This town is known as the friendliest on the coast, nestled on the river, and has a historic deep root dating back to the 1800s. If you love history and seafood, this port town is for you.
Things to do
There are many restaurants and quaint shops in beautiful old buildings where they bring history to the new age. You will find museums where you can find maritime antiques and souvenirs.
If you love fishing or boating, this is right up your alley. Charter a boat for fishing or rent a kayak for sightseeing. This is also a place with many species of birds for you bird watchers.
You might want to go on one of the many tours they have. Ride around the river and see other islands, ride golf carts, or walk around town and enjoy the beautiful and unique buildings in which businesses have made their home. Stroll through the historic district where sea captains and other maritime officers lived. Buildings and houses date back to the 1830s.
Do you love music? Many music venues are being held in this small town. There is a brewery here if you like tasting different brews. You might even catch a festival if you are there at the right time of year. Check the link to see more. Gulf Coast There are other places on this link with places to visit and restaurants to eat at.
After you get tired and sweaty, go to the 1950s ice cream shop. It is the Old Town Soda Fountain downtown as you cruise in your golf cart.
Places to Stay
There are beautiful hotels, B&Bs, and luxury waterfront accommodations.
You can rent a golf cart for the day and travel this way. You can get your rental at Gibson Inn. You do not have to be a guest there, but I would love to stay in this beautiful 1800s historic house.
Toranto House from the 1880s is a great place to stay also, according to
Chad Gallivanter’s website. He also has many other places to explore.
If you love history and antiques, the Tin Shed is the place to go and find that unique nautical souvenir you will be looking for. Ice machines and air conditioners were invented in this town; you can learn about them at John Gorrie Museum Park. Go to the links to learn more. I cannot describe how cute this little town is.
Nature Lovers
There are several parks and nature trails for your nature lovers. There are many ways to enjoy the river here—kayak, sailboat, or riverboat. Go bird watching, or just fish. You can take a boat to St. George Island and go to the historic lighthouse or enjoy their miles of beaches or shopping.
History
Apalachicola is the oldest historic city in Florida. It speaks of Old Florida. It sits between The Apalachicola River and the bay. Over time, the name was interpreted as “Land of Friendly People.”
Remnants of native American cultures date back to 2000 BCE. According to his journals, Europeans explored in the 1500s by Panfildo de Narvaez. It describes the nearby islands.
The first fort was built in 1705 by the Spanish, and they ceded in 1763 to the English. It was returned to Spanish rule in 1783 after the Second Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War in 1811. Then, because of the debt, the Indians and Spanish owed a trading company, Forbes. This was called the Forbes Purchase. They ceded 1.5 million acres between the Apalachicola River and St. Marks.
In 1818, the U.S. attacked Indians in Spanish Florida. This was the first Seminole War. Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1821 because they had difficulty staying above water in South America.
Partial Timeline
The first name was Cottonton in 1821.
Incorporated as West Point and then Apalachicola in 1831.
Timber was the most excellent seller back then. Before the Civil War, they could not expand due to transportation costs.
In 1870, James N. Coombs bought many sawmills, and many followed.
Commerce expanded due to the high demand for timber.
Timber companies could not meet great demand until the railroad came through with better shipping in 1903.
The town celebrated the railroad in 1907 because the railroad saved the timber companies, which meant jobs.
Railroads were more dependable than steam ships because the water was so unpredictable. It could be too low to sail, or ships would get snagged on things in the ocean.
The seafood industry has been a significant part of commerce for 175 years. Cotton was also a big part of the running of this town. Apalachicola soon became the third-largest commerce port.
You can see more history and the timeline History the Bay
I hope this made you want to visit the Gulf on Florida’s Coast. It has the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Travel Hacks for Long Flights
Change the time zone on your phone and computer so you can start getting used to the changes.
You may want to try practicing the time zone you are going to a few days before. Do things differently, as if you are already in that time zone.
Choose the seat you will be comfortable in. If you do not go to the bathroom often, choose window; if you do, select aisle. You do not want to disturb others.
Do not choose the front seat unless you have a baby. Mothers with babies are usually in the front row.
Avoid the back row. The seats do not recline, and the bathroom is there. You will be disturbed by others going to the toilet and be uncomfortable because of seating.
Before you book the flight, go to Aera Lopa and put in the model of your plain to pull up seat charting.
Dress for comfort—nonflammable clothes and dress in layers to adjust for temperature.
Wear something with deep pockets to keep personal things so you can get to it fast—passport, face powder, comb, etc.
Compression socks for swelling.
Noise-cancelling headphones.
That is a wrap-up for this week, Part 3 of hidden gems on the Gulf Coast of Florida next week.
There is so much history there. Thanks for sharing. 😊
So many stories!