Apalachicola, FL

The Native Americans referred to Apalachicola as the "land beyond", "those friendly people over there", but this area is still referred to by most people as "The Forgotten Coast".

Apalachicola River Bridge

Welcome to Apalachicola - Home of the Florida Seafood Festival 

Old oyster processing plant - Apalachicola

Before we get too far from Apalachicola, FL, there are a couple of things to point out about this interesting area.  RV and I are at the end of our 7 month road trip and heading back to our daughter's home in Green Cove Springs, FL before we go on to our winter home at the Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort in Webster, FL.  Because of a prior commitment we're going to miss the Apalachicola Seafood Festival, the oldest maritime event in Florida.

Apalachicola Downtown Area 2013

Apalachicola, FL

 I must have been absent the day my 5th grade teacher talked about how important the city of Apalachicola has been in Florida history.  I missed the fact that Apalachicola was the first sea sponge capital of Florida, then Carrabelle, then Cedar Key, and then the entire sea sponge industry finally settled in Tarpon Springs, Greek divers and all.

Historical Sponge Exchange Buidling - Apalachicola

Owl's Nest Restaurant - #1 restaurant according to Trip Advisor 2013

Eclectic Shopping - The Tin Shed - Apalachicola

Old Seafood Processing Plant - Apalachicola

Grady Market - Apalachicola - 2013

Grady Market - since 1884 in Apalachicola

There are more than 900 homes in the Apalachicola historic district.  There are also eclectic shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants tucked away everywhere.   Proof of the importance of this town in Florida history lies in historical markers and memorials throughout the city.  Everywhere you go there are people exploring the endless bays, rivers and waterways by kayak, canoes, riverboats, power boats, or sailboats.

Ormon House - Apalachicola, FL

Apalachicola, FL Home

Apalachicola Home - 2013

Apalachicola Riverfront Home 2013

Historical Apalachicola Home 2013

Apalachicola Historical Home 2013

Around 1831 Apalachicola was the third largest port on the Gulf for cotton exports.  By the late 1800's railroads had expanded throughout the United States and as a result steamboats all but disappeared.

Dr. John Gorrie is considered the father of refrigeration and air conditioning.  In 1851 he was issued U.S. Patent No. 8080 for an ice machine which proved revolutionary to Apalachicola and many parts of the world.  He was a physician, scientist, inventor, and humanitarian.  A state museum is located here and recognizes his numerous accomplishments during his relatively short lifetime.  He died at age 52. He is buried in Gorrie Square in Apalachicola.

John Gorrie Memorial - Apalachicola, FL

Dr. John Gorrie State Museum - Apalachicola, FL

Trinity Episcopal Church - near John Gorrie Memorial - Apalachicola

The commercial oyster industry began around 1850 and the industry has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times after experiencing several devastating hurricanes.  Apalachicola Bay provides 90% of the oysters provided in Florida and 10% for the entire United States.  This area has a huge commercial Gulf fishing and fresh shrimp industry.

Apalachicola Riverfront - 2013

Apalachicola Select Oysters - The Best!

Historical Oyster Skiff - Apalachicola, FL 2013

 Once you visit Apalachicola, you'll see why the term "forgotten coast" applies to this area.  Many of the people are third and fourth generation oystermen as well as fishermen. Although the cities of Apalachicola and East Point and surrounding communities are not flourishing, they still continue to work hard to survive and overcome the challenges of a changing industry.

The Forgotten Coast of Florida - 2013