My visit to the Floridian capital of Tallahassee, although in February, happened to coincide with flowers popping up all over! Living in the South, you never know what the weather will be like in February. We have had such a mild winter that the flowers have been blooming so very early! This worked in my favor for my trip because I had wanted to visit Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park which has tons and tons of flowers. I wanted a colorful explosion not only to see and smell them, but mostly for photos. Obviously. Apparently you can also canoe the lake or even hike and bike around the 5 miles of trails but let’s be honest – those are not really my forte. But flowers and pictures, yes, they are my jam.
Everything was so very green with pops of reds and pinks. There were camellias and gardenias but they were the ugly-stepsisters to the real star – the Japanese Magnolias. They are the pink/purple cousin to my personal favorite flower, the lemony white magnolia that blooms in the South and smells DIVINE. The ever-beautiful parasite Spanish moss was hanging from the trees which is something I adore. Winding paths, reflecting pools, and gorgeous weather made my spring visit to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park perfect.
If you are planning a visit to see the blooms, be sure to check out the Maclay vacation home that is open during optimal blooming time. It’s quaint but refreshingly cool on a hot day.
But there is just so much more here! There is a secret garden, a reflecting pool, and the prettiest green/blue pond. Not to mention there is some lush grass that is perfect to walk barefoot in! I think it would be an ideal spot to even have a picnic with the lovely breeze blowing and the ever-warm Florida weather. No matter what your fancy is, this Tallahassee gem is worth a visit!
Without further ado, check out the pretty photos from my spring visit to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park!
Not seen in this picture is my adorable nephew shaking the tree branch to get the loose petals to fall effortlessly. Child labor and all!
What is your favorite spring activity? Leave a comment below!
xx,
Sami
shop the post and my recs for your Maclay Gardens trip!
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As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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Lucky you to get the flowers, they do look beautiful
They were just so stunning!
I’m jealous that it’s so green and floral in February. Here it’s still covered in snow and cold. Beautiful shots!
Girl – the pollen situation right now is just straight up ridiculous that it is no use even trying to keep my white car clean! It’s a constant light yellow color during the spring. But I could not even imagine snow and cold right now. I need all the warmth I can get!
Lovely post to read.. but more importantly LOVE your outfit and bag!! You have some beautiful photos from this state park š
Oh tell me more. Haha! Thank you so much! It’s always a long process in determining what to wear for the location! Like it’s a huge ordeal where I stress and try on a million things. Cause you know, pictures and all! Thanks again!
Haha its a big thing for that perfect photo š
Well I don’t know about you but I am a nut for pictures. But that may be the photographer coming out of me! ?
I never used to think about the colours of my clothes with the setting of place we would visit.. but I did a photography class few weeks back and learnt so much that I’m taking it more into consideration haha! š With inspiration from you!
Ah thanks! I really struggle with indecision before I leave so I am glad my twenty outfit changes paid off. ?
Haha twenty! š
I am also a flower fan and mainly because of photographic angle just like you š But I have to admit, you take amazing pictures, these pictures are an inspiration for me. I also need to look for places with such gorgeous flowers š
Flower power! And thank you so very much! ā¤ļø Flowers have a way of adding a little extra pizazz to a photo so definitely be on the lookout for the underrated gardens and parks in your future destinations! Makes a lovely backdrop!
What beautiful gardens! I would be all about the hike around the area. I can only imagine how divine it must have smelled there with all those beautiful flowers in bloom.
It was amazing! Hiking is a relatively new thing that I attempt every now and then but I am still traumatized (I am being overly dramatic) from my last hike to see a waterfall in North Georgia. You should go read that post if you are in need of a good laugh! http://samimadventures.com/2018/02/19/visiting-the-tallest-waterfall-in-georgia-amicalola-falls-2/
Lovely pictures Sami! Beautiful colours everywhere, and your outfit fits wonderfully in the whole scheme of things š
Thank you so much! And I agonize and try on a million different outfits since I am going to be in photos so I definitely appreciate your kind comments! ā¤ļø
This looks like the perfect place for a photo shoot! Iām going to remember this park the next time we head to the beach in Florida!
It’s really lovely and your kids would have so much fun exploring every nook and cranny!
wow so many flowers so early in the year – such a nice way to brighten up any day. Good choice of top to wear too, lovely summer colours!
I definitely wanted to pop against the greenery! Thank you so much! ?
I wish it was spring in New England too! We just received another foot of snow haha. Anyway your outfit is so appropriate for the beautiful flowers in the gardens!
Ah I don’t think I could handle a foot of snow. I have lived in the South too much and it’s just not in my blood! ?
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park….wow, that’s a mouthful! Very beautiful photos! And I love love love your sunglasses!
For sure a mouthful. I generally refer to it as Maclay Gardens and everyone knows what I mean. And the sunnies are from Target. I am literally obsessed with the cat-eyed look! So fashionable and soooooo cheap!