But Apalachicola is more than just a great place to eat and shop. Named in 2008 as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, the original town plan, developed in the 1830's, remains intact. And the buildings that initially appear to be no more than the containers for quaint shops and restaurants all have their own rich history and unique story to tell.
The Sponge Exchange, for instance, was built in 1840 and was one of two warehouses used to store sea sponges--employing between 80 and 120 men in the sponge trade. The Dixie Theatre, built in 1912, was the entertainment center of Franklin County hosting live theatre. The Orman House was built in 1838 by Thomas Orman; the wood for this fabulous two-story house was actually cut to measure in New York, and then shipped by sailing vessel around the Florida Keys. The house was then assembled on the bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River. There are over 900 such historic homes and buildings in Apalachicola, about 30 of them can easily be viewed via a Walking Tour offered by The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce
So when you visit, plan to spend the weekend or more at one of several B&B's in town; not only shopping and dining, but taking the time to look a bit deeper into the historic past of this quaint little village.
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