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We just returned from our first snowbird experience. We spent it on the Forgotten Coast at Cape San Blas in Florida. Cape San Blas is a peninsula about 18miles long with the very tip being a state park that has a beautiful beach, a few cottages and RV/camper parking. The rest of the peninsula has stilt houses, one Inn, two convenience stores, one hamburger/ice cream store, a few Real Estate Companies, a couple condo's but no high-rises. Cape San Blas is 14 miles away from Port St. Joe, the nearest small town with a grocery store. It is 30 miles from Apalachicola, a quaint town on the banks of the Apalachicola River that has two grocery stores. We loved this place and will return next January, temps in Jan & Feb range from the 50's to the low 70's. We rented VRBO and were steps from the water with ocean views from every room of the house.
Apalachicola is known for it's oysters and I'm here to tell you they are great! They are sweet and salty and yummy! The following is a list of our favorite restaurants in the area.
1. Indian Pass Raw Bar in Indian Pass
(a converted gas station where you get you own beer and have a seat)
2. Boss Oyster in Apalachicola (they have their own fishing boats)
3. TouCans in Mexico Beach (right ON the beach)
4. Eddy Teaches on St George Island ( a VERY casual oyster and beer bar that sells a FEW other items. The oysters are terrific! steamed and raw.
5. Dockside Cafe in Port St Joe. Located on the marina with daily specials
The beaches are NOT crowded summer or winter, the sand is white and soft, the people are laid back, and if you want peace and rest with not much to do except to enjoy walking the beach, boating, fishing and golf, this is for you.
A short report on Cape San Blas Florida
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Oh, cd, I am SO glad you had a good time! I AM jealous that you got to go to the Raw Bar - I do miss it so.
We discovered the Dockside Cafe on the last trip and I wonder how we missed it. It was fun watching folks come in with their catch.
I hope to go back soon - maybe to scallop this summer. I'd love info on your VRBO.
You have found our secret hidaway. Ha. I am from Panama City, FL just down the road to the west. Next time you come down, make it in September/October if you can. That time of year is so beautiful, like the rest of the year, but the temperature is a bit warmer and the weather is always gorgeous. Unless there is a hurricane brewing, but not usually. We call it Indian Summer. We have friends who have places in Port St Joe and Cape San Blas and we love it. Scalloping is alot of fun,as mentioned above. July, August. Yes, Apalach is a great little fishing town. Glad you enjoyed your stay. Panama City Beach, about 40 minutes from Mexico Beach (same county), has alot to do. Enjoy
Starrs
It was because of your recommendation that we looked into Cape San Blas so I thank you very much! Our VRBO was a quadplex and really nice. The only thing we did not like is if the upstairs unit has children it can be annoying. One week of our eight, we had two kids upstairs and, bless their hearts, they do not walk anywhere, they RUN and that unit has hardwood floors. Other than that our stay was great. http://www.vrbo.com/79993
Imgrt
I would stay on the Cape anytime and would like to taste those scallops! DH's sister and aunt and uncle will be staying in the same unit we stayed in in Sept. Maybe they will get to sample some!
It looks really nice. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I love that part of the Forgotten Coast
I hope you toasted me with a beer (or soda) at the Raw Bar
Beer it was Starrs, beer it was!
topping for dragonflycafe
Great report, cd. I have been going to Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach for over 40 years. (how can that be???) We have a house on the Cape now but rarely go. The house stays rented most of the time.
It sounds like you did a little exploring while you were there. I recommend that you check out the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea next year:
http://gulfspecimen.org/
It is a really neat and interesting place. If you read the history you will see that John Steinbeck was instrumental in getting it started.
Go in the afternoon and when you finish drive over to Angelo's for a fabulous dinner. I recommend the grilled snapper!
Sunshinesue
Just curious, why do you no longer go?
We have actually never stayed in the house. We built it a couple of years ago as an investment.
When our kids were younger we went to Barrier Dunes, at the end of the Cape, every spring break, along with several other families. Loved it! Then we started buying property in south Walton County, between Panama City Beach and Destin, (investment-type stuff) so we started going there and fell in love with it. It's not crowded, like the Cape, but with the most incredibly clear, emerald green water and sugar white sand I have seen this side of the caribbean. There is also a great selection of restaurants, and for my husband, world class golf. We also love the 18 mile bike trail. And, I hate to admit this, but one of the counry's largest outlet malls in in Destin and I usually spend an afternoon or two there, saving money.
Personally, I am happy as a clam sitting under an umbrella, reading a book on the Cape or St George Island but my husband likes having nice golf courses nearby and I'll admit we like the many good restaurants available in south Walton.
Thank you for your comments! We are headed out for this area in about a week. Cold, rain, snow predicted for next week for us, so we are looking forward to the warm. Thanks also for the comments on the restaurants.
You're very welcome Andy!
Very interesting report, cd, especially so since this is the first time I've heard of Cape San Blas!
great trip report and thanks for topping for me starrs!
cd-
If you return to Apalachicola, be sure to try the Owl Cafe. http://www.owlcafeflorida.com/
Is the end of June a good time to visit this area?
Yes
We love that whole area! Glad you had a great time! We actually have two beach houses that we rent. If you want to stay in one of them, we can give you a 10% discount off the prices listed by our rental agency. See the links to view the properties:
Suimsuit Edition http://www.visitfloridabeaches.com/rentals.cfm?action=view&id=7
Author's Retreat
http://www.visitfloridabeaches.com/rentals.cfm?action=view&id=711
If you're curious about the names of the properties... my husband is an author of 16 books (4 New York Times Best Sellers) and was the Associate Editor of Sports Illustrated for 11 years.
you can contact me directly and I would be happy to help you with a beautiful house to stay in as well as recommend some of my favorite restarants to go to! Jeanette@team180.com or call me 850 345 6525
I am sure you don't realize it, Jeanetteyaeger, but advertising is not allowed on Fodors.
Jeanetteyaeger-
Be very careful not to advertise on this forum. We are not here to enrich ourselves financially.
Orlando Vic
We will return next Jan and Feb. I know where the Owl Cafe is located. Is there something special there that you recommend?
Juldie
I've not been there the end of June but if you like to beach it, I think it would be great.
ttt for Challiman
We just got back from Cape San Blas Sunday and ate at the Owl Cafe for the first time....REALLY enjoyed the fried oysters!!
Sunset Coastal Grill in Port St. Joe is another great choice for food...
in Apalachicola you can't go wrong!
We go to the Cape 4-5 times a year and have for years. Happy to answer any questions for anyone considering a trip!
Wendy, we have not been to the Owl Cafe, we will have to try it this winter, but agree on the Sunset Coastal Grill in Port St Joe, it is very good.
When we were there last Jan-Feb, Port St Joe was building a new hospital, do you happen to know if it's opened yet?
Well here it is 2012 and we're getting ready to leave the Cape after wonderful winter weather this year! I wanted to add some restaurants to my original rant list.
Hole in the Wall - Apalachicola - great oysters and buttermilk pie!
Verandas - Apalachicola (upscale)
And as was stated above, The Owl ( upscale) Apalachicola and Sunset Coastal Grill, Port St Joe
I want to remove my recommendation of Dockside. The view is great but the food not up to par.
How was the water temp? Thinking of going early May for week stay.
What area did you stay cd if you don't mind saying?
Never been so trying to get the info before booking.
Looking on VRBO
I can REALLY recommend where we stay on Cape San Blas. It is: http://www.vrbo.com/234823 We have stayed there the past 3 winters and you are literally on the sand, yards from the water. You can sit on your front porch and eat breakfast/lunch/dinner at the rail watching the waves..Your front porch steps lead you directly into the sand and then the water. It has the best views of any beach house we have ever had....you can see water from every room in the house except one bathroom and one small bedroom (it has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths) We dearly love it there. If you have any more questions, just ask...
ps We only wade in the water but there were a lot of people in it in Feb
http://www.vrbo.com/234823 I don't know why it didn't work above.
Now that's just annoying! On the right hand side where it says VRBO# Just type in the number 234823
cd
What is the closet airport? The rental looks lovely.
Sandy
Oh, I like that rental a lot and didn't notice when surfing.
Thanks for posting!!
The closest airport would be Panama City. If you decide on going there, post back and I can give directions from the airport....I will have to tell you the hot tub broke while we were there this year and I think they are taking it out. If you like peace and quite and total blackness at night (can see the stars really great!) you will love it. The closest large grocery store is in Port St Joe but the Trading Post and Scallop Cove have limited products. The Trading Post has wonderful pizza for only 10.00! They are both very close to this rental.
There is a bike trail that runs the length of the Peninsula down to the State Park which is at the end, and Scallop Cove has bike rentals. One part of the peninsula permits horseback riding on the beach and you can kayak on the bay side.