Florida Panhandle - Apalachicola

Apalachicola is one of the most famous towns along the Florida Panhandle.  Its fame comes in a large part to the seafood products harvested there.  The Apalachicola oyster is arguably the best in the U.S.  The brackish waters of Apalachicola Bay are perfect for the growing of the bivalve culinary delicacy.  Apalachicola has a large shrimp and fishing industry, also.


















Unique, hand-built small boats are used to harvest oysters.  These oyster boats ply the waters of the bay every day.

Oysters are still harvested by hand.  Long tongs are used to capture the oysters, which are lifted onto the boat deck and sorted.

The town of Apalachicola provides many opportunities to eat the produce of the Bay and Gulf.  Every restaurant features seafood.  And, it seems, that every restaurant does a great job in preparing the fruits of the seas.

The locals fill the Seafood Grill for good reason.  Their fried oysters have the thinnest, crispiest batter coating, lightly cooked to a steamed oyster consistency.  Delicious.

In the early 1800's, Apalachicola was a busy port, the largest in the state of Florida.  While the city is not as large as it was then, it retains some of the old architecture and charm.

The restored Dixie Theatre brings live theater to this small community.  After many near misses by a day, the Last Dance crew finally got to take in a play, Florida Girls, a one-woman show.

And, there are fun places.  At the Tin Shed, you can get everything from nautical antiques to cypress stumps.

Along the waterfront, near where Last Dance was docked, was a pole labeled with colors and numbers.  What do they represent?














The height the water will reach by hurricane category.