Music Venue - Manley Manor

Manley Manor is a well kept secret in Tallahassee. A music enthusiast, Mike Manley gives the opportunity for artists who are on tour and coming through Tallahassee to perform a low key and fun night in an intimate setting. Performance goers bring blankets and folded chairs, wine and their favorite beer to cozy up to a small stage in the back of Mike's home. The venue is located on a small dirt road off of Miccosukee Road on the Northeast side of Tallahassee.

https://www.facebook.com/ShowsatManleyManor

Melodime - http://youtu.be/EGmwJ4zo7kE

Rushad Eggleston - http://youtu.be/pj5BQkFjQhU

Nick Gill - http://youtu.be/QBxCVYzlR_w

St. George Island - Rock by the Sea

If you are ever thinking you may want to give St. George Island a try, I found the perfect weekend for you. Rock by the Sea is one of the most entertaining weekends in SGI and definitely the most fun! As best described on their website, "Rock by the Sea, Inc is dedicated to organizing music festivals and events where we raise money to assist deserving charities who provide direct services to those in need. Every Rock by the Sea event is an intimate showcase of music designed to bring people together for the love of music and the common goal of helping these charities."

Rental homes are available for the weekend and are highly encouraged. The days are filled with golf tournaments, 5K races, live music, and good ole fashion beach fun. The nights are a different story, but the best part of the weekend. The music starts around 5ish and doesn't stop till past midnight which traditionally consists of a encore of musicians as they play a set all together on stage and jam out. Artists spanning multiple genres countrywide come through this small paradise to perform for a good cause. This past event hosted musicians from Texas, Washington, DC, Tennessee and many more. The artists are engaging and very personable as they mingle with the attendees who also travel from all over the country for these events. I highly encourage checking out Rock by the Sea

http://www.rockbythesea.org/

Bar Review: Eddy Teach's Raw Bar

Eddy Teach's is the epitome of a lowcountry seafood bar. I always try to slip away or bring the crew here for a dozen oysters, good live music, and cold beer. It's equipped with picnic tables outside and a small stage with an accompanying "dance floor".

Bar Review: Harry A's - St. George Island

 I must admit I've never actually consumed a meal from Harry A's but I certainly have had my fair share of cocktails. It's a great venue if you feel like kicking back and listening to a decent live band, and I use the term decent loosely. Most of the crowd will kick off their shoes and cozy up to the stage for a dance party while others take a seat at the bar and watch the debauchery.

Up the Creek Raw Bar

Up the Creek has a lovely view and tasty food, yet the service is not traditional. You order at the bar and your food (oysters preferably) are brought to your table. You must retrieve the necessary items (crackers, horseradish, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, lemons) and self serve beverages. Needless to say, it's waterfront and the seafood is fresh and delicious, but it is an interactive meal.

313 Water St
Apalachicola, FL 32320

I'm on Pinterest!

http://www.pinterest.com/jaime1985/

Another Day at the Capitol

 

A view from the inside of the Florida House of Representatives chamber.

Restaurant Review: Doughnut Kingdom

There are many fun filled and unexpected flavors offered at the local doughnut shop, Doughnut Kingdom. Never would I have thought that peanut butter and jelly would have been my favorite over snickers and red velvet. If you get a wild hair and need something sweet to kick off your work day or feel like your staff deserves a special treat, then I highly suggest swinging by Doughnut Kingdom on your way to work. I will admit that I am a Krispy Kreme fan and love their fluffy, melt in your mouth doughnuts but if you're looking for something a little more substantial (cakey) and more variety, give it a shot.

Travel: St. Petersburg

What may seem like a distant city, but truly is a short entertaining drive down highway 19, St. Petersburg is up and coming. Every time I go down to visit there are new restaurants and sites to see. I grew up at the beach here and have spent many a weekend perusing the galleries of both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dali Museum but the buildings that house these amazing collections have been updated and improved over the years. They now host entertaining events to draw people to their galleries. Also, the restaurants along Beach Drive offer fine dining options to rowdy Coney Island hot dogs. The bars are ever changing, yet a few of my favorites still remain.

Restaurant Review: Siam Sushi

This isn't my first post on Siam Sushi, but that's only because I can't get enough! I have been meeting friends here for dinner and sitting at the sushi bar. Which I learned grants you a free house salad. The staff here is always attentive and kind and the food never ceases to impress me. My new favorite menu item is the Pad Woon Sen and if you have an open mind and a desire for sushi, go with the chef's choice. It will be enormous and delicious.

Restaurant Review: Front Porch and Liberty Bar and Restauarnt

Pictured above is the infamous Mangria which can be found at Front Porch and can quench your thirst for a tropical city drink. Front Porch is an ideal location to enjoy an outdoor setting that offers a decent wine list. I haven't been impressed with the food here so we decided to take our hunger to the new restaurant in town Victory Bar and Restaurant. The drink menu had much to offer with fresh squeezed juices and top shelf liquors. The food was delicious. We ordered corn dogs, a meat board, and my two favorites were the mac and cheese and the brussel sprouts. Both prepared expertly. The interior design could use a little extra effort, but the food and drinks kept your attention to the bar and kitchen.

Event: Springtime Tallahassee 2014

The streets were filled with families this past Saturday when Tallahassee hosted its annual Springtime Festival. There was a parade, multiple stages for live performances, a variety of fair food, and several activities to partake in. We decided to take a stroll down College Avenue and make our way to Kleman Plaza to hear Emerson Drive and enjoy the beer and seafood.

Tallahassee Nurseries - Excuse to Get Outdoors

If you find yourself with an hour or so of free time and don't have a reason to be out in the beautiful spring weather, then head to Tallahassee Nurseries. I have been quite a few times to purchase plants for my yard, but find that it is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You can peruse the colorful flowers, stop in the cute gift shops, and lose yourself in lovely landscapes. It is like walking through a garden that you can take home with you.

Event: Military Day at the Capitol

Stop by the capitol on Military Day (held once a year) for a free hot dog, chips, and a drink. Watch trained military scale the walls of the capitol and take your photo in a tank or with a very large gun. All the while paying gratitude to those who serve.

Travel: Another Beach Weekend

Here are a few photos of a recent beach weekend at St. George Island and Apalachicola, Florida. I highly recommend driving down, even for just a day trip.

Event: Gavin DeGraw and Parachute Concert

It was a packed house at the Moon with a line of college students (trying to get in for free) around the block. Both Parachute and Gavin put on a memorable concert.

Thoughts

Day Trip! Apalachicola

 The description of this trip is going to be short and sweet.
Food: Since Papa Joe's was closed we tried Up the Creek, which was pretty yummy. They parmesan oysters could have used less parmesan, but they were still tasty. We sat outside on the deck overlooking the river as we sipped our bloody mary's. Up the Creek is self serve, they do bring your food to you, but if you want lemon or horseradish you have to make a stop at the salad bar.

Sites: The only thing to do in Apalach (as the locals call it ;-) is walk around downtown and browse the shops. There is a lot to look at from photography to interior design, I even bought a couple really pretty air plants that are still alive! Take a look at the pictures and get yourself over to Apalachicola for a fun day trip!