Plan a Getaway to the Forgotten Coast for a Springtime to Remember
The secret’s out—springtime along the Forgotten Coast is a little bit magical.
In April and May, Franklin County comes alive with sunshine, salty breezes, and family-friendly fun. From Apalachicola’s historic homes to St. George Island’s picture-perfect beaches to Carrabelle’s quaint gift shops, Franklin County is the perfect place to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the kind of laid-back coastal charm that’s getting harder to find.
In these parts, late spring is festival season, and visitors are always welcome to join in the fun. April kicks things off on April 18 with the twenty-seventh annual Apalachicola Antique and Classic Boat & Car Show with vintage cars, historic oyster boats, home-built vessels, and local artists. Also on April 18, St. George Island will host the SGI Brewfest, a one-day tasting festival celebrating a wide range of craft beers. All proceeds benefit the Franklin County Humane Society, so all furry four-legged friends are welcome. Tickets are limited, so remember to plan ahead.
The following weekend, April 25-26, brings the Carrabelle Riverfront Festival with arts and crafts, local seafood, a pet parade, and children’s activities. Friday night will feature live music and dancing on downtown streets.
On May 1, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve hosts National Estuaries Day, a free event for kids of all ages. Highlights include marine animal touch tanks, live reptiles, cast net demonstrations, drone displays, and guided tours of the 5,400-square-foot nature center. May 1 also marks the start of sea turtle nesting season on St. George Island and other Franklin County beaches. Nature lovers can witness the miracle of life as female sea turtles lay eggs from May through September and hatchlings crawl their way to the Gulf of Mexico under the moonlight. Visitors are encouraged to be turtle-friendly travelers by turning off lights after dark and clearing the beach of gear at night to provide safe passage for these tiny, endangered creatures.
Franklin County is also a great place to explore at your own pace. Take a walking tour through Apalachicola’s historic district or stroll the Chestnut Street Cemetery for a glimpse into the once-bustling port city’s past. In Carrabelle, snap a photo at the World’s Smallest Police Station and visit the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum.
Discover the area’s rich maritime history with the self-guided lighthouse driving tour. Franklin County is home to two unique and historic beacons—the Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle and Cape St. George Light on St. George Island. If you’re up for a chance to see sweeping views of the Gulf by moonlight, mark your calendar for the Cape St. George Full Moon Climb on April 1, May 1, and May 31 and the Crooked River Lighthouse Climb on April 2, May 1 and May 30.
From history to nature to the arts, Franklin County offers up an authentic slice of old Florida, so pack your most comfortable shoes and come make some lasting memories.
LEARN MORE AT FLORIDASFORGOTTENCOAST.COM
