Visit Florida - Worth the Drive 2008 - (Page 31) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> North 31 Day 1: Port St. Joe Port St. Joe is no longer just a place to eat good seafood and buy Tupelo honey. In recent years, a historic revival has cast a retro charm on its cozy downtown. The Big Bend Scenic Byway (called Scenic U.S. Highway 98 where it tracks the Gulf of Mexico) slices through Port St. Joe’s downtown, revealing views of shimmering St. Joseph Bay. Antiques stores, a restored theater and friendly restaurants invite visitors to enjoy true Southern hospitality. In the 1830s, Port St. Joe was a major port town with strong political significance (Florida’s first constitution was signed here). Get the full story at the historic Constitution Convention State Museum (850-229-8029, www.floridastateparks.org/ constitutionconvention). Most of the town’s activity still revolves around the water. Take to it at the Port St. Joe Marina (850-227-9393, www.psjmarina.com), where you can rent a canoe or kayak or board a pontoon sightseeing boat or fishing charter. historic buildings unfold to your left and the river at right anchors evidence of the town’s seafaring roots. Restaurants new and old line Market Street (as 98 is known here) and several side streets. Visit the historic Gibson Inn (850-653-2191, www.gibsoninn.com), which welcomes with a two-story wrap-around porch and its Avenue Sea restaurant, led by an award-winning chef. That Place On 98, Eastpoint While fine dining establishments and coffee houses now flavor Apalachicola’s culinary repertoire, you’re never far from homegrown staples like oysters and seafood gumbo. On Water Street, try Boss Oyster (850-653-9364, www.apalachicolariverinn.com/boss.html), which serves up the shucked ones more ways than you can imagine along with river views. Then relax amid Victoriana at Lafayette Park. This bayfront park is bordered by period homes graced with stained glass windows, turrets and broad porches overlooking wide brick streets and Spanish moss-draped oaks. Day 2: Apalachicola Apalachicola has long been known as Florida’s oyster capital. But restoration efforts over the last two decades have recalled its Victorian grandeur, creating a destination that’s part salty, part genteel and all endearing. The Byway takes you through the heart of Apalachicola, where storied brick buildings (once cotton and lumber warehouses) now house unique shops and galleries (many close early, so be sure to start your treasure hunt before sundown). Drive or walk northwest along Water Street, where Day 3: St. George Island Crossing East Bay to Eastpoint, you’ll notice fishing dock after fishing dock. This is the place to watch commercial seafood harvesters http://www.gibsoninn.com http://www.floridastateparks.org/constitutionconvention http://www.floridastateparks.org/constitutionconvention http://www.psjmarina.com http://www.apalachicolariverinn.com/boss.html
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