A day in Apalachicola……………….
Approaching the city is impactful due to the bridge crossing the water, then there’s a curve in the bridge, dropping you down onto main street. Stores come and go through the years but there’s a few favorites (mine) that have hung on.
Riverlily:
This is a shop for your ‘senses’. Husbands probably say it smells. Their store scent is part of their schtick and it definitely hits you in the face once you open the door. The store has been around 20+ years and their owners are known for their unique jewelry and greeting cards. I found this photo on-line. It doesn’t begin to speak to the multitude of interesting items in their store, but it’s a start. They can pack a LOT of things in a small space.
The story goes…………..a couple moved here and she couldn’t find any greeting cards, so she opened up her own store with cards favoring her style. They carry eclectic clothing, soaps & scents. I’ve found such unique items as Christmas ornaments and a line of bags/purses handmade in CO. There’s one of those in my closet. Last year’s purchase. 🙂
Grady Market:
This has upscale and casual clothing within a dozen+ shops located on the first floor of the building. The second floor has rooms available for visitors, called The Consulate. Maybe some day we’ll stay there.
Jewelry, decorative kitchenware and specialized food items have been past purchases. Oh yeah, they carry an interesting assortment of Life is Good merchandise and many purchases have come from that section.
Piggy Wiggly:
While not exactly downtown, it is easily walkable – for most of us. 🙂 For 30+ years it has been locally owned and operated with a Piggy Wiggly Express on SGI (a godsend – just saying). Their website says “Small town service meets big city selection.” Definitely a solid statement. You can find some amazing things in this grocery. Have you ever seen this many options for mayo or hotsauce in a small town?
Look at all of those tomatoes.
While they’ve had a good selection of cheeses, now you can have a chacuterie plate. Who would have guessed?
And as you would expect, a good selection of Oyster City beer.
There are a number of State Parks within the city. We always bring new visitors to the……….
Gorrie Museum:
Yep, a (really) bad photo.
Alas, it is closed due to Covid-19. This was posted on their entry door. Inside you can see a replica of his invention: a machine designed to convert water into ice. Yep, that’s right, the precursor to Air Conditioning! Sorry Adrienne, next trip we will get you inside.
You could walk the grounds, which are not extensive but his grave is located on the grounds (3rd and final resting spot), along with historic markers telling his story.
Which brings us to another State Park…….
The Orman House:
It is a stately antebellum home built in 1838 overlooking Apalachicola River. It was occupied for 165 years by a member of the Orman family until 1994. New owners made this into a Bed & Breakfast before the state purchased the property in 2001 and it became a state park. This is one of the few museums that have re-opened and had not seen many visitors. The ranger reminded me of the old commercials for the lonely ‘Maytag’ repairman. He was very chatty – but nice.
I was a little chagrined when I saw a holiday wreath on the front door – until I saw one of the components, oyster shells. 🙂 Hhhhmmmm, interesting idea.
No visit to Apachicola is complete without a stop at this establishment.
Oyster City Brewing Company:
It opened in 2014 and has won numerous awards. Loved their thoughts shared on their website.
Water. The town’s rich history is built upon the Apalachicola River and the nearby bay. Everyone stops at the Riverfront Park for a few photos and I was no exception.
A shrimp fleet is nearby, but a few shrimp trawlers are always parked along the riverfront.
With some wildlife wanting to take advantage of a few stray shrimp that might possibly escape.
It’s a sleepy little town in the winter which expands to a bustling summer spot when the temps are warm and the beach beckons. One day, we’ll arrive, put down roots and see all the seasons as a local.
Darden Travels 