The Forgotten Coast

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Apalachicola, FL -
Even living as close as I do, I don’t get to Apalachicola nearly often enough. It’s in the area known as the Forgotten Coast, but that’s no excuse! Especially since, every time I do go, I always wish I had more time to spend. It really is like traveling o a world that doesn’t feel like a tourist destination, even though it offers so much to experience.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway that makes a big difference, Apalachicola is a great choice.

When my friend Margit was in town filming her Top 5 Oyster Bars, we took the opportunity to make a road trip out of it. We had a couple dining destinations in mind (we always do) but on the way into town, we couldn’t resist this little Mexican grocery store with a sign for Latin Groceries and a Taco Bar. It’s right on Hwy 98 on the right as you’re near town. The tacos are around a dollar (they’re small, but perfect) and totally authentic. They also have Mexican sweets, spices, and food products. It’s going to be a lunch stop for me next time I’m in town, for sure.

As you probably know, the Gibson Inn is the gorgeous Victorian mansion in the center of town, and it’s a great place to stay. Margit and I both felt like we were at a grandmother’s house––the kind that’s old-fashioned, comfy, and makes you feel safe and relaxed, big 4-poster beds, braided rugs, and giant wardrobes and all. After checking in, we walked around the center of town. It’s only about six square blocks, so you can really take your time and find the little galleries tucked into the side streets or back behind old warehouses. We found these great goat milk soaps molded onto sea sponges (all in one soap and sponge), and vintage medicine bottles, and Tupelo honey (a local product, and the best honey you can possibly imagine).

As usual, we ate at not one, but three different places (Margit’s always doing research and hey, someone’s got to keep her company, right?) But we agreed the highlight was something simple, but when perfect, perfect: a cheese plate with good red wine. This was at Verandas, an upstairs restaurant and wine room on Avenue D and Hwy 98. For its size, the wine room has an amazing, very tempting retail section, and a wine list plucked from the best of it. Because I have been training for the New York Marathon (I will have completed it by the time you read this) I’ve barely been drinking, but I indulged in a glass of Cotes du Rhone, and with a perfect cheese plate (including Manchego, one of my favorites, and an amazing blue), I was in heaven. Sitting up on a balcony on a beautiful early autumn evening with a great friend and enjoying that treat was a memorable moment. We both said how relaxing it was to look over this sweet, small town, and breathe the Gulf air. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that makes a big difference, Apalachicola is a great choice.