It’s festival season all over again; Gulf Festivals, that is.
Barring any late-season tropical weather in the Gulf, Apalachicola has back-to-back weekends of waterfront festivities, including what is arguably the best Panhandle seafood festival. Get to some Gulf Festivals!
The Annual Autos & Oysters Auto Show on Saturday, October 28th, attracts equally intriguing vintage cars and their spirited owners. Here, the term “shuck and jive” can apply to the stories you hear or the oysters you enjoy at one of Apalachicola’s legendary seafood restaurants. More than a few yachtsmen stay the week enjoying a laid-back slice of historic homes, eco parks, museums, shopping, and more at this gulf festival. apalachicolabay.org
Musical headliners Jerrod Niemann and I AM THEY will create an entirely different experience the following weekend during the 54th Annual Florida Seafood Festival. Daytime activities focus on seafood, oyster eating and shucking contests, arts and crafts, and the traditional Blessing of the Fleet. floridaseafoodfestival.com
Marina reservations typically are hard to come by. Water Street Marina along the downtown waterfront—formerly operating as Deepwater Marina—has completed a stunning renovation, including 20 transient slips built by Bellingham Marine. The marina can handle vessels up to 55 feet. waterstreethotel.com/marina
Another favorite is Scipio Creek Marina, the largest marina in the area with direct access to the Gulf and a family-friendly atmosphere. scipiocreekmarina.com
By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating September 2017