Although a native of Michigan, I spent the last 30 years in New Jersey where I have restored an 1850s Victorian and raised 2 sons who currently reside in Atlanta and Austin, TX. After retiring from a 30 year banking career as a Commercial Lending Officer, I came to Apalachicola for a vacation and fell in love with the quaint unpretentious aura of the town. As a history buff, the area presents opportunities to explore museums and historic homes. My favorite is the Historic Homes Tour which is sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church during the first weekend in May. Although I have spent years enjoying the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey, the beaches on St. George Island are ranked #3 in the country and only a 15 minute drive away. On St George Island, I have experienced the white sandy beaches of the Florida panhandle and taken a tour of the St George lighthouse with spectacular views from the top. On the island, the State Park offers an opportunity to enjoy either the Apalachicola Bay or the Gulf of Mexico and has limited crowds, plenty of parking and very clean facilities.