its location on Timberlane Road welcomes volunteers to assist with caring for cats in foster care.
Director of Advocacy and Community Education Katie Stryker, offered insight into the society’s community outreach efforts, highlighting how its rural location doesn’t hinder its impact.
“We do a lot of education with college students that want to adopt, and it’s really nice to see them set on that path,” Stryker said.
Through its fostering program, LCHS is able to rehome animals that come into its care. Anyone can foster at no cost, and LCHS supplies all essential pet care items and services, including food, beds, litter and veterinary services.
“I would love for more people to know about fostering because we provide everything. We make sure that you’re able to do it and all you have to do is provide the love,” Stryker said. For those looking to experience Tallahassee’s rural charm without straying too far from campus, the Tallahassee Farmers Market offers a convenient middle ground.
Located near the Bradfordville community but closer to student hubs, the market brings locally grown produce, homemade goods and farm-fresh products to a more accessible location. It allows shoppers to support local farmers and artisans while staying close to the city.
Kelisia Morrison, a senior accounting student, ventured to the farmers market on Saturday for its weekly opening. Though the offerings weren’t what she expected, Morrison found the experience worthwhile.
“It’s nice to see that local businesses are being supported and that they have a place where people can come and shop and support them,” Morrison said. “I think it’s very important for small business owners or local businesses to be supported and be able just to have a platform for them to be able to sell what they’re producing.”
Beyond the college scene, Tallahassee’s countryside offers a refreshing contrast to campus life. Exploring local farms, markets, and community spaces reveals a side of the city often bypassed by students. Stepping outside the college routine can provide a newfound appreciation for the local community and its hidden gems.