Page 112 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

FRANKLIN COUNTY
You’ll never forget

Florida’s forgotten coast

BY STEVE WINSTON

CARRABELLE WATERFRONT AT DAWN • FORREST WESSON

lorida’s Forgotten Coast,” actually numerous lakes and rivers, or on the Gulf of
the panhandle’s Franklin County, Mexico. And don’t miss the sunsets on the Gulf!
“F was so named because it is a Franklin County, however, is also about
beautiful, peaceful place that’s a bit under the what you won’t see. For example, traffic
radar. And it certainly has been forgotten, all lights—there’s only one in the entire county!
right. Forgotten by crowds. Forgotten by high- This region is full of surprises, such as the
rises. Forgotten by traffic jams. And forgotten mom-and-pop shops and the eclectic boutiques
by outrageous lodging and dining and and galleries. Or the burgeoning foodie scene,
shopping prices. with creative young chefs and new takes on old
APALACHICOLA FEATURES A VARIETY OF DINING
But it won’t be forgotten by you…ever. seafood specialties, and an up-and-coming
OPTIONS • VISIT FLORIDA
Here, you’ll still feel salty ocean breezes. craft-brewery scene epitomized by Oyster City
You’ll still find old-fashioned Southern Lighthouse, built in 1895, and also proudly Brewery and Eastpoint Beer Company. Or the
hospitality, and friendly “Y’alls.” You’ll still boasts “the world’s smallest police station”— vibrant new music scene.
find beaches on which your family may be actually an old phone booth! Both This region is a relaxing, pet-friendly
the only people. And here, you’ll still find lighthouses have been faithfully restored, place—including the beaches—where the
colorful old-time fishing villages like and now feature interesting museums. scenic old villages are built for walking, and
Apalachicola, where the fishing fleet still A tiny town called Eastpoint offers boat each street has its own special character.
“comes in” to the docks every day. tours, fishing charters, and opportunities to Franklin County, in a word, is authentic.
There are historic neighborhoods with get out on the water in a kayak or canoe. And And when you visit, you’ll leave believing
interesting little shops, and seafood restau- Alligator Point, at the easternmost end of that the “Forgotten Coast” should be
rants offering specialties—such as the Franklin County, has uncrowded beaches changed to “Unforgettable Coast!”
famed Apalachicola oysters—that were in with great fishing.
the bay just an hour ago. On the “Forgettable Coast,” you’ll see the
On the idyllic tropical getaway of wonders of Mother Nature everywhere. FEATURED LINKS
St. George Island, the historic St. George Franklin County is 90 percent state and
Franklin County Tourist Development Council
Island Lighthouse dates back to 1853. The national forest, with great hiking and biking FloridasForgottenCoast.com
town of Carrabelle has the Crooked River trails. You can row, kayak, or float on the

110 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA