Apalachicola, Florida (The forgotten coast)

Apalachicola is like walking into a town that time has forgot (visitflorida.com/Colin Hackley)

While watching an old movie have you ever thought to yourself, “wow I wish that I could have seen that.” Most people have stated this at least once throughout his or her life. The forgetten coast happens to be one of these places.

When most people think of Florida they vision theme parks and big coastal cities. This wasn’t always the case. Once upon a time ago the panhandle of Florida was the place to be. The sad reality is that because of commercial building and the love of the warm southern weather this part of Florida has become one of the states best-kept secret.

Apalachicola, Florida is a coastal city in the panhandle. Off the gulf coast, Apalachicola is a historic city that has been around since the 1800s. The city is positioned inside the Gulf Bay, and during the 1800s was often the route that cotton traders would take and was named “Cottonton” because of it. By 1831 the name was changed to Apalachicola.

In the early 20th century Apalachicola was booming since coastal ports were the only way to get goods down south. Soon immigrants from all over began to move to the city because of the abundance of seafood. Sadly since then, industry has moved and although Apalachicola may still be home to the best oysters down south the once-booming city has been forgotten.

The Gibson Inn contains 30 rooms that are each decorated differently (GibsonInn.com/Gibson Inn)

In recent years Apalachicola’s tourist economy has begun to blossom. People have decided to visit the “Old Florida.” The main place to stay at Apalachicola is The Gibson Inn. The Gibson Inn a historic site that was built in 1907. The Inn was defined as a “first-class luxury hotel.” In fact, it was the only one between Pensacola and Jacksonville.

The downtown of Apalachicola is home to the Dixie Theater, an equity theater meaning they show recorded and live productions. Along with the arts, Apalachicola is home to some of the best seafood cuisines in the panhandle. Since the majority of the fish on the menus were caught that day, the food is always fresh.

Up the Creek is a restaurant that is located above an old boat shed. When the elevator opens you see a line of windows that show off the bay. Having the best oysters in town the restaurant is a local favorite.

Apalachicola is a destination for the whole family to enjoy. If you want to take a trip back to the future, “Old Florida,” Apalachicola should be the first stop on the road trip.