We had called on Apalachicola almost ten years ago, when we cruised from the Tampa Bay to Mobile Bay. This sleepy coastal town charmed us with its historic antebellum homes, unique shops and restaurants. Not to mention its prized oysters! We're thankful to have friends in the area and happy the town still retains its old Florida feel.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, some antebellum homes were opened for tours. We visited the Raney House and the Orman House, and learned that Apalachicola was an important and busy port in the mid-1800s, shipping cotton to textile mills in Europe and New England. Fishing and tourism have since replaced the cotton trade. Sadly, the BP oil spill in 2010 decimated the oyster industry. All the oysters now come from nearby Louisiana. They were still very good and reasonably priced, at $9.99 a dozen at Papa Joe's, which moved to its downtown location last year.
Apalachicola's annual Christmas celebration was the Friday after Thanksgiving. Families and tourists awaited at the city dock for Santa to arrive on a shrimp boat. The festivities included dancing performances, luminaries lining the streets all over town, and carolers serenading diners at various restaurants. We were lucky to be eating at the Seafood Grill when they came by.
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| Fishing is the religion of Apalachicola, as you can see from its Christmas decor |
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| Raney House all decked up for the holidays |
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| Front door of the Raney House |
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| a symbol of Southern hospitality |
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| a silk Chinese gown hanging in the bedroom of the Orman House |
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| Luminaries lining the streeet |
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| Christmas Boat Parade in Bimini Basin, Cape Coral | Holiday Decor and Lights in New Orleans | Cruising Miami |
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