Forgotten Coast Fun

SGI Favorite Harry A’s Under New Ownership

Admin — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:51:08 +0000

Visitors to St. George Island this year will be able to once again enjoy this perennial favorite hotspot. A new owner purchased the bar at auction recently and hopes to return it to its former glory as the place to be for live entertainment, along with delicious food and drinks. After seeing the unique opportunity presented by the closed, yet legendary establishment, experienced restaurateur and brewery owner Cody McCade purchased Harry A’s at auction for less than he had offered the previous owner. Renovations are underway and McCade hopes to open within the next few months.

There’s a Reason It’s the “Oyster Capital of the World”

Admin — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:26:24 +0000

Did you know the oysters of Apalachicola Bay are considered the best-tasting oysters in the world? The unique geography and topography of the Apalachicola Bay Estuary makes it one of the most productive bays in North America, as a large variety of marine creatures use its brackish waters to produce their offspring.

Oysters prepared a variety of ways are available at restaurants all along the Forgotten Coast. While new and creative recipes are constantly being developed, the most popular way to ingest oysters is eating them raw on the half-shell.

Apalachicola hosts an annual Oyster Cook-Off every January to determine who has the bragging rights for this local favorite.

Though yields have declined in recent years for a number of reasons, efforts are underway to restore the bay and its bounty of delicious seafood. While closed to wild harvest since 2020, the bay saw the development of several aquaculture farms to help meet the demand for Apalachicola oysters. On January 1, 2026, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reopened Apalachicola Bay to limited wild oyster harvesting through February 2026 for commercial and recreational harvesters with permits. Future seasons are set for October to February annually, to be managed under a new data-driven management plan.

When Visiting the Forgotten Coast, Don’t Forget to Look Up

Admin — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 01:40:00 +0000

The Forgotten Coast is a paradise for birdwatchers. With its coastlines, forests, rivers, and bays, the Forgotten Coast is home, or at least a temporary home, to an incredible variety of birds, including bald eagles, osprey, falcons, warblers, herons, egrets, owls, cardinals, and so many more.

Winter is an excellent time for spotting many species of water birds, including ducks and loons and other water birds enjoy the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Coast.

Some of the best spots for birding on the Forgotten Coast include St. George Island State Park, Bald Point State Park, Old Carrabelle Beach, and the entire town of Apalachicola.

The Forgotten Coast is home to a wide variety of beautiful birds

Experience the Fun of “Singo” on Tuesdays at the Apalachicola Yacht Club

Admin — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 01:38:43 +0000

You’re invited to the Apalachicola Yacht Club to experience “Singo” a fun and addictive form of musical bingo. You’re encouraged to bring your phone and feel free to use your favorite music listening app during the game. It’s a musical free for all, where cheating, singing, and dancing are encouraged! There are different music categories for all ages so no one misses out on the fun.

Singo happens at the Apalachicola Yacht Club every Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 pm for an unforgettably good time!
Different music categories for all ages!

Winter on the Forgotten Coast

Admin — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:36:51 +0000

After a busy summer and brisk fall season, the Forgotten Coast of Florida is preparing for winter. The spectacular sunsets compensate for the cooler temperatures and shorter days. The pace slows down as the area settles into its quiet time. As winter temperatures drop, we welcome our northern friends fleeing the frigid weather for the inviting shores of the Gulf Coast.

Whether you fancy a walk on the beach or just relaxing in the winter sunshine, the shorter winter days are filled with a peaceful sort of fun. The crowds are gone and it feels like you have the area’s world-famous beaches all to yourself.

A Visit to the Forgotten Coast is a Great Way to Increase Vitamin D Levels

Admin — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:15:00 +0000

Have you been feeling tired or lethargic lately? You may be low on Vitamin D. Since your body makes this essential vitamin when skin is exposed to the UVB rays of the sun, the Forgotten Coast provides an excellent place to boost your Vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for good health. Because it helps the human body use calcium from the diet, it is essential for strong bones. While it has many roles in the body, instructing the cells in the gut to absorb calcium and phosphorus is one of Vitamin D’s most essential functions.

Humans obtain vitamin D from sunlight and the food we eat. However, some people, including those with darker skin and those over the age of 65, are more at risk for being deficient in Vitamin D. While most people with a deficiency don’t experience symptoms, in extreme cases a lack of vitamin D can lead brittle, thin bones, in a condition called rickets. With rickets the bone tissue fails to properly mineralize, which results in soft bones, in addition to skeletal deformities. Research continues to reveal that Vitamin D plays a major role in protecting the body against a number of health problems.

If you live in northern latitudes, are homebound, or wear head coverings or long robes for religious purposes, you may need to add more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet or take a supplement like cod liver oil. Some foods rich in Vitamin D include salmon, swordfish, cod liver oil, canned tuna, beef liver, egg yolks, and sardines.

The Forgotten Coast of Florida is a great place to visit when you want to increase your Vitamin D levels. Hundreds of miles of beaches and trails, along with unforgettably quaint downtown areas and riverfront boardwalks provide perfect ways to spend time in the Florida sun.

Midday is the best time for being in the sun to boost Vitamin D. Remember to limit time in the sun and be sure to use protection when you aren’t trying to boost your Vitamin D levels. You should also consult your doctor for medical advice before making major health-related changes.

Vitamin D is known as the “Sunshine Vitamin” because when skin is exposed to the UVB rays of the sun, the body makes a chemical we call “Vitamin D” from cholesterol in the skin.

Serious Health Consequences Linked to Low Vitamin D Levels

Osteoporosis
Cancer
Depression
Muscle weakness
Death

Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe on SGI to Close for Two Weeks for Annual Winter Maintenance

Admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 03:41:00 +0000

The Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe on St. George Island closed on Monday, December 1, 2025 for two weeks to perform its annual maintenance updates. After a busy summer and brisk fall season, the restaurant is in need of some updates and rumor has it the staff is in need of some rest. The Blue Parrot will re-open on Monday, December 15 at 11:00 am.

Don’t Miss the Stargazing When Visiting the Forgotten Coast

Admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:45:00 +0000

St. George Island

As a barrier island with a limited population, St. George Island is perfect for stargazing. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is tucked away at the east end of the island, far from the lights of a major city. Visitors have the rare opportunity to gaze upon a truly dark sky, with the best views of the night sky in the region. In fact, staff are working toward achieving designation as a Dark Sky Park with the International Dark Sky Association.

All Florida State Parks close at sunset; however, they offer several ways to gain after-hours access to the park to enjoy the dark skies:

Reserve a campsite in the family campground online or by calling Reserve America.
If you are a Florida State Parks Family Annual Pass holder interested in gaining access to the preserve after sunset, please visit the office during the regular office hours and sign up for an after-hours permit, which would grant you access to the park’s common day use areas after hours.

Please note that the entrance is closed daily 15 minutes after sunset; only registered campers or after-hours pass holders are allowed entry after dark.

Stargazers have the chance to see stars, planets and other celestial bodies in incomprehensible numbers and unforgettable brilliance. Jupiter and Saturn are both clearly visible in the night sky. You might be able to witness the International Space Station making its orbit around Earth, or witness the wispy white and purple glow of the Milky Way rising over the white sand dunes.

Dr. Julian G Bruce State Park Official Website

Cape San Blas

Cape San Blas is also an excellent place to view the night sky when on the Forgotten Coast. You can see a map of the Cape San Blas night sky here to see which planets and objects are visible and where to locate them.

The T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park on Cape San Blas sustained significant damage to the camping facilities during Hurricane Michael in 2018. The Category 5 winds carved a breach connecting the Gulf of Mexico to the Eagle Harbor. Though the road leading to the campground is gone now, a land bridge forms sometimes now when the tide is low. You can apply for an overnight recreational pass if you wish to spend a few hours stargazing after sunset.

Alligator Point

The exquisite stargazing, along with unsurpassed tranquility, are considered some of the best reasons to visit Alligator Point, Florida.

This pristine, rural beach community is located 45 minutes south of Tallahassee, and there are no crowds, no strip malls, and no movie theaters. In fact, it doesn’t even have a t-shirt shop. You will find miles of quiet beach, along with unparalleled opportunities for fishing, relaxing,and stargazing.

43rd Annual SGI Charity Chili Cook-Off and Auction on March 1

Admin — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 17:41:00 +0000

Come on out for the 43rd Annual St George Island Charity Chili Cookoff on March 1, beginning at 9:00 am. In addition to the main chili cookoff, visitors to the island can also enjoy the cookoff’s sister event, the SGI Chili Crawl for great food, live music, games, and much more! Proceeds from the annual event go a long way toward funding the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department each year. Don’t miss this Forgotten Coast favorite!

Don’t Forget Your Florida Fishing License

Admin — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:20:00 +0000

Here in Florida a license is required for fishing in fresh water and salt water.

There are some exemptions for who needs a fresh or salt water fishing license. For example, Florida residents 65 or older and children under 16 years of age do not need a license. If you are fishing on your homestead or the homestead of a spouse or child, you don’t need a license. That’s also true if you are a minor child fishing on the homestead of your parent. In addition, Florida residents who are totally and permanently disabled do not need to obtain a fishing license.

You can purchase a fishing license online at https://gooutdoorsflorida.com/ or by downloading the free Fish | Hunt FL mobile app in the App Store or Google Play. You can also by call toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356) to purchase a license.