Northwest

At the top of Florida, touching the states of Georgia and Alabama, winding its way north and west of the Suwannee River near celebrated Pensacola, is a section of Florida least known by tourists. This beautiful and pristine area, where many beaches remain untouched by encroaching development, is the northwest of Florida. Cut in two by the once important water highway, the Apalachicola River, the Northwest provides a remarkable contrast to much of Florida.

Touching the Gulf of Mexico, the Northwest celebrates the union with a myriad of differing expressions from the marshy shores and small fishing villages of the “big bend” to the barrier reefs and highly prized fishing waters of its westward side. The Northwest embraces touristy Panama City as easily as it does the Gulf National Seashore. The Northwest shelters the modest little villages and tolerates the lofty condominiums and exclusive resorts of Fort Walton and Destin. This is the Florida Panhandle, the Emerald Coast, the Red Coast and, in the 1950s, the Miracle Strip. Beachfront property, once available for a mere $100 an acre, now soars in prices unattainable for average folk.

In its center, reminiscent of Southern charm, is its old capital, Tallahassee. Outside its respectable homes and two large state universities and oak-canopied roads lies the immense Apalachicola National Forest. In the area surrounding this quaint Southern Belle of a city, lie small towns, both east and west, both prosperous and poor, reached by rural roads travelling in and out of wooded areas, scrub land, dreary swamps, horse farms, old plantations and active dairies and horse farms.

The Northwest is a contrast where the most untouched white sand beaches and most prolific fishing waters vie against the ritzy, glitzy resorts, campgrounds and all the types of lodging lying in between the two. Lodging for visitors along the major highways and byways includes chain hotels and motels as well as a few small inns. You can also find short- and long-term rentals customized to suit every type of lifestyle and most budgets. There are efficiency apartments or cottages complete with everything you need for a short visit or a longer stay. There are secluded bungalows and completely furnished condominiums as well as vacation houses and all-inclusive resorts. Many of these are within sight of the fine beaches. Some overlook the waters, while others are a short driving distance away. The local visitor’s bureaus handle many housing opportunities or can direct you to a realtor who can help you find the vacation home of your dreams.