Best Historic Stays: The Gibson Inn in Apalachicola
Prepare to be captivated the moment you stand before and step inside this iconic historic jewel in the heart of Apalachicola. The Gibson Inn invites guests with its warm southern hospitality, rich history, and undeniable charm, but its lasting impact goes far beyond just a night’s stay.
With wraparound porches, a prime location, friendly faces, and artful decor that graces every corner of the Inn, you’ll find yourself dreaming of a return visit before you even depart.
A History of Resilience and Restoration
The Gibson Inn, originally called The Franklin, was built in 1907 by James Fulton Buck. At the time, Apalachicola was thriving in the lumber and shipping industry. It was one of the most luxurious hotels in the Panhandle and the only one between Jacksonville and Pensacola heated entirely by steam.
The Franklin Inn was renamed The Gibson Inn when siblings Annie Gibson Hayes and Mary Ellen “Sunshine” Gibson purchased the property in 1923. During World War II, the Gibson transformed from a welcoming hotel into a housing facility for soldiers under U.S. Army control.
After the war, the hotel fell into disrepair, changing hands several times until brothers Michael and Neil Koun bought it in 1983 and restored it to its original splendor. It was soon added to the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2018, the Gibson Inn entered a new era under the ownership of siblings Katharine Etchen Couillard and Stephen Etchen.
“We decided to purchase the Gibson with a lot of optimism. We were renovating room by room, then Hurricane Micheal threw a wrench in how quickly the hotel would be restored,” said Katharine.
The pandemic brought yet another challenge. The siblings closed the hotel in March 2020 and reopened in November, after completing a full restoration, which included the refurbishment of the original mansion belonging to James Fulton Buck, just steps from the Gibson Inn.
Following Katharine’s advice, I wandered through both the Gibson Inn and the Buck House. All of it felt like an Old Florida dream come true.
Guest Experiences Rooted in Tradition and Luxury
Staying at the Gibson Inn offers guests a window into the past. Each of its 45 individually decorated rooms provides a unique experience.
One of the most sought-after is the Captain’s Room (Room 309), where I stayed. Katharine shared that it’s rumored a legendary sea captain stayed—and even passed away—there in the 1920s.
“He’s apparently a very organized, efficient presence,” she said with a smile.
Although I didn’t encounter the captain myself, I did feel a strange urge to keep the space unusually tidy—perhaps his presence was inspiring me! The room offers a gorgeous view of downtown and the John Gorrie Bridge, while the floor-to-ceiling marble in the bathroom is truly remarkable.
Guests staying on the second floor can easily access the iconic wraparound porch, but the inviting rocking chairs can be enjoyed by anyone. Grab a seat, relax, and enjoy the breeze, as generations of guests have done since the hotel’s inception.
“I think the wraparound porches and the rocking chairs have been a classic staple since the very first photo we have of the Gibson.”
Inside, the first floor offers cozy leather couches, art to admire, and a billiards room. The space, once a banquet hall, now encourages socializing under the watchful eye of Jean-Pierre, an 11-foot taxidermy alligator who’s become a beloved fixture.
“We really wanted this to be a communal space that’s fun and inviting,” Katharine explained.
For those who want to explore Apalachicola, the Gibson Inn offers complimentary bicycles, golf cart rentals for a daily rate, and even a Bentley chauffeur service for trips to nearby St. George Island.
With its convenient, walkable location, guests will feel right at home in the heart of Apalachicola.
A Culinary Experience to Savor
Dining at the Gibson Inn is a highlight all its own. The Franklin Café, affectionately known as Apalachicola’s unofficial living room, is where locals and visitors come together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features seasonal, elevated dishes that celebrate the best of Gulf Coast cuisine.
During my stay, I enjoyed the Biscuits & Gravy with Eggs for breakfast—the perfect hearty start to a day of exploring Apalachicola! While I visited on weekdays, I learned that weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas.
The Parlor Bar, dating back to the inn’s opening in 1907, invites guests to step back in time with craft cocktails, locally brewed beers, and artisanal wines. Whether inside or on the wraparound porch, you’ll find the atmosphere as timeless as the inn itself.
“One of my first memories was my friends taking me to the porch for a cocktail,” said Jason Bogan, General Manager of the Gibson Inn.
Looking Ahead: The Gibson Inn’s Bright Future
As the Gibson Inn approaches its 120th anniversary, the Etchen family remains committed to preserving its legacy while introducing modern enhancements. Plans are in motion for a new three-story building next door, designed to complement the inn’s architectural style and signature Gibson blue color.
This expansion will add additional guest rooms, a spa, a pool, and an elevator, ensuring the Gibson Inn continues to be a coveted destination for travelers seeking a blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
“Staying at a historic property gives you a glimpse into what life used to be like,” said Katharine.
A Stay That Stays With You
Call me dramatic, but my heart already aches for another stay at the Gibson Inn. There’s something about immersing yourself in history, in a charming small town, with such stunning accommodations, that makes you consider packing up everything and heading north. You’ll see what I mean when you visit, trust me!
