Franklin County: Welcome to the “Forgotten Coast”
Far from bright lights and big cities, Franklin County showcases a slice of Florida rarely experienced by most visitors. Yet, here on “The Forgotten Coast,” the pleasures are every bit as wonderful. They’re just different. And therein those differences lie the reasons why Franklin County is so special.
SEE AND DO
You may not associate this area of Florida’s Panhandle with music, however its music scene is heating up rapidly with a wide variety of live-music venues. The Bowery Station in Apalachicola features rock and blues while Rio Carrabelle in Carrabelle highlights jazz as well as classical during the popular INConcert Series, which is held at Apalachicola’s historic Trinity Episcopal Church from January into spring.
Apalachicola’s riding the craft-brewery craze, too. The award-winning Oyster City Brewing Company uses local ingredients, including Tupelo Honey.
The area also features two historic lighthouses, the Crooked River Lighthouse and the Cape St. George Light, both beautifully-restored with museums and period rooms straight out of the 19th century. And if you’re here in May, take the popular historic walking tour in Apalachicola.
Also in May, the county hosts one of the largest plein air art gatherings in the Southeast. Dozens of nationally acclaimed artists converge on the Forgotten Coast to paint outdoors, give workshops and lectures, and, of course, sell award-winning art.
DINE AND PLAY
The specialty of the house here is generally the succulent Apalachicola Bay oysters, which don’t taste like any you’ve ever had before.
In a county with only one traffic light, you expect to find great outdoor recreational opportunities. And Franklin County doesn’t disappoint. Hundreds of square miles of watery playgrounds found along its rivers, bays and Gulf coast offer great recreational options. And interesting landscapes and wildlife make kayaking, canoeing or fishing excursions much more enjoyable. For a romantic interlude, book a sunset dinner cruise.