This part of the Florida Panhandle is often referred
to as the forgotten coast. It has lagged
behind some of the other parts of Florida during the last century and is only
now showing some small signs of growth. This lack of commercial development
allows us to see what the coast looked like before everyone started to flood
into Florida.
As we started back towards home, we made some quick
stops along this coast to enjoy that feeling.
First was the town of Apalachicola.
This town became a coastal boom town starting in the early 1800's with
the cotton trade. By 1840, it was the
third largest cotton port in the United States.
Also during the period the town became a major supplier of sponges. By early 1900's the demand for sponges plummeted. The town shook these losses off and so became
the oyster capital of Florida with 90% of all oysters harvested in Florida
coming from Apalachicola Bay. It still
has a seafood industry and has become a tourist attraction, as well. Walking around the town, you will able to
feel its history on every street.
One great thing about Florida is the many public
accesses to waterfront and beach locations.
You can usually find a good spot in any town along a body of water to
park and enjoy the view. Now, with our
smaller motorhome, we try to find these places while traveling to stop and have
lunch or just to enjoy the view. We have
driven through the town of Port St Joe a
number of times, but never slowed down.
This time, we got off the main road and found a waterfront park to have
lunch. It is amazing how many people just drive thru the parking lot at this
time of day for a quick look at the water before returning the their daily
labors.
15 comments:
One of those little little gems, nice place to hang out for a few hours.
In all our travels, we have yet to get to that area. I would love to see a part of Florida that isn't all built up. Looks so lovely.
We sometimes wish we were smaller like you and could go to many of those special places. Beautiful!
You are in my favorite area in Florida. Love Appalachicola and the state parks there. Thanks for the pictures. It's wonderful to revisit. If I have to downsize, I'm going to a View so I can slip in and out like you guys do. Sure hope they don't develop this area like they have the rest of the coasts in Florida.
Apalachicola looks like a perfect place to visit in Florida - nice and quiet.
Thanks for the tour and beautiful photos of the area.
Is that guy serious about the sign "leave your credit card at desk"??
Florida isn't a place that we really want to go back and visit but the panhandle is one area that we did enjoy. We didn't spend much time there but would be happy to return to that area if we had too! I sure hope it doesn't get built up like the rest of Florida!
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com
Nice step back in time. We need to spend time there, we've never been to that part of Florida.
So, in that non-child proof store. Did they let you in??? :cD
We were in that part of Florida a few years ago. It is absolutely gorgeous. We just didn't like all the rain we received that winter. It might have been unusual but that's when we were there.
We've always loved St. George, Port St. Joe, Appalachicola and environs. Lovely part of the state. And it's always fun to be in the places that are a bit off the beaten path. Glad you had the chance to go there!
We love that part of Florida. Hope it stays forgotten for a few more years. :-)
We love that part of Florida. Hope it stays forgotten for a few more years.
In my opinion, this is the true Florida!!! Love it!!
Your pics are fantastic...they make me want to pack up and head that way tomorrow!!
Lovely photos, thank you so much for sharing! I really enjoyed this tour!
We've always just driven through the panhandle but it looks like a really nice place to stop and spend some time visiting. It's going on my list. Your pictures are beautiful!
Candy
We need to spend some time there, thanks for sharing.
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