Apalachicola - The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Apalachicola, FL - Some know the town of Apalachicola as the quaint fishing village, and it is that, indeed. If you've spent some time in Apalachicola, you know it is much more than a drive through on the way to St. George Island! This place is a gem - the perfect little getaway.

Some know the town of Apalachicola as the quaint fishing village, and it is that, indeed. If you've spent some time in Apalachicola, you know it is much more than a drive through on the way to St. George Island!

Every time I go to Apalachicola, I wish I were able to spend even more time there. Some friends and I decided we needed a refresher, and we booked a night at the Gibson Inn with dinner reservations to their restaurant, Avenue Sea. We had no idea what a real treat we were in for. The famous Gibson Inn is a small Victorian Inn, with a wrap around porch and rocking chairs; how much better can it be? It is perfect for an afternoon drink and the best oysters on the 1/2 shell...all among good friends. The inn is perfectly situated within walking distance of all the adorable shops.

After our cold beers and white wines with luscious, salty Apalachicola oysters we spent the rest of the afternoon walking around town and shopping. Another thing that makes Apalachicola so charming is that most, if not all, the businesses are locally owned and operated. When you walk into their stores, it's like walking into their homes, and you're greeted with a warm hello. We enjoyed the antique stores, book stores, boutiques and one my other favorite places is Cafe con Leche, a coffee shop owned by Venezuelans. The last time I sipped on a cafe con leche was in Barcelona, and to have a real con leche and speak Spanish with the owners in Apalachicola, - well, it was absolutely fabulous!

The day was perfect and the evening was even better. Avenue Sea is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to while living in North Florida. Trust me, with my job, I've been to most every restaurant, and there are a lot of great ones, but this place is a MUST. Chef David Carrier knows what he's doing, and he has a great staff behind him. He only uses fresh, local ingredients, local seafood, of course and a worldly wine menu. We completed the dinner with a cheese plate served on butcher block and glass of St. Emillion. Then it was night, night......aaaaahhhhhhhhpalachicola!!!