New destinations, unusual events and interesting people each make travel more enjoyable.

Combine the three and you’ve hit the travel trifecta.

That’s what we discovered at Lofty Pursuits during a January trip to Tallahassee, Fla.

Lofty Pursuits isn’t just a place to eat a hearty breakfast or lunch.

It boasts an ice cream counter that rotates more than 200 flavors; a soda fountain that serves phosphates, shakes, malts, 34 different sundaes, 10 banana creations and more; an area offering toys, board games and the firm’s own greeting cards; and a candy section where customers can watch as hard candy is made the old-fashioned way.

Asked which is his primary business, proprietor Greg Cohen replied, “My main business is making people happy.”

Greg grew up in New York City before moving to Florida and working his way through Florida State University as a blacksmith and furniture maker. Following graduation, he worked as a commercial artist before transitioning into manufacturing juggling equipment sold through mail order.

Next up was the manufacture of a special yo-yo string, along with producing a world yo-yo competition. It was during this period he started a toy store.

Greg’s Brooklyn childhood included visits to soda fountains, enjoyable experiences that influenced his decision to add his vision of the world’s best soda counter when he moved his toy store to a larger building.

Then came the candy.

Not ordinary candy found at drug and grocery stores, but handmade Victorian hard candies made with equipment dating from 1850 to the 1930s.

With a performance worthy of Vaudeville, the entire candy-making process takes place directly behind the counter in view of customers.

Breakfast and lunch were recently added with an eye to drawing more people through the door. It was the former that brought us in at 8:30 a.m. as Greg was preparing to craft the day’s first batch of candy.

Seated at the counter directly in front of the big event, we watched as he explained each step of the process.

Two children eating with their parents at a nearby table came over to sit beside us so they could gain a better view. Each wore a big smile though the entire candy-making process.

Greg commented that he knows of only two other places that make hard candy this old-fashioned way.

It’s no wonder since much of his antique equipment was purchased on Ebay. The water-filled cooling table he uses is dated 1891.

During our Saturday morning visit, he made a batch of hard candy with the image of a cherry. The process typically requires from one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 45 minutes.

Greg has perfected the many steps required for making hard candy.

He stressed temperature control is critical, although he uses touch rather than a thermometer to gauge the proper temperature.

There isn’t sufficient space in this column to explain the process but don’t worry, because Greg has posted YouTube videos for each type of candy sold at Lofty Pursuits.

With more than 80 videos, the Tallahassee entrepreneur has become quite a YouTube celebrity.

When we last checked, he had nearly 350,000 subscribers.

In addition to demonstrating how to make the candy, he describes the workings of his antique equipment along with the candy’s history.

Vintage music is often heard in the background; for example, the video of him making Christmas ribbon candy is accompanied by “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

He throws in a few videos about the Lofty Pursuits marching band in which instrument-playing volunteers perform in occasional parades.

A few of the band’s instruments, including a Dr. Seuss-A-Phone, hang in the store.

While we watched Greg make candy, a young boy entered the store and walked over to the counter and said, “I’ve watched all of your videos.”

Greg looked at us and said, “Watch this.”

Looking at the boy he asked, “Where are you from?”

It turns out the boy and his family are from Louisiana and were on their way to Disney World; with Lofty Pursuits a short distance off Interstate 10, they decided to stop for a visit.

A friend of ours who is a resident of Tallahassee summed it up best when he said, “When we want to have a good time, we head to Lofty Pursuits.”

Although the friend is in marketing, this time he was telling the truth.

David and Kay Scott are authors of “Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges” (Globe Pequot). Visit them at mypages.valdosta.edu/dlscott/Scott.html. View past columns at www.facebook.com/DavidKayScott. The Scotts live in Valdosta, Ga.

If You Go

Hours: Brunch is served from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. every day. Ice cream is served from noon-10 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Candy is usually made Tuesday through Saturday mornings, Saturday afternoons and on Friday evenings.

Getting There: Lofty Pursuits is in Tallahassee, Fla., just off Interstate 10 at the Thomasville Exit. The address is 1355 Market Street, A11, in Verandas which faces Timberline Road.

For Additional Information: Visit www.LoftyPursuits.com or call 850-521-0091. To view Lofty Pursuits videos, enter PD.net in the YouTube search engine. To purchase Lofty Pursuits candy online visit www.PD.net.