Beyond the sacred strip and our beloved Potbelly's are some secret get-away spots. When the pressure of college gets a little too heavy or maybe you're looking for a new hangout place for all of your friends, I invite you to pack your car, pick a spot on this list, and discover the beauties of these uncharted places I have personally fallen in love with.

1. Seaside, FL

I can't praise this city enough! Jim Carry discovered it when he starred in the film "The Truman show," which was filmed in this quaint town. It is 2 hours and 30 minutes west of Tallahassee and in the central time zone. As soon as you get off I-10 that is your que to permanently roll down your windows because you won't want to miss this view. There is a retro record store, countless ice cream shops, lots of shopping, true southern restaurants, and food trucks. For the legals, there is a cute wine tasting restaurant across from the beach. The sunset paints the sky a deep orange and pink and the water is a bright blue. Definitely one of my favorite places in the world.

2. Bear Paw, Chipola River in Marianna

If you're looking for an afternoon spent laughing and relaxing this is the place for you. Whether you're a canoeing and kayaking fanatic or a tubing fan, this place has it all. Bring a Yeti cooler to float along side of you down the Chipola river on your tube. This place is home to tons of kayaking and canoeing "trails" and caverns. A one-person tube is $15 and a two person tube is $30 for the entire day. The tubing tours are not guided and Bear Paw is about 45 minutes from Tallahassee. Check out this stress-free zone.

3. Lafayette Heritage Trail Park

Located in Tallahassee, this place is definitely for the adventurous. This place is equipped with picnic shelters, various trails, a fishing pier, floating docks, a trailhead with a bike wash, and a boat ramp. There is also the Lafayette Passage Paddling trail which is my favorite part. It is undoubtedly peaceful. There is nothing quite like kayaking here at sunset. Plus, they have really great bass fishing.

4. The Gulf Shores, AL

The Gulf Shores are the longest hike from Tallahassee on this list but definitely a favorite. There is parasailing, paddle boarding, chair and umbrella rentals, and even hot air ballooning. This place is great for a day with the girls or for a get away with the guys. Lots of cool events happen here. Plus, on the famous wharf there is a giant ferris-wheel overlooking the ocean. It doesn't get much cooler than The Gulf Shores.

5. Thomasville, GA

I am sure that you've all heard of the infamous little town just 30 minutes from our sweet Tallahassee. When you decide to take the day trip here be sure to not follow the GPS. Take Canopy Road all the way to Thomasville. You'll love the rolling hills and the beautiful houses and cows you'll see along the way. Thomasville is a great place to go shopping or to take the new significant other. If you venture here around dinner time, Jonah's Restaurant is a must as well as the hush puppies they serve instead of bread. This is a great and friendly place to walk around and shop or just look. Enjoy your time here.