Author hopes '100 Things to Do in Tallahassee before you Die' book sparks curiosity

There’s nothing to do around here! What’ll we do when mom and dad come down from Michigan?

Well, it’s not as if Tallahassee is a gulag with no eateries, culture, or fun. Not as if the only excitement takes place on a football field or similar battles in the state legislature. But sometimes, what’s amazing about our North Florida home turf gets overlooked or forgotten.

Sometimes, even natives have never explored the old, the new, the fun and fascinating parts of our town.

But now comes Elizabeth "Ely" Rosario, a Puerto Rican-born transplant who is filled with delight at every aspect of Tallahassee and was chosen by Reedy Publishing to write a 160-page book describing what there is to do and experience right here at home.

"100 Things To Do in Tallahassee Before You Die" ($18) launched in September at Hearth and Soul.

Rosario arrived with her parents from Puerto Rico when she was 15 — first Tampa, then quickly after, Tallahassee. She was not a fan. “I hated the city at first,” she says. She attended Lincoln High School and earned her undergraduate degree in Communications and Business from FSU while caring for the first of her three children —and working part-time at Publix.

But anyone who has met Rosario knows there is much more to her than the sheer energy she emanates. There is also vision! And a look at her bio demonstrates that Rosario eventually did embrace Tallahassee, almost taking it under her wing in an effort to be an ambassador and positive face for the city she calls home.

Currently, Ely Rosario works as the business manager for Jackson Properties. She is a real estate investor herself. She has earned her MBA from Colorado State University. And she has been selected by the Tallahassee Democrat at one of the “25 Women You Need to Know.” She is a member of Leadership Tallahassee, Class 35 and Leadership Florida Class 39.

As a runner herself, she was Director of the Tallahassee Marathon and promoted it through the City and County to become a national event. She has become known as a “brand promoter,” and devised the Northtown GetDown events for Bannerman Crossing. And now, after having written two self-published books, "Own Your Fire" and "Know Your Worth," Rosario was selected to write a book about Tallahassee and its delights.

Brimming with laughter and intelligence, she says that the title, “100 Things To Do in Tallahassee Before You Die,” was a perfect fit for what she had begun doing on her own. “I was already keeping a journal of some of the wonderful historical spots and cultural activities available here.” Now, she would have the opportunity to share those and new secrets with many.

“The book is divided into five sections: Food and Drink; Music and Entertainment; Sports and Recreation; Culture and History; and Shopping and Fashion,” she says. There are photos and information on how to arrange for the activity.

“I hope that this little book unites us and makes people curious. I can’t think of a better welcome-to-the-city gift, something to give to newcomers, and something to browse through when you’ve got guests in for a visit and feel like you’ve run out of things to entertain them," Rosario said. "This book will give you a hundred ideas!”

Whether it’s kayaking the Wacissa River, mountain biking the Lafayette Heritage trail, hiking the J.R. Alford Greenway, fishing the St. Marks River, or driving out to St. George Island, Tallahassee is a gateway to a world of outdoor adventures that will keep you coming back for more.

There’s also a rich culture with festivals and an emerging art scene that will enchant you year-round including concerts at The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascade Park, the Chain of Parks Art Festival, and Moon Over Maclay.

"100 Things To Do in Tallahassee Before You Die" ($18) is available at Hearth and Soul, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other booksellers.

Marina Brown can be contacted at mcb100@comcast.net.

Scheduled book signings

What: "100 Things To Do In Tallahassee Before you Die" by Elizabeth Rosario

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Poco Vino Wine Bar & Market; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at Venvi Art Gallery

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Book suggests '100 Things to Do in Tallahassee Before You Die'