I Wish I Could See the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile – But You Can, Jan. 14 & 15, 2011, in Tallahassee

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is an American icon and you Tallahasseans are pretty lucky because the franktastic vehicle is rolling into Florida's Capital City this weekend, Jan. 14 and 15, to be exact. Since 1936 the Wienermobile has been criss-crossing the U.S. spreading smiles to hotdog fans along the way. Somewhere I have a Wiener whistle, where is it? I digress…

During the two Tallahassee visits, hotdog fans can tour the Wienermobile, sit shot"bun" (think of the Facebook photos you'll take?) and learn what it takes to be a Hotdogger – driver of the Wienermobile. Groovy stickers and Wiener Whistles (can someone grab a new one for me?) will be given out along with "I Saw It" Wienermobile postcards so you can brag to friends and family what you got to do.

Check out the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in these Tallahassee locations:
Friday, January 14
Wal-Mart
4021 Lagniappe Way
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, January 15
Wal-Mart
5500 Thomasville Rd
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Can't get enough of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile? Check out hotdoggerblog.com for hot diggity adventures of the Hotdoggers. A new class will be joining the Oscar Mayer franks, err, ranks, soon. Stay tuned to hotdoggerblog.com!

Oh My, Tallahassee. You're Getting Swanky.

Earlier this summer I had a whirlwind business trip to Tallahassee and while some things seemed the same, I could see other things are moving forward in Florida's capital city. I left two years ago in May and hadn't been back until August of this year.

I managed to stop at Barb's Southern Style Gourmet Brittles to check out the new flavor and grab some gourmet peanut brittle to bring back along with some homemade ice cream to enjoy while walking Lake Ella. The selections have expanded so much that they spill into two cabinets! (pictured below)


I also enjoyed a relaxing paddle down the Wakulla River with The Wilderness Way where we (other conference attendees) viewed birds, turtles and even manatees. There was a slight fog when we began and it burned out as the morning progressed. Spider webs tucked in the riverside weeds were jeweled with drops of dew glistening in the morning sun. Hearing the snort of a manatee while paddling the quiet river was a bit frightening when not knowing what it was but after seeing the manatee's tracker bobbing in the water, realized it was one of those awesomely cool moments.

While happy to visit my favorite hangouts, was super excited for the hotel. Walking into Hotel Duval, I couldn't believe this was Tallahassee. Whoa! Pretty swanky, my friends, and in a good way. Check out my review of Hotel Duval here.

In short, it's hip, cool and chic. Be sure to check out Level 8, the bar. Appears to be the place to be seen in Tallahassee and offers a sweet view of Florida's capital. When staying in Tallahassee again, I'd definitely stay there.


Want to do some of the things I did?

Barb's Southern Style Gourmet Brittles
Cottages at Lake Ella
1671 N. Monroe St.
Tallahassee
Tel: (850) 385-9839

The Wilderness Way
3152 Shadeville Road
Wakulla Station/Crawfordville
Tel: (850) 877-7200

Hotel Duval
415 North Monroe St.
Tallahassee, Fla. 32301
Tel: 850-224-6000

Tallahassee-Based Band "Go Radio" Hosting Free CD Launch Party April 16

Hey Tallahassee! Show these local boys some love on Friday, April 16, 2010! Tallahassee-based band "Go Radio" has big news to share. They're hosting a FREE CD release show at Big Daddy's to celebrate the launch of their new EP called Do Overs and Second Chances, their debut on the Fearless Records label set to release April 20.

Vocalist Jason Lancaster may be a familiar name to you, he's ex-Mayday Parade. Mike Jansen of American Science and Daniel Lancaster as Stages and Stereos will be rockin' at this shindig which is also a tour kickoff party. Go Radio will be part of A Day To Remember’s "Toursick 2010" tour (April 19 – May 18).

While I haven't listened to the entire EP, tracks "Goodnight Moon" and "When Dreaming Gets Drastic" are rockin' sweet tunes for my ears. Check out other Do Overs and Second Chances tracks on Altpress and check out Go Radio’s MySpace page for tour information and all sorts of need-to-know info about the band.

Here are the deets for the Go Radio’s FREE CD Launch Party and Tour Kickoff Party
When: Friday, April 16
Where: Big Daddy’s, 654 W. Tennessee St., Tel: 850-561-6449
When: 7 p.m.
How Much: FREE! All ages welcome. FREE BEER for those 21 and older with proper ID
Why: Be Part of something rocking, fun and because I said so.

Hey, Mon! It’s the Easy Star All-Stars, April 13 at Engine Room

Check this out, recording artists Easy Star All-Stars will be making a stop in Tallahassee on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at Engine Room (809 Railroad Ave.; Tel: 850-222-8090). This is one of three Florida appearances on the group’s Spring Tour 2010 (April 10 is Ybor City and April 12 is Orlando) which includes international dates, so feel lucky Tallahassee.

These are the days when I wished I lived in Tallahassee because honestly, the music scene is livelier than in my new community in Southwest Florida (which a Miami Herald columnists compared to Del Boca Vista of Seinfeld fame). Anyway…

Here are quick deets on Easy Star All-Stars and their April 13 Tallahassee appearance:

• They put a fresh, reggae spin on pop and rock classics;
• The group's 2003 album, Dub Side of the Moon, was a reggae re-vision of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and sold 90,000 copies, making it one of the most successful reggae albums of the 21st century;
• They're so cool that even "The Mouse" is interested. With a release date of June 8, 2010, Easy Star All-Stars is one of several reggae artists on the CD by Walt Disney Records called The Disney Reggae Club. Easy Star All-Stars sing a remake of “Ev'rybody Wants to be a Cat (from the animated flick, The Aristocats). Other artists on the album include UB40 and Ziggy Marley. They're definitely in good company;
• While I haven't seen the band perform in person, I’ve checked out some of their videos and they just look like fun;
• Spiritual Rez, the reggae-funk band will open for the headliners;
• Admission for the event is $12. Purchase your tickets in advance online here.

Dress code of note: Engine Room does NOT permit high heels so ladies, don’t cause a scene and leave the heels at home (or in the car).

Check out their music on the Easy Star All-Stars MySpace page or website.

Now go be jammin’ April 13 with Easy Star All-Stars!

Hey Tallahassee. Listen Up. Local Roller Derby Girl Needs Your Help

Cancer sucks. Thankfully, I don't have the illness but unfortunately, Tallahassee Rollergirl Stephanie who skates under the name 'Danger S', was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cervical cancer in Oct. 2009 and it's spread around her spine and most of her lymph nodes are affected. She doesn't have insurance and has a long road ahead.

The Tallahassee Rollergirls are raising money by going "topless" for Danger S - the tops of their heads, that is. Of course, this will only happen if specific funds are raised. And you have until about January 30, 2010, to make your donation, because that's chopping day at Railroad Square.

Learn more about the event and Stephanie's story on the "Spread the Love" blog.

I'll be making my donation once payday comes. And my connection to the Tallahassee Rollergirls? After seeing that amazing group of women skate, I was inspired to give the sport a try and skate with the Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby League (when I can make practice!).

So who's in to support Danger S and raise awareness for cervical cancer?

Giving Seminole Guys the Dating Edge: AXE Hair Crisis Relief Center

Calling all FSU college guys: AXE Hair wants to give you an edge in the dating game with a gift of girl-approved hair. Rumor has it 90% of girls admit they are at least somewhat likely to date a guy if he has good hair. So is your mane girl-approved?

Guys are invited to head on over to the AXE Hair Crisis Relief Center (111 N. Ocala Road, Tallahassee) between September 13 and 18 for free washes, cuts and styling. (Not sure of the times but saw a posting on Facebook about 1 and 6 p.m.) And who can give up something FREE to do in Tallahassee these days? I mean, a free haircut means you’ll have more money for date night.

Keep an eye out while heading to class between Sept. 13 and 18 because the AXE Hair Crisis Relief Girls are hitting the FSU campus to help you get that girl-approved hair you so desperately need.

AXE Hair Crisis Relief Center
Where: Livin in the Cut, 111 N. Ocala Road, Tallahassee, Fla.
When: September 13 and 18, 2009; 1 to 6 p.m. (???)
Visit AXEHair.com to learn more about getting girl-approved hair and AXE Hair products. And I dare ya to upload your photo.

Sorry girls, no makeovers for you, but chances are there will be some pretty hot guys wandering around Tallahassee after the AXE Hair Crisis Relief Center leaves town.

Celebrate Valentine's Day Early at Carrabba's Italian Grill (and it's Great for the Budget)

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? This year February 14 falls on a Saturday. Here's an idea to avoid the crowds and shower your love a little longer. Take advantage of Carrabba's Dal Cuore Nights, Feb. 11 & 12, 2009. "Dal Cuore" means "from the heart" and the good people at Carrabba's have devised a tasty prix fixe menu with three yummy courses and a price that's oh, so right for the budget (less than so $20 person). Plus, take $10 off a bottle of wine.

The delicious Italian meal and admiration from your loved one for treating her (or him) to a fabulously, romantic evening, aren't the only things you'll receive during Dal Cuore Nights. Each guest receives a special Dal Cuore Nights Valentine including a "heartfelt" quote. One lucky quote recipient will win the ultimate romantic getaway, a seven-night cruise Italian cruise for two aboard MSC Cruises.

Imagine that, win a groovy cruise just for dining at Carrabba's Feb. 11 and/or Feb. 12 (I say "and/or" since the food and price are right, why not take advantage of two consecutive Dal Cuore Nights?)

Visit Carrabba's Italian Grill in Tallahassee:
2752 Capital Circle NE
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Tel: 850/297-1100

Not Just for Bunny Huggers: National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 27

This Saturday is National Public Lands Day, a day devoted to cleaning up and sprucing up sometimes under appreciated parks, preserves and forests. There are some events happing around the Tallahassee area so check out the Public Lands site for a project near you and here's my editorial on the subject.

I'm curious, anyone know who Iron Eyes Cody is?

New Florida Travel Guidebook Highlights Monuments, Memorials and Statues

Hey Tallahassee! Wonder what those obelisks are in the lawn of the Old Capital? Or the story behind the Edward Ball Monument at Wakulla Springs State Park? Wonder no more, a new book called A Brief Guide to Florida's Monuments and Memorials by Roberta Sandler will be hitting bookshelves soon. Want a sneak peek? Read my review of the new Florida guidebook.

Tallahassee, How Do I Miss Thee?

It's been about four months since I left Tallahassee and I admit to missing Florida's Capital City. What exactly do I miss? Check out my latest article, "My 10 Favorite Things to Do in Tallahassee" to find out my 10 favorite things to do in Tallahassee and what I miss.

Space Aliens to Take Over Tallahassee: Aug. 30 - Jan. 8, 2009

Okay, not real space aliens, but I ask, do you believe in UFOs? Green men? Extra terrestrials? Life beyond Earth? Then the upcoming exhibit at The Brogan Museum is for you. (If you're a skeptic, this is for you, too.) Launching August 30 is The Roswell Exhibit, dedicated to UFOs and the like, highlighting the alleged 1947 UFO crash and subsequent government cover up in Roswell, New Mexico.

This exhibit is exactly the quirky stuff I'm into and really wish I was living in Tallahassee to see this. If someone attends, can you tell me if it's out of this world?

Oh! Be sure to check out the blog and share your thoughts/experiences about UFOs.

Here are the details:

What: The Roswell Exhibit
Where: The Brogan Museum, Tallahassee
When: Aug. 30 - Jan. 8, 2009
Check the Museum Web site for times and admission.

Knock 'Em Sock 'Em Action with the Tallahassee Rollergirls: 2008 Last Home Bout This Saturday

As I'm settling into my new digs in Florida's oldest county (age-wise), I'm realize I'm missing Tallahassee's youthfulness, especially that of the Tallahassee RollerGirls.

But you, my dear Tallahassee residents, can experience the rush and thrill of knock 'em sock 'em rollergirl action this Saturday, Aug. 16 when Capital Punishment (the Tally girls) takes on The Texas Hustlers at the North Florida Fairgrounds in what's called, "Scar Wars Episode I."

Forget southern pleasantries, methinks the Tally gals will be knockin' these Texas roses off their @$$e$.

Here's the scoop:
What: Rollergirl Action: Scar Wars Episode I - Capital Punishment vs. The Texas Hustlers
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008; Doors Open @ 6 p.m., Bout Begins @ 7 p.m. (arrive early)
How: Get Your Tickets NOW, I'm told they're moving quickly.
Find them at: www.tallyrg.com for $12
Play it Again Sports (3183 Capital Circle NE) for $11
Comics and Games of Tallahassee (1857 West Tennessee Street) for $11

Bring a chair and some cash to pick up a sweet t-shirt, etc. For more info, check out the Tallahassee RollerGirls site and after the bout, tell me how it was.

Oh! And did you see how the ladies were in USA Today? Pretty sweet.

Tallahassee Date Night at Carrabba's Italian Grill

Hey Tallahassee! Have you checked out Carrabba's lately? I've come to realize it'd make a great date night restaurant or place for girls' night out. You have to save room for dessert, they are the cutest, tastiest delights I've ever seen! I recently visited the Carrabba's in my new neighborhood (in Port Charlotte, Fla.) and you can read the review here.
Go check out the Tallahassee Carrabba's, I'm sure you'll have a great experience like I did.

Carrabba's Italian Grill
2752 Capital Circle NE
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Tel: (850) 297-1100

Open Sundays: 3 to 10 p.m.
Mondays through Thursdays: 4 to 10 p.m.
Fridays: 4 to 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 3 to 11 p.m.

Don't Miss Railroad Square's 7th Annual Bizarre Bazaar

Unfortunately I'll be missing what promises to be a funky and quirky community-wide garage sale at Railroad Square this Saturday (July 25, 2008). Mother Nature rained out the originally scheduled sale in April but I'm sure lots of folks will be doing anti-rain dances Friday night to keep the rain away.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers can browse the bizarre bargains for must-have nic nacs, treasures, furniture, art and who knows what else. But I'm sure there's SOMETHING you can't live without waiting for you. While at Railroad Square, be sure to browse the galleries and shops.

Need more info? Check out the Railroad Square Web site or call (850) 224-6666.

Now at the Brogan: Where There are No Words, Healing Through Art Therapy

Have to admit, the email I received from the Brogan about the following event freaked me out a bit. It wasn't the first paragraph telling me about the 17-piece exhibit featuring art from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Behavioral Health Center's Art Therapy program. I actually think that's very cool and think it's brave of the artists, even though the art exhibited anonymously. The exhibit runs now through August 17, 2008.

The second paragraph freaked me out. Right there was MY NAME inviting me to the "Art of Healing from Depression" community meeting about depression and the benefits of art therapy. Dr. Larry Kubiak is leading the discussion.

While I realize personalizing the email is a marketing ploy (I hope I'm the only one who received the email with MY NAME in it), it makes me a bit paranoid. Do they think I'm still depressed?

I'll ponder that thought, in the meantime, here are the specifics about the "Art of Healing from Depression" meeting:

When: July 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Bottom level of The Brogan Museum in Room 111
How: RSVP to Jessica Zeigler at (850) 431-5675 by July 22

Did I mention the event is FREE?

Imagine Life Workshop Series: June 24 a Healthier You

Event planner extraordinaire Kenya Washington, of Imagine Wedding & Event Planning, has another fab workshop planned, "Say I DO to a Healthier You" on June 24 at 6:30 p.m.

The workshop will focus on effective communication and maintaining good mental health. Interpersonal communication in all types of relationships along with conflict resolution will be discussed.

What: Imagine Life Workshop Series: Say I DO to a Healthier You

When: Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Where: Soup Swift, 2510 Miccosukee Road

How: Event is FREE, email Kenya Washington at kwashington@imaginebrides.com

Why: Because mental health does a body good!

Save the Date: Women in Business Expo 2008

The 2nd Annual Women in Business Expo will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tallahassee Community College. The expo allows participants to mix, mingle and do business with women-owned businesses. I met some great business leaders last year and I'm sure this year's event will be equally as good. Educational sessions are inspiring, too.

So save the date for the 2nd Annual Women in Business Expo, Aug. 16.

The Knott House Museum is Looking for Teen Poets

Are you a teen poet looking to work on your craft? The Knott House Museum is hosting a summer poetry workshop this July to help you enhance your writing skills. Being a writer myself, I know it's intimidating sharing your work with others, but the feedback received is invaluable. These workshops are in a friendly, relaxed setting.

On July 19, participants will be able to read their poetry along with their peers and published poets. Contact the Knott House at (850) 922-2459 to register or learn more about the program.

Here are the details:

Summer Poetry to Last a Lifetime
Session 1 for Grades 6 to 8
July 7-11, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The deadline to apply is June 14.
The cost is $50 per student.

Summer Poetry to Last a Lifetime
Session 2 for Grades 9 to 12
July 14-18, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The deadline to apply is June 28.
The cost is $50 per student.

Imagine Life Workshop Series: April 29 Look Sensational this Summer with a

In addition to being navigationally challenged, I'm fashionably challenged so this upcoming workshop is something I should probably attend. It's called "Say I DO to Sensational Summer Style," part of the Imagine Life Workshop Series.

It's happening at Cole Couture Boutique, 2086 Thomasville Rd # B on Tuesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m.

What's it about? The workshop will:
Help women achieve the right summer style for this season.
Highlight this season's current trends in party wear.
Provide guidance in selecting the right clothing based on body type.
Show ladies how to shop for style on any budget.

Best of all, this fashionable shindig is FREE.

Want to learn more? Contact event planner extraoirdinaire Kenya Washington with Imagine at ( 850) 591-3010 or through her Web site.

I wonder if my shiny pink shoes are considered fashionable. Hmm...

May 8: One Night, Two Writers, Who to Choose?

Thursday, May 8 is going to be a tough decision for Tallahassee book-lovers. But, clever planners will probably find a way to attend both of these events:

Giddy up!

Tallahassee author Anne Haw Holt, who writes as A.H. Holt, will be giving writing and publishing tips at the Ft. Braden Branch Library at 6:30 p.m. Holt, who's president of the Tallahassee Writers Association (TWA), just released her fifth novel, a Western called "Blood Redemption." The library's address: 16327 Blountstown Hwy.

At 7 p.m. that same night (we're talking about May 8, remember?) over at Word Traffic Books, adventure travel writer Bucky McMahon will be reading from his collection of essays called "Night Diver," being released on May 1 (my birthday!). Word Traffic's address: 1227 E. Lafayette Street, between Lindy's Chicken and Wooly Bully and behind New Leaf Market.

Don't forget this week Abraham Bolden, the first African-American to serve in the Secret Service White House, will be in Tallahassee, April 24 at FAMU and April 25 at Border's.