The area was first settled by Native Americans, especially near Falling Waters State Park, who harvested local rocks and minerals to create colorful pigments for paint and dyes. Over the years Spanish, English, and American settlers all left their mark on the area well before Washington County was officially established in 1825.
Chipley's rich mineral deposits, fertile soil, abundant waterways, hearty pine and hardwood forests, and later, railway access, afforded many opportunities for diversified industry, including agriculture, milling, forestry, and manufacturing. Today this quiet, family-friendly community is home largely to retirees and commuters.
You can discover all this history and more in downtown Chipley at the Washington County Historical Society, open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thirteen stately homes on South Third Street also preserve some of the town's rich history, with styles spanning from Queen Anne to Victorian. This area is designated as the South Street Historical District.
You can find some of the Gulf region's finest locally grown and harvested fare in Chipley at Main Street Market, located at the junction of Highway 77 and Highway 90. Here you'll find low country and Panhandle favorites like fresh, juicy Texas Oysters, gulf shrimp, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bags of fresh hot boiled peanuts. Satisfy your craving for a locally crafted beverage at Three Oaks Winery.
Don't let Chipley's small size fool you. There's plenty to see and do in town and throughout the surrounding area, from taking in a local production at the Spanish Trail Playhouse to exploring Chipley's two offroad tracks or marveling at the state's tallest waterfall at Falling Waters State Park.
Whether you've come to enjoy the city's sun, fun, and outdoor recreation or are just passing through, you're certain to be charmed and delighted by your visit to Chipley.
When should you visit Chipley, FL?
Summers in Chipley are hot, humid, and often rainy, though the storms may be limited to brief afternoon showers. Chipley's rainiest months are July and August, on average. Summer highs average in the low 90s while winter highs can average in the balmy 60s. Most visitors travel to Chipley in the months of June, July, and September on vacation, either heading to the local lake or farther afield to the Gulf, or to check out some of the city's annual events.
The Chipley Farmer's Market is a popular attraction from May to August and from October through November. The market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in season at the train depot between Highway 90 and the Amtrak station.
If you plan to attend the annual Possum Festival in nearby Wausau during early August, be sure to book early. You won't want to miss out on your chance to be crowned Possum King or Queen or the Possum Parade. The festival also celebrates all things about country life, past and present, from hog callin' rooster crowin' and cow lowin', and crosscut sawing contests to gospel, bluegrass, and country music concerts and pancake breakfasts.
Make plans to visit Chipley on the first or third Friday of the month to experience the Gilleys Family Opry. This Branson style concert experience showcases a family-friendly, eight-piece country and gospel band. Others mark their calendars for the Washington County segment of "Flea Across Florida." The Washington County segment stretches along Highway 90 in Chipley in mid-September, and people come from all around to score deals on antiques and rare bargains.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Chipley, FL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Chipley, FL. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the best months to book in Chipley for your upcoming travels.
What are the best hotels near Chipley for luxury lovers?
If you're looking for luxurious amenities near Chipley, you'll find the works at Comfort Inn & Suites Chipley. This hotel offers everything from in-room fridges and microwaves to personal coffee and tea makers. The whole family will be entertained, too, when they visit the on-site fitness center and the seasonal outdoor pool. You can fill up on a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning before heading to Lucas Lake and Falling Waters State Park, just 15 minutes away.
For similar amenities in a newly renovated hotel, head further afield to Bonifay, Florida. This hotel earns high marks for its friendly staff, sparkling cleanliness, fitness center, and outdoor pool with inviting patio and chaise lounges. Guests also enjoy access to a gift shop on-site.
What are the low cost hotels near Chipley?
3 Star Average Prices: $134.92
Check in to Days Inn by Wyndham Chipley, where you'll find affordable lodgings just 15 minutes outside of Falling Waters State Park and just 15 miles from Lucas Lake.
Each air-conditioned room features a fridge, which will allow you to save more during your stay by stowing light snacks and lunchmeats for picnic fare at the Park, and you can brew your own hot cup of coffee and tea whenever you'd like using the in-room coffee and tea maker. Daily housekeeping will tidy up while you enjoy a free continental breakfast. Come back at day's end to chill out and log on to the complimentary wireless internet or surf the programming on the flat-screen television.