I am a very rare bird, otherwise known as a Florida native. I was born and raised in South Florida and have lived in several different parts of my home state. However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally made my first stop in our state capital of Tallahassee, and recently I had the opportunity to spend a few days there again. I was pleasantly surprised to find what a vibrant, exciting and wheelchair-accessible city it is.

Tallahassee became the capital of Florida in 1824 and is home to trade, agriculture, scientific research, and several colleges and universities. In addition to visiting numerous small businesses and cultural attractions, visitors with disabilities can enjoy a variety of beautiful outdoor spaces in the city and the surrounding area. Over three days, in the span of 48 hours, I was able to enjoy so many wheelchair-accessible things to do, see, taste and buy. Here are my suggestions for how you can enjoy a few days in accessible Tallahassee.

Day One

Check into the AC Hotel Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol, located downtown. The AC has fantastic wheelchair accessibility and is conveniently located within rolling distance of many sights and attractions.

The hotel has a great rooftop bar that is ideally situated to enjoy a beautiful sunset over neighboring Cascades Park. My room had a very comfortable platform bed that was easy for me to transfer into, a roll-in shower with a fold-down bench where I could reach everything, and a wide roll-under sink and toilet with well-placed grab bars. Hotel parking has van-accessible spaces, and service animals are welcome.

The hotel is conveniently located within rolling distance of three great trails, a combined total of 2.3 miles of accessible paved pathways. These paths will take you around a couple of lovely ponds with small waterfalls, an outdoor amphitheater — where I got to enjoy a really cool sound check for the next night’s show — and a very moving Korean War Veterans memorial.

When you start feeling hunger pangs, you can roll to The Edison Restaurant right on the edge of the park. It used to be a power plant in the 1920s, and now it serves delicious regional dishes made with fresh ingredients. I had the guacamole appetizer and the salmon entree, and both were scrumptious. You can either eat indoors or dine alfresco on the second level overlooking the park and amphitheater. After dinner, you can roll back across the street to Charlie Park, a very trendy bar and lounge that overlooks Cascades. It’s a great place to unwind over a glass of wine and learn more about the area from the staff.

Day Two

You have to start a full day with a great breakfast, and the Canopy Road Cafe did not disappoint. This diner puts the “L” in local, and I knew I was in the right place when I saw a visiting college track team and some families queuing up for a few tables. Inside, there were Florida State polo shirts everywhere, and locals just catching up on their day. Make sure you leave room for the enormous pancakes.

After breakfast, drive back to central Tallahassee to visit the Florida Historical Capitol Museum. The current building has been restored to its 1902 grandeur with a stained-glass dome and much-debated candy-striped awnings, and it’s fully accessible with an elevator and bathrooms. The museum contains exhibits on Florida’s political history, the former House and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court and the Governor’s suite. The wheelchair entrance is located on the Capitol Courtyard side of the museum. The accessible door is located under the stairs to the left if you’re facing the building.

Just a few blocks away, you can roll to the quaint LeMoyne Arts Gallery, which features rotating exhibits highlighting Florida artists. Many of the paintings and sculptures you’ll see are available for sale as well. If buying art isn’t your thing, fortunately there are many other options for shopping in Tallahassee. You can drive over to Market Square, and visit Hearth and Soul, where they feature a curated collection of simple, modern and classic items, including top brands and artisan goods. I was able to buy some locally made chocolate and honey for friends, as well as a luxurious sweater for myself. Don’t forget to ask for a sample of their pecan popcorn.

After some shopping, get some rest and get your appetite ready for dinner at Il Lusso, just a few blocks down from the Capitol Museum. This is a beautiful Italian fine dining experience where you can savor quality prime steaks, seafood, handmade pasta and wine. I can definitely vouch for the fish and whipped mashed potato entree that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s the place to see and be seen, and it’s fully wheelchair accessible. The service was amazing, and the food was delectable.

Day Three

I am definitely not a morning person, but your itinerary for this day will be worth hearing the birds sing at sunrise. Start your day with a quick breakfast at The Power Plant Cafe, just below The Edison in Cascades Park across from your hotel. I savored the enormous breakfast burrito (with extra bacon, thank you). There’s a window for easy to-go ordering, and the cozy accessible seating inside was even inspired by the TV sitcom Friends.

Now it’s time for a short half-hour drive to beautiful Wakulla Springs. Reminiscent of old Florida vacation spots, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is the home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the entire world. I enjoyed a 45-minute guided riverboat tour, which they called their Jungle Cruise, offering several up-close glimpses of wildlife, including alligators — we saw tons — plus turtles, manatees and a variety of bird species. Make sure you keep your cameras ready because the amazing tour guide has a sharp eye and will point out every animal possible. The boat is pontoon-style, and it’s pretty much a flat roll-on entry from the dock. Upon arrival, enter the main lodge, and the receptionist will advise you how to get to the path that leads to the dock and cruise check-in.

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