World Country Guide

North Central Florida

The North Central region lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Georgia at the base of the Appalachians. This region is bisected by the Suwannee River, which was immortalised in Florida’s official state song, written by Stephen Foster. Tallahassee, the state capital and the only uncaptured Confederate capital east of the Mississippi, has preserved the famous battle site of Natural Bridge where the Union forces suffered a defeat in 1865. Today, the city is a wonderful haven of colour – azaleas, dogwoods, daphne, magnolias and camellias are all to be seen in bloom here. The Museum of Florida History and the Black Archives Research Center can also be found here.
One of the area’s most notable natural features is Wakulla Springs, which delivers more than 15,000 gallons of water per second.
Seafood was the staple of one of the region’s historic sites, Cedar Key, which is one of the oldest ports in the State. This island became a major supplier of seafood and timber products for the northeastern States during the Railroad era. Today, it is noted for its shopping, Victorian architecture and artistic flair.
Tallahassee Regional Airport (THL) (website: www.ci.tallahassee.fl.us/citytlh/aviation) is located 10 minutes from the city and served by AirTran Airways, Air Wisconsin, Continental Express, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection Services, Northwest Airlink and US Airways Express.
Amtrak’s Tallahassee station is situated five minutes away on Railroad Avenue. Tallahassee is also served by Greyhound buses. The Old Town Trolley provides a free round trip ride from the Civic Center.
The following is a selection of special events occurring in North Central Florida in 2005:
Jan 10-16 Freedom Blues Festival, Tallahassee. Mar Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival. Mar-Nov Downtown Marketplace, every Saturday, Tallahassee. Apr Annual Spring Arts Festival, Gainesville. May Southern Shakespeare Festival, Tallahassee. May 27-29 Annual Folk Festival, White Springs. Aug North Florida Fair, Tallahassee. Nov 12-13 Annual Downtown Festival and Arts Show, Gainesville.
Tallahassee is mild and moist owing to its close proximity to the Gulf, with an average temperature of 19C (67F).