It’s that time of the year where you can hear the FSU Marching Chiefs from miles away. The Tallahassee streets are flooded with Garnet & Gold and there are people doing the war chant in every direction you turn. It’s Florida State’s Family Weekend and we’re here to get you through it with ease.
Whether you’re a first-time college parent, or have been a Seminole for years, we’ve put together a guide full of places to eat, things to do, and a few more tips and tricks that will be helpful to know before making your Family Weekend plans.
Book a Hotel Early
It’s safe to say Family Weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year. With the student population being over 30,000 you can imagine how quickly hotel rooms fill up. It is important to book your hotel rooms as early as possible. Keep your eye out for the release of the official Florida State football schedule so you are able to find a room at the hotel of your choice. When deciding a hotel, consider the price, location, and amenities they have to offer.
Some of my family’s favorites over the past few years include:
- Aloft Tallahassee Downtown (1.2 miles from FSU campus)
- Residence Inn by Marriott (0.4 miles from FSU campus)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (1.0 miles from FSU campus)
- Hotel Indigo (0.7 miles from FSU campus)
- Hotel Duval (1.2 miles from FSU campus)
All of the hotels listed are in close proximity to FSU’s campus and have great reviews online. However, make sure to do your research before deciding where to stay so it will be one less thing to worry about over the weekend! If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try checking out hotels further from the downtown area, perhaps by Governor’s Square Mall.
Where To Eat During FSU Family Weekend
For students, one of the best parts of Florida State University’s Family Weekend is getting a break from the dining hall meals and experiencing some of the local Tallahassee cuisine on mom and dad’s tab. Restaurants tend to get crowded during this time so make sure to plan your meals in advance. We’d suggest making a reservation for peak times, otherwise you may have a lengthy wait for a table.
Here are a few of our favorite local options:
The Edison
You cannot go wrong with Brunch or Dinner at The Edison! Located inside of an old power plant building, the ambiance alone is something worth going for. In addition to the atmosphere, the Edison offers a variety of menu options that do not disappoint. Go ahead and check out some of their delicious options here, The Edison Menu. Their Jacksonville Strip Steak is one item that definitely stands out! It is known to be one of the juiciest and most tender steaks in town. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do after eating, the Edison is at Cascades Park so you can walk the trails after your meal.
Table 23
Table 23, located in Midtown, features Southern-style fare with a twist. Whether you’re seated indoors or on their outside patio, the atmosphere is amazing! The interior is majestic with their stunning light fixtures and earthy feel. Table 23 is the perfect place for a nice dinner or Sunday brunch. If you’re heading there for brunch, I recommend their take on the classic Chicken & Waffles. Whether its brunch or dinner, the employees at Table 23 take the time to prepare each meal with care, ensuring that you’ll always be satisfied. This dedication can be credited to the owners, as they are undeniably passionate about their services. I suggest reading their story here Table 23 so you can see for yourself!
Madison Social
If you’re looking for a place closer to campus, then Madison Social is the place for you! Located in Collegetown, Madison Social is one of the most popular restaurants nearby. Here you’ll find more classic pub food that will still shock your taste buds. You can take a look over their menu, Madison Social Menu, and see what stands out to you. Winner of best brunch, happy hour, and bar in Tallahassee, this is the perfect spot to hit before heading over to Doak Campbell stadium to watch the Seminoles win!
Kool Beanz Cafe
Take a step out of your comfort zone and try Tallahassee’s locally owned Kool Beanz Cafe. With their menu changing daily, there will always be something new for you to try. You can check out some of their latest creations here, Kool Beanz Cafe Menu, or stop in to see what’s in store for that day! Kool Beanz menu options are both funky and delicious. Some of my favorites are their caramelized salmon or their peppered flank steak. Kool Beanz invites their customers in with happy faces every time and are dedicated to serving some of the most unique food in Tallahassee
The Egg Cafe and Eatery
For a more traditional breakfast, The Egg is a great choice. Their menu is large so there is something for every taste bud. The Egg is located on Duval Street, close to the Capitol building. Check out The Egg Cafe and Eatery on Google Maps to see photos of their delicious food and peruse reviews. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming and the food is delicious. If you’re searching for savory, try one of their specialty omelets. But if you’re like me and have a sweet tooth, I recommend Cinnamon Roll French Toast for a scrumptious breakfast.
Activities
Florida State hosts a variety of different activities for you and your kids to do over the course of the weekend. In addition to the football game, FSU holds a 5k Fun Run & Walk, a Saturday Tailgate Brunch, a Paint-a-Pot, and more! You can find a list of all of the Florida State sponsored events on their official website, https://familyweekend.fsu.edu/. There’s truly no better way to get a feel for what life is like as a Seminole than through doing some of these as a family. In addition to FSU sponsored activities, there are so many other opportunities for fun. Some other things you can do include:
What to Expect During Family Weekend
This might be your first time seeing your kids since move-in day so expect them to be eager to show you around and smother you with all the details of their new life. Remember that, while you’re there, you are the visitor! If their room isn’t as clean as you’d hoped, or it seems like months since the last time the trash was taken out, just take a deep breath, and know that they are still learning and it is going to be okay! Family Weekend is an opportunity for you, as parents, to spend time with your students as they’re becoming independent adults. Follow their lead as they walk you through some of their favorite things to do in town. You may even start to notice a change in who they were before, as they’re now growing into a more-confident young adult. It is important to be patient and flexible during this weekend, and allow your student to show you all they’ve accomplished during their time as a Seminole!
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