Tallahassee is affectionately known as a “drinking town with a football problem.” Ask any student what bar has the best drink specials and he/she will know. Ask any student where the Museum of Florida History is and I bet you’ll get a few blank stares. Not many people know that Tallahassee has a strong cultural side.

Now I’m not saying you should trade in your Moose Card for a museum membership. But spending an afternoon at the Goodwood Museum or the Governor’s Mansion may open your eyes to a “new” side of our city.

Here are a few places that are worth a Saturday afternoon. The best part? They are completely free.

Museum of Florida History

History enthusiasts won’t want to miss perusing photographs, manuscripts, and genealogical records housed in the Florida State Archives and Library. Enjoy exhibits that show what it’s like to travel in a dugout canoe and ride a steamboat. There’s also a mastodon skeleton that’s sure to make the inner child in all of us say “Whoa. Cool.”

http://www.museumoffloridahistory.com

Goodwood Museum and Gardens

Trying to impress a new lady friend? Take her to this antebellum home built in 1834. View original art inside the house or stroll through the beautiful, historically accurate gardens. The ladies will love any guy who takes them to see blooming roses and fragrant magnolias.

http://www.goodwoodmuseum.org

Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Explore exhibits such as “Florida Before 1885”, “We the People”, and “Election 2000” (just in case you’ve forgotten how our glorious state screwed up a Presidential election). Visit the restored House of Representatives chamber and the several monuments located throughout the Capitol grounds.

http://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov

Governor’s Mansion

Ever wonder where good ol’ Ricky Scott lays his head at night? Wonder no more after taking a tour of the Governor’s Mansion. This 30 minute tour will take you through six rooms and the Manatee Courtyard.

http://www.floridagovernosmansion.com

WFSU’s Kirk Collection

It may come as a surprise to learn FSU has their own radio station. Even more surprising is that the station has its own museum. This museum has 3,000 antique radios, microphones, televisions and pieces of sound equipment on display. So spend some time learning about life before iPods and music downloads.

http://www.wfsu.org/about/Kirk_collection/index/php