2024 March 5,6~ St George Island, Fla

 

St. George Island Florida: the perfect peaceful vacation destination, and home to the most unspoiled, pristine, serene beaches in the Panhandle, the Sunshine State. Laid-back attitude was duly noted on this 22 mile long barrier island.  We stayed at the St George Inn.....for 2 delightful nights.
.....and we were fortunate enough to have a first floor room!(Magnolia)

Rooms and suites are available for short-term stays. Every room is unique with charming features. There are family-friendly rooms that sleep up to 5 people. St George Inn is not equipped with elevator facilities, and there are no dining services other than coffee/tea provided 24/7 in the lobby.

We were able to check in 4 hours early, which allowed time to explore the island. We traveled directly to the state park. What an oasis of unspoiled walking paths and white sand beaches....and NO CROWDS!

Recommended restaurant from friends: The Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe

The Lobster Bisque was mouthwatering, and our dinner was excellent.

We split the main course........ which of course justified a piece of their homemade key lime pie😅! Aunt Ebby's Ice Cream was not even considered after such a scrumptious dinner.

The Historic area of St George Island housed a lighthouse.

We were within walking distance of the light house, the t-shirt shops, and these eye-catching RENTALS!.

An abundance of rentals(including LARGE HOMES on the ocean) are available. We LOVED St George Inn.

.

2024 March 4-5~Apalachicola(and the Historic Gibson Hotel), Florida

 

Apalachicola, deemed the oyster 'capitol of the world', is one of the most historic cities in Florida. 'Apalach' as known by the locals, is far from a typical tourist town. Established in 1831, it was one of the third largest ports on the Gulf of Mexico. Apalachicola is called the Forgotten Coast because it is the last remaining stretch of unspoiled, pristine Gulf Coast beaches that has not been overrun by high rises and strip malls. The closest beach is a 20 minute drive to St. George Island. 

OH THOSE OYSTERS!💓The Half Shell Dockside Cafe.....THE BEST! 

The historic Riverfront area as well as Lafayette Park, filled out afternoon with much needed walking!

Historic Market Street was lined with shops, eateries, crafts, and the world renowned Richard Bickel, photographer. We met him! What a fascinating life. His black and white photography was OUT OF THIS WORLD. If you like photography, his online website is a 'must-see'. (google his name)

Friends of ours always stay here at the Consulate. (Don't be fooled by the facade. These suite are FABULOUS) Google and be surprised! 

We stayed at the Historic Gibson Hotel💕💕💕

Forbes wrote: "In the heart of historic Apalachicola, a coastal Florida town that's been a hub for a variety of industries over the years(from cotton to lumber to oysters), The Gibson Inn stands in the same spot it's been on since it was first constructed in 1907. It looks a little different these days(it's been through a war and a hurricane, and 100+ years have passed), but its unmistakable charm and luxurious feel endure. Stepping onto the wraparound porch and into the lobby(with native heart pine walls) feel like going back in time and becoming a part of the hotel's rich history."

The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is steeped in Southern hospitality, history and charm. Our second floor room (btw.... no elevators) was endearing.

Loved these light fixtures! 

We stayed in one of the smaller rooms. Each of the 45 rooms is unique. Their website is gracious to show many more rooms.

The Franklin Restaurant, within the hotel provided breakfast, lunch and dinner.........🌟🌟🌟🌟 

Our brief stay in Apalachicola was relaxing, peaceful, and tranquil! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!💕

2024 March 2-3~Sandestin, Henderson, Mexico Beach

On practically a whim, we decided last week to leave town and travel south. With very few reservations made, we ended up in Sandestin Beach Florida(east of Destin), as well as Henderson State Park, and Mexico Beach.

The sand was as white as snow, the water was emeral in color (It was freezing, but beautiful), and the crowds were practically non-existent! 

King Ron was sooooooooooo eager to put his toes in the water.

While we were in the area, we visited Henderson State Park and Mexico Beach......both beautiful, and had us wondering: WHERE IS EVERYONE???? 😂

Today, we leave behind beach #1, #2, and #3..... stay tuned for more beaches coming soon!

These three beaches were a little slice of paradise on the Gulf of Mexico in the Panhandle area..... a first for both of us! #NewToMeAt75