Thousands of acres of National Forest all around. A 246,000 acre National Estuarine Research Reserve that is the 2nd largest in the nation. Two State Parks, each with miles of unspoiled beaches, dunes, campgrounds and solitude in either direction from Apalichicola on the end of two barrier islands both within a few minutes drive of town...as well as Wildlife Refuges, public beaches, smaller State Parks, County Parks and City Parks...yes, we've got parks. We've got a pretty good list of them here, click the "More Info" button to check it out.

The Local Art Scene Rocks!  Our local area is blessed with a large number of working and successful artists, many of whom are represented in our local galleries and boutiques.  The Bowery Gallery features a number of local artists.  The Artemis Gallery features local wildlife photographer John Spohrer, folk artist Lois Swoboda and jewelry artist Kristen Andersen as well as many regional artists.  Keith Gartner's Mother Earth Studio features his own hand-turned wood items as well as other artist's work.  Handmade in Apalach carries the work of many locals including Marylou Athorn, Nancy Kerr, and Lane Autrey.  Noted photographer Richard Bickel has a gallery in town featuring his prints, many taken locally and many published worldwide.  These are but a few of the many artists living and working in our area.

A town's culture is its lifeblood. . . Apalachicola's culture is rich and varied.  On the one hand it is one of Old Deep South meets modern urban southern charm.  Hand in hand with that, African-American culture is celebrated and thrives in an atmosphere that welcomes diversity and cultural pride. Then we have the Traditional Seafood culture of oyster harvesters, shrimpers and fishermen meeting and melding with 21st century movements back to slow cooking and pure healthy foods. The culture of the arts is strong.  Our local "Handmade in Apalach" branding strongly represents dozens of artists and artisans while Plein Air painters from far and wide congregate in the area a couple of times a year to paint and celebrate our natural beauty and historic past.  Local galleries showcase local and regional artists while the numerous local museums celebrate our Art, History, and Nautical Past and Present.

Rich In History: Apalachicola's history includes being a busy shipping port during cotton's heyday. We have often been an important part of our coastal defenses during times of war.  We have been an important seafood producing area for more than 200 years.  As we move into the 21st Century the City of Apalachicola is still very much alive and vital, with a rich "Old Florida" charm and heritage balanced by a healthy present and promising future.