Posts

St. George Island has an abundance of outdoor activities to make your next family trip amazing! When you’re trying to choose the right excursion for your family, visit Journeys of St. George Island. It’s the perfect adventure tour company to help plan your daily treks across our stunning island. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are always ready to help you get the most out of your next trip to the Forgotten Coast!

Before you grab your sunglasses and head over to Journeys of St. George Island, make sure you check out our Things to Do page! It’s filled with fun ideas and local outings sure to excite everyone in your family!

Witness the Natural Beauty of the Forgotten Coast with Journeys of St. George Island
Journeys of St. George Island has everything you need to explore the natural, unblemished landscapes of St. George. Whether you prefer to sightsee by land or by water, the staff at Journeys will get you equipped for your day outdoors.
For those who want to see the island from the water, there are several options available. See the sunset and watch for dolphins on a guided powerboat tour, or sail over the Apalachicola Bay. If kayaking is more your speed, not to worry! Take a tour with an experienced professional, or have rentals delivered to the door of your Collins Vacation Home.

Those who prefer to look out onto the water from the shore can rent a golf cart to traverse St. George without leaving a heavy carbon footprint. Explore the natural beauty of the island, or visit boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. All golf carts are equipped with all-terrain tires for easy travel across beautiful St. George Island.

Sunset and Dolphin Cruises are  perfect for the whole family.  Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Apalachicola Bay.  Watch the dolphins frolic in the waves created by the waves created by the powerboats and learn interesting facts along the way.  This fun adventure  gives children an appreciation of nature, and indulges them in a few hours of unforgettable fun! Make sure your kids don’t miss out on these awesome excursions. Take them to Journeys of St. George Island the next time you visit!

Come Relax at a Collins Vacation Home 
After you and your little ones have done a day of exploring with Journeys of St. George Island, come back to one of our gorgeous vacation homes to rest. All Collins Vacation Rentals are complete with the amenities you need to have a peaceful, carefree evening after a day of trekking across our beautiful landscape. Located throughout the island, all of our rentals are near some of the best activities, restaurants, and views available in St. George. Many are just steps away from the beautiful white sand beaches for which the island is known. Let us help you choose the perfect vacation home for you and your family – contact us today! We are looking forward to helping you plan a family trip everyone will love!
Get even more out of your trip to St. George Island. Check out our specials!

A short drive or boat ride off Florida’s panhandle, St. George Island offers a secluded retreat for you and your family from the hustle and bustle of other tourist destinations in Florida. Natural beauty and wonder surround this barrier island with access to state reserves such as Cape St. George State Reserve, Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve, and Apalachicola National Forest. With all the natural allure, the island coaxes locals and tourists outdoors to appreciate its breathtaking beauty, temperate climate, and sunny beaches. In addition to all of the incredible outdoor activities to enjoy, here are a few of our favorite family-friendly events you can experience during your stay.

A trip to St. George Island can be both relaxing and exciting. With so many activities available, you can alternate lazy days with adventurous excursions, as well as shopping, dining and more. Visit our Things to Do page for insider info on local activities and events!

Top 5 Family-Friendly Events on St. George Island

1. First Day Hike
Start your New Year off island style. The annual First Day Hike allows you and your family to explore the area’s natural surroundings while learning more about St. George Island’s landscape and local sea creatures. The hike lasts about 1.5 hours and ends at the East Slough Overlook Platform. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture the amazing flora and fauna as well as a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico!

2. Apalachicola Farmers Market
Delicious food, live music, and handmade crafts are just some of the things to experience at the Apalachicola Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Let the kids dance and sing while you sample the delicious local fare and pick up fresh vegetables and seafood to prepare for dinner at your vacation rental.

3. Full Moon Climb
While you can visit the Cape St. George Light during the day, the monthly Full Moon Climb is one experience you won’t want to miss. Ascend to the lighthouse’s highest lookout point, which is over 9 stories high, for spectacular views of the sunset and the full moon. Light refreshments are served.

4. Holiday Market
During the holiday season, our barrier island defines the coastal Christmas lifestyle with the Holiday Fresh Market. This annual market, held in early December in front of the Dixie Theater, showcases local businesses offering an array of handcrafted gifts for loved ones.

5. Holiday Lights on the Harbor
If you’re spending the holidays in St. George Island, be sure to attend the Holiday Lights on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights in early December. Boats decorated for the season cascade down the Carrabelle River and illuminate the Christmas spirit in the hearts of all who see it.

Start Planning Your Visit to St. George Island
Ready to visit? Collins Vacation Rentals is here to help with your family’s vacation needs. Take a few minutes to browse our properties. You’re sure to find one that suits your needs, whether you’re planning a family reunion, a getaway with friends or a romantic trip for two. What’s more, our local, knowledgeable staff can assist you with recommending local restaurants, shopping around the island, and experiencing all St. George Island has to offer.

You may automatically think summer when you think of St. George Island, but the holiday season is a great time for visiting!
The air is cooler in the winter on SGI–we typically experience that perfect “sweater weather” for most of the season–but not so cold that heavy coats and scarves are a necessity. The day time is perfect for hikes and strolls on the beach, and our roomy rentals offer the perfect place to gather the whole family for holiday meals.

Read a book on the porch while taking in the salty air, and spend the evening with family near the fireplace. SGI will make your holiday season unforgettable!

Best of all, you’ll take advantage of our great low rates!
 

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is world-famous for its Apalachicola oysters – it’s no secret. If you’re a fan of the seafood delicacy, you won’t want to miss the annual Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off! Held each January at Riverfront Park, the festival features all the oysters you can eat, as well as other delicious cuisine, live music, kids activities, a 5.5K run and more. Come see what it’s all about and start making your plans to attend now!!

The Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off is one of many fun things to see and do along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Make sure to check out our Things to Do page for recommendations about other local events, happenings, and activities. It’s full of great tips to help you plan your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals.

What to Expect at the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off

All the proceeds from the event will go to the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department, so it’s for a great cause. And, there is no entry fee for the Cook-Off! Here is a look at some of the exciting events taking place during the event:

The Silent Auction: On Friday night, you can preview a variety of unique oyster-related items at the festival. Then, return on Saturday and bid on your favorites at the silent auction. This year, there will also be a buy-it-now option. We recommend arriving early to snag all your favorite items!

The Fun Run: Would you like to work up a healthy appetite? Join in on the 5.5K fun run, also affectionately known as the “Half Shell Hustle” on Saturday morning. Everyone gets a T-shirt and medals will be awarded to the winners.

The Food: The food is what you’re here for, right? Plan to spend all day at the Cook-Off and fill up on delicious cuisine. In addition to dining on oysters every possible way you can imagine, you’ll also be able to enjoy shrimp, smoked mullet, hot dogs, hamburgers, local beer and more.

The Oyster Cook-Off: The main event is the Oyster Cook-Off. If you have a recipe you believe is a ringer, feel free to enter! It’s all in fun and if you land in the top three, you’ll walk away with a trophy and some serious bragging rights! To enter the contest, make sure to register your recipe.

Entertainment: From kid’s activities to live music and dancing, the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off offers fun for the entire family. Bring a chair to sit back and watch all of the fun, or join in the festivities! Check out the festival’s website to see a complete schedule of events.

Book Your Stay With Collins Vacation Rentals
If you’re searching for accommodations near the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off, we invite you to book your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals! We offer a wide array of family-friendly vacation rentals on St. George Island. Known for its uncrowded shorelines and beautiful beaches, our island is just minutes from Apalachicola and the festival. From beachfront cottages and condos to duplexes and spacious luxury homes, we are sure to have the ideal lodging option for your stay. So, what are you waiting for? Browse our rentals and contact us to book your stay today! We can’t wait to welcome you!