Memorable trips on Florida's Forgotten Coast
Forget your worries and dig your toes into the sand along Florida's so-called "Forgotten Coast." Away from the crowded theme parks of Orlando and cosmopolitan scene of Miami, Franklin County vacation rentals offer visitors a completely different side of Florida. Dubbed the "Forgotten Coast," this idyllic stretch of coastline sits on the Gulf of Mexico and feels like the Florida of old—before Mickey Mouse set up shop, and quidditch was just a gleam in J.K. Rowling's eye. Quiet beaches are complemented by quaint, welcoming seaside towns with busy ports. Away from the shore, roads lead into thick forests just waiting to be explored.
Tate's Hell State Forest is heaven for outdoor lovers
Franklin County vacation rentals are perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. Tate's Hell State Forest might sound more like the kind of place you'd want to avoid, but this watery wonderland of woods and swamps is wonderful for walkers, campers, and paddlers who've brought along their own canoe or kayak. St. George Island State Park is another sure hit, especially for beach lovers and bird watchers, while history buffs can revisit the past at the St. George Lighthouse, where you'll find a museum in the authentically rebuilt and replicated Keeper's House.
Franklin County oysters—the pearl in Florida's crown
Seafood fan? Then you're in luck—not only will you find Franklin County's harbors full of shrimp boats, but this is also where 90% of the state's oysters are harvested, meaning you're that much more likely to find a pearl. Other pearls to be found while staying in Franklin County vacation rentals include the area's beautiful coastline and preserved wildlife areas. Canoeing and kayaking—or "paddling," as it's known around here—are particularly popular ways to explore the waterways and coastal lowlands of the region, but the county's wild backwaters are also great for walkers, bird watchers, and cyclists.
Get ready to get wet ‘n' wild in Florida's Franklin County
Franklin County lies in northwestern Florida, tucked along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It's 69 miles from Tallahassee, and roughly a 5-hour drive from Orlando. Ninety percent of the county's land is under state or federal government protection, making it a haven not just for outdoor lovers, but for all kinds of wildlife and bird species. Take a hike in Apalachicola National Forest, the biggest in Florida, and you'll see streams, rivers, lakes, and natural springs, as well as caverns, sinkholes, and beautiful fields of wildflowers.