Even if you were only looking for awesome sunrises and sunsets, the area around the old fishing village of Carrabelle would keep you mesmerized. Though this section of the Panhandle of Florida is still quite laid-back, the possibilities are unlimited. The seafood alone is well worth a visit to downtown Carrabelle … especially if you spend some time with the local ladies at the The Fisherman’s Wife Restaurant. Everything at this venue came straight off area fishing boats and is prepared with local secrets by experts in the kitchen. Stories of Carrabelle include much exciting maritime history about pirates, native Americans, illegal whiskey, fishing, sponge diving and war. Most of its historical waterfront is still intact with the addition of quirky little boutiques for shopping. Carrabelle even boasts the smallest police station in the world, which is actually a telephone booth on the right side of the road near quaint shops. If you drive west over the scenic Carrabelle River Bridge, tourists quickly discover Carrabelle Beach, which is a hidden treasure. This beach has easy parking, bathroom facilities, outdoor showers and numerous picnic tables. It is an ideal spot for walking, playing games or just soaking up the sun. Proceeding west, pure, white sand beaches are all along US Highway 98 toward East Point and Apalachicola, but you can detour for a few miles over the Florida 300 Bridge that spans the bay to St. George Island. Where the bridge comes on the island is the best place to photograph a gorgeous sunset from a bench provided by the island folks. After checking out the famous lighthouse when first entering the island, turn east for a tour of St. George Island State Park. Long sections of uncrowded beaches, pristine marshes and wooded areas that are perfect for bird watching and nature walks are encountered. Surf fishing in this area can also be very productive. Just to the east of Carrabelle is the challenging St. James Bay Golf Club that is nestled among tall trees and natural wetlands. It is the area’s only Audubon Signature Sanctuary and Championship 18-hole Golf Course that is open to the public for play year-round. The course is meticulously groomed and maintained with consideration for natural wetland preserves and native wildlife. For more information: www.stjamesbay.com/golf. For a couple or small family, the best place to stay near the golf course and centrally located to explore the Carrabelle area is a tiny home located across Highway 98 from the bay. It has everything needed to enjoy a short vacation including a queen-sized bed, a double recliner, a complete kitchen and a small bathroom with a corner shower. It is called the Sweet Peach and can be rented through www.airbnb.com or by calling Laura at (603) 548-2224. Slightly farther east is Bald Point State Park with more than 4,800 acres of coastal wilderness dotted with freshwater ponds and tidal marshes. It is located where the Ochlockonee Bay meets the Apalachee Bay and offers visitors outdoor activities on land and water, two picnic areas with pavilions, grills, restrooms and easy accessibility to the nearby beach. For more info, call 850-349-9146. Carrabelle, Florida is a pleasant reminder about the warmth and southern charm of Florida during a slower, milder era. It awakes mental pictures from the time when people knew their neighbors and offered hospitality both to strangers and friends. In this electronic period when the world is spinning so fast and everyone seems glued to their phones and computers, it is good to know that places like Carrabelle still exist.
About The Author

Bill Vanderford
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, videography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at jfish51@aol.com or GeorgiaFishing.com.
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03dec3:00 pm7:00 pm2023 Christmas on Green Street
Event Details
Christmas on Green Street, Gainesville This magical event includes a parade of antique cars, holiday floats, marching bands, and community groups starting at the Gainesville Civic Center and continuing all the
Event Details
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This magical event includes a parade of antique cars, holiday floats, marching bands, and community groups starting at the Gainesville Civic Center and continuing all the way down Green Street. Following the parade, Green Street will remain closed while people visit the historic homes and enjoy musical groups performing on front porches, strolling magicians, face painters, balloon artists, storyteller, jugglers, Santa Claus, miniature train rides, and food trucks. The night will end with the traditional lighting of the Rotary Tree at the intersection of Green Street and West Academy Street.
Date: Sunday, Dec 3, 2022
Time: 3 pm – 7 pm
Location: Gainesville Civic Center, Green Street, Gainesville
Cost: Free
Info: Christmas on Green Street , 770-531-2664
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1pm: Street closures
2pm: Floats / Cars begin lining up for parade.
2-6pm: Food Trucks Open / Christmas at the Civic Center.
2:30-4:30pm: Activities and Performances at the Historic Homes on Green Street.
4:30pm: Walking Groups Stage at Civic Center, Floats / Cars get ready, Roads clear of pedestrians
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Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs.
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Location: 734 E. Crescent St.
For more info: www.hallcountyfarmersmarket.org
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Lakeside’s Facebook Feed
We’re dishing out upcoming events and specials across Lanier for Labor Day weekend, September 1-4, 2023. Highlights include a Social Paddle at LLOP; the water park, cruises, buffets, fireworks and music at Margaritaville/Lanier Islands; the Splash Pad at Laurel Park; Kayak/SUP rentals at the Kayak Shack at Longwood Park; a Labor Day Sail at Windsong Sailing; and live music at Fish Tales, Pig Tales, Pelican Pete’s, Skogies, Twisted Oar and Smokey Q.
Thank you for keeping up with Lanier events through The Scoop this summer. We will be taking a break until Memorial Day Weekend 2024!
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Lakeside's Scoop, September 1-4, 2023
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What's happening around Lake Lanier this weekend Lakeside's Weekend Scoop Dishing Out Events Across Lanier For September 1-4, 2023 Lakeside's Weekend Scoop We’re dishing out upcoming events and s...- Likes: 0
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