Once the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola's diverse and colorful past remains visible today. There are over 900 historic homes and buildings in the National Historic District of Apalachicola. Visitors to Apalachicola are invited to stroll along the wide tree-lined streets where picturesque Victorian homes display the charm of years gone by in Apalachicola. Apalachicola's rich history and a maritime culture are complimented by the Apalachicola area's bountiful natural resources. The Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay provide great fishing opportunities for both fresh and salt water fishing buffs. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the endless bays and waterways by kayak, canoe, riverboat or sailboat while in Apalachicola.
Visitors to Apalachicola can also spend time browsing through Apalachicola's unique galleries, stores and antique shops or touring the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Center. Apalachicola was established in 1831. Shipping cotton was Apalachicola's big industry and Apalachicola soon became the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico. By the 1850s, Apalachicola's waterfront was lined with brick warehouses and broad streets to handle the loading and unloading of cotton. Steamboats laden with cotton came down the Apalachicola River and were unloaded in Apalachicola. Then small shallow draft schooners (lighters) shuttled the cargo to ships moored offshore. As the railroads expanded throughout the United States, a new industry took shape in Apalachicola. Home to large cypress forests, Franklin County developed several big lumber mills in the late 1800s. Lumber magnates built many of the magnificent historic homes that line the streets in Apalachicola. By the end of the 19th century, oysters and seafood became an important industry.
Today Franklin County harvests more than 90% of Florida's oysters and 10% of the oysters consumed in the nation. Shrimp, blue crab and finfish are also very important commercially, bringing in over $11 million worth of seafood to Franklin County docks annually.
In 2008 Apalachicola was selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations. For additional information visit the National Trust website.
Apalachicola Places to Stay
Apalachicola
All 26 rooms have been recently remodeled and feature views of the Apalachicola River. Walking distance to historic downtown Apalachicola. Upscale liquor and fine cigar store in lobby. Fish market ne...
Learn more
Apalachicola
A fishermans retreat with lodging set in a quiet wooded atmosphere. Accommodations include fully furnished cabins and motel units. Restaurant, bait - tackle store, sports apparel shop, boat launching...
Learn more
Apalachicola
All rooms feature free high-speed internet access and cable satellite television with HBO. Complimentary full hot breakfast in lobby and coffee pots in rooms. Ample parking available for trucks, RVs,...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Restored turn of the century home with contemporary facilities. Each room has a private modern bath, cable TV, video player, and internet access. Amenities include a traditional German style breakfas...
Learn more
Apalachicola
The Historic 1905 Coombs Inn, located in three elegant Victorian Mansions, features authentic turn-of-the-century décor with 12 foot high ceiling, 15 decorative fireplaces, four poster beds, and anti...
Learn more
Apalachicola
The Gibson Inn is a Victorian Inn listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. The Inn was carefully restored in 1985. With a tin roof and wrap around porches, many of the 30 guest ro...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Overlooking the Apalachicola River, High Cotton features four luxury two bedroom, two bath suites. Covered verandas allow guests to enjoy the views. High Cotton is located in historic downtown Apalac...
Learn more
Apalachicola
House of Tartts Guest House and Carriage House is located in the historic district in Apalachicola, Florida and is steps from the river and the areas best dining and shopping. The Main House - Choos...
Learn more
Apalachicola
All rooms offer refrigerator, microwave, 25" stereo color TV, 4 HBOs and 27 other premium satellite programmed channels. Amenities include: swimming pool, picnic area with barbeque and boat parking....
Learn more
Apalachicola
Experience historic charm in downtown Apalachicola. Circa 1835, the Raney Guest Cottage exceeds 21st century expectations of modernity. Offering central heat and air-conditioning, two bedrooms, two f...
Learn more
Apalachicola
The Consulate features four luxury vacation suites in Apalachicola's Grady Building, which is located in the heart of the Historic Riverfront District. Rooms are decorated with antique prints, origin...
Learn more
Apalachicola
A unique 30 suite hotel and 20 slip marina in an Old Florida setting with today's modern conveniences. Only four blocks from the center of Apalachicola. All rooms offer Bay views, private screened ve...
Learn more
Apalachicola
19th Century bed and breakfast style inn located in historic Apalachicola. Formerly Captain Witherspoon’s residence, this restored inn offers comfort and casual elegance. Single and Two room suites a...
Learn more
Are we missing a place to stay? Please
let us know.
Apalachicola Places to Eat
Apalachicola
Dine in or carry out. Famous fried chicken, seafood, burgers, salads, wings, bar-b-q, homemade desserts. Lunch buffet.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Family-friendly dining, including the world’s largest fish sandwich, at great prices. Full bar.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Apalachicola
Fresh sandwiches, wraps, and subs with your choices of bread, cheese, meat, veggies, sauces & vegetables. Cookies, chips and drinks. Kids’ meals.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Located on the banks of the Apalachicola river with the best seafood the gulf waters have to offer. Dine inside or outside on the river.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Apalachicola
Breakfast. Lunch including sandwiches & salads. 100% Arabica coffee. Internet café.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Fun dining in a fine way. Committed to serving fresh seafood; never frozen, market priced. Wide variety of appetizers, salads, pasta, seafood and steak entrees.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Open for breakfast and lunch. Daily lunch specials. Homemade cakes, pies & cookies.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Oysters, including Hole in the Wall specialties, shrimp, snow crab legs, gumbo, seafood casserole, tuna dip. Beer & wine.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Modern Asian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Ice cream, malts, sodas & floats served in an original 1950s decor.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Fresh local seafood, steaks, pastas, home-made desserts, and breads. River view dining and large party accommodations. Temperature controlled wine cellar. Reservations encouraged.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Waterfront view, oysters, seafood, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and steaks.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Family style dining with steaks, seafood, sandwiches & chicken. Kids meals. Catering. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Florida flavor with South American flair. Food style is light elegant and modern with the use of fresh herbs, garlic and wine. Fish is purchased daily from local fishermen.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Offering morning muffins, pastry, and coffee. Also specialty salads, quiches, sandwiches cakes and pies. Eat in or take out, special orders available.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Seafood specialties, full bar, waterfront.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Lunch menu includes appetizers, soups & salads, entrees and sandwiches. Dinner entrees of steak, fish, or pasta. Desserts.
Learn more
Are we missing a place to eat? Please
let us know.
Apalachicola Events
Apalachicola
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 through Sunday, February 5, 2012The top ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist today, Bob delights audiences with his piano-playing pyrotechnics and his infectious enthusiasm for the music and the history behind the music. At the Dixie for...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, February 3, 2012 through Saturday, February 4, 2012Friday, Feb 3, 2012 at 5:30 PM Pet - Golf Cart Parade (featuring Mardi Gras bead throws) beginning at the Bowery to Riverfront Park on Water Street. Beginning at 6:30 in the Centennial Bank parking l...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Saturday, February 4, 2012The Boys Choir of Tallahassee will be in concert tomorrow from 5-7pm at 219 16th Street in Apalachicola.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, February 10, 2012Piano Man Todd Williams is a king of tributes and plays the piano with everything imaginable, occasionally he plays with his fingers!
Learn more
Apalachicola
Saturday, February 11, 2012Back for his 19th appearance at the Dixie, Ken Sizemore sings all your favorite folk tunes from the 50’s, 60’s - 70’s as well as some finely crafted originals.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Sunday, February 12, 2012The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th Annual Forgotten Coast Chefs Sampler on Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 6:00-9:00 pm. Chefs from all over the Forgotten Coast will prepare...
Learn more
Alligator Point, Apalachicola, Carrabelle & Dog Island, Eastpoint, St. George Island
Wednesday, February 15, 2012Second St. George Plantation Juried Show March 16, 2012-April 16, 2012 ELIGIBLE WORK The exhibition is open to artists in all media from Franklin, Gulf Counties, Wakulla, Bay and Leon Counties. Eac...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, February 17, 2012 through Sunday, February 19, 2012HCOLA African American History Festivalin Apalachicola showcasing African American History, Art, and Culture. Features parade, exhibits, music, entertainment, food and inspiration.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, February 17, 2012 through Sunday, February 19, 2012Summerwind - an intimate evening with Frank Sinatra, starring Gabriel Russo This guy has Frank's style and snap, nobody else has it. - Bob Reneke, Mr. Sinatra's long-time personal assistant...spot-o...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Sunday, February 19, 2012Begins at 4 PM, open reception in Benedict Hall following the concert, door donation $5 Part of the Ilse Newell Concert Series
Learn more
Apalachicola
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 through Sunday, February 26, 2012Written - performed by Beth Blair, this inspirational look at the life of Nobel Prize recipient Marie Curie takes us on the journey of her fascinating life, love and scientific achievements.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, March 2, 2012A Panhandle favorite, Del brings his unique style and his buddies to perform acoustic rock, pop, blues, and folk...with a sunburn!
Learn more
Apalachicola
Saturday, March 3, 2012Sweet and thorny, a mix of folk, honky-tonk, soul, bluegrass and old-school country, rockabilly, traditional hill music, delta blues and a wealth of originals.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Sunday, March 4, 2012Begins at 4 PM, open reception in Benedict Hall following the concert, door donation $5 Part of the Ilse Newell Concert Series
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, March 9, 2012High-energy, daring and soulful world music. Argentine tango, Brazilian samba, Latin American/Caribbean rhythms...a moving and dynamic expression of Flamenco Nuevo.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Saturday, March 10, 2012The Dixie House Band back for their third season and nobody does it better…exceptional vocals and strong, smart lyrics bring a joyous blend of blues, rock, jazz and soul.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, March 16, 2012Enjoy the full bodied sound of the The Zach Bartholomew Trio when they return with London Arrington to perform traditional yet innovative Jazz. They are masters of authentic - classic while putting t...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Saturday, March 17, 2012Back for their 2nd season, the Ned’s brought the house down on their last visit. This year they will be here “on the day” so all you Irish blokes, get ready to party at the Dixie.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, March 23, 2012 through Saturday, March 24, 2012Once again Universal Music Publishing Nashville brings their finest, most talented writers to the Dixie. One of our most beloved music series...don't miss these extraordinary, magical evenings.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Saturday, March 24, 2012Fine art in all forms will be woven in and around picturesque downtown Apalachicola where artists will be showing, selling and demonstrating their talents from 11:00-6:00 pm. Festivities continu...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Sunday, March 25, 2012Begins at 4 PM, open reception in Benedict Hall following the concert, door donation $5 Part of the Ilse Newell Concert Series
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, March 30, 2012An award winning style, this band delivers a sharp, solid sound and is comprised of some of the area's most talented blues musicians, playing its mix of Detroit blues - jazzy swing.
Learn more
Apalachicola
Saturday, March 31, 2012Our favorite award-winning, left-neck, master songwriter brings his own band to the Dixie stage in the Dylan/Prine/Kerouac style he does so well. We’ve missed his bold, radical take on life and thril...
Learn more
Apalachicola
Sunday, April 8, 2012begins at 4pm, free
Learn more
Apalachicola
Friday, April 20, 2012 through Saturday, April 21, 2012Apalachicola will host the 14th Annual Apalachicola Antique - Classic Boat Show Friday and Saturday, April 20-21, 2012. Friday, there will be a special boat building demonstration and the 1877 Gov...
Learn more
Alligator Point, Apalachicola, Carrabelle & Dog Island, Eastpoint, St. George Island
Thursday, May 3, 2012 through Sunday, May 13, 2012More than 20 nationally acclaimed artists will gather on Florida's Forgotten Coast in early May to participate in the 7th annual Florida's Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational, America's Great Pain...
Learn more
Are we missing a event? Please
let us know.