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Goodwood Museum & Gardens: A Step Back in Time

Explore Florida's history at Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee. Discover a preserved antebellum mansion, beautiful gardens, and cultural events on a historic 20-acre estate.

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Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee offers a captivating glimpse into Florida's history. This former 1,600-acre cotton plantation, now a 20-acre museum and garden, features a meticulously preserved antebellum mansion filled with original family furnishings, art, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the main house, dating back to the 1830s, and wander through the beautiful gardens with centuries-old live oaks and vibrant flower beds. Goodwood hosts various cultural events and educational programs throughout the year, making it a unique destination for history buffs and garden enthusiasts alike. With its blend of historical significance and natural beauty, Goodwood provides an enriching experience for all ages, offering a serene escape and a deeper understanding of Florida's past. Don't miss the chance to step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of Old Florida at Goodwood Museum & Gardens.

A brief summary to Goodwood Museum & Gardens

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 11:30 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Goodwood Museum & Gardens website for upcoming events, including concerts, lectures, and garden walks, to enhance your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the gardens and exploring the historic buildings.
  • Consider visiting during the spring when the azaleas and other flowers are in full bloom for a particularly beautiful experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Tallahassee, head north on Miccosukee Road. Goodwood Museum & Gardens is located at 1600 Miccosukee Road, just east of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. The main entrance is well-marked. Parking is available in the Jubilee Parking and Carriage House Parking areas. Limited handicapped parking is available near the Carriage House.

  • Public Transport

    StarMetro, Tallahassee's public transportation system, has several routes that serve the Miccosukee Road area. Check the StarMetro website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the nearest bus stop on Miccosukee Road, it's a short walk to the museum entrance. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share service from downtown Tallahassee to Goodwood Museum & Gardens will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. The journey is relatively short, and drivers are generally familiar with the location.

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Discover more about Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Nestled among the oak-lined streets of Tallahassee, Goodwood Museum & Gardens stands as a testament to Florida's rich history and cultural heritage. This historic estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers visitors a captivating journey through time, revealing the stories of the families who shaped Florida's capital city. Originally established as a cotton plantation in the 1830s, the Goodwood estate evolved over the years to become a stunning representation of Southern plantation life. Lawyer and planter Hardy Croom purchased land in what is now Tallahassee, but tragedy struck when he, his wife, and their children perished in a hurricane in 1837. His brother, Bryan Croom, inherited the land and constructed the home that became known as Goodwood Plantation. Enslaved people labored to construct the buildings, farm the land, and maintain the household. At its largest, Goodwood encompassed approximately 8,000 acres with a workforce of around 200 enslaved individuals. Bryan Croom created an extravagant home, importing the finest wood, fabric, artwork, and housewares from England. He also added other buildings, including the kitchen and several cottages. After a legal dispute, Bryan Croom lost Goodwood, and the property was sold to Susan Branch Hopkins in 1858. Like many Southerners, Mrs. Hopkins supported the Confederate army during the Civil War. However, after the war, she struggled to maintain the lifestyle she once enjoyed and was forced to sell most of the property to Dr. and Mrs. William Lamb Arrowsmith from England. It was not until after the Civil War that gardens became an important feature of Goodwood. Elizabeth Harris Arrowsmith, familiar with the gardens of her native England, designed the gazing globe garden. By the time she sold the property, she described it in terms of the beauty of the ancient live oaks and magnolias, the shrubbery and flowers, and the well-bearing fruit trees. In 1911, Goodwood's ownership changed, and the house and garden underwent major renovation, securing a place among the fine homes of the Country Estate era. The estate's style and elegance were further enhanced by Goodwood's owners in the late 1920s. Fanny Tiers, who purchased the property in 1924, is considered the most influential in modernizing Goodwood. She added bathrooms, electricity, a new kitchen, a butler's pantry, and a screened side porch. Her other projects included the construction of a carriage house, laundry building, swimming pool, tennis courts, a skating rink, a pool house, and Jubilee Cottage. She also added a water tower to better supply the needs of the various cottages. Today, the meticulously preserved antebellum mansion serves as the centerpiece of the museum, inviting guests to explore its elegant rooms adorned with period furnishings and artifacts. The museum boasts an impressive collection of furniture, textiles, and artworks that showcase the craftsmanship and creativity of the era. The 20 acres of gardens provide a tranquil setting for visitors to wander and appreciate the beauty of Southern flora. The gardens feature azalea-lined pathways, centuries-old oak trees, and vibrant flower beds. The daffodils, some dating back to the 1800s, run wild across the green grass, adding to the charm of the estate. Goodwood Museum & Gardens hosts various cultural events, educational programs, and exhibits that engage the community. From art installations to historical lectures, the museum actively contributes to Tallahassee's cultural landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's past and present. The museum also offers guided tours and self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the property at their own pace. Visitors can explore the Main House, Roller Rink, Rough House/Argonaut Cafe, Reflecting Pool, Jubilee Cottage, Old Kitchen/Visitor Center, Guest Cottage/Staff Offices, Girls' Cottage/Staff Offices, Laundry Cottage, Cline's Cottage, Woodshed & Henhouses, Carriage House, Water Tower, Aviary, Gray's Cottage, and Old Tennis Court/Sunken Garden & Old Greenhouse. Goodwood Museum & Gardens connects the community as a setting where we preserve and share our history, enjoy the arts, and celebrate significant events in our lives. The museum's mission is reflected in its legacy of hospitality and Old Florida charm. Whether you're a history buff, a garden enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Goodwood Museum & Gardens offers an enriching experience for all ages. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of Old Florida at this iconic Tallahassee landmark.

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