Apalachicola

Say “oyster,” and the adjective that goes with it is “Apalachicola.” Founded more than 175 years ago, this picturesque city at the mouth of the Apalachicola River sweeps you back in time, with businesses a century old and a fine selection of historic accommodations, including the 1903 Gibson Inn. It’s a working waterman’s village where the shrimp boats dock, the oystermen unload their harvest for shucking, and refrigerator trucks stuffed with seafood rattle down the old streets. Walk into any restaurant, and you’ll be served up the finest and freshest that Florida has to offer, especially during oyster season, September-April. With the fresh ...

Say “oyster,” and the adjective that goes with it is “Apalachicola.” Founded more than 175 years ago, this picturesque city at the mouth of the Apalachicola River sweeps you back in time, with businesses a century old and a fine selection of historic accommodations, including the 1903 Gibson Inn. It’s a working waterman’s village where the shrimp boats dock, the oystermen unload their harvest for shucking, and refrigerator trucks stuffed with seafood rattle down the old streets. Walk into any restaurant, and you’ll be served up the finest and freshest that Florida has to offer, especially during oyster season, September-April. With the fresh bounty of the sea and local organic farms in this rural sweep of the Gulf Coast, chefs in the know have settled into “Apalach,” making this a serious foodie destination. Apalachicola’s charm attracts visual artists, who’ve claimed a big stake in downtown. While the Apalachicola River takes center stage in this very Victorian city, out on St. George Island, the barrier island that protects the bay, the beaches are wild and open at St. George Island State Park.

About the Expert

Sandra Friend has written 12 books about Florida, including the Explorer's Guide (Countryman Press) series to Florida.