Florida's Forgotten Coast

6th Annual St. George Lighthouse Holiday Sip-N-Shop
2022-11-20 12:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Saint George Island Lighthouse, 2-B East Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, 32328
Sunday November 20, the Cape St George Lighthouse Gift Shop will be hosting their 6th Annual Holiday Sip ‘N Shop from Noon-6:00pm. Everything will be on sale and featured items include:
– Several unique styles of jewelry
– Holiday cards, ornaments, and décor
– Toys, games, puzzles
– Fun socks and other stocking stuffers
– Nature, nautical and lighthouse themed décor
– A variety of crafts from local artists
Come by, enjoy light refreshments and beverages and “Shop Small” to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.
The Cape St. George Lighthouse Gift Shop is located in St. George Lighthouse Park at the center of St. George Island, where Island Drive (the road off the bridge) ends at Gulf Beach Drive. Parking is available in lots at either side of the park.
The Gift Shop is part of the St. George Lighthouse Association, a non-profit organization. Monies earned are retained by the organization and used for Lighthouse expenses, operations, and programs.
For more information, please contact the Lighthouse Gift Shop at 850-927-7745.

Crooked River Lighthouse Hosts a Night of Magical History
2022-11-19 18:00 - 22:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
Lantern Fest will be celebrated on Saturday, November 19 from 6-10 pm on the park grounds at Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle Beach, FL. This unique, outdoor festival, best known for its awesome display of over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns, lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark. Special activities include amazing music by The Bottom Dollar Boys, the spectacular “glow-in-the-dark” performance from the Tallahassee Community College Dance Company, special evening tower climbs, ancient craft demonstrations, enchanting glowing lantern display, museum displays, gift shop, and delicious food and desserts. Don’t miss this evening of music, dance, night tower climbs, glowing lanterns and yummy food. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Featured on the program will be a remarkably gifted and entertaining musical group, The Bottom Dollar Boys. This group has been delighting audiences for over 40 years, with traditional Bluegrass harmonies and mighty fine pickin’. They’ve been toilin’ in the fields of Bluegrass, Old Country, Gospel, Americana with a pinch of Blues.
In addition, the talented Tallahassee Community College Dance Company will dazzle guests on the outdoor stage with their superb choreography, amazing talent and imaginative use of glow-in-the-dark props and illusions. The TCC Dance Company has been inspiring creative dancers for over 20 years years and the college has an admirable outreach program which enables these students to perform for audiences all over the state. Crooked River Lighthouse is honored that these excellent dancers will be performing at Lantern Fest again this year.

Lantern-Making Workshop
2022-11-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Franklin County Senior Center, 201 NW Ave. F, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Crooked River Lighthouse will once again be offering one of their very popular lantern-making workshops. This one on Saturday, November 19 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Franklin County Senior Center at 201 NW Ave F, Carrabelle, FL. Wonderful volunteer, Lisa Keith-Lucas, will guide attendees in making the very popular Jellyfish Lanterns! These enchanting lanterns are highly admired at Lantern Fest and are fairly easy to make.
Basic materials (colorful plastic bowls, bubble wrap, sheer fabrics and fairy lights), instruction and hands on help will be provided at the workshop. Attendees are invited to bring any additional materials they may like to really personalize their creations! Cost is $8 a person to cover the cost of materials. Participants will be able to explore their creative side and personalize their lantern to make it uniquely their own. At the end of the workshop, attendees will go home with their own lovely, finished lantern. Participants are encouraged to bring their glowing creation to the Crooked River Lighthouse for Lantern Fest that evening from 6-10 pm to add to the awesome display.
Spaces are limited to a maximum of 20 attendees. Reservations are required to participate in this workshop. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact the Crooked River Lighthouse at carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or (850) 697-2732. Participants are asked to bring their $8 fee (cash only and correct change if possible) to pay at the door. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. Special thanks to the City of Carrabelle.

Reserve Wednesday: Sharks with Dr. Dean Grubbs
2022-11-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center, 108 Island Drive, Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
Dr. Dean Grubbs with the FSU Coastal and Marine Lab will be the speaker for our November Reserve Wednesday series at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Dr. Grubbs is an expert on pelagic fishes, including several species of sharks and fishes that frequent Florida coastlines. Join us on November 16th at 2PM.

Bits and Pieces Mixed Media Art Class
2022-11-15, 2022-11-08, 2022-11-01, 2022-10-25, 2022-10-18 | Art of Glass, 128 C East Pine Avenue, St. George Island, 32328
Are you looking for something to do on St. George Island? Are you down on vacation? Do you need something for you & the kids to do while Dad is fishing? Or do you just want to visit your artistic side?
Let us help you find your inner artist at Art of Glass, with our 1 hr Bit & Pieces art classes! Just call ahead, we have 3 convenient classes held daily: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
You pick your canvas glass and other media and create a work of art with your family and friends in a safe and clean setting. When it’s completed, we coat it in a clear epoxy resin and you can pick up your masterpiece the next day.
Great for parties, family get-togethers, or our BYOB girl’s night out classes. Bring something special home from your vacation that you can enjoy for years. Just call Devorah at Art of Glass to reserve your Bit and Pieces experience at 850-370-1019 or book online at www.SGIArtofGlass.com.
Flyer from Art of Glass, explanation of classes

Lantern-Making Workshop
2022-11-13 13:30 - 16:30 | Cal Allen’s Coastal Art Gallery, 109 SE Ave B, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
This event has reached capacity and is no longer accepting reservations.
The Crooked River Lighthouse will be offering one of their very popular lantern-making workshops on Sunday, November 13 from 1:30-4:30 pm at Cal Allen’s Coastal Art Gallery, 109 SE Ave B, Carrabelle, FL.
Participants will learn to make a traditional Filipino Parol, a 3D star lantern. This wonderful workshop is being led by Aurora Hansen and members of the Filipino American Society of Tallahassee. Note: this workshop requires a bit more artistic skill than the jellyfish lanterns. Cost is $8 to cover materials. At the end of the workshop, attendees will go home with their own lovely lantern. Participants are encouraged to bring their glowing creation to the Crooked River Lighthouse for Lantern Fest on Saturday, November 19 from 6-10 pm to add to the awesome display.
Space is limited to 14 participants. Reservations are required by contacting the gift shop at the Crooked River Lighthouse at 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Participants are asked to bring their $8 fee (cash only and correct change if possible) to pay at the door. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

An Evening with the Artist, Roger Leonard
2022-11-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Rio Carrabelle, 102 St James Ave, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Gallery at Rio Carrabelle is hosting a special Meet the Artist Reception with the remarkable painter, Roger Leonard on Saturday, November 12th from 6:00-9:00 pm in the historic and unique art venue, Rio Carrabelle in Carrabelle, Florida. Roger is a graduate of Ringling School of Fine Art in Sarasota, Florida and has won numerous awards including several from the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. The reception, in honor of an exhibition of Roger’s work currently on display in the Rio, will feature music and refreshments.
This art exhibition, of primarily marine landscapes, has been described as contemplative, striking and mesmerizing. Roger’s art reflects his love of the secret parts of Florida. In his paintings he explores places like Dog Island, Indian Pass, Tate’s Hell, Dead Lakes as well as the Everglades. His attention to the details of these forgotten, isolated places infuses the viewer with a feeling of solitude and mystery. Roger says, “Art, for me, is strictly my need to do it! I need to capture the time, the place, and the feeling of being there, of knowing my subject intimately and rendering it honestly, completely. When I hear comments like: ‘I know that place … I can feel the heat, hear the solitude. I can smell the sea, and feel the rain.’ … Then I know they sense what I saw. And they know what my art is about.”
Roger Leonard worked in commercial art for over 20 years in advertising, commercial art, design & illustration. Roger lived almost in seclusion on Dog Island for 15 years continually inspired by the rural and remote environment. During that time he developed his own distinctive vision. Currently a resident of Carrabelle, FL, he now divides his time between Dog Island and his Carrabelle home. His professional affiliations include the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society, Signature Member; Oil Painters of America; American Society of Marine Artists; and American Impressionists Society, Inc.
The Gallery is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm at 102 St. James Avenue (US Hwy 98), Carrabelle, Florida. Rio Carrabelle is a unique non-profit art & music destination located in beautiful Carrabelle. Visit www.riocarrabelle.com for more information or find us on Facebook at The Gallery at Rio Carrabelle.
Please note: this event was originally scheduled for Sat Oct 1 and was rescheduled due to uncertainty with Hurricane Ian.

Apalachicola Farmers Market
2022-11-12 09:00 - 13:00, 2022-10-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Mill Pond, 479 Market St, Apalachicola, 32320, United States
Located at the beautiful Millpond Pavilion at the end of Market Street, the Apalachicola Farmers Market offers local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, and other regional specialties every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 9 AM until 1 PM in Apalachicola.

Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
2022-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Saint George Island Lighthouse, 2-B East Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, 32328
The St. George Lighthouse Association in partnership with SGI Veterans Reveille Group and the 106th American Legion in Apalachicola invite everyone to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony in Lighthouse Park on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11 AM.

November Full Moon Climb at Crooked River Lighthouse
2022-11-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Full Moon Lighthouse Climb on Tue, November 8, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 pm in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy this opportunity to see the gorgeous natural surroundings of the St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the rising Beaver Moon.
It is believe that November’s Full Moon is named after beavers because this is when they are very active building their dams to prepare for the cold winter season. Because beavers are mainly nocturnal, they do much of their work under the Full Moon’s light.
While at Carrabelle’s lighthouse, guests can enjoy a visit inside the Keeper’s House Museum and browse some unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop. Visitors can also enjoy the glowing fire pit (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening.
The climb to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse rewards bold climbers with breathtaking views of the bay. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for kids. All climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Advance reservations are required for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event by calling the Lighthouse gift shop.
A limited number of climbers (max of 7) are allowed at one time. There will be a time limit for viewing from the top. Guests who would like a more leisurely climbing experience are welcome to enjoy one of the daytime climbs available every Wednesday through Sunday. Masks are welcome but not required.

November Sunset and Full Moon Climb at Cape St. George Lighthouse
2022-11-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Saint George Island Lighthouse, 2-B East Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, 32328
The November Sunset and Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse on St. George Island will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Visitors can enjoy this opportunity to view St. George Island, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Apalachicola bay under the evening sky.
The Sunset and Full Moon Climb will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m. Fifteen-minute time slots will be allotted for each group on a first-come, first-served basis. No advanced reservations will be taken. You will purchase your tickets in the gift shop and then sign up for your 15-minute time slot with the lighthouse keeper. Up to 12 persons are allowed in each 15-minute time slot. The gift shop will open at 5:00 pm to begin selling tickets.
Cost is $10.00 per climber for the general public and $7.00 for members of the St. George Lighthouse Association. Cash or credit card payments accepted. All climbers must be at least 40 inches tall to climb the tower and children must be age 13 and over to access the outside catwalk. For more information, please contact the Lighthouse Gift Shop at 850-927-7745.
The sun will set at 5:47 p.m. and the “Beaver” moon will rise at 6:00 p.m. on November 8th. The November full moon is called the Beaver Moon because at this time of year beavers are preparing for winter, and it is the time to set beaver traps to ensure a supply of warm winter furs before the swamps freeze over. Full Moon names are attributable to Native American tribes, most notably the Algonquin, who named the moons to mark the changing seasons.
The Cape St. George Light is located in St. George Lighthouse Park at the center of St. George Island, where Island Drive (the road off the bridge) ends at Gulf Beach Drive. Parking is available in lots at either side of the park.

Chestnut Street Cemetery Ghost Walk
2022-10-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Chestnut Street Cemetery, Avenue E, Apalachicola, United States
Join the Apalachicola Area Historical Society’s annual Fall Historic Ghost Walk on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the historic Chesnut Cemetery on Highway 98 in Apalachicola.
Come meet Apalachicola’s citizens from the other side and hear local legends and lore from the past. Hauntings will abound when local history enthusiasts don the garb and take on the persona of the cemetery’s notable inhabitants to tell their tale of life and death in Apalachicola from more than 180 years ago. Visitors are guided through the cemetery along candle-lit paths to meet some of Apalachicola’s historic citizens.
The Chesnut Cemetery is located at the corner of Ave E (Hwy 98) & 8th St in Apalachicola, Florida. The cost is $7 person at the gate. Children under 12 are free. Proceeds go to cemetery preservation.

Art Exhibition featuring Roger Leonard
2022-10-29 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-28 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-27 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-26 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-25 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-22 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-21 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-20 10:00 - 15:00 and 2 more dates | Rio Carrabelle, 102 St James Ave, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Gallery at Rio Carrabelle is excited to be presenting a remarkable art exhibition featuring the art of Roger Leonard in the historic art venue, Rio Carrabelle in Carrabelle, Florida. Roger’s exhibit, primarily marine landscapes, is realistic, moody and stunning. This impressive exhibition is on display now and will run through February. Guests are invited to a special Meet & Greet with Roger Leonard on Saturday, October 1st from 6-9 pm at Rio Carrabelle with food, drink & music.
Roger Leonard graduated from Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida in 1974 and has won numerous awards. He worked in commercial art for over 20 years making advertising art and illustrations as well as creating many portraits and murals. After 20 years of commercial art, Roger turned to fine art and sought the freedom of painting only for himself. “Art for me is strictly my need to do it. I need to capture the time, place, feeling of being there, of knowing my subjects intimately. I work hard and try to make it work visually. What it means, I don’t know and I don’t care. The joy for me is the creating and the painting, then watching and listening to those who enjoy it also. When I hear people’s comments like, “I know that place – I can feel the heat – I can smell the rain, the sea – I’d really like to walk there – That looks like what I feel,” then I know they sense what I saw.” says Roger Leonard.
Roger lived and worked in a studio/home on Dog Island for 15 years, in a rural and isolated environment that inspired him. He now divides his time between Dog Island and his home and studio on River Road in Carrabelle. His professional affiliations include the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society, Signature Member; Oil Painters of America; American Society of Marine Artists; and American Impressionists Society, Inc.
Rio Carrabelle Art Gallery is open Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10 am -3 pm at 102 St. James Avenue (US Hwy 98), Carrabelle, Florida. Rio Carrabelle is a unique non-profit art & music destination located in beautiful downtown Carrabelle. Visit riocarrabelle.com or on Facebook, The Gallery At Rio Carrabelle, for more information.

Carrabelle Country Market
2022-10-29 09:00 - 13:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
This market at the Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle features vendors from the community with perfect gifts and goodies. There is freshly roasted coffee, delicious baked goods including cinnamon rolls and artisan bread, gorgeous art and photography, handcrafted balms and soaps, fresh herbs, vegetable seeds, handmade goods, and craft items, produce, and exotic starter plants.
Guests can also visit the free Museum and browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts. Also, shoppers have the unique opportunity to climb to the lighthouse’s top for a breathtaking view of the Bay.
New and returning vendors are always welcome. The cost to be a vendor is $10. For more information, contact 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

3rd Annual SGI Lighthouse Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular
2022-10-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Saint George Island Lighthouse, 2-B East Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, 32328
The St. George Lighthouse Association will be hosting its 3rd Annual SGI Lighthouse Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular on Friday, October 28th from 7:00-9:00pm in SGI Lighthouse Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature multiple candy stations along the sidewalk and spooky decorations lighting up the park. Guests, young or old, are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and join us for the fun.
If you are a local business, group or resident interested in participating in handing out candy, please go to the “Events” section of the St. George Lighthouse website to sign up. Booth spots must be reserved online, in advance. Space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and is very limited. As such, we recommend you submit a volunteer form as early as possible.
The St. George Lighthouse Association is a non-profit organization and continues to fulfill its mission through the support of our community, visitors, and lighthouse association members. While donations are not required; they are graciously accepted. We hope you will all join us for this family-fun event. It is sure to be Spooktacular!

Franklin County Libraries celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week
2022-10-16 - 2022-10-22 | Carrabelle Library, 311 St. James Avenue SE (US Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Franklin County Public Libraries will be spending the week of October 16-22, 2022, celebrating its Friends of the Libraries group as part of the 16th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week, sponsored by the American Library Association.
Displays will be set up in each library branch during the National Friends of Libraries Week highlighting the work of the Friends. During that week, anyone who renews or joins as a member of the Friends for the upcoming year will be entered in a raffle for one of several baskets to be given away.
The Friends sponsors two soup, bread, and book sales each year with in-kind donations of food and labor from Friends’ members and community supporters. In addition, other donations from individuals and groups are received each year. Membership is the only other source of support. In the past, the Friends’ membership has been close to 200.
It is currently closer to 50. The community and those who benefit from library services are encouraged to buy a membership and help support the Franklin County libraries.
The Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries (FFCPL) was established in 1994. The organization was instrumental in the building of two county libraries. With funds donated to the Friends, the current Carrabelle library building was opened in 2002. In addition, through donations, grants, and a USDA loan, the current Eastpoint building and administrative offices were opened in 2013. The Eastpoint building is completely maintained by the Friends. Franklin County rents the building from the Friends, which helps to offset some of the maintenance costs. The Friends provides funding for the Summer Reading Program as well as other programs throughout the year.
In addition, the Friends annual meeting will be held during that week, on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 5 pm at the Carrabelle branch. All members are welcome. A special presentation will be made in honor of Jackie Gay, who was instrumental in the beginning of the building fund for Carrabelle. Refreshments will also be served.
Friends of Franklin County Public Libraries is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle, Florida.
