The Forgotten Coast stretches from Mexico Beach and to St. Marks, between Tallahassee and Panama City. Apalachicola is about midway, a 520-mile drive from downtown Miami. Information: 850-653-9419; www.apalachicolabay.org.

WHERE TO STAY

•  The Gibson Inn: A gracious tin-roofed Victorian right downtown, 30 rooms with wide wraparound porches and four-poster beds. 51 Ave. C, Apalachicola; 850-653-2191; www.gibsoninn.com. Rooms $115 to $260.

•  Coombs House Inn: An ornate, antique-bedecked three-story mansion built by a lumber magnate in 1905. 80 Sixth St., Apalachicola; 888-244-8320; www.coombshouseinn.com. Rooms $119 to $269.

•  Resort Vacation Properties: Beach houses on St. George Island mostly rent by the week during summer months. 877-272-8206; www.resortvacationproperties.com; $1,000 to $6,000 weekly.

•  St. George Island State Park: 60 campsites with electric and water hookups for RV and tent camping. 1900 E. Gulf Beach Dr., St. George Island; 850-927-2111; www.reserveamerica.com; $24 per day.

WHERE TO EAT

•  Boss Oyster: Roll up your sleeves and don't be fussy, it's the local bivalves in all their glory. 125 Water St., Apalachicola; 850-653-9364; www.apalachicolariverinn.com/boss.html, Entrees $10 to $25.

•  Cafe Momi: Chef Michael Feil's new restaurant in the historic Gibson Inn is making waves, with people driving all the way from Tallahassee for his innovative regional cuisine. 51 Ave. C, Apalachicola; 850-653-2191; www.gibsoninn.com. Dinner and weekend brunch, $30 to $40.

•  Old Time Soda Fountain: Go to this 1950s-style, stools-at-the-counter relic that was once the town's drugstore for malts and floats. 93 Market St., Apalachicola; 850-653-2606. Entrees $4 to $9.

•  BJ's Pizza & Subs: They toss decent pies and have a raucous game room in which to rapidly lose a pocketful of quarters. 104 W Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island; 850-927-2805; www.sgipizza.com; $10 to $20.

WHAT TO DO

•  Robinson Brothers Guide Service: This outfit will put you with a guide for half- and full-day redfish, speckled trout, tarpon, pompano and other fishing trips. 118 Commerce St., Apalachicola; 850-653-8896; www.floridaredfish.com; $375 to $1,500.

•  The Cape St. George Lighthouse: 2 East Gulf Beach Dr., St. George Island; 850-927-7744; www.stgeorgelight.org. Open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission $5, kids under 16 are $3, free for kids under 6.

•  John Gorrie State Museum: A tiny, charming history museum, it tells the story of the father of air-conditioning. 46 Sixth St., Apalachicola; 850-653-9347. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Admission $2.

•  Journeys of St. George Island: Kayak trips with guides, specializing in family ecotours. 850-927-3259; www.sgislandjourneys.com. Kayak trips $35 to $110.

•  Island Adventures: 105 E Gulf Beach Dr., St. George Island; 850-927-3655. Bike rentals $10 per day.

WHERE TO SHOP

•  Grady Market (76 Water St.; 850-653-4099) is a 19th century ship's chandlery made over to house about a dozen boutiques and galleries.

•  Tin Shed (170 Water St.; 850-653-3635) specializes in antique nautical items.

•  Avenue E (15 Ave. E; 850-653-1411) has fairly priced antiques and reproduction pieces and marine-themed interior accessories.

•  Petunia (14 Avenue D; 850-653-9144) has a small collection of gifts and apparel for pets and their people.

•  Forgotten Coast Outfitters (94 Market St.; 850-653-9669) is an authorized Orvis dealer, and sells anglers' gear and clothing.