Staff Writer
The 2010 legislative session is now underway and those looking to make the three-hour trek west to meet with their local legislators over the next 60 days should heed advice: get there early.
“It’s an extremely busy time of year,” said Lee Daniel, Visit Tallahassee executive director, “but I think people will find it a surprising destination.”
Located in downtown Tallahassee with a clear line of sight to the Capitol, Daniel and his staff are in the thick of the crowded area that’s always a destination during session.
“The city really comes to life during session,” said Katie Kole, Visit Tallahassee marketing and communications director.
Kole recommends that those making the trip, especially first-timers, do a little research on area hotels, restaurants and other amenities before hitting the road as March and April are months during which hotels fill up and restaurants have waits.
Two new downtown hotels within walking distance of the Capitol — Aloft Tallahassee Downtown and Hotel Duval — have helped with crowds, said Daniel, though his first year with the organization wasn’t as highly congested as he expected. Many of the groups and individuals who in the past made Tallahassee trips to see their local legislators varied their transportation and lodging plans, he said, due to the economy. But this year, he expects crowds to pick back up with affordability and opportunity abundant among local hotels.
“Absolutely I think there will be,” he said. “When I first arrived in Tallahassee, I heard it was just a destination for legislation and football ... but people who come for those really have a great time beyond that because there’s so much to see and
do.”
For those making it at least a night during session, both Daniel and Kole recommend making it to one of the numerous attractions — the Challenger Learning Center IMAX Theater and Planetarium, the Historic Capitol and Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science among others — that are all within a couple of blocks of the Capitol. There are also numerous dining options.
As for making accommodations, organization officials can help with those, too, before and during the trip.
“Just give us a buzz or swing by,” said Kole.
The Visitor Information Center is at 106 E. Jefferson St. For more information, call 606-2305.
356-2466