Fall Travel on Florida's Forgotten Coast

The leaves are changing colors, there is a cool nip in the air, and the holiday season is fast approaching. A trip to the Forgotten Coast of Florida is just what you need before the rush and hassle of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fall is the time of year before the Snow Birds arrive from Canada and before the ocean waves get too cold to wade in and the sun still warms the beach at midday.

The Forgotten Coast includes the towns of Apalachicola, Carrabelle, and Mexico Beach and more. Shopping, restaurants and sightseeing opportunities abound. Destinations like St. George's Island State Park and Tate's Hell State Forest are places to go for the wild side of this area.

"We had the use of a relatives house in Mexico Beach but heard about many off-season deals at the local hotels. Most of them have excellent views of the ocean."

An example of a great town on the panhandle of Florida is Mexico Beach. Driving along Highway 98 there is little to block your view of white sand beaches and the ocean, and there are many points of public access to get you down to the water. Even in the fall it is warm enough to take your shoes off and wiggle your toes in the sand, to stroll along looking for shells, and to wade out into the waves.

"Beach access is easy at Mexico Beach. The Floridians in their jackets, long pants and tennis shoes must be used to tourists wading in shorts, t-shirts and bare feet. Shelling got us a myriad of shells, some sea-worn rocks, and sightings of sea birds and crabs. The dog loved the sand (Pic #1) and the doggy poop stations at each point of public access."

This is the time of year when finding a hotel won't be difficult and most of the restaurants and gift shops are still open. Three great places to eat are: Killer Seafood (and that is an apt description of the food), Beach Pizza (giant pizzas, great taste, great price), and the Fish House (more of a sit-down, get waited on kind of place with a wide-ranging menu). For gifts and souvenirs try: The Shell Shack (where you can also get fresh seafood if you're staying somewhere with a kitchen) or Emerald Coast Jewelry (silver trinkets and cool stuff); and there are more shops to choose from along the way.

Keep and eye out for road-side sales. This time of year some of the shops get together and hold big sales on summer merchandise. Take advantage of some great discounts that way.

"Seafood, seafood and more seafood. We had raw oysters at the marina, blue crab sandwich at Killer Seafood, and a delicious mixed seafood plate at the Fish House. The fresh shrimp for the Shell Shack got lightly sauteed in garlic butter and were enjoyed on the deck at the house. I still wear the 'Mexico Beach' t-shirt purchased at one of those road-side sales, five bucks."

Add some outdoor adventure to a stay on the Forgotten Coast. A kayak or canoe trip on the Crooked River in Tate's Hell State Forest is a great experience. The river is wide, the scenery is fantastic, and there is ample opportunities to see alligator, turtles, bald eagles, Florida black bears, wild pigs, and deer. Find an outfitter and be sure to ask when the tide changes so you can avoid paddling against it on the river. The only outfitter I could've recommended doesn't seem to be in business anymore.

"Put in kayaks on the Crooked River and paddled toward the ocean (Pic #2). Incredible. Thick greenery along the banks couldn't hide occasional glimpses of wild pigs and deer. We cruised up some bayous along the way and startled turtles. The peaty brown water concealed whatever was more than a few inches under. Up one bayou, quiet and green, we spotted a small, three foot 'gator resting on the shore. In (Pic #3) you can see it right in front of the point of the kayak (it's blurry because it was enlarged). About the current/tide; be aware that the Crooked River is a tidal river - we weren't aware - and what began as a leisurely paddle downstream became a laborious paddle upstream."

Tate's Hell State Forest also offers a great hiking trail. It is a end-to-end four mile trail that twists through Florida pine forest and coastal scrub. The trees and undergrowth are thick but the trail is well maintained and easy to follow. There are primitive campsites to take advantage of. Be sure to bring bug spray because even in the fall there is insect activity. Along the trail there are opportunities to spot many different bird and animal species.

"We're making plans to go back and hike this trail."

The nice folks, the food, the shopping, the ocean, kayaking, hiking and just reclining in a chair on the beach under the warm fall sun. Find all this, and look for more along Florida's Forgotten Coast.