Leon County launches Summer Backyard Bucket List of fun places to visit

Special to the Tallahassee Democrat
·3 min read
A drink called "The Charlie," the namesake drink of the Charlie Park rooftop bar atop the AC Hotel by Marriott Tallahassee in Cascades Park, is served Friday, June 4, 2021.
A drink called "The Charlie," the namesake drink of the Charlie Park rooftop bar atop the AC Hotel by Marriott Tallahassee in Cascades Park, is served Friday, June 4, 2021.

Leon County Government, in partnership with Tallahassee Foodies and the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, launched its annual, community-focused program, the “Summer Backyard Bucket List” challenge on May 9.

The “Summer Backyard Bucket List” challenge was created to support local businesses and encourage residents to explore their local community.

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The campaign will run from May to July, and each month, will feature a new “bucket list” of local businesses to explore including attractions, restaurants, breweries, shops and museums at VisitTallahassee.com/BackyardBucketList.

“Leon County is committed to the continued support of local businesses,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor. “Whether exploring historic sites and trails, attending an event across town, or dining at a favorite restaurant, the Summer Backyard Bucket List encourages residents to experience all that Leon County has to offer while supporting area businesses.”

Ology Brewing & Distilling
Ology Brewing & Distilling

Local residents who visit featured businesses and post a picture on Instagram using the hashtag #TallyBucketListSweepstakes will be entered for a chance to win monthly prizes and a grand prize staycation for two. Each post earns participants one entry to the contest. A non-social media option for entry is also available at participating locations by scanning the unique QR code on-site.

The menu at Jeri's Midtown Cafe includes a sandwich called "The 'TAB,'" which includes sliced roasted turkey, apple butter, and Il de France brie on a Tribeca Demi baguette, served here with a cup of the restaurant's collard soup.
The menu at Jeri's Midtown Cafe includes a sandwich called "The 'TAB,'" which includes sliced roasted turkey, apple butter, and Il de France brie on a Tribeca Demi baguette, served here with a cup of the restaurant's collard soup.

“The Summer Backyard Bucket List helps connect our residents to our local tourism partners, including restaurants, attractions and small businesses in Leon County,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “The summer promotion offers residents the opportunity to rediscover what they love about our community or find new treasures, while supporting local businesses.”

Barb McGarrah holds her sunflower ice cream, which was recently named best ice cream in Florida by the Food Network, Tuesday, June 29, 2021. This ice cream and many more sweet treats can be found at Barb's Brittles located on North Monroe Street.
Barb McGarrah holds her sunflower ice cream, which was recently named best ice cream in Florida by the Food Network, Tuesday, June 29, 2021. This ice cream and many more sweet treats can be found at Barb's Brittles located on North Monroe Street.

Monthly winners will be chosen to receive gift card prizes from local partners including restaurants, attractions and more. The first week of August, one grand prize winner will be awarded a two-night Tallahassee/Leon County staycation to include hotel accommodations, meals and activities.

“We are excited to build on the success of the 2021 Summer Backyard Bucket List campaign,” said Kerri L. Post, Director of Leon County Tourism. “With 25% of visitors visiting friends and family, our goal is to empower locals to experience their own backyard and become ambassadors for Tallahassee.”

There is no cost to participate in the program, although some locations may have an entry fee. Current May featured partners include:

  • Tallahassee Museum

  • Essence of India

  • OLOGY

  • Pineappetit

  • Goodwood Museum

  • Canopy Road Antiques

  • Jeri’s Midtown Cafe

  • TC Bakery

  • Square Mug Cafe

  • JR Alford Greenway

  • Toy Nation

  • Mission San Luis

  • Barb’s Gourmet Brittle

  • Dave’s Pizza Garage

  • Southern Pines

  • Hearth and Soul

  • Tallahassee/Leon County Visitor Info Center at Cascades Park

  • Lofty Pursuits

  • Charlie Park

  • Capital City Country Club

  • Table 23

  • Flippin Great Pinball

  • COCA Public Art Walk Gaines Street

The Summer Backyard Bucket List is ongoing and there are additional opportunities for local businesses and organizations to be featured in June or July.

Key lime cupcakes are one of the items that will be part of the menu at TC Bakery featuring Ma Mary's Kitchen, opening in the original Ma Mary's Kitchen building at 614 Eugenia Street near the Florida A&M University campus.
Key lime cupcakes are one of the items that will be part of the menu at TC Bakery featuring Ma Mary's Kitchen, opening in the original Ma Mary's Kitchen building at 614 Eugenia Street near the Florida A&M University campus.

For more information about adding your local business to our list of participating partners, join the Visit Tallahassee Partners Facebook group.

To learn more and view official sweepstakes rules, a list of local partners and prizes, go to VisitTallahassee.com/BackyardBucketList.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon Country launches Summer Backyard Bucket List of activities