Once you cross the Four-Mile Bridge to this barrier island on the Florida Panhandle, time is only measured by sunrise, sunset, and the blissful moments in between.
When Alice Collins, owner of Collins Vacation Rentals on St. George Island, first stepped on the remote 28-mile island 50 years ago, she arrived by boat. “It was very undeveloped,” she says. “There were no roads and very few residents. My husband and I ferried over a dune buggy to get around.” Part of Florida known as The Forgotten Coast, the island began gaining slow momentum when a bridge extending from Apalachicola replaced the ferry in 1965. Due to this easier access, Alice decided to make the island her home and a place that others could enjoy too. Starting small, she bought a lot, built a house, and began managing a handful of other properties. Now, her portfolio extends to more than 300 homes, all awaiting vacationers looking to experience beautiful beaches and a slice of Old Florida.
Yes, development did reach the island, but thanks to considerate zoning laws, there are no high-rises, no nightclubs, and no waterparks. Still, there’s plenty to do. Spend hours on the beach shelling and sunbathing (dogs are welcome!), or explore the 9-mile state park at the west end of the island by foot, bike, or kayak. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, and dolphins. Climb the winding stairs to the top of the island’s lighthouse for unparalleled vistas. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, enjoy the nature center and trails at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Hungry? Dine out at one of the locally-owned restaurants. You won’t want to miss lunch or dinner at Harry A’s, Paddy’s Raw Bar, or Mango Mike’s—or the local musical talent they host. Stay for one more song while the kids run over to Aunt Ebby’s ice cream. Then let them pick out an old-school airbrushed T-shirt at St. George Island Trading Company.
Prefer to stay in? There’s no need to tote a cooler from the mainland. Simply shop the well-stocked Piggly Wiggly for fresh seafood, high-quality steaks, and delicious produce. Don’t feel like cooking? Call Chef Ian Williams of Your Table Your Chef for an at-home catered dinner. For daytime excursions, place a picnic order with Captain’s Corner Store and Deli.
At night, step outside to enjoy the stars. The clear view makes it easy to see why St. George Island is close to achieving International Dark Sky Places Certification.
Here are 5 Collins Vacation Rentals properties that are extra special!
Aisle of Palm
5 Bedrooms – 5.5 Baths – Sleeps 21 – Private Pool – Beachfront – Elevator
Amazing outdoor pool area
Kumquat May
6 Bedrooms – 6.5 Baths – Sleeps 18 – Private Pool – Beachfront – Elevator
Headed West
6 Bedrooms – 6 Baths – Sleeps 21 – Private Pool – Beachfront – Elevator
Soft Shoes
4 Bedrooms – 4 Baths – Sleeps 10 – Beachfront – Private Pool
Perfect home for a smaller family and located within walking distance of the Island businesses, lighthouse and bike path
Beachfront Benefits
4 Bedrooms – 4 Bathrooms – Sleeps 14 – Beachfront – Private Pool – Elevator
