With a rich and fascinating past, St. George Island is a prime destination for history-lovers! Visitors return year after year to explore the pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and world-class museums. However, the true beauty of the island lies in the customs, traditions, and beliefs that have been passed down for generations. Are you interested in learning more about our local history? Here are the best ways to discover St. George Island folklore!
St. George Island folklore is just the beginning of what you’ll find along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Our island paradise is also home to award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, and renowned historic sites. Head over to our Things to Do page for more tips about things to see and do during your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals. It’s full of recommendations about the best attractions to see during your vacation!
How to Learn About St. George Island Folklore
1. Explore a Historic Lighthouse
The St. George Island lighthouse is a time-honored treasure and a beloved symbol of the local community. If there is one attraction you must see during your visit, this is it! Originally built in 1833 on the western tip of the island, the very first lighthouse was damaged by storms in 1846. It was rebuilt on the southern cape of St. George Island, and destroyed again just 3 years later. The third lighthouse, completed in 1852, was much stronger than its predecessors. Built to last, it served as a beacon of light, granting ships safe passage through the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2005.
Because the St.George Island lighthouse was so important to the community, it was rebuilt again, piece by piece. Volunteers cleaned the old mortar off of more than 20,000 of the original bricks so that they could be used in the reconstruction. At a whopping 72-feet, the current lighthouse stands tall in the center of the island. Come see this iconic symbol for yourself and climb the 92 steps to the top. Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the island! Afterward, take some time to browse the Lighthouse Museum and gift shop next door.
2. Take a Ghost Walk
Perhaps you’re interested in learning about haunted St. George Island folklore? Experience all the thrills and chills when you take an Apalachicola ghost walk! Held annually in the spring and fall by the Apalachicola Historic Society, these chilling cemetery walks are sure to give you goosebumps. The ghost tours are led by local history enthusiasts dressed in costume, portraying figures from eras past who are now buried at Chestnut Street Cemetery. Take a step back in time as your local guide tells you about life in Apalachicola in the 1800s. You may even spot a ghost or two!
3. Visit a Local Museum
Of course, one of the best ways to immerse yourself into St. George Island history is by visiting a local museum. Dive into the culture of the Forgotten Coast at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn all about our coastal heritage. Browse the engaging exhibits, attend a class or workshop, or take an educational riverboat tour along the Apalachicola Waterfront. Or, journey back in time to the 19th century when you visit the Raney House Museum. Discover what life was like for the home’s original inhabitants during the antebellum South.
Next, stop by the John Gorrie Museum. Learn all about Dr. Gorrie and how he helped pioneer the invention of air conditioning and refrigeration. Take your time observing a replica of Gorrie’s ice-making machine, among other interesting artifacts. Finally, no trip to the Forgotten Coast is complete without stopping by the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum. A vital piece of Franklin County history, it honors the heritage of the men who trained and served at Camp Gordon Johnston during WWII. It’s one of the best things to do during your stay on St. George Island!
Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Rental
If you’re searching for accommodations on St. George Island, we invite you to stay in a Collins Vacation Rental. Our St. George Island, Florida, vacation rentals feature the privacy and comfort you desire. With top-notch amenities and plush furnishings, you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay every time. Whether you’re searching for a pet-friendly rental, a home with a heated pool, or an intimate beachfront villa, we are sure to have the ideal property for your stay. Plus, all of the best attractions, museums, beaches, and nature trails are just minutes away! Browse all properties and contact us to start planning your getaway to St. George Island today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
