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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Apalachicola Places to Eat
Apalachicola
Dine in or carry out. Famous fried chicken, seafood, burgers, salads, wings, bar-b-q, homemade desserts. Lunch buffet.
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Apalachicola
Family-friendly dining, including the world’s largest fish sandwich, at great prices. Full bar.
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Apalachicola
Apalachicola
Fresh sandwiches, wraps, and subs with your choices of bread, cheese, meat, veggies, sauces & vegetables. Cookies, chips and drinks. Kids’ meals.
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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.
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Apalachicola
Apalachicola
Breakfast. Lunch including sandwiches & salads. 100% Arabica coffee. Internet café.
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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.
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Apalachicola
Open for breakfast and lunch. Daily lunch specials. Homemade cakes, pies & cookies.
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Apalachicola
Oysters, including Hole in the Wall specialties, shrimp, snow crab legs, gumbo, seafood casserole, tuna dip. Beer & wine.
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Apalachicola
Modern Asian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner.
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Apalachicola
Ice cream, malts, sodas & floats served in an original 1950s decor.
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Apalachicola
Fresh local seafood, steaks, pastas, home-made desserts, and breads. River view dining and large party accommodations. Temperature controlled wine cellar. Reservations encouraged.
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Apalachicola
Waterfront view, oysters, seafood, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and steaks.
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Apalachicola
Family style dining with steaks, seafood, sandwiches & chicken. Kids meals. Catering. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
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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.
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Apalachicola
Offering morning muffins, pastry, and coffee. Also specialty salads, quiches, sandwiches cakes and pies. Eat in or take out, special orders available.
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Apalachicola
Seafood specialties, full bar, waterfront.
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Apalachicola
Lunch menu includes appetizers, soups & salads, entrees and sandwiches. Dinner entrees of steak, fish, or pasta. Desserts.
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Apalachicola Events
Alligator Point, Apalachicola, Carrabelle & Dog Island, Eastpoint, St. George Island
Friday, June 1, 2012 through Wednesday, August 29, 2012Enter The St. George Plantation 2012 Photo Contest June 1st through August 29th, 2012 Rules - Guidelines · Entrants may submit photographs of St. George Island, Apalachicola or Franklin County, ac...
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Apalachicola, Carrabelle & Dog Island
Wednesday, October 10, 2012Tee up with business members from around the Franklin, Gulf, Leon, and Wakulla County areas at the 9th Annual Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 10th, 2012. T...
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