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Birders Flock to the Coast This Month
During November, three of Franklin County's most popular migrating bird stopovers are located at two state parks and a federal wildlife preserve. And where the birds are, you're sure to find the birders too!
Bald Point State Park, located at the extreme eastern tip of Franklin County, is considered one of the best areas in the Southeast to view the annual bird and butterfly migrations. Some of the migrating bird species you might encounter on a quiet morning or late afternoon might include warblers, Peregrin Falcons, hawks and Bald Eagles. Common migrating species of butterflies include the Gulf Fritillary and Monarch. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. There are more than 300 species listed on the St. George Island State Park birding list. During the fall several varieties of terns may be observed. St. Vincent Island, a federally owned National Wildlife Refuge at the westernmost end of Franklin County, is also an important stop-off point in the Gulf of Mexico region for migratory birds, including the majestic Wood Stork.
Here are the top ten spots to enjoy birding in Franklin County.
Want to learn more? The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a great resource. Learn more here.
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Lantern-making workshops November 13, 19 and
Lantern Fest November 19
The Crooked River Lighthouse will host two lantern-making workshops on Sunday November 13 from 1:30 - 4:30 at the Cal Allen Studio in Carrabelle and another one on Saturday, November 19 from 1-4pm at the Crooked River Lighthouse at Carrabelle Beach. The workshops are in advance of the annual Lantern Fest which will be held on Saturday, November 19 from 6-10 pm at the Crooked River Lighthouse. This unique, outdoor festival, best known for its breathtaking display of over a hundred colorful, hanging lanterns, lights up the night with magic and history at the 1895 maritime landmark. This evening will feature live music, dance performances, ancient craft demonstrations, food and evening lighthouse climbs.
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SGI Veterans Day Ceremony November 11
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Camp Gordon Johnston Hosts Native American Servicemen Exhibit November 1-26
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle will host a special exhibit honoring Native American Servicemen. This exhibit will open Tuesday, November 1, and will be on display at the museum until Saturday, November 26. November is National Native American Heritage Month, and the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum salutes their service and sacrifice. The museum and exhibit are open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and there is no charge for admission. Click here for details.
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Shipwrecks of Dog Island Exhibit Continues
Carrabelle History Museum's popular exhibit on the Shipwrecks of Dog Island will continue through December 10 and then the exhibit will then become a permanent installation. This exhibit explores Dog Island’s rich maritime history, and especially focus on those shipwrecks that resulted from the Category 5 direct hit, the “Carrabelle Hurricane” in 1899 through amazing photographs. Dog Island was a safe harbor for European explorers, smugglers, fishermen and lumbermen. In 2018, Hurricane Michael uncovered parts of two ships that were wrecked during the 1899 event. Learn why these ships were visiting Carrabelle and which of our exports they took back to Europe.There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted. The museum and exhibit are open Wednesdays 12-5 pm, Thursdays thru Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm and Sundays 12 – 5 pm. Details.
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Author Susan Cerulean Talk Nov. 10 at Apalachicola Library
Celebrated environmental author Susan Cerulean will speak at the Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library Thursday, November 10 at 6pm EST. Cerulean has written three award-winning books, weaving her work in wildlife conservation with personal stories and life events. In her latest release I Have Been Assigned the Single Bird: A Daughter’s Memoir, Cerulean finds parallels in caring for her ailing father, and volunteering as a shorebird steward in Apalachicola Bay.
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FSU Marine and Coastal Talk on Flamingos
The FSUCML Lecture Series continues with “Florida Bay’s Pink Wading Bird”! November 10th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm featuring Dr. Jerry Lorenz. Come learn about Roseate Spoonbills and American Flamingos, and the importance of conserving their nesting spots in the Everglades.
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Carrabelle's Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights December 10
Carrabelle will host its 28th annual Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 10 along Carrabelle’s downtown waterfront beginning from 1 - 8 pm until the boat parade at dark thirty. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of food and fun featuring a street festival with children’s activities. Merchants will be open late. In the evening, watch the parade of festive boats decked out in Christmas lights and decor in celebration of the holidays followed by a festive fireworks display. Details.
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| Florida Seafood Festival, Nov. 4-5
Florida’s oldest maritime festival kicks off its 59th year on Friday and Saturday, November 4-5 in historic Apalachicola. Held at Battery Park overlooking the mouth of the Apalachicola River, this event annually draws thousands and features fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood, arts and crafts exhibits and the famous Oyster Eating and Shucking contest. This year’s festival music headliner will be Chris Cagle. Click here for details.
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Apalachicola Christmas Kickoff Friday, November 25; Small Business Saturday November 26 in Apalach and Carrabelle
Apalachicola lights up the Day after Thanksgiving, Friday November 25 from 3 - 8pm as downtown merchants stay open late and luminaries line the streets along with carolers and festivities. Santa arrives on a shrimp boat and there will be free hot dogs for kids. Details.
The following day, Saturday, November 26, merchants throughout the county will celebrate Small Business Saturday as only can be done on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. From Apalachicola to Carrabelle and from art to jewelry, food or antiques, you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, minus the crowds and the hassle of going to the mall.
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6th Annual Sip N Shop November 20 on SGI
Join your friends at the St. George Island Lighthouse Gift Shop on Sunday, November 20 from Noon - 6pm for the 6th Annual Holiday Sip N’ Shop. Many items will be on sale and the featured items will include unique jewelry, holiday cards, ornaments and décor, toys, games, puzzles, crafts from local artists and so much more! Get a jump on your Christmas shopping and support local! Click here for details.
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St. George Island Lighting of the Palms December 2
Celebrate the season at St. George Island’s Lighthouse Park on Friday, December 2 and enjoy the festive display of holiday lights on the Cape St. George Lighthouse, Visitor Center, and along Franklin Boulevard. There will be a Jingle Jog fun run, carolers, Santa and a tree lighting around sunset. Details.
Holiday Fresh Market Saturday, December 3
On Saturday, December 3, Apalachicola’s downtown Holiday Fresh Market will feature hand-crafted area specialties. Details.
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Eastpoint Christmas Celebration December 9
Join Eastpoint for the annual Christmas Celebration on Friday, December 10. Parade line up begins at 4 p.m. behind Seller’s Plaza. The parade runs down Highway 98, takes a right at Fisherman’s Choice and ends at the Eastpoint Pavilion where Santa will have yummy treats on hand and his helpers will give out toys to all the good little boys and girls.
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