About This Event
A unique 4-day (Thursday through Sunday) driving tour of “Old Florida” along the Forgotten Coast designed for members from every part of the Florida SunCoast.
We have two primary driving routes – one starting in the SOUTH (Ft Myers) that will drive up the coast, and the other from the NORTH (Panama City) that will converge in Pensacola before driving south. Both groups will end in Apalachicola. “Apalach,” as it is called, remains a working fishing village, but it’s also a vibrant tourist draw. With charming architecture, unique shops and restaurants, access to amazing fishing and the beautiful beaches of St George Island, it’s the heart and soul of the Forgotten Coast. This is “Old Florida.” Members can expect beautiful drives, fun activities, and great food along the way.
As the two groups work their way towards Apalachicola, we anticipate members joining along the way. We’ve designed this to be flexible so that everyone can participate! Join along the route where it makes sense. For example…
Live in Ocala, the Villages or Jacksonville? We can arrange drives for you to meet the south group at Peck’s Olde World Seafood near Crystal River, or somewhere else that makes sense for you.
Live in Destin or Pensacola? We can arrange for you to meet up with the Panama City group on Thursday late morning for the initial drive south.
Here is a rough outline of the events. More details will be forthcoming…
Apalachicola Florida – City of Apalachicola Florida Official Website
Welcome to Historic Apalachicola, Florida. Apalachicola is a close-knit community of hard-working, friendly people who enjoy the good life that thorough historical preservation, beautiful wildlife, and easy water access allow….
East (Gainesville) to North Tour (Thursday, February 18 & Friday, February 19)
East to North Tour (Thursday, February 18 & Friday, February 19)
THURSDAY, February 18th
The EASTERN group will leave from Gainesville (Chevron Gainesville, 12210 SW Archer Rd, Archer) and work their way west. Arrival and departure times from Gainesville is at 10:15. We’ll have a driver’s meeting, eWaiver check prior to departure..
Lunch will be at Peck’s Old Port Cove (139 N. Ozello Trail) in Crystal River and meet up with the South group.
Then continue to the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge (550 Wakulla Park Dr) in Wakulla Springs for Dinner and overnight stay meeting up with the North and South groups.
Thursday Hotel:
Wakulla Springs Lodge, 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, Fl, (850) 421-2000
South to North Tour (Thursday, February 18 & Friday, February 19)
South to North Tour (Thursday, February 18 & Friday, February 19)
THURSDAY, February 18th
The SOUTHERN group will leave from Ft Myers (Rest Area, Daniels Pkwy & I-75) and work their way north, picking up additional areas along the way. Arrival and departure times from the Ft Myers Rest Area are TBD (once we know all participants we will plan the pickup points etc), we’ll have a driver’s meeting, eWaiver check prior to departure..
Lunch will be at Peck’s Old Port Cove (139 N. Ozello Trail) in Crystal River.
Then continue to the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge (550 Wakulla Park Dr) in Wakulla Springs for Dinner and overnight stay meeting up with the North group.
Thursday Hotel:
Wakulla Springs Lodge, 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, Fl, (850) 421-2000
PECKS OLD PORT COVE
©2021 All images appearing in the Pecks Old Port Cove web site are the exclusive property of Pecks Old Port Cove and are protected under the United States and International Copyright laws. The…
North to South Tour (Thursday, February 18 & Friday, February 19)
North to South Tour (Thursday, February 19 & Friday, February 20)
THURSDAY, February 18th
The NORTHERN group will leave from Panama City Beach (The Craft Bar, 15600 Panama City Beach Pkwy Suite 100) and drive to Wakulla Springs. We anticipate that participants from Pensacola and Destin may join up with our group, so we are scheduling the lunch before we actually drive.
For those who want to join us for lunch, arrive at The Craft Bar by 11:30 am CST.
For those who will not be joining us for lunch, please arrive by 1:00 pm CST for a drivers meeting and eWaiver check.
Then we will depart at 1:15 for the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge (550 Wakulla Park Dr) in Wakulla Springs for Dinner and overnight stay.
Thursday Hotel:
Wakulla Springs Lodge, 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, Fl, (850) 421-2000
Thursday Hotel:
TBD
North meets South & East in Wakulla Springs (Thursday Night, February 18 - Sunday, February 21)
North meets South & East in Wakulla Springs (Thursday Night, February 18 - Sunday, February 21)
FRIDAY, February 19th
After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll take the 11:00am Wakulla Spring Jungle Cruise Boat Tour, then will leave around noon for lunch at the near by Posey’s Steam Room (1506 Coastal Hwy) in Panacea before heading on to Apalachicola to meet the other group, passing a historic lighthouse just outside Carrabelle.
Wakulla Spring Jungle Cruise Boat Tour – This 45 minute boat tour is $7.44
Leaving just yards from the Lodge about every hour, the Jungle Cruise Boat Tour takes you on a nature tour from the Springs up the river. Experienced guides tell you about the environment, wildlife, and history of the springs. Currently, reservations are required. Boat tours run every day of the year unless severe weather occurs.
Poseys Steamroom and Oyster Bar
Poseys Steamroom and Oyster Bar – Family owned and operated since 1986, the last name “Posey” is synonymous in Wakulla County with three words: Great, Fresh and Seafood. Posey’s Steamroom & Oyster Bar, which is located just inside the Panacea city limits, is much more than a place for some of the area’s freshest raw oysters and steamed seafood.
CROOKED RIVER LIGHTHOUSE – Managed by the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association (CLA
Managed by the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association (CLA
We are planning time to explore the area, but also joint activities and dining.
We have arranged two options for Hotels; a high-end option (Gibson Inn) and a more modestly priced option (Best Western Apalach Inn). After checking in at your hotel, all groups will meet at 6:30pm at the Owl Café (15 Ave D) in Apalachicola for dinner and getting together with old and new friends.
For those who want more fun, there are opportunities for live music, craft beers and cocktails (see suggestions below).
Hotel Options:
Gibson Inn – 51 Ave C, Apalachicola, FL 32320, 850-270-2190
Best Western Apalach Inn – 249 US Highway 98, Apalachicola, Florida 32320, (850) 653-9131
Friday Dinner
Owl Café – 15 Ave D Apalachicola, FL 32320, (850) 653-9888
After Dinner
Apalachicola Yacht Club -170 Water St, Apalachicola, FL 32320, (864) 490-4521
High Five Dive Bar – 131 Commerce St, Apalachicola, FL 32320,
Historic Dining in Apalachicola, FL – Owl Café + The Tap Room
Apalachicola River views offer the ideal backdrop for your next lunch or dinner at the historic Owl Cafe. Enjoy craft cocktails, southern dishes and service with a smile.
SATURDAY, February 20th
We are planning a short drive to St George Island. Meet at the Gibson at 11:00 for the drive to lunch at the Blue Parrot. After lunch explore the State Park on the Island, visit the Apalachicola National Estuary Research Reserve (see below for links) or shop around Apalachicola.
St. George Island Restaurant
Welcome to The Blue Parrot Restaurant on beautiful St. George Island, Florida. Enjoy the freshest local seafood and certified Black Angus Steaks in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve – Eastpoint, Florida
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s home is located at 108 Island Drive (State Road 300) at Cat Point in Eastpoint, Florida.
That afternoon we encourage people to explore the shops, galleries and local sites before we head to dinner.
St. George Island Florida: The Perfect Peaceful Vacation Destination
St. George Island Florida is a beautiful barrier island on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Home to the most serene beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
On a barrier island fronting historic Apalachicola Bay, St. George Island State Park offers visitors a little strip of paradise. Beachside or bayside, the spectacular views of crystal waters, blue skies and sugary beaches will make you want to stay.
We’ve arranged dinner at The Franklin Cafe (located in the Gibson Inn) for 6:00 pm. Please be prompt so we have lots of time to enjoy the amazing food, reminisce about our experiences and generally celebrate our BMW community.
Franklin Café & Parlor Bar | The Gibson Inn
Savor fresh seafood, craft cocktails & local brews at Franklin Café & Parlor Bar in Gibson Inn. Gulf Coast flavors, timeless charm await!
SUNDAY, February 21nd
On Sunday the event ends and everyone can head home with fond memories and hopefully lots of new friends.
Safety is of the utmost importance. All drivers must be BMW CCA Members and adhere to speed limits and abide all traffic rules as well as acknowledge that they have read and viewed the safety guidelines as outlined under the Terms and Conditions.
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eWaiver
ALL members and guest must sign an Adult or Minor (parental release for ALL under 18) waiver.
All Waivers can be signed online/electronically prior to or at the event or on paper at the event. Electronic Waivers are hosted by the BMW CCA Electronic Waiver System (EWS). Use the button provided on this event or go to https://fsc.buzz/ews which lists all CCA events that need waivers. Select the event that matches the event Name, Venue and Date.
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Click here to View/Print Adult WaiverClick here to View/Print Minor Waiver
Sign Your eWaiver
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