By Jamie Zimchek
Sweeping vistas of an emerald bay and languid river? Check. Atmospheric antebellum Greek Revival plantation architecture? Check. Miles of white sand beaches? Check. Small-town feel with big-town cultural attractions like parks, museums, and art galleries? Check, check, check. World famous Oysters? That’s a definite check. Perched on a small peninsula in northwest Florida roughly two hours by car from Panama City Beach, Apalachicola is one of those places you keep meaning to go, and when you finally do, you kick yourself for waiting so long.
Together the coastal communities of Eastpoint, St. George Island, and Apalachicola make up Florida’s Forgotten Coast. The bad news? It’s not so forgotten anymore. Though Apalachicola only has a year-round population of just over 2,000, this charming town is an increasingly popular tourist destination, both for day-trippers over from local cities and for overnight guests here to take advantage of the area’s charming historic accommodations – perfect for a weekend get-away.
Top of most visitors’ to-do lists is, of course, oyster tasting, with other seafood options available for memorable second mention. But before getting sucked into an evening seafood extravaganza, consider the many ways to spend the day. For one, there are charter services offering guided fishing on the flats, the bay, and offshore. Less into angling? A bustling port city in the 19th century when it was founded (1831 was the year), Apalachicola has a really delightful range of cultural attractions worth seeing, from productions at the Dixie Theatre to the Orman House Museum. Don’t miss a stop in to see the exhibits at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture & Art, housed in an old, painstakingly restored cotton warehouse from the 1830s either, or a meander through the art galleries sprinkled around town (also watch for the local artisans’ market every second and fourth Saturday).
Traveling with children? The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s visitor center has engaging and educational exhibits, as well as a boardwalk trail that allows for a closer look at this estuarine system. Avid paddlers can find kayak and canoe rentals locally for access to the Apalachicola River, the Apalachicola Paddling Trail System, and the Florida Paddling Trail. And then, there’s the beach. Though the best beaches are just out of Apalachicola proper, a short drive will get you to the sands of St. George Island, the sort of spot where you’ll want to settle in for a few days to search for sea shells, sea birds, and fisherman between languid swims.
Sold? You’re not the only one. Local realtor, Pandora Schlitt, is with Naumann Group Real Estate Inc, and the pace at which properties are moving right now in the region is keeping her very busy.“ Apalachicola is a small, authentic coastal Florida community with one stoplight in the entire county. People are drawn to us out of curiosity and stay for having fallen in love with our lifestyle,” she explains. “In 21 years as a local Realtor, I have not seen higher demand for our limited inventory.“
In other words: Apalachicola is the place to be, whether it’s for a weekend, or something more permanent. Get there yesterday already.
