Quick Links:

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Home Owner Tips & Recommendations:

• Two Bit Stables - head on over to the Cape San Blas area for a morning or late afternoon horseback ride on the beach. See their web site for details.
• Turtles - Early morning beach walks may reward you with the discovery of a newly dug, Loggerhead sea turtle nest. The nesting period for loggerhead and green sea turtles begins in May, continuing through late August. Leatherback turtles begin nesting as early as March, and also continue through August. With an average incubation period of 60 days, the nesting season runs through October 30th. More about St. George Island Sea Turtles.
• Shopping - Whether you are shopping for unusual antiques, unique gifts or the latest beachwear, you'll find St. George Island, Apalachicola, and Eastpoint offer an array of shopping opportunities.
• Be sure to look for this symbol () for home owner recommendations.

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Yearly Area Events:

• February:
  • Annual Forgotten Coast Bridal Expo in Port St Joe - The region's top wedding and event professionals will be on hand to answer questions, discuss arrangements, and provide samples of their work.
• March:
  • St George Island-Chili Cook-off - Every 1st weekend in March. Over 60 contestants compete in the largest regional chili cookoff in the nation. Contestants vie for a spot in the National Chili Cookoff. All proceeds benefit the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department. For more information, visit their web site or call 850-927-2753.
  • Eastpoint VFD's Charity Rib Cook-off & Car Show - Sample some of the best BBQ ribs and chicken you've ever had! Live music, children's activities and a classic car show complete the event. Prizes awarded for rib cook-off and car show contestants. All proceeds benefit the Eastpoint Volunteer Fire Department. For more information, visit their web site or call 850-670-9000.
  • St. Vincent Island Open House - Annual Open House at St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. Educational activities exploring the diverse wildlife and habitats of our local area. Programs are free to all and appropriate for all ages. For more information visit their web site or call 850-653-3904.
• April:
  • Apalachicola Antique and Classic Boat Show - All types of antique boats, classic examples of traditional vessels, work boats, fiberglass classics, antique outboard motors and antique cars. For more information call 850-653-9419.
  • Carrabelle Riverfront Festival - Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival Art, seafood, maritime exhibits, kids' zone, sand sculptor, live music and so much more! Featuring regional and award winning artists with original works and prints, custom-designed pottery, stained glass, sculpture, unique metal art, wood carvings, yard art and more. The festival is located downtown on scenic Marine Street along Carrabelle's beautiful Riverwalk. For more information, call 850-697-2585.
• May:
  • Blue Crab Festival - For over thirty years, the Annual Panacea Blue Crab Festival is one of the largest such festivals on Florida's northern Gulf Coast. The festivities begin with a morning parade on the Coastal Highway 98. Demonstrations and contests are held, including crab picking, crab trap pulling and a mullet toss, with one of the largest fireworks display in the region for a concluding event. For more information, call (850) 926-2338.
  • The Great Plein Air Art Invitational - The Plein Air Paint Out is an outdoor cultural affair. Over 30 nationally acclaimed Plein Air artists will document the landscapes and people of the Forgotten Coast. Hailing from Maine to California to south Florida these accomplished artists will paint in Apalachicola, Cape San Blas, St George Island and other scenic locations. For more information, call (800) 378-8419.
  • Apalachicola Spring Annual Tour of Homes - The Annual Spring Tour of Historic Homes takes you on guided tours of many of Apalachicola’s historic homes and buildings that can only be viewed on the interior on this special day. Local guides walk you through historically significant homes, churches, and commercial buildings. It’s an experience as unique as the buildings themselves. A tour map is available at the Chamber of Commerce office on Market Street. For more information, call (850) 653-9550.
  • Fins & Family Allshore Fishing Tournament - The Apalachicola Anglers Association invites you to participate in their Annual Fins & Family Allshore Fishing Tournament. This fun, family oriented event features great prizes (cash and merchandise) for winners in OFFSHORE, INSHORE and RIVER divisions, and for the heaviest fish of each species. There is even a TRASH SLAM category. For more information, call (850) 653-3142.
  • Kid's Win Fishing Tournament - The Kid's Win Fishing Tournament has become one of Port St. Joe's most anticipated events. Kids from all around come for a day of fun on the water and in the sun. The event exposes youngsters to the excitement of fishing in a fun and safe environment. The event is open to children ages 3 through 16, with the registrants receiving a new rod & reel, tackle box, t-shirt, and goodie bag, so kids win just by entering. For more information, call (850) 227-9393.
• June:
  • St George Island Mullet Toss - St. George Island Annual SGI Mullet Toss Sponsored by Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe. 10 donation gets tee shirt and two mullet tosses. Men, women and children divisions. 10am to 4 pm Event is held on the beach and lots of prizes and fun. For more information, call (850) 927-2987.
• October:
  • St George Island Oyster Spat Festival
• August:
  • Annual Port St. Joe Scallop Festival - Annual Port St. Joe Scallop Festival celebrates the succulent shellfish for which the area is famous. Arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment. The Chamber of Commerce sells frozen scallops, and everyone has a good time. For more information, call (850) 227-1223.
• November:
  • Annual Florida Seafood Festival - oldest seafood festival in the state - Every 1st weekend in November. See their web site for details.
  • Apalachicola Downtown Oyster Roast - Apalachicola Bay Chamber will host its annual oyster roast. Enjoy roasted and raw oysters, artichoke and oyster soup, shrimp, crabs, and homemade desserts under the stars on Commerce Street. Musical entertainment, great micro-brewery beers and wines, plus some of the freshest seafood in the country will be served up. Tickets are available at the Chamber office. For more information, call (850) 653-9419.
  • Annual Apalachicola Christmas Celebration - The Historic Apalachicola Christmas Celebration will light up Apalachicola from 4:30-8:00 p.m. the streets of downtown Apalachicola will be lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit. Merchants will be open late and the sounds of carolers will echo through the streets filling the evening with Christmas spirit. The highlight, of course, will be the big guy himself. Santa will arrive on a shrimp boat at 4:00 p.m. at the City Dock on Water Street, across from City Hall. Santa will hear children's Christmas wishes and carolers will sing. Join us for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration! For more information, call (850) 653-9419.
• December:
  • St. George Island Lights & Santa's Arrival - Annual St. George Island Lighting of the Lights and the arrival of Santa Claus on the first Friday of December. For more information, call (850) 927-7744.
  • Port St Joe Christmas on the Coast - Port St Joe Christmas on the Coast Community tree lighting and Christmas hymns Festival of lights boat parade Friday, and a full parade down Reid Ave. on Saturday evening. For more information, call (850) 227-1223.
  • Apalachicola Holiday Fresh Market - Why fight the crowds and traffic at the malls? Come for the day or the weekend. Shop in a relaxed, hassle free environment. Buy hand crafted Apalachicola specialties from fresh seasonal wreaths to vintage European glass bead jewelry.

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Attractions on St. George Island

• St. George Island State Park - (850) 927-2111 - Miles of undeveloped beaches and emerald waters provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping, and nature study. Two boat ramps provide access to Apalachee Bay where anglers can fish. The park has six large picnic shelters equipped with grills, tables, and restrooms. There are also two Picnic Pavilions which can be reserved at a rental fee of $30.00 (plus tax) per day. Open 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
• St. Vincent's National Wildlife Refuge - (850) 653-8808 - Located at the western end of the area's barrier islands, St. Vincent's National Wildlife Refuge boasts 12,358 acres of some of Florida's most pristine dune ridges and is home to a number of endangered and threatened species. Hours 10:00 am-3:00 pm Monday-Thursday.
• Cape St. George State Reserve - Located in the island chain between St. Vincent's and St. George Islands, Cape St. George State Reserve is a pristine section of the 28-mile long barrier island that separates Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. (*Note: the cape and St George Island makes a total of 28 miles). The 10-mile-long cape, known locally as Little St. George Island, was seperated from the rest of the barrier island by a man-made ship channel in 1954 - the cut is known as "Sikes Cut" as displayed in photo. The reserve's remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida's original natural landscape. The reserve is open daily for hiking, primitive camping, nature study, swimming and fishing. Primitive camping is permitted at designated sites at West Pass, Sikes Cut and the government Dock. Access is by private boat only.
  Pets are allowed, but must be on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.
  
  
• Cape St. George Light House & Welcome Center - (850) 927-7744 - On Friday, October 21, 2005, the Cape St. George Light collapsed into the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday, December 1, 2008, the reconstructed lighthouse was opened to the public. Visit their web site for visitor hours and information.
• Journeys of St. George Island - (850) 927-3259 - Ecotours including kayaking, powerboat and sailing. Fishing charters: deep sea and flats. Kayak, boat and sailboat rentals. Summer kids' camps and eco kids' tours in summer. Open March 3rd thru January 5.
• Fisherman's Headquarters - (850) 927-9817 - Boat and kayak rental, bait and tackle, marine supplies.
• Tropical Charters & Boat Rentals - (850) 927-2300 - Boat rentals half day or all day. All boats are USGC approved and fully equipped. 20' or 23' pontoon boats, 19' Carolina skiff. All boats feature 4 stroke engines. Price includes gas, launching and pickup service.
• Big Fish SGI - (850) 370-6631 - Offshore Fishing Charters and sightseeing aboard 28' Contender w/2 225 Yamahas. Our boat is also equipped with a head/bathroom. Fish Guaranteed!
• Sea Oats Gallery - (850) 927-2303 - Offers the largest collection of art along the Forgotten Coast. Our focus is on local artists and fine craftspeople. Their work reflects lives lived well and diversely on the coast of Florida.
• Beach Bike Rentals, Inc. - (850) 927-3993 - Great place to go to rent all types of bikes, scooters, golf carts & beach gear, including wave boards, umbrellas, & beach chairs.
• Island Adventures - (850) 927-3655 - Retail shop selling beach supplies, T-shirts, sunglasses, fishing gear, boogie boards, men's and women's clothing, sandals and hats also bike rentals.
• Island Emporium - (850) 927-2622 - Unique beach wear, souvenirs and collectables. Toys and beach wear for children. Kites, skim boards, body boards, sand castle building supplies, fins, snorkels, and other gear.
• Putt -N- Fuss Fun Park - (850) 670-1211 - Family entertainment center featuring lighted 18 hole miniature golf course, bumper boats, inflatable laser tag, bungee jumper and arcade. Snack bar serving hot and tasty pizza, burgers, grilled chicken and more! Soft serve ice cream and 16 flavors of hand dipped ice cream too!

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Attractions in Apalachicola

• Veterans Plaza - The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall, was dedicated in 1982 as a symbol of our nation's honor and recognition of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. In 1984, the Three Servicemens Statue was dedicated to The Wall. A life-like depiction of our courageous soldiers, the bronze sculpture was created by the late Fredrick Hart as a symbol of their courage and devotion to their country.
• Historic District - Historic Apalachicola has many fine old homes and buildings dating back to the 1830s. A scenic walking tour of the town acquaints visitors to sites such as cotton warehouses which housed the City's once prosperous cotton export during the 1800s and stately antebellum houses nestled amid magnolias. Each May, Trinity Episcopal Church sponsors an walking tour of historic houses. The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce also has a walking tour map with brief descriptions of the City's prominent historic structures.
• Dixie Theatre - (850) 653-3200 - Originally built in 1912, the Dixie Theatre became the entertainment center of Franklin County . Closed in 1967, it was rebuilt and opened once again in 1998. The Dixie now produces the best in Live Professional Theatre, and musical events as well providing an acoustically perfect rental space for other community functions. See their web site for schedule & details.
• Fort Gadsden Historic Site - (850) 643-2282 - Earthen embankments and interpretive kiosk, located on the east bank of the Apalachicola River, approximately 45 minutes north of Eastpoint, accessed by Highway 65. The site interprets the role of Native and African Americans during the early 1800s.
• John Gorrie State Museum - (850) 653-9347 - A tribute to John Gorrie, the inventor of mechanical refrigeration. Dr. John Gorrie, moved to Apalachicola in 1833. The young physician served the city as mayor, postmaster, city treasurer, council member, bank director and one of the founders of Trinity Church. His most important contribution, however, came during an outbreak of yellow fever in the area. Concerned for the well-being of patients sick with the disease, Dr. Gorrie invented an ice-making machine to help cool their rooms. The development of mechanical refrigeration by Dr. Gorrie paved the wayfor modern air conditioning and refrigeration. He received a U.S. patent for his discovery in 1851 but died before realizing the impact of his invention. John Gorrie State Museum is located on Sixth Street in Apalachicola, off U.S. 98.
• Camp Gordon Johnston Museum - (850) 697-8575 - Camp Gordon Johnston opened near Carrabelle in 1942 to train amphibious soldiers during WWII. The CGJ Museum preserves the heritage of these men and has compiled extensive histories, as well as a photographic displays of the area and life as it existed at the camp. City Complex on Gray Avenue in Carrabelle.
• Apalachicola Maritime Museum - (850) 653-2500 - The Apalachicola Maritime Museum has been re founded to celebrate the maritime history of Apalachicola in the form of a maritime museum with active sailing, boat building and restoration and educational programs. Collectively the activities of the AMM will provide a vision into the rich history of the Gulf coastal region and river systems that come together to form the largest river in Florida. The museum was reborn in October of 2007 with the arrival of the L. Francis Herreschoff designed 58' wooden ketch, Quark, into Apalachicola bay. The Quark has since been renamed to Heritage of Apalachicola and offers sailing trips.
• Orman House - (850) 653-1209 - Built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, the wood for this two-story home was cut to measure near Syracuse, New York and shipped to Apalachicola by sailing vessel around the Florida Keys, then assembled on the bluff overlooking the broad estuary and bay of the Apalachicola River. Today the house still resonates with a genteel aura and warmth of the past. Open Thursday-Monday 9:00am-5:00pm North Market Street.
• Raney House Museum - (850) 653-1700 - Owned by the city of Apalachicola and on the National Register of Historic Homes, provides a glimpse of the life of cotton commission merchant and community leader David Greenway Raney. The Apalachicola Area Historical Society has furnished the 1838 home and gives tours to the public from 1 to 4 Tuesday-Friday and 9 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Donations or welcome, but not required. Historic museum is located on Market Street at the corner of Avenue F.
• Apalachicola Museum of Art - (850) 653-2090 - The Greek Revival style Fry-Conter House, built in 1845 by Daniel Fry an illustrious riverboat captain, has been meticulously restored and now serves as the Apalachicola Museum of Art where temporary visual art exhibits can be viewed.5 Street and Avenue F.
• Parks - Apalachicola boasts three local parks, all three of which feature waterfront views:
  Lafayette Park, (850) 653-9319, located in the center of Apalachicola's historic home district, is a waterfront showcase. Dedicated in 1832 and rededicated 100 years later, it features a lush landscape, period lighting, a gazebo, children's play equipment, picnic tables and a long fishing pier which stretches several hundred feet out into Apalachicola Bay.
  Battery Park, (850) 653-9319, located beneath the John Gorrie Bridge at the entrance to Apalachicola, is the site of the annual Florida Seafood Festival. Funds raised by the Festival has paid for the extensive boat docks in the adjoining City Marina area. This park features a new community center and children's play equipment.
  Chapman Botanical Gardens Park is a tribute to Dr. Alvin Chapman, a prominent 19th Century Botanist who discovered many rare plant species in the Apalachicola area. The park features period lighting, seating areas, a gazebo and beautiful boardwalk.
• Apalachicola National Forest - (850) 643-2282 - 564,000 acres for birding, camping, boating, wildflower viewing, hunting, and fishing
• Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - (850) 653-8063 - Encompassing over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay , it is the 2nd largest Estuarine Research Reserve system in the nation. Nature Center is located at the north end of Market Street . Attractions include exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area, a nature trail and aquaria facility featuring a variety of local fish and turtles. Open Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.
• St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center - (850) 653-8808 - St. Vincent Island is an unspoiled barrier island at the west end of Apalachicola Bay . The refuge is open during daylight hours. It is only accessible by boat and there are no facilities available. Open 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday Visitor’s Center is located on the north end of Market Street in Apalachicola.
• Apalachicola Paddling Trail System - The Apalachicola Paddling Trail System is one of the country’s top twelve paddling destinations according to Paddler magazine and the American Canoe Association. Maps are available on website.
• Book Me A Charter - (850) 653-2622 - Join us for a Fun Filled Day on the Apalachicola Bay, River or Gulf of Mexico. We offer Fishing, Oystering and Touring in our little laid back and hidden paradise. Our Local Captains are informative and knowledgeable about the area and waters.
• Backwater Guide Service - (850) 899-0063 - Captain Jimmy Maxwell, 5th Generation Native to the Forgotten Coast - Saltwater and freshwater fishing on the Apalachicola River, Bay and its many backwater channels. Half and full day fishing charters. Experience gators and different wildlife and nature on a sightseeing tour of the Apalachicola River and Fort Gadsden Historic Site. Get a chance to see the dolphins on a tour and shelling adventure to the barrier islands.
• Wind Catcher Sailing Charters - (850) 653-3881 - Discover the pleasure of sailing on the pristine waters of Apalachicola Bay on the classic, 1950's, 40-foot sloop "WIND CATCHER". 2 1/2 -hour cruises, afternoon, sunset and starlight. One, two or three day excursions to Dog Island, Little St. George, or Cape San Blas. Coast Guard Captained and equipped...Battery Park Marina...Slip 54.
• N 2 Deep Divers, LLC - (850) 653-3337 - Not your typical Dive Shop. We offer a large variety of services for your enjoyment. Diving trips, Fishing trips (Bay or Offshore). Or take a trip up the pristine Apalachicola river. We offer scuba instruction (3 day certification offered) On site HEATED INDOOR POOL. Full lines of scuba gear (ATOMIC , Mares, Tusa, Pinnacle wet suits ). Air & Nitrox Fills, Swimwear, Apparel and Unique Jewelry.
• Captian David & Jessica Avant - Pirate Tours - (850) 228-6234 - We offer Pirate, Tours, Ecological Trips, Fishing, Sunset Cruise, Island Hopping & Shelling, and Living Off the Bay. David is a 6th generation Floridian with a degree in Marine Archaeology and 25 years experience on St. George Island. Jessica is a 4th generation Floridian with a degree in Biology. She works as a Marine Biologist in Apalachicola Bay, Alligator Harbor and St. Joseph Bay. Both are USCG licensed Captains. Their boat is a 19" Twin Vee with a 115 Suzuki 4-stroke with a bimini top for shade. Most of the trips are about 2-3 hours.
• Wheelhouse Tours - (850) 653-2177 - Bay and eco tours, remote landings, shelling, sunset trips on the Bay, dolphin encounters on the vessel Pegasus, and also River trips to Ft. Gadsden. Bay and near shore charter fishing.
• Salt Line Guide Service - (850) 323-1162 - River tours and guide service. Offering sailing, kayaking, bay/flats fishing and eco-tours. Tarpon, Red fish, and Trout, are plentiful in the summer months. Although the fishing is great year round. River tours and eco trips always available. We offer boxed lunches and cold drinks upon request. Call ahead for prices.

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