Check out our recurring column in this week’s edition of the Apalachicola Times. This week it’s on the topic of our historic plaque program, funded by Visit Florida. The vision of this program is to educate tourists and the general public about significant buildings, structures, and objects, as well as outstanding events and people involved in local, state, national, and/or international history. It will represent a partnership between the city, Apalachicola Area Historical Society; and Main Street, which has economic development through historic preservation is at the core its mission. To be eligible, the location must be within the downtown district, defined as Battery Park to the Scipio Creek Boat Basin, and Water Street to Sixth Street. Buildings must be at least 50 years old. The plaques will show an historic photo of the property, when available. A grant from Visit Florida is providing funding which will make the first 12 plaques available for only $100. The cost of subsequent plaques will be $400, so we urge anyone interested to get your application in today. If you are interested in placing an historic plaque on your building, please contact us for more information. Remember, the first 12 applicants get a plaque for $100, a $300 discount. Click here to download an application form.
Check out our latest e-newsletter!
We’ve just released our latest e-newsletter! It contains survey links for shoppers and business owners, information on our new plaque program, links to our online event listings, historical trivia, and more. Look for the section on our Friends of Downtown Card program, in which our donors receive, as a thank you, exclusive discounts at 25 downtown businesses!
Thanks for reading!
Venturing off the Beaten Path in Downtown Apalachicola
Apalachicola has dozens of well-known shops, restaurants, and landmarks in the heart of downtown that are heavily frequented by visitors. Here are a few that are well worth a visit that are just slightly off the beaten path:
Gorrie Square can be found at the intersection of Avenue D and 6th Street. Visit the John Gorrie Museum and gravesite of Dr. Gorrie, see 17th century canons on display in the center of the roundabout, and read the historic marker at the beautiful and historic Trinity Episcopal Church. The Apalachicola Municipal Library has a trove of information about local, regional, and Florida history as well as genealogical resources.
The historic Bowery District is located within Avenue F, Water Street, and Commerce Street. Here you’ll find Wake and Bake Bread, Bowery Station bar, Honey Hole Liquors, Iggy Art Studio at Bowery Station, the Bowery Art Gallery, Up the Creek Raw Bar, Water Street Hotel and Marina, and the newly opened Bowery Inn.
49 Palmetto Gallery is located on Avenue G, just off Market Street. Upstairs, The Flat at 49 Palmetto is a vacation rental that offers visitors a stylish apartment in a residential neighborhood.
The Orman House State Park, Chapman Botanical Garden, and Three Soldiers Detail Statue can be accessed from Market Street, just a short drive north of the traffic light.
The Scipio Creek Boat Basin (called the “Mill Pond” by locals) is a favorite spot for photographers. And on the second Saturday of each month, don’t miss the Apalachicola Farmers’ Market at the Scipio Creek Pavilion.
Just north of the Scipio Creek Boat Basin is the River Ramble Trail and Boardwalk, part of the Great Florida Wildlife and Birding Trail. This easily accessible half mile (one way) trail leads to an elevated platform with a stunning waterfront view.
If you haven’t visited all of these spots, or if it’s been a while, we hope you’ll take the time to enjoy them soon.
