Smokey Hollow: A Commemoration of Community
Explore Smokey Hollow in Tallahassee's Cascades Park: A moving memorial to a vibrant African American community lost to urban renewal, featuring spirit houses and heritage gardens.
Smokey Hollow, now a poignant commemoration within Tallahassee's Cascades Park, tells the story of a once-vibrant African American community that thrived from the late 19th century until the 1960s. Named for the smoke that perpetually hung in the air from cooking fires and industry, Smokey Hollow was a self-sufficient neighborhood with its own churches, schools, and businesses. Urban renewal efforts led to its demolition, displacing hundreds of residents. Today, the Smokey Hollow Commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of this lost community, featuring spirit houses representing former homes, heritage gardens, and interpretive panels that share the stories of its residents. Visitors can reflect on the complexities of urban development and the enduring spirit of a close-knit neighborhood, while exploring the broader Cascades Park, which also includes the Prime Meridian Plaza and the Capital City Amphitheater. The site offers a moving experience, connecting visitors to Tallahassee's past and promoting dialogue about community, displacement, and remembrance.
A brief summary to Smokey Hollow
- 501-599 E Pensacola St, Tallahassee, Cascades Park, Florida, 32301, US
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the Smokey Hollow Commemoration in the early morning or late afternoon for a more contemplative experience and better lighting for photography.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby John G. Riley Center & Museum to gain deeper insights into Tallahassee's African American history.
- Check the Cascades Park event calendar for special programs or community events taking place at the Smokey Hollow Commemoration.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Florida State Capitol, head east on Apalachee Parkway. Turn right onto Franklin Boulevard. The Smokey Hollow Commemoration is located on the north end of Cascades Park, near the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Meridian Street, under the Apalachee Parkway overpass. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
StarMetro, Tallahassee's public bus service, has several routes that stop near Cascades Park. Check the StarMetro website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From C.K. Steele Plaza, a major transit hub, several routes will get you close to Cascades Park. From the nearest bus stop, follow the walking directions above. A single ride fare is $1.25.
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Driving
From downtown Tallahassee, navigate to South Gadsden Street or South Monroe Street. Cascades Park is located between these two streets, south of Apalachee Parkway. Parking is available in several city-owned garages and lots surrounding the park. Parking fees vary, with some garages offering free parking on weekends. Check the ParkMobile app for availability and rates. Expect to pay around $2 per hour, with a daily maximum of $8 in the Millstream parking garage located at 850 S. Gadsden Street.
Discover more about Smokey Hollow
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cascades Historical Plaza
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Discovery Playground
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Visit Tallahassee
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Florida Firefighters Memorial
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LeMoyne's Chain of Parks Art Festival
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Storied Paths
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LeMoyne Arts
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USS Tallahassee Bell
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Apollo 14 Moon Tree
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Park Avenue Historic District
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Tallahassee Trust-Historic
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The Plant
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Jake Gaither House
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Lighthouse of the Big Bend
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Unmissable attractions to see
Riley House Museum
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Union Bank Museum
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Korean War Memorial
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Heritage Walk
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Florida Liberty Bell Replica
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Knott House Museum
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Florida Historic Capitol Museum
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Florida House Office Building
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Sunny State Waterfall
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Bloxham Park
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Cascades Park
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Florida State Capitol
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Ponce de Leon
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Kleman Plaza
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Museum of Florida History
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Essential places to dine
Miller's Ale House
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Charlie Park
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IL Lusso
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Savour
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Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
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The Huntsman
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JoEllen’s
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Shell Oyster Bar
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347 Grille by Coach Shula
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Brick House Restaurant & Bar
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Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
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Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
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Juicy Blue Tapas Bar & Bistro
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Fuzzy Pineapple
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19 Boutique
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Patricia's Unique Boutique
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Stone Age
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Bee's Knees
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Village Art Co-op
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Talquin Trading Co
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Wonsaponatime Vintage
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Ooh La La Boutique
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Obsessions Gift Shop
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Bows and Arrows Boutique
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Picked
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Scent Sabotage
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar 1903
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Level 8 Lounge
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Fermentation Lounge
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The Wilbury
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Warhorse Whiskey Bar
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Poor Paul's Pourhouse
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Bullwinkle's Saloon
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Ken's Tavern
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Blue Tavern
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Hummingbird Wine Bar
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The Leon Pub, Inc.
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The Brass Tap
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The Palace Saloon
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Kavakaze
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4th Quarter Bar & Grille
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