This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Apalachicola Times on May 19, 2016.

According to a recent survey of meeting planners across the country, Florida is ranked the highest state for affordable travel and value. Apalachicola’s beautiful weather and diverse lodging and venue options make this the perfect destination for meetings, corporate retreats, and other gatherings like receptions and reunions. From modern meeting rooms to historic settings, Apalachicola has a diverse collection of facilities.

Main Street’s Promotions Committee is working to create a brochure to market Apalachicola’s these venues, funded in part by a grant from Visit Florida, the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida. The brochure will be distributed in print to meeting and event planners throughout the Southeast and will be available online as well.

Our nearby beaches and varied activities like boating, dining, the arts, history and culture, ecotourism, and others make Franklin County a great destination for all kinds of travel. Many meeting planners are looking for more than just a venue. Value is also placed on a beautiful setting to spark inspiration and productivity.

Many of our locations are clustered in the downtown district. Combined, these could work well for a larger meeting with smaller break-out sessions in different locations. An advantage is that they are within walking distance to restaurants and a variety of things to do.

Meetings mean business. Studies show that the majority of meeting participants travel 50 miles or more to attend a meeting—consuming hotel rooms, restaurant meals and other services, which positively impact local businesses and strengthen the economy. Meetings also generate tax dollars that support the community.

We saw this first-hand in January, when we hosted a Florida Main Street Quarterly Meeting. It brought 50 non-profit directors from around the state to spend 2 weeknights during the off-season. In addition to attending sessions, the participants also shopped, dined, enjoyed nightlife, took tours, and fell in love with Franklin County’s beauty and charm. Many attendees said they planned to return for another visit.

The venues on our list include a mix of City-owned and private venues: Gibson Inn, Apalachicola Community Center, The Armory, Raney Carriage House, Coombs House Inn, Water Street Hotel, the Center for History, Culture & Art, Apalachicola Museum of Art, Holy Family, Trinity Church, United Methodist Church, Rivercrest Lodge, and the Recreation Center. If you know of one we’ve missed, please email us by May 26.

Apalachicola has dozens of well-known shops, restaurants, and landmarks in the heart of downtown that are heavily frequented by visitors.  Here are a few that are well worth a visit that are just slightly off the beaten path:

Gorrie Square can be found at the intersection of Avenue D and 6^th Street. Visit the John Gorrie Museum and gravesite of Dr. Gorrie, see 17^th century canons on display in the center of the roundabout, and read the historic marker at the beautiful and historic Trinity Episcopal Church. The Apalachicola Municipal Library has a trove of information about local, regional, and Florida history as well as genealogical resources.

The historic Bowery District is located within Avenue F, Water Street, and Commerce Street. Here you’ll find Wake and Bake Bread, Bowery Station bar, Honey Hole Liquors, Iggy Art Studio at Bowery Station, the Bowery Art Gallery, Up the Creek Raw Bar, Water Street Hotel and Marina, and the newly opened Bowery Inn.

49 Palmetto Gallery is located on Avenue G, just off Market Street. Upstairs, The Flat at 49 Palmetto is a vacation rental that offers visitors a stylish apartment in a residential neighborhood.

The Orman House State Park, Chapman Botanical Garden, and Three Soldiers Detail Statue can be accessed from Market Street, just a short drive north of the traffic light.

The Scipio Creek Boat Basin (called the “Mill Pond” by locals) is a favorite spot for photographers. And on the second Saturday of each month, don’t miss the Apalachicola Farmers’ Market at the Scipio Creek Pavilion.

Just north of the Scipio Creek Boat Basin is the River Ramble Trail and Boardwalk, part of the Great Florida Wildlife and Birding Trail. This easily accessible half mile (one way) trail leads to an elevated platform with a stunning waterfront view.

If you haven’t visited all of these spots, or if it’s been a while, we hope you’ll take the time to enjoy them soon.