WHERE TO STAY: Collins Vacation Rentals rents beach houses on St. George Island (1-877-875-9062; www. collinsvacationrentals.com).
The Coombs Inn is a luxurious bed-and-breakfast housed in a Victorian mansion in downtown Apalachicola. It's close to shopping and locally owned restaurants. The beaches on St. George Island are 15 minutes away by car (1-888-244-8320; www.coombshouseinn.com).
WHERE TO EAT: Up the Creek Raw Bar serves not only raw oysters, but many elegant seafood dishes with an international flair. Open for lunch and dinner. Entrees $6.99-$15.99 (1-850-653-2525; www.upthecreekrawbar.com).
The Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe serves a variety of seafood entrees including local grouper, Gulf shrimp and fried or raw Apalachicola oysters. Open for lunch and dinner. Entrees $10.99-$24.99 (1-850-927-2987; www.blueparrotsgi.com).
ALSO VISIT: St. George Island State Park is home to miles of undeveloped beach. It's a popular destination for canoeing, hiking, kayaking, fishing and camping (1-850-927-2111; www.floridastateparks.org/stgeorgeisland).
ACTIVITIES: Journeys of St. George Island provides a number of guided kayak tours for wildlife viewing, fishing or snorkeling. Prices vary depending on tour (1-850-927-3529; www. sgislandjourneys.com).
SHOPPING: Grady Market in Apalachicola, located in a refurbished ship's chandlery, is home to shops selling antiques, handmade gifts, clothing and more (1-850-653-4099; gradymarket.com/market.html).
tracey teo
