Christmas at St George Island on the forgotten coast
Fall and winter can signal a slower time for most farmers. Here at TnF Farms, now is the time to take advantage of the milder weather. We make modifications, do significant maintenance and repairs plus it seems a lot of our livestock seem to have their babies around now.
We have the philosophy of work hard, play hard. Since it was a nicer day, we decided to take our Christmas spirit to St. George Island. This small island is an easy drive from our homestead, located just off of the forgotten coast. Many visitors come to St. George Island simply to unwind and enjoy a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.
St. George Island offers a mix of outdoor activities, natural beauty, and opportunities for relaxation, making it a popular destination for both active travelers and those seeking a serene escape. The island’s history is marked by its natural beauty, fishing heritage, and its role as a destination for those seeking a tranquil coastal experience. Its history is closely tied to the broader history of Florida and the Gulf Coast region.
The history of St. George Island
St. George Island is a barrier island located in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida, USA. It has a rich history that spans centuries and is intertwined with the broader history of the region. Before European contact, the Apalachee and Creek Native American tribes inhabited the region. They relied on the island’s natural resources for sustenance and trade. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers, including Panfilo de Narvaez and Hernando de Soto, visited the area. The Spanish established missions along the Florida Gulf Coast but faced resistance from the native populations. In the 18th century, the area came under British control during the time of the British Empire’s rule in Florida. Later, it was returned to Spanish control. In 1821, Florida was ceded to the United States from Spain. St. George Island and the surrounding area became part of the newly acquired territory.
Its always been about fishing
The island’s economy in the 19th century was primarily centered around fishing, as the Gulf waters were rich with seafood. The St. George Island Lighthouse was built in 1852 to aid maritime navigation. During the American Civil War, the island and its lighthouse played a role in various military operations. Confederate forces occupied the island, and the lighthouse was damaged in the conflict. After the Civil War, the island began to see increased development and tourism. The lighthouse was repaired, and the island’s fishing industry continued to thrive.
St. George Island has been affected by numerous hurricanes over the years, causing damage and altering the landscape. Efforts have been made to restore and protect the island’s natural habitats. In the 20th century, St. George Island became a popular destination for tourists, especially those seeking pristine beaches and outdoor activities. The St. George Island State Park was established to preserve the island’s natural beauty. In more recent times, there has been a balance between conservation efforts to protect the island’s ecosystem and responsible development to accommodate tourists and residents. The island continues to be a popular destination for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts.
Making the most of a day trip
Around the water, St. George Island has white sandy beaches. Faith and I have always been beach bums. Whenever there is a sandy beach and a great water view, both of us can be found relaxing on the shore. It really is wonderful how soaking up the sun on the beach can recharge your batteries. We usually get some wandering and beach combing in too. In all of our visits, we have not found a lot of shells or any that could be considered special. I’m not sure what the underwhelming amount and uniqueness of shells has to do with. Maybe it’s our timing, the amount of tourism happening or if this just isn’t a part of the coast that washes up a lot of shells.
On the land, you can explore the entire island on a bicycle. There are bike-friendly paths and quiet streets to enjoy a leisurely ride. St George Island State Park has hiking trails and opportunities to observe local wildlife, including sea turtles. It’s a great place for nature lovers. The island’s lack of light pollution makes it an excellent location for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see an impressive display of stars. Usually we’re pretty tired so the star gazing is from the sunroof of our car.
