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.
Related Posts
Lake Lanier Weather
Lake Events
april
21apr7:00 pmLLSC Wed Night Series 1 - #2- Apr 2021Lake Lanier Sailing Club, 6206 Commodore Dr
Event Details
LLSC Wednesday Night Series 1 – #2 Date: April 21, 2021 Time: 7:00 PM For more information, LLSC website
Event Details
LLSC Wednesday Night Series 1 – #2
Date: April 21, 2021
Time: 7:00 PM
For more information, LLSC website
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm
Location
Lake Lanier Sailing Club
6206 Commodore Dr
22apr7:00 pmLLSC Portsmouth Series #2 - Apr 2021Lake Lanier Sailing Club, 6206 Commodore Dr
Event Details
LLSC Thursday Portsmouth Series #2 Date: April 22, 2021 Time: 7:00 PM For more information, LLSC website
Event Details
LLSC Thursday Portsmouth Series #2
Date: April 22, 2021
Time: 7:00 PM
For more information, LLSC website
Time
(Thursday) 7:00 pm
Location
Lake Lanier Sailing Club
6206 Commodore Dr
24aprAll DayLLSC - MC Rebel Rouser Regatta - Apr 2021Lake Lanier Sailing Club, 6206 Commodore Dr
Event Details
LLSC – MC Rebel Rouser Regatta Date: April 24, 2021 Time: see organizer for details For more information, LLSC website
Event Details
LLSC – MC Rebel Rouser Regatta
Date: April 24, 2021
Time: see organizer for details
For more information, LLSC website
Time
All Day (Saturday)
Location
Lake Lanier Sailing Club
6206 Commodore Dr
24aprAll DayBFSC Around Alone - Apr 2021
Event Details
BFSC Around Alone Date: April 24, 2021 Time: see organizer For more information: Barefoot Sailing Club
Event Details
BFSC Around Alone
Date: April 24, 2021
Time: see organizer
For more information: Barefoot Sailing Club
Time
All Day (Saturday)
Organizer
Barefoot Sailing Club (BFSC)BFSC was founded in 1971 for people who love sailing whether they owned a boat or not. Originally focusing on dingy racing, the club has morphed into an array of sailing choices. Members enjoy racing on cruisers and racing boats, cruising around the lake and rafting up for social activities. Regardless of your level of expertise on a boat, BFSC is one of the best sailing homes you can find on Lake Lanier!678-871-7937, Yeoman - bfscyeoman@gmail.com P.O. Box 147 Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Event Details
Full Moon Party–Fireworks! Dance under the stars, hang out on the beach by the outdoor fire pits, enjoy food and drink at LandShark Bar & Grill, and round out the
Event Details
Full Moon Party–Fireworks!
Dance under the stars, hang out on the beach by the outdoor fire pits, enjoy food and drink at LandShark Bar & Grill, and round out the night with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Date: Apr 24, 2021, May 22, 2021
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: LandShark Beach, Lake Lanier Islands
Cost: $14.99 / person
For more information: 770-945-8787, Lake Lanier Islands
more
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
28apr7:00 pmLLSC Wed Night Series 1 - #3- Apr 2021Lake Lanier Sailing Club, 6206 Commodore Dr
Event Details
LLSC Wednesday Night Series 1 – #3 Date: April 28, 2021 Time: 7:00 PM For more information, LLSC website
Event Details
LLSC Wednesday Night Series 1 – #3
Date: April 28, 2021
Time: 7:00 PM
For more information, LLSC website
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm
Location
Lake Lanier Sailing Club
6206 Commodore Dr
Off Lake Events
april
Event Details
Golden Spring in Watercolor, Gainesville Paint spring scenes with gold metallic watercolor. Date(s): April 20 & 21, 2021 Time: 9 a.m.-noon Location: Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden,
Event Details
Golden Spring in Watercolor, Gainesville
Paint spring scenes with gold metallic watercolor.
Date(s): April 20 & 21, 2021
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr.
Cost: $89, $84 members.
Register by April 16.
For more information: Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, 404-888-4760,
more
Time
(Tuesday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Details
Golden Spring in Watercolor, Gainesville Paint spring scenes with gold metallic watercolor. Date(s): April 20 & 21, 2021 Time: 9 a.m.-noon Location: Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden,
Event Details
Golden Spring in Watercolor, Gainesville
Paint spring scenes with gold metallic watercolor.
Date(s): April 20 & 21, 2021
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr.
Cost: $89, $84 members.
Register by April 16.
For more information: Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, 404-888-4760,
more
Time
(Wednesday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
21apr2:00 pmLive Stream - NEGAHC Apr 2021
Event Details
The Northeast Georgia History Center presents FREE Livestream Programming to the public Date: Each Wednesday Time: 2 p.m Location: Virtual – online – click
Event Details
The Northeast Georgia History Center presents FREE Livestream Programming to the public
Date: Each Wednesday
Time: 2 p.m
Location: Virtual – online – click here and select the yellow “Livestream Programs” button on the top right of the page to view free Livestream programs.
The Northeast Georgia History Center presents a livestream for the general public to enjoy via Facebook or YouTube Live.
Fee: FREE
For more information: 770-297-5900, negahc.org
*NOTE: Each Friday, the facility presents special member livestreams for local and digital members.
Fee for Digital membership: $3/month or $35/year for member livestreams and more.
more
Time
(Wednesday) 2:00 pm
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
april 28, 2021 2:00 pm
Organizer
Northeast Georgia History Center770-297-5900 The Northeast Georgia History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing our regional history and being our community’s pathway to history education. Through our educational programs, community events, exhibits, and historic structures, we strive to be a leading resource for promoting a greater understanding of local, state, and national history.historycenter@brenau.edu 322 Academy St NE Gainesville, GA 30501
Event Details
Golden Spring in Watercolor, Gainesville Paint spring scenes with gold metallic watercolor. Date(s): April 20 & 21, 2021 Time: 9 a.m.-noon Location: Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden,
Event Details
Golden Spring in Watercolor, Gainesville
Paint spring scenes with gold metallic watercolor.
Date(s): April 20 & 21, 2021
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr.
Cost: $89, $84 members.
Register by April 16.
For more information: Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, 404-888-4760,
more
Time
(Thursday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
22apr7:30 pm8:30 pmUNG Band Chamber Ensembles Concert (virtual) - Apr 2021
Event Details
University of North Georgia – Band Chamber Ensembles Concert This is a virtual event featuring various chamber groups from the Gainesville Symphonic Band and the Dahlonega Wind Ensembles for a varied
Event Details
University of North Georgia – Band Chamber Ensembles Concert
This is a virtual event featuring various chamber groups from the Gainesville Symphonic Band and the Dahlonega Wind Ensembles for a varied repertoire of chamber music for winds.
Date: April 30, 2021
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Virtual event, register to get link
For more information: 678-717-3438, UNG Music Events
more
Time
(Thursday) 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Organizer
University of North Georgia - Music DepartmentDahlonega 706-864-1423 Gainesville 678-717-3930
22apr7:30 pm8:30 pmUNG Sinfonietta Concert (virtual) - Apr 2021
Event Details
University of North Georgia – Sinfonietta Concert This is a virtual event featuring the UNG-Dahlonega Orchestra. Date: April 22, 2021 Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm Location: Virtual event, register to get link For more information:
Event Details
University of North Georgia – Sinfonietta Concert
This is a virtual event featuring the UNG-Dahlonega Orchestra.
Date: April 22, 2021
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Virtual event, register to get link
For more information: 678-717-3930, UNG Music Events
Time
(Thursday) 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Organizer
University of North Georgia - Music DepartmentDahlonega 706-864-1423 Gainesville 678-717-3930
Event Details
Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival More than 300 vendors, food trucks, and more. Date(s): April 23-25, 2021 Time: see organizer for times Location: Braselton Park, 126 Harrison St. For
Event Details
Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival
More than 300 vendors, food trucks, and more.
Date(s): April 23-25, 2021
Time: see organizer for times
Location: Braselton Park, 126 Harrison St.
For more information: Braselton.net , or on Facebook
Time
23 (Friday) 12:00 pm - 25 (Sunday) 5:00 pm
Event Details
Spring Birding Hike, Gainesville Guided hike to see birds in Chicopee Woods for ages 18 and older. Date: April 24, 2021 Time: 8-10 a.m Location: Elachee Chicopee
Event Details
Spring Birding Hike, Gainesville
Guided hike to see birds in Chicopee Woods for ages 18 and older.
Date: April 24, 2021
Time: 8-10 a.m
Location: Elachee Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center at Chicopee Lake, 2100 Calvary Church Rd.
Cost: $10, Free to Elachee members.
Register in advance: Elachee.org, 770-535-1976, more Event info
more
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Chicopee Lake
2100 Calvary Church Rd, Gainesville, GA 30507
Event Details
Dawsonville, Amicalola State Park Lodge Lobby. Every Saturday, visit the Lodge for a Meet-and-Greet with one of our Ambassador Animals. Learn how birds of prey fly silently. Get up close and
Event Details
Dawsonville, Amicalola State Park Lodge Lobby.
Every Saturday, visit the Lodge for a Meet-and-Greet with one of our Ambassador Animals. Learn how birds of prey fly silently. Get up close and personal with hawks, owls, and falcons indoors.
Event is FREE, parking is $5.
For more information, including COVID-related changes call: 706-265-1969
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Event Details
Saturdays in April – Live Animal Showcase, Gainesville. Held at Elachee Nature Science Center, you can meet some of the nature center’s live animal residents. There are three meeting times:
Event Details
Saturdays in April – Live Animal Showcase, Gainesville.
Held at Elachee Nature Science Center, you can meet some of the nature center’s live animal residents.
There are three meeting times:
11-11:45 a.m.
1-1:45 p.m.,
3-3:45 p.m.
Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr.
$5 adults, $3 children 2-12
FREE to Elachee members.
Register in advance. 770-535-1976, Elachee.org.
more
Time
(Saturday) 11:00 am
Event Details
Moonlight Movies, Royston Bring a chair, watch a movie under the stars. Date: April 10 & April 24, 2021 Time: 8-10 p.m. Location: Victoria Bryant State Park, 1105 Bryant Park Rd., Royston, GA Cost: $5
Event Details
Moonlight Movies, Royston
Bring a chair, watch a movie under the stars.
Date: April 10 & April 24, 2021
Time: 8-10 p.m.
Location: Victoria Bryant State Park, 1105 Bryant Park Rd., Royston, GA
Cost: $5 parking
For more information: GA State Parks, 706-245-6270, Moonlight Movies
more
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
28aprAll DayWildflower Hike - Blairsville - Apr 2021
Event Details
Wildflower Hike, Blairsville The Benton MacKaye Trail Association sponsors easy to moderate 1.5-mile hike to see Pink Lady Slippers, Trilliums, Wild Geranium, Dutchman’s Pipe, and more wildflowers in Mulky Gap and
Event Details
Wildflower Hike, Blairsville
The Benton MacKaye Trail Association sponsors easy to moderate 1.5-mile hike to see Pink Lady Slippers, Trilliums, Wild Geranium, Dutchman’s Pipe, and more wildflowers in Mulky Gap and on Duncan Ridge Trail.
Date: April 28
For times and details contact hike leader: hikeleaderJF@bmtamail.org.
Time
All Day (Wednesday)
Organizer
Benton MacKaye Trail AssociationGoverned by a 14-member Board of Directors, the primary work of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association today is to maintain and to promote the Benton MacKaye Trail. BMTA sponsors several hikes each month as well as occasional backpacking excursions.
28apr2:00 pmLive Stream - NEGAHC Apr 2021
Event Details
The Northeast Georgia History Center presents FREE Livestream Programming to the public Date: Each Wednesday Time: 2 p.m Location: Virtual – online – click
Event Details
The Northeast Georgia History Center presents FREE Livestream Programming to the public
Date: Each Wednesday
Time: 2 p.m
Location: Virtual – online – click here and select the yellow “Livestream Programs” button on the top right of the page to view free Livestream programs.
The Northeast Georgia History Center presents a livestream for the general public to enjoy via Facebook or YouTube Live.
Fee: FREE
For more information: 770-297-5900, negahc.org
*NOTE: Each Friday, the facility presents special member livestreams for local and digital members.
Fee for Digital membership: $3/month or $35/year for member livestreams and more.
more
Time
(Wednesday) 2:00 pm
Organizer
Northeast Georgia History Center770-297-5900 The Northeast Georgia History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing our regional history and being our community’s pathway to history education. Through our educational programs, community events, exhibits, and historic structures, we strive to be a leading resource for promoting a greater understanding of local, state, and national history.historycenter@brenau.edu 322 Academy St NE Gainesville, GA 30501
Lakeside’s Facebook Feed
Hundreds of volunteers collected 35 tons of trash during Sweep the Hooch held Saturday, March 27. For more details on the cleanup of the Chattahoochee River, including Lake Lanier, click here: lakesidenews.com/2021/04/sweep-the-hooch-lightens-river-by-35-tons-of-trash/
#everythinglakelanier,, #GainesvilleGA,, #lakelanier,, #lakelanierolympicpark
... See MoreSee Less
- Likes: 5
- Shares: 0
- Comments: 2
Thank you all!
CONGRATULATIONS. MISS ALL OF YOU GUYS !!!
Georgia wins seven-year-long water war case as U.S. Supreme Court issues unanimous ruling. Court says Florida failed to prove its case by “clear and convincing evidence.” The ruling is a major victory for Lake Lanier. Details visit: lakesidenews.com
#everythinglakelanier, #GainesvilleGA, #gawaterwarcase, #lakelanier,
... See MoreSee Less