Typical scene at the Downtown Marketplace on a sunny Tallahassee day

Tallahassee's Downtown Marketplace is something everyone should check out at least once.  It takes place in the downtown Chain of Parks along Park Avenue in Ponce de Leon Park every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., March through November.  Many longtime locals are regulars of this event, in its 18th year as of 2012.  Other organizations sometimes hold their events in conjunction with this one, so you never know what entertainment or activities you might stumble upon, depending on the weekend.  Organizers post a calendar of special events on the marketplace website.  At the bare minimum, you will find local artists, bakeries, and others selling their goods, as well as a farmer's market and often adoptable pups and cats in search of good homes.  A local musician also entertains passers-by at one end of the marketplace.  On a pretty spring or fall day, it's a lovely way to spend some relaxing time with your family or friends, or even just to get away for some alone time among friendly neighbors.  And if you're in search of some new art for your home, a unique gift for someone's birthday or the freshest produce, you'll find a variety of options at the marketplace.