Carrabelle is a small coastal city located in the eastern Florida Panhandle about 70 miles south of Georgia. This is our third stay. Its appeal can probably be summarized by the expression for the area, “the forgotten coast”. It’s relatively undeveloped, has a low population, and minimal commercialization. But it has just enough of the sugar white sand beaches, sights, amenities and restaurants for our needs. The beaches are not only dog friendly, but it’s rare for us to even see another person on one. We were here for a couple of weeks in mid December, so the weather was cold, overcast, and wet.
Ho-Hum RV Park, Carrabelle
We usually book a waterfront site, but they can be tight and noisy with the only view straight out the back towards the water. This time, we booked a funky end site with beach and water access. It offered broader water views, but we were under an oak tree, so when it rained, the water drops and small acorns would fall off the tree for hours afterward. It was nice to have the swings in the evening for a drink and watch the sunset, when it wasn’t raining.
There were a few wildflowers near our Airstream. These Gulf Fritillary butterflies love them.
Dolphin would come close to shore and chase fish. Jake enjoyed watching, wanting to run out into the water to see what all the commotion was about, frequently having to call him back out of deeper water because there are shark in the area too. He has also tried chasing stingrays and caught a snake. His snake training must have worn off.
Jake loved his 2-3 times a day 30 minute walks off leash to explore. Great exercise for him. He just needed frequent baths to get the salt and sand off of him.
Carryout only Korean food. A nice delicious alternative to Chinese food.
Almost daily we saw a bald eagle, but because of the weather, dense trees and them being skittish, we struggled to get a good photo of one. Red-bellied woodpeckers were in the trees everyday above our RV.
A heron hanging out in front of the Airstream.
Carrabelle Parade of Lights
Carrabelle put on a small street fair that included a boat parade of lights followed by fireworks for the holiday season. There was quite a turn out. Over 20 boats were decked out. Sandy’s favorite was a kayak covered in lights.
It’s the Holiday season and decorations were everywhere.
Alligator Point was isolated and no one else there. The beach seemed to go for miles. The shelling was amazing. We went there a couple of times, but there is only so much room in the Airstream for Sandy’s future art projects.
Apalachicola, Florida
Many believe the Apalachicola oysters are the best in the United States. After having oysters around the country at many restaurants, I was extremely cautious of ever eating them again unless covered by cheese, breadcrumbs, bacon and pepper sauce, or oysters Rockefeller, to disguise their old seafood funky disgusting taste. In Apalachicola, they are so fresh that wild and raw on a Saltine with a little horseradish is perfect. The oysters do well here; meaning they grow fast, flat, and sweet because they are protected in a large bay by barrier islands. The bay is nutrient rich because it is fed by the Apalachicola river. Our favorite oyster bar is The Station Raw Bar with a nice atmosphere, friendly people, good beer, and fair prices.
The local accent and hospitality are pure southern. There is an air of independence and freedom. Automobile decisions are easier here; ½, ¾, or 1 ton truck is the norm. Camouflage shirts are still in style and look good. Bar conversations are friendly and could be about what is in season to hunt or fish. You are addressed as ma’am or sir, locals are always respectful. There are no mask mandates. Eat indoors or outside, you decide. Get vaccinated and quarantine yourself if sick, follow CDC guidelines. Just take a deep breath, don’t worry, and be happy. Their economy is doing just fine. We love it here.
Half Shell Dockside is also a favorite because of good food and water views. The oyster stew was amazing.
Two Brothers is also on the water and had friendly staff, but their seafood selection wasn’t as good as the other restaurants. Inexpensive dining outside with a water view is hard to beat.
Oyster City Brewing makes good IPA. These birds were consuming spent grains from the brewing process.
Apalachicola isn’t just about restaurants, there are quite of few wonderful specialty stores to shop leaving Michael on a bench with Jake.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
A nice drive out to the lighthouse with lots of birding opportunities. Along the way, there were numerous hiking trails and areas to put in a kayak/canoe.
There are plenty of birding opportunities. In the past we saw a nesting bald eagle with chicks, but not this time.
So many butterflies too, but it was windy so it was difficult getting photos of them.
Florida alligator and turtles.
It’s a beautiful area that we enjoy visiting.
The best brisket we’ve had. No BBQ sauce required. The meat was incredibly tender, flavorful and moist. Melted in the mouth!
Carrabelle Sunrises and Sunsets
Even though there were only a handful of partially sunny days in our 2 week stay, we did have a few spectacular sunrises.
Some amazing sunsets too. Looking forward to coming back.
