Apalachicola, Northwest Florida's Oyster Bar
Gulf Coast Town Offers Historic Sites, Shopping, and Fresh Seafood
Mar 1, 2009
Balanced on a point of land between the mouth of the river and the bay, Apalachicola has always played a large part in Florida’s maritime history. Protected by barrier islands, the Apalachicola Bay and River Estuarine Reserve is the largest in the U.S., and the area’s vast expanse of shallow bays produces some of the country's best seafood and fishing habitats, including that of the world-famous Apalachicola Bay Oysters.
Apalachicola Bay Oysters
Oysters from the surrounding Apalachicola Bay are considered by many chefs and seafood lovers to be the finest in the world. Their mellow flavor and plump, meaty texture are the result of their environment. A combination of the silt and fresh water washing into the bay and salt water from the Gulf of Mexico makes these oysters creamy, not too sweet and with a strong after taste.
Apalachicola Historic Sites
Nearly 900 historic homes, cotton warehouses and other buildings in the town date back to the 1800's and are well preserved, so much so that in 2008, Apalachicola was named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Only two other Florida towns have made the list since it started in 2000.
Today these buildings house antiques shops, gift shops, bed and breakfast inns, and many excellent fresh seafood restaurants and oyster bars. Each May, Trinity Episcopal Church sponsors a walking tour of historic houses, but visitors can take a self-guided tour of the town any time by picking up a tour map with brief descriptions of the city's historic structures at the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Apalachicola and the surrounding beaches and islands are part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a region of Florida that hasn’t changed much over the past fifty years. Here visitors can find “old Florida” in the many nearly-empty beaches, great fishing locations and state and national forests. It is located on THE Beach, Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast.
Apalachicola Things to Do
- Apalachicola Historic District – listed on the National Historic Register, visitors can take a self-guided walking tour, shop the antiques and gift shops and sample fresh seafood.
- John Gorrie Museum State Park - a tribute to Dr. John Gorrie, the inventor of mechanical refrigeration. Visitors can see a replica of Gorrie’s ice-making machine and thank the man who invented air conditioning. Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday, Thursday – Sunday, located on 6th Street, (850) 653-9347
- Chapman Botanical Gardens Park - a tribute to Dr. Alvin Chapman, a prominent 19th Century Botanist who discovered many rare plant species in the Apalachicola area. The park features period lighting, seating areas, a gazebo and a boardwalk. Located at Market Street and Avenue J.
- Veterans Memorial Plaza – fenced park honors veterans of the Vietnam War. Located across from Chapman Gardens at Market Street and Avenue J.
- Orman House State Park - built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, this antebellum home overlooks the Apalachicola River and is open for tours 9:00 AM -5:00 Thursday -Monday (closes for lunch). Located at 177 5th Street, (850) 653-1209
- Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve – with over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, it is the second largest estuarine research reserve system in the nation. Attractions include exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area, a nature trail and aquaria facility featuring a variety of local fish and turtles. Open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM, (850) 653-8063.
For more information about Apalachicola and things to do there, contact the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce located at 122 Commerce Street (850) 653-9419.
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