Franklin County, FL

Tastiest CATCH

Enjoy A Tasty Adventure and Leave a Small Footprint Along Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Tucked away along Florida’s Northern Gulf coast is a two-lane coastal highway that meanders through the quiet coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carrabelle, Eastpoint and Alligator Point. This is Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a protected oasis with quiet beaches, wooded trails and scenic paddling sloughs located about 70 miles southwest of Tallahassee. The environment is the economy here and visitors enjoy uncrowded beaches, fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, discovering heritage sites and, of course, eating fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood.

From the seafood industry to the nature-based tourism industry, preserving and sustaining the heritage and natural environment of this rural stretch of coast is paramount to the community and to a new generation of thoughtful travelers in search of big adventure and fresh seafood but committed to leaving a small footprint.

TJ Ward is an Apalachicola native born into a seafood family sustained for four generations by the abundance of Apalachicola Bay. T.J. didn’t always want to follow in the family seafood footsteps but now that he is, he’s committed to making it sustainable for his family and generations after him.

“I see the future of aquaculture as being very compatible with the traditional methods of oyster harvesting,” says TJ. “You can farm oysters when wild caught methods aren’t available and that provides long-term consistency that isn’t always available when you wild harvest.”

T.J. is one of a growing number of entrepreneurs taking it upon themselves to help sustain the oyster industry one watery acre at a time through aquaculture farming. So far there are more than 60 lease holders that have staked their claim and futures on the one-to-10-acre leased water plots in and around Apalachicola Bay. The

Interested in winning an outdoor adventure getaway to Florida’s Forgotten Coast? The Franklin County Tourist Development Council hosts regular bi-monthly getaway contests designed to introduce people to the outdoor amenities, the food and the laid-back coastal culture. Sign up at Floridasforgottencoast.com.

technology is nothing like their forefathers used – today’s aquaculture farmers invest in floating bags, suspended lines and tumbling machines – although some, including the Wards, also direct seed the bay bottom to grow oysters on privately-leased areas.

Aquaculture is a natural sustainable evolution of the oyster industry, says TJ, but it’s not a replacement for tradition. “There’s a place for both with proper management.”

Aquaculture experts agree the farm-raised oysters are good for specific markets, especially restaurant raw bars because of the product’s consistency. You’ll find aquaculture-grown oysters on the menu in many Franklin County restaurants, including the Station Raw Bar in Apalachicola. “We love the farm-raised oysters,” says owner Andrea Pendleton. “They’re clean, consistently sized and the taste is wonderful!”

As in the seafood industry, tourism leaders here realize that protecting and preserving what has made the area famous is critical to the long-term sustainability.

“We are blessed to have survived this past year as well as we have,” says John Solomon, Apalachicola Bay Chamber president and director of the Franklin County Tourism Development Council (TDC). “What is interesting is how many of our visitors that come here become passionate about protecting what we have and come back to help keep it that way.”

Jeremy Davidson agrees. He is the owner of Southern Salinity Guide Service, a photography and charter fishing guide service on St. George Island. In business now for more than five years, Jeremy sees his charter business evolving into one that is more about the experience.

“I’m seeing a transition in my business from customers wanting to slam the boat with fish to more people interested in catching dinner but not over-keeping – instead focusing more on the experience of being here,” he said. Davidson, who is regularly booked by professional photographers for trips upriver and into the bay backwaters says he enjoys sharing the experience. “I’m putting people in places that they’d never get to see and that’s pretty satisfying.”

Jeremy and other local charter captains are booking a growing number of “Fresh Catch Charters” – where the charter boat captains coordinate directly with area restaurants to provide the clients’ fresh-cleaned fish which then the restaurant prepares, provides sides and serves the delicacy.

“I do quite a bit of that,” says Danny Itzko-

vitz, owner of Apalachicola’s Tamara’s Café and Tamara’s Tapas Bar next door. “During Red Snapper season, I’ll have 60 people coming in for dinner and 20 of them have provided the fish for us to prepare.” Itzkovitz says the trend has become so popular that he has added it as a feature to his menu. “It creates a lasting relationship between charter boat guys and the restaurants,” he says. “Their clients become my clients. It makes for a really cool presentation and it’s something that the visitor likes as an experience.”

You can hook up with Forgotten Coast charter captains and restaurants that serve the catch online at Floridasforgottencoast.com

Visitors looking for experiences and thoughtful adventures in this nature-based setting will appreciate what the different seasons offer. Come in the fall or early spring and you may spot rare migrating birds. Visit area beaches in the summer and you may become a sea turtle advocate, walking the beach at dawn to spot tracks of these prehistoric dinosaurs that come ashore during the night to lay their eggs as their ancestors have done for centuries. A trip to the Apalachicola Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) visitor center in Eastpoint is a great jumping-off point to learn about the area’s environmental importance.

“The natural environment here is fragile and the culture and traditions are important to maintain”, says TDC director Solomon. ”We have a responsibility as business leaders to share that and we hope we attract visitors that respect and protect what is delicate and hopefully leave with a positive life experience.”

Juneau Adventures

Discover the Captivating Allure of Juneau, Alaska

Juneau’s history is one of courage and survival. Scholars believe indigenous peoples have inhabited Southeast Alaska for more than 10,000 years. Gold was discovered in Juneau in 1880, bringing in an influx of people. In fact, by attracting visitors with its Native heritage, prospector history and incredible scenery, Juneau has been a world-class travel destination since the early 1900s.

Juneau Adventures

Fast forward to 2021 and tourism remains one of the city’s main industries attracting over one million visitors each year. Some come for the sightseeing while others are outdoor enthusiasts who crave adrenaline-pumping activities. Regardless of their reasons, visitors quickly discover the captivating allure of Juneau. And although often thought of a haven for cruise lines, Juneau is also easily accessible by plane and is just over two hours from Seattle and under two hours from Anchorage. Actually, Juneau is Alaska’s closest “big” city to the Lower 48 which makes it surprisingly reachable any time of year.

Part of the region’s charm lies in the fact that Juneau remains true to its roots. Despite having all of the modern amenities of any major city, Juneau has not allowed its cherished land to be spoiled by commercial interests. There are only a dozen people per square mile, most of whom work hard and play even harder. Featuring 40 miles of roads and 250 miles of trails, it’s not unusual to see a black bear walking the streets of downtown Juneau, the state capital. There is only one drive-through chain burger place, and a few chain pizza places – the rest are all locally owned eateries.

Juneau Adventures

Given the fact that Juneau sits inside the Tongass National Forest, the northernmost rainforest in the world, the area is bursting with scenery. A must-see is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, where you’ll enjoy a “lower gardens” tour and a unique opportunity to witness Alaskan botanical gardens featuring the one-of-akind Flower Towers. Visiting one of the region’s many glaciers by helicopter is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Glacier Bay National Park, with its incredible collection of tidewater glaciers and three million acres of wilderness, is just a short trip to the west. Believe it or not, many couples choose the top of a glacier

The most spectacular wildlife viewing in the world

for their wedding ceremony.

No visit to Juneau is complete without a whale watching experience. The best time to whale watch is from April to November when 600 humpbacks inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Daily boat excursions rarely return without a whale sighting, and often you’ll spot many on a single trip.

Juneau Adventures

Food is serious business throughout Juneau which offers a thriving culinary scene. In Bocca Al Lupo Restaurant owner Beau Schooler was crowned champion of the Great American Seafood Cookoff, as was Lionel Uddipa, owner of Red Spruce Ak. Other noteworthy eating establishments include Deckhand Dave’s, Hangar on the Wharf, Barnacle, Tracy’s King Crab Shack and Alaskan Brewing Co, which is one of four craft breweries in town.

Juneau boasts the widest range of accommodations in southeast Alaska, from big hotels to boutique inns. Alaska Northern Sands, located on the beach in Auke Bay, is a premier rental with spectacular views and great ambiance. The Alaskan Hotel & Bar in the center of the downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic sites.

Juneau is one of those places that flies under the radar, void of hype, pretension and fanfare, in many ways mimicking its residents. Above all, it’s a city that rolls out the red carpet for visitors to ensure that their stay is one they will never forget.

Discover SITKA

Discover SITKA

Sitka, Alaska is a coastal island town nestled between mountains and the sea. Sitka’s native Tlingit name is Sheet’ka, or “Shee,” which loosely translates to “the island behind the islands”. Sheltered from the open seas and high winds by hundreds of tree-studded islands, the calm, protected waters of Sitka Sound are perfect for kayaking.

Sitka is home to over twenty-four nationally recognized historic sites, fourteen designated hiking trails, and 1,600 square miles of rugged backcountry wilderness – so there’s plenty to experience on land. The moment you get out on the water, however, adventure feels truly limitless.

“The Sitka Sound area offers some of the nicest sea kayak paddling terrain anywhere in the world,” says John Dunlap. John is the general manager of Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures, a seasonal kayak guiding company that offers tours, outfitting services, and a treasure trove of local knowledge.

Discover SITKA

“There are all kinds of great places to go, depending on what the conditions are, and there’s almost always somewhere you can go where the conditions are within your abilities,” he adds. And in Sitka, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time kayaker or a seasoned paddler. Regardless of your skill level, there’s something for everyone.

Sandy white beaches are just a short trip away, and so are the underground bunkers located at Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park. A relic of Sitka’s WWII history, the park is only accessible by boat or kayak. Experienced adventurers often kayak to Kruzof Island, where they can camp in a remote U.S. Forest Service cabin or summit the snowy rim of Mt. Edgecumbe volcano. And in the winter, packing ski gear in a kayak is not unheard of.

You don’t need a destination to enjoy your adventure, either. Look in any

direction and you’ll see snowcapped peaks, islands the color of emeralds, and pristine ocean. In addition to the stunning surrounding scenery, kayaking is an opportunity to get up close and personal with Sitka’s abundant marine wildlife: humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and otters.

The Mt. Edgecumbe trail is 6.8 miles of breathtaking views

Discover SITKA

Scan for the blow of a humpback whale and the splash of a sea lion

As a coastal fishing community in Southeast Alaska, the people of Sitka share a deep connection with the ocean and its ecosystems. Getting out on the water is the best way to experience Sitka like a local. Rain or shine, you can enjoy being in or on the water - jump into fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. Here, seasons aren’t dictated by calendar months, but instead by natural cycles: the arrival of the herring, the return of non-resident humpback whales, the salmon runs. It’s no surprise that sea to table dining is the center of Sitka’s vibrant culinary scene. Your salmon fillet or steaming plate of Dungeness crab arrives just off the dock, wild-caught in Sitka’s waters. Each local restaurant has its own specialty, from savory salm-

Stinson Beach Loop

on chowder to fresh oysters on the half shell.

Sitka boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with passionate chefs that use local ingredients to create amazing delights for every taste. Visit the brewery to check out

Discover SITKA

their rotating list of beers, and pubs that offer house made signature cocktails like Salmonberry Mojitos and Bloody Mary’s topped with beach asparagus. Sitka has bakers, and chocolate makers, handmade donuts and local catch ceviche! Look for other local ingredients on your plate like seasonal berries, wild edibles, and handcrafted favorites like artisanal sea salt and crunchy kelp pickles. Whether you prefer grilled steak and hand-made pasta, or are craving a food adventure in a Mediterranean inspired “Wild Alaska” paella, Sitka’s restaurants are ready to safely serve you.

Explore the extraordinary in Sitka, Alaska. Plan your adventure and order your free guide at visitsitka.org.

Travel Gear

Bose

Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

bose.com

Tumi

International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

tumi.com

Peak Design

Tech Pouch

peakdesign.com

Travel Gear

w&p

The Virtual Happy Hour Cocktail Set

wandpdesign.com

Victorinox

Luggage Scale

victorinox.com

Michael Kors

Signature Bedford Travel Passport Wallet

michaelkors.com

Bluegogo

All-in-one Universal Travel Adapter

Yakima

Ready for Delicious Northwest Adventures?

There aren’t many destinations where you can sip award-winning wines with wine country vineyard views, tour a hopping craft beer trail right in the largest hop producing region in the world, have fun on the farm, take home hand-picked produce and seek outdoor adventure, from mountain trails and lakes to the desert. That’s what makes Washington’s Yakima Valley such a special place. It’s the 300 days of sun that shine on the birthplace of Washington State’s wine industry. It’s the aroma of freshly harvested hops. It’s the farm-to-table connection that inspires a thriving dining scene. It’s where you can ride, bike, hike, run, climb, fish, float, paddle, golf and more, all followed by an afternoon sipping craft beverages.

Raise a Glass in the Home of the Hops

With 75% of our nation’s hops grown in the Yakima Valley, it’s where they say, “We grow your beer!” Yakima Valley hop growers keep the U.S beer industry brewing but it’s the Valley’s craft beer scene that’s hopping! Yakima Valley brewers and hop growers rub shoulders in the field and in the taproom, so innovation to produce experimental hops fuels creativity in the breweries. This is why Yakima craft breweries boast accolades and awards. You could spend days touring the breweries and tap houses from one end of the valley to the other.

Travel the Yakima Valley Wine Trail

Yakima Valley wine country is wine country unlike any other. This is where winemakers and vintners alike take their craft seriously but don’t take themselves too seriously. So, they’re ready to hang out, kick back and share their passion and pride for the exceptional wines that come out of their beautiful corner of the world. The Yakima Valley AVA encompasses five unique sub- AVAs, each with distinct character. From casual gathering places to grand estates, come taste award-winning, handcrafted wines under sunny skies with warm welcomes and vineyard views.

Enjoy the Flavors of the Farm

You won’t find agricultural diversity like this anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest. More than 3,000 farms call Yakima County home, including more organic farms than anywhere else in the region.. Choose from hand-picked bounty you take home to your own table or farm-fresh deliciousness gathered from harvest festivals and fruit stands and farmers markets that dot the Valley from one end to the other. Yakima Valley restaurant chefs take inspiration straight from the field. During growing season, what you find on the menu just might have been growing a few miles away that morning. That’s farm-fresh!

Festivals, Events and Celebrations Year Round

There’s a lot to celebrate here in the Yakima Valley – from wine, beer, food and music festivals to diverse cultural celebrations. Sip and savor at craft beer and food festivals. Tour the valley for annual wine country events. Enjoy a chef’s table experience in the vineyard, hop field or orchard. Take in live music drifting over the vineyards.

Get Outside Under Sunny Skies

The Yakima Valley’s central location means you’ll find outdoor adventure in every direction, from sub-alpine mountain trails, pristine mountain lakes and winding rivers, to the arid shrub-steppe landscape with towering basalt cliffs or nearby desert. Yakima is home to Washington’s only blue ribbon trout stream and the best white water in the state during the month of September. Plan your adventure with several outstanding outfitters who can get you all set up for floating the river or biking through wine country for tasting. You’ll also find exceptional guided fly fishing experiences and clinics and classes in trail running, mountain biking, hiking, snow shoeing, skiing and paddle boarding on rivers or mountain lakes.

Craft Beer Trail

Craft Beer Trail

Get Away to Hop Country

Did you know that most of the world’s hops are grown in a corner of the Pacific Northwest? Washington’s Yakima Valley is the home of the hops. It’s the place that grows your beer. So, of course it’s a great place for craft beer lovers to visit. What better place to raise a glass than minutes from where the hops in your glass were harvested?

Hop Country Craft Beer Trail

Being in the heart of hop country, deeply connected to the source, inspires the community of craft brewers in the Yakima Valley to innovate and craft exceptional brews. The valley is a unique place where you’re likely to find the brewer behind the tap room counter ready to share their passion.

In hop country, you’ll find diverse array of brews along the craft beer trail, earning accolades and awards both regionally and nationally. In addition to a trail of independent craft breweries, the valley is home to several hopping tap houses. And what’s better than the perfect beer and food pairing? All along the craft beer trail find house-made favorites and some of the valley’s favorite flavors from local food trucks.

Festival Frenzy

Craft beverages make for the perfect festival. Every single hop cone gets harvested and processed over the span of 30 crazy days in September. It all culminates with the Yakima Valley’s signature Fresh Hop Ale Festival, one of the “Top 10 Beer Festivals in The Nation.” You can also celebrate hop country at music and food festivals from spring through fall.

So, plan your trip to raise a glass in the home of the hops!