There are some places you can visit over and over again and not see everything there is to see or do everything there is to do. Those same places change over time and, from one visit to the next, may not offer the same “landmarks” you made it a point to see. One such town is Apalachicola, on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. As its name translates, it is the “land of the friendly people.”
Brief History of Apalachicola
Even though Apalachicola wasn’t settled until the 1820s, its history goes back much further – Native Americans thousands of years ago, along with European influence by the Spanish and English. Florida was ceded to United States in 1821. Originally named Cottonton, then incorporated as West Point, it was renamed Apalachicola in 1831.
As you drive over the bridge on US 98 heading west, the history of Apalachicola is easy to understand. Its location along the Apalachicola River where it meets Apalachicola Bay, set this town up as a port for shipping – making it at one time the third largest cotton shipping port on the Gulf of Mexico. Besides cotton, Apalachicola also thrived in the sponge and timber industries. The sponge trade, beginning in the 1870s, became the third largest in the state. One of the original sponge warehouses, The Sponge Exchange, remains in downtown Apalachicola.
Another major industry in Apalachicola, and one that remains today, is the seafood industry. Apalachicola is known throughout the United States for its oysters.
Historic Homes in Apalachicola
A drive through the historic district of Apalachicola is like a drive back in time. There are more than 900 historic homes, buildings and other sites within the district to see, ten of them designated as Florida Heritage Landmarks. A couple you don’t want to miss include the Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House, the Hanserd-Fry House, and perhaps the most famous in Apalachicola, the Orman House.
Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House – This house was built in 1847 for Dr. Chapman who, besides being a physician, was also a botanist. He is known for his research and writings on the flora of the South. Chapman was very active in Apalachicola, having served as county judge, mayor and collector of customs.
Hanserd-Fry House – Located on 5th Street, the Hanserd-Fry House was built around 1845 and served as the residence of several individuals. The first-known owner was Joseph Hanserd who lived there as early as 1866, followed by Kate Ayers in 1872, with Captain Weber Fry buying it in 1880. Fry was a riverboat captain on the Apalachicola River. The house served as the Apalachicola Museum of Art from 2006 – 2016 and now is the office and visitor center for the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge.
The Orman House – The Orman House is a Florida State Park and sits on a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River. It is a must see on a visit to Apalachicola. The house was built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, a cotton merchant and businessman credited with being a key to the success of the town.
Touring this stately home takes you back to the 1800s. As you walk through the house, you get a glimpse of the Orman family lifestyle. The house is filled with old family photographs, period fashion, ornate fixtures, a formal dining room, a child’s room and so much more.
Outside you can catch a glimpse of an old barn, one of the original servants’ houses, and take a tour of the gardens.
Guided tours are available Thursday through Monday for a $2.00 charge. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Other Things to See and Do in Apalachicola
Three Soldiers Detail Statue
In front of the Gorman House sits Veterans Memorial Park, with the Three Soldiers Detail Statue as its centerpiece. The statue was dedicated in 2008 as a tribute to Vietnam Veterans from the south. Cast from the original molds of the statue located at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., this statue is lifelike and humbling.
John Gorrie Museum State Park
Also known as the Ice Box Museum, this museum pays tribute to John Gorrie, a physician who moved to Apalachicola in the early 1830s. Gorrie was concerned for his yellow fever patients and wanted to find a way to cool their rooms. As a result, he invented a mechanical device that produced ice, and received the first U.S. Patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851.
Apalachicola Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park overlooks the Apalachicola River and offers up a little more of the town’s history. Read up on the sponge industry, watch the fishing boats go by or just enjoy sitting by the fountain. The park also serves as the backdrop for many of the local events.
Fun Shops
There are always those stores in town you don’t want to miss. In Apalachicola, it is The Tin Shed. If you’re looking for something nautical, this is the place. Don’t forget to stop by the buoy wall – it’s a popular place for photos. (Note: Since this post was written originally, The Tin Shed has moved locations and the buoy wall is no longer there.)
Food and Drinks
With seafood as its main industry, Apalachicola serves up some great food in its many restaurants. One of our favorites is the Up the Creek Raw Bar. Whether you sit inside or choose one of the tables outside, the food and the views are good.
While you’re in Apalachicola, don’t forget to stop by the Olde Time Soda Fountain. It’s been dishing up these delicious treats since 1905. Take your seat at the counter and order from a variety of flavors or shakes. A great place to take the kids, but a word of warning, there are a lot of fun items in the gift shop that they’ll want to take home!
For the adults, make a stop by Oyster City Brewing Company on Avenue D. If you’re looking for a cold beer brewed right here in Apalachicola, make plans to stop by.
Gone but Not Forgotten – The Venezellos
The few times I have visited Apalachicola always involved a stop in front of the Venezellos at the corner of Avenue E and Water Street. The boat was built in 1915 in Apalachicola by Demo George (Demosthenes George Margomenos). It always provided a great subject for photographs, even in its weathered state. With each visit, the boat showed a little more wear. A few more boards were rotten, the weeds grew taller. Then, in October 2017, the boat was taken apart and removed. A Facebook page has been set up by Demo George’s family to remember the boat through photos.
Fun Fact
Bing Crosby recorded the song “Apalachicola, F-L-A” in 1947 with the Andrews Sisters after meeting professional baseball player and Apalachicola native Jimmy Bloodworth. Crosby was partial owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates and met Bloodworth in 1946, when he played for the Pirates. When asked where he was from, Bloodworth said, “Apalachicola, F-L-A!” The song was used in the move “The Road to Rio” starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
For your listening enjoyment, Bing Crosby singing Apalachicola, F-L-A.
There are so many things to see and do in Apalachicola, one trip isn’t enough. Two trips probably aren’t enough either. History, food, shopping and so much more await the Florida explorer in all of us.