Page 13 - August2020-NBY News

On the Go...... “Nature’s Side of Florida”
On the Go......
On the Go...
On the Go
On the Go

By: Ronnie Greenberg innovative coastal cuisine, to funky ‘come
Photos by Joe Hilbers as you are” oyster joints serving the
world-famous Apalachicola Bay oysters.
The unique Dixie Theatre that was the
Franklin County, Florida embraces the entertainment center of the county back in
nostalgic aura of an “Old Florida gem,” 1912 is now fully renovated and hosting
Franklin County calls to everyone in live professional theater and music
search of a place to relax and reconnect. performances. www.DixieTheatre.com
The area represents nirvana for discerning Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries- Tour
anglers and wilderness lovers alike. Set the brand new Apalachicola National
on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s Estuarine* Research Reserve visitor center
northwest panhandle, this “Forgotten which monitors over 246,000 acres in the
Coast” with some 200 miles of shoreline, Apalachicola Bay estuarine system.
is noted for its pristine beaches, Exhibits here showcase the flora and fauna
breathtaking peek at nature, and endless of the area, an aviary and live giant fish
protected shallow bays and marshes. In tanks. Apalachicola National Forest a
addition to harvesting more than 90 564,000 acre-park is perfect for picnicking,
percent of Florida’s oysters, there’s a boating and fishing.
treasure trove of local fresh and saltwater Unpack your bags at the Water Street
fish that include, clams, shrimp, blue Hotel and Marina, Apalachicola’s new
crabs, speckled trout, flounder, redfish, luxury condominium hotel on Scipio
red snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, cobia, Creek. Get up close and personal with the
amberjack, striped bass, tarpon, whiting, wild life attracted to the brackish waters
Spanish mackerel and wahoo. Local right outside your screened verandah. You
marinas provide deep water access to the will encounter many types of birds and
Gulf of Mexico and dozens of experienced animals including egrets, ospreys,
local charter fishing guides customize pelicans, dolphins and yes, alligators. *An Estuary – where fresh and
their services to fit the needs and special There are 30 suites and a 20-slip marina saltwater mix, wetlands usually found
requests of anglers. and swimming pool, and Mary Erickson’s www.campgordonjohnston.com Also make where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries
Flora and fauna here include the original paintings are an integral part of sure to stop for a photo op at the world’s are home to unique plant and animal
world’s largest natural stand of Tupelo every unit. Located at 329 Water Street, “smallest police station,” which is a phone communities that have adapted to
trees; the world’s largest concentration of phone (888) 211-9239 booth. brackish water – a mixture of fresh
native pitcher plants; a one-of-a-kind www.waterstreethotel.com water draining from the land salty
dwarf cypress swamp and no shortage of Carrabelle - Whether you come to land Alligator Point, a secluded and tranquil seawater. The Chesapeake Bay is the
endangered and threatened species, “the big catch” on a fishing excursion, set peninsula at the eastern end of Franklin largest estuary in the United States.
including the Florida black bear, sail into a glorious sunset, snorkel, scuba County encompasses the 14,366-acre There are more than 100 of these water
jaguarondi, gopher tortoise, red cockaded dive, scallop, bird watch or just get away Alligator Harbor Aquatic Reserve and a bodies along the coast of the U.S.
woodpecker, indigo snake, West Indian from it all along the miles of white sand 4,800 acre Bald Point State Park. A refuge for
manatee and more. beaches, Carrabelle welcomes you to their wildlife and a top migratory area for birds, RECIPE
boater’s and fisherman’s paradise. Located Alligator Harbor also is one of the world’s
The area encompasses the coastal on St. James Island, it’s surrounded by largest feeding grounds for the Kemp’s
communities of Apalachicola, Carrabelle, bays, rivers, and an off shore island known Ridley sea turtles, which is the rarest and
Alligator Point, and the barrier islands of as Dog Island. Signature attractions most endangered of all marine turtles.
Dog, Eastpoint, St. George and St. include: Tate’s Hell State Forest best St George Island, a 28 mile barrier island
Vincent. known for its expanse of wetland prairie that is approximately 28 miles long and two
and flatwood topography is home to the miles wide, stakes claim to some of the most
Apalachicola rich with history and Dwarf Cypress Swamp and vast pitcher beautifully pristine beaches in all of Florida
maritime culture, sits at the mouth of the plant prairies. It also supports an on the Gulf side, and the life-abundant
Apalachicola River, just across the abundance of endangered and threatened waters of the Apalachicola Bay on the other.
Apalachicola Bay. In the late 19 and 20th species. Canoeing, kayaking, boating and St. George Island State Park comprises nine BRUSSELS SPROUTS. A low calorie,
th
century Apalachicola was a bustling river fishing are available along the park’s 35 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and features protein and fiber rich food. Preheat
seaport exporting cotton and lumber, miles of rivers, streams and creeks. some of the state’s best shelling oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place
along with a rapidly growing sponge Crooked River Lighthouse a 112 year old opportunities. Magnificent dunes, protected parchment paper on baking sheet and
trade and fishing industry. Lumber and lighthouse built on the Florida mainland coves, salt marshes and long-leaf pine forest mist with olive oil spray or drizzle on.
cotton magnates built luxurious mansions in 1895 to replace the one on Dog Island create an environment that encourages Take ½ lb. and cut in half lengthwise
and today more than 200 historic homes was destroyed in a hurricane in 1873 and wildlife exploration whether kayaking the large Brussels sprouts, place in small
and buildings, cotton warehouses and a fully restored and relit in 2007. It has a marsh coves, exploring the forest and beach bowl and toss with 1 tsp. extra virgin
sponge exchange dating from the 1830s Keeper’s house, museum, gift shop and trails, or surf-casting along the shore. Tour olive oil (EVOO). Place sprouts on
are listed on the National Register. park. www.crookedriverlighthouse.org the St. George Island Visitors Center and prepared baking sheet, not touching.
Historic Apalachicola Olde Town has Camp Gordon Johnston World War II Lighthouse Museum and Keeper’s House. Next step is up to you – try sprinkling
cultivated its colorful heritage of preserve Museum dedicated to the 250,000 The Lighthouse built in 1852 stood on Little bacon, onion and garlic over the top of
as an authentic working fishing town. amphibious World War II soldiers and St. George Island for more than 150 years all. Or choose cranberries, balsamic
Shoppers flock to downtown Apalachicola support groups who trained at the before collapsing in the surf in 2005. vinegar and pine nuts. Or try other
for great finds at locally owned one-of-a- Carrabelle site (the beaches and island Preserved bricks and original pieces of the seasonings you enjoy. Add a bit more
kind boutiques, galleries and antique were ideal for amphibious training). For iron lantern room served as pattern for the EVOO to your liking. Roast for 10
shops. There are more than 20 fine art many it was the last stopover for those lighthouse reconstruction. minutes. Flip, then continue cooking
galleries, upscale home interior shops, going to the Pacific or European theaters. www.seestgeorgeisland.com until sprouts are crisp-tender and
clothing and gift boutiques. This venue Explore their history through slightly browned, about 8 to 12
for the arts is also a culinary destination, photographs, slides, and artifact displays For additional information contact: additional minutes. Serves 2, season
with local restaurants ranging from www.franklincountyflorida.com with salt and pepper to taste.

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