Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

[lncoop]

This year we'll be traveling with two well behaved ten year old girls (vice admiral and her friend). They have great attitudes and are up for just about anything.

We've been doing the South Walton thing on and off for several years and would be happy to again. It's conveniently located to Little Rock and we've always enjoyed the beach there and the ability to go into Destin for shopping, kids' activities, etc. without having to actually stay there.:lol:

However, this time we're entertaining the possibility of going down to the forgotten coast area. Looks like a place for fishing, scalloping, shelling, birding, etc. Also looks more pet friendly but doesn't appear to have much in the way of shopping and other less earthy pursuits. If we did go down there we'd probably either tow the big john boat or carry a kayak and canoe.

So, is my perception reality? Pros/cons? Musts/must nots? Other thoughts? Lay it on me.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Luke...The Forgotten Coast is probably as opposite as can be when compared to SWB/Destin area. Once you travel east from Panama City there are no more high-rises. In fact all coastal counties east of PC have 40'(ish) peak roof heights. You will encounter small hotel chains, motels and lots of cottages for rent (in all price ranges). Mexico Beach, for example, is a popular vacation area (just E of PC).

Having followed your posts for some time I feel you would really enjoy St. George Island. There is plenty of homes for rent, scooters, bikes, etc., restaurants and beverage establishments. No high-rises, no crowds, no rowdy spring-breakers. Plenty of places to launch your boat and use your kayaks.

Your observations are spot on...if you want non-stop "something to do", stay where you've been comfortable. But I will add that once you've visited the Forgotten Coast...you won't forget it!

If you do end up in the SGI area, I will make sure to make time to show you around!

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

I spent some time around PC way back in 1973 and then again in 2004 couldn't believe how it had changed.

 

[sasto]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

I know where you were going, lncoop! Flor-idiot.

I don't have any recommendations. I built boats in Panama City some time back. Everything has changed.

Have fun, Buddy!

 

[sasto]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

This year we'll be traveling with two well behaved ten year old girls (vice admiral and her friend). They have great attitudes and are up for just about anything.
.

It's not them we are worried about!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

It's not them we are worried about!

Yeah, well just keep in mind one of them is my offspring!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Luke...The Forgotten Coast is probably as opposite as can be when compared to SWB/Destin area. Once you travel east from Panama City there are no more high-rises. In fact all coastal counties east of PC have 40'(ish) peak roof heights. You will encounter small hotel chains, motels and lots of cottages for rent (in all price ranges). Mexico Beach, for example, is a popular vacation area (just E of PC).

Having followed your posts for some time I feel you would really enjoy St. George Island. There is plenty of homes for rent, scooters, bikes, etc., restaurants and beverage establishments. No high-rises, no crowds, no rowdy spring-breakers. Plenty of places to launch your boat and use your kayaks.

Your observations are spot on...if you want non-stop "something to do", stay where you've been comfortable. But I will add that once you've visited the Forgotten Coast...you won't forget it!

If you do end up in the SGI area, I will make sure to make time to show you around!

+1. Can't go wrong with SGI. It is routinely voted one of the best beaches in the country while still having all the "touristy" stuff you could want, as well as access to all the neat old/real Florida towns (Apalachicola, St. Marks, Dog Island, St. Vincent's Island, etc...). It's also within 90 minutes of Tallahassee which has any "big city" stuff you may want/need. You can often rent an entire gigantic house on the island for less than you might think.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Luke...look through the "Florida South Georgia Get Together" thread in Activities Forum (pg 5) for some info about this area. Destin is a solid 3 hours west from here. Check accommodations online with Resort Vacation Properties. When are you planning to make the trip?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Probably go in early August. Rates drop then and we need to accomodate Gracie's little buddy's schedule. The admiral has decided she just doesn't want to drive past South Walton. I'm disappoined, but I understand. An hour and half isn't that much unless you've already driven ten. The struggle now is finding a good place that allows pets. This will be a challenge because the South Walton beaches are not at all pet friendly.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Well, Coop, I do have your solution in mind and, even though it would save you time (fewer pits stops), money (fewer rooms and meals) and gas (fewer bodies in your vehicle), I'm not going to mention it:becky: Just please shoot a PM to me when you have your ducks in line and I'll come to visit:fear:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Probably go in early August. Rates drop then and we need to accomodate Gracie's little buddy's schedule

Prime Mosquito season!!! Here are some other little buddys you will have when you are there!

Florida mosquito season ripe with painful behemoth gallinipper | Gainesville.com

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Probably go in early August. Rates drop then and we need to accomodate Gracie's little buddy's schedule. The admiral has decided she just doesn't want to drive past South Walton. I'm disappoined, but I understand. An hour and half isn't that much unless you've already driven ten. The struggle now is finding a good place that allows pets. This will be a challenge because the South Walton beaches are not at all pet friendly.

One other thing to keep in mind "Coop", if you do wind up in the Ft.Walton/Destin area, the weekend of Aug. 16-18 is the Emerald Coast Poker Run weekend. Massive crowds. Just an FYI. Good luck !!!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Thanks, gentlemen. Definitely won't be there that late in August.

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

whever you are there is a walmart within 15 miles of you.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

whever you are there is a walmart within 15 miles of you.

I wish!

 

[sasto]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Prime Mosquito season!!! Here are some other little buddys you will have when you are there!

Florida mosquito season ripe with painful behemoth gallinipper | Gainesville.com

I guess you have never been to Flamingo!

whever you are there is a walmart within 15 miles of you.

I guess you have never been to Flamingo!

Located at the far south mainland.....in the Everglades. No WalMart for miles and no big mosquotes. BUT, a gazillion itty bitty mosquitoes that are capable of carrying to the WalMart many, many, miles away.

Good luck, lncoop!

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Wife doesn't want to go west of Ft. Walton? Drive west on I-10 and get off at Exit 152, Hwy 69. Since you're not going through Ft. Walton, she may not know you've passed the Niceville exit.

Appalachacola is the real Florida that's getting increasingly hard to find. You know, the Florida without mascots, putt putt golf and go cart tracks.

I worked in Florida an average of 6 weeks per year, and have seen virtually all of the state. I no longer do the sand or beaches.

If I was coming out of North Little Rock with sun goddesses, I'd be stopping at Gulf Shores or Orange Beach and not going any farther. They won't know the difference.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

Wife doesn't want to go west of Ft. Walton? Drive west on I-10 and get off at Exit 152, Hwy 69. Since you're not going through Ft. Walton, she may not know you've passed the Niceville exit.

Appalachacola is the real Florida that's getting increasingly hard to find. You know, the Florida without mascots, putt putt golf and go cart tracks.

I worked in Florida an average of 6 weeks per year, and have seen virtually all of the state. I no longer do the sand or beaches.

If I was coming out of North Little Rock with sun goddesses, I'd be stopping at Gulf Shores or Orange Beach and not going any farther. They won't know the difference.

Wife doesn't want to go east of beaches of South Walton; Grayton, Rosemary, Santa Rosa, Seaside, Seagrove. I'd love to go on down to the Apalachicola area, but I'm the only one. That said, there are no mascots, putt putt or go karts in South Walton, and I really like it there. Was just hoping for something a little different. Orange Beach is out of the question.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

I've been givin the Royal Poop by the Admiral Coopoutretty sure I'm not gettin a Walmart, either...bummer

 

[lncoop]

Re: Calling All Floridio....... I Mean Floridians. Need Vaca advice.

I've been givin the Royal Poop by the Admiral Coopoutretty sure I'm not gettin a Walmart, either...bummer

Well, I didn't wanna say nothin', but here in the cradle of civilization we calls it Wal-Mark's, anyway.