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Extended trip to Panama City Beach and Myrtle Beach
Last winter we went to Portugal for our winter trip (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/extended-trip-to-portugal-1711933/) , this winter we're going to our usual - Florida, but to a location we haven't been before, Panama City Beach.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c42815b885.jpg This is what it looked at home when we left. Our first stop was Dayton, Ohio. The drive from Michigan to Ohio on I75 was straight forward and uneventful but somehow we arrived later than we had planned. The National Museum of the USAF is definitely worth seeing for those that have an interest in military aviation. The SR 71 is the crowning jewel of the entire collection in my opinion having seen it in flight - ageing myself :cool:. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...86f9d5621d.jpg SR 71 https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9b73cee747.jpg YF 22 notice person for size comparison https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e55f2eb121.jpg YF 23 https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f32f925066.jpg Avro a failed attempt at a flight disk The museum has a large variety including early airplanes, experimental airplanes, UAVs, missiles, ICBMs, space capsule from Appollo 15, flight simulators, etc. The museum deserves a minimum of a full day to appreciate the collection. Stayed at the nearby Springhill Suites which we enjoyed, clean , comfortable bed for a good night sleep. Ate at Roosters, casual atmosphere, good chicken sandwiches, the waiter had a pleasant funny disposition, made us feel comfortable and welcome. |
Thanks aulop for this trip report! I’m glad you included your stop in Ohio on the way south, a state I’ve enjoyed getting to know better in recent years.
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Daniel _Williams
Thanks, it's going to be an ongoing report. |
From Ohio we wanted to drive to Atlanta, Georgia but only made it to Knoxville, Tennessee due to stop and go traffic in Knoxville area.
Stayed at Hampton Inn, it was clean and comfortable, enjoyed our overnight. Tried Steak and Shake for a quick bite, which we enjoyed. Next morning we drove to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta unfortunately the parking lot was full , only those with prepaid parking were being allowed. Drove around trying to find parking, all the lots were full, instead we saw a lot of homeless people ( it seems that every large city and some smaller ones that we visit has a homeless population). Afterwards we decided to leave and try to visit the aquarium another time. Leaving Atlanta the traffic come to a stop ( perhaps an accident) after a very slow stop and go we exited I75 at Locust Green, where we overnighted at another Hampton Inn that was clean and comfortable. Ate at Shane's BBQ, it was ok. Tip: if visiting the Georgia Aquarium purchase tickets AND parking for guaranteed entrance. |
From Georgia we drove directly to Panama City Beach.
Panama City Beach has many hotels, rental apartment buildings and rental houses along the very long beach. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9eca77467.jpeg Our accommodation, road side view https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...78d7e9401.jpeg Our view https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2d1773bbdb.jpg Nice sunset on our first evening https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b37d4db6d0.jpg Gets dark early so the pool is lighted for evening swims |
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cbc98707c3.jpg
Panama City Beach row of beachfront hotels and apartment buildings https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6438c97852.jpg Can you spot the building in the back? That's the difference between beachfront and ocean view https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0b4c883c1.jpeg Row of beachfront homes, some are rentals https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6d89ad1eb.jpeg Some restaurants have beach patios for dining that offer a nice beach view, this one is Pineapple Willy's https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d9ed4bac3.jpeg Along the beach there are several beach accesses for those staying inland however we haven't seen public parking near the beach accesses https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...eedee65cad.jpg Public walkway to the beach https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...07f9b0b9e.jpeg Public walkway to the beach, this one is part of Rick Seltzer park and has parking https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...80b394180.jpeg Beach flag info https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1e6c803ccb.jpg Sea creature washed ashore Sea cucumber? Sea slug? https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...353362c197.jpg Still don't know what this creature is https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c7041fbd1.jpeg Small pen mussel intact https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b1dde2d86.jpeg Full size pen muscle shell damaged https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...37d28b2bf.jpeg Jellyfish https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cffd1c665.jpeg Underside of damaged jellyfish https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...82341edc46.png Colorful barnacle washed ashore |
Todd Heredeen Theatre
We went to the Todd Heredeen Theatre for a dinner and show. Met Todd and his wife Angel a few days before at the box office. Very nice people, down to earth, friendly , made us feel welcomed. The dinner and show consist of a fried chicken dinner with mash potatoes, gravy, green beans, bread, cupcake and soft drinks, it was actually quite delicious, the fried chicken was better than the big chains like KFC. Todd and Angel put their heart into a great show from different artists, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Elvis. Todd also interacted with audience with some jokes. The band was good, quite impressed by the trumpet player and lead guitar. Strongly recommend the show if you're in Panama City Beach. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5dffb82f8.jpeg Todd Heredeen Theatre https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6b50a7674.jpeg Inside the theatre https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...db8380383.jpeg Decorations in the theater https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1e9659b08.jpeg The dinner is served semi buffet style https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1009391b6c.jpg Todd and Angel Heredeen along with the band. |
Unfortunately a tornado hit about a mile away from us, while we're ok others had their property severely damaged.
Fortunately no one was killed. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8e2800a369.jpg House lifted from foundation https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...86e1d6b799.jpg Damage at trailer park https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...63ce2b3f31.jpg House damage https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a68c79c95e.jpg Commercial building damaged https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...df517270ba.jpg Boat throwned onto the beach |
Great photos! Thanks for sharing. I feel like I'm there!
:) |
FloridaLover7
Thank you for the positive comments, appreciate it. We'll be in Florida for a while longer, I'll keep posting about it as we experience it. |
Another fan here, looking forward to more.
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Thanks for taking us along on your trip.
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Brian_in_Charlotte
oldemalloy Welcome aboard, hope my trip report will be helpful. |
Ksowjanya5512
Thanks for the positive comments, appreciate it. |
Supermarkets and fish markets
The main supermarkets that we use are Walmart, WinnDixie, Publix and Fresh Market. There are also several fish markets, some with similar names, our favorite is Buddy Gandys, they have whole fish that they clean and fillet if requested, crabs, shrimp, scallops that they steam on request for a fee. They also sell oysters. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d69ba261c.jpeg Publix supermarket https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ec9c260a2.jpeg WinnDixie supermarket https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d6c084057.jpeg Fresh Market https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ae60c1c44.jpeg Buddy Gandys our favorite fish market https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f5b282114.jpeg Buddy Gandys fresh whole fish https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8272a5943.jpeg Live blue crabs at Buddy Gandys https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5f37df3d9.jpeg Buddy Gandys fresh caught shrimp, they have heads on or headless. We keep buying the large shrimp and Buddy steams it - delicious. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ed5c684f1.jpeg Whole shrimp steamed from Buddy Gandys https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cd5e7c7676.jpg We eat the shrimp by itself or in our version of seafood pasta. Fettuccine, Marinara sauce, Shrimp topped with Parmesan cheese and Green Onions. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...622ada9250.jpg Doesn't get much better than this |
Oh fresh head on shrimp. Get some and google for a recipe for Louisiana BBQ shrimp--preferably a sheet pan recipe which makes it super easy. You will never look back on a steamed shrimp!! Great pics. The seafood market is wonderful.
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Gretchen
Thank you for your suggestion, I'm going to look for the recipe. Buddy's seafood market told me that due to the cold water some fish are further south until the water warms up, but we're having seafood feasts with what's available. |
Panama City Beach has several several attractions/activities for non beach days and beach stores if you forgot your beach supplies.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1429763e2e.jpg Pirate themed mini golf https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6b2bb882bb.jpg Pirate themed mini golf https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6f6bfb0668.jpg Pirate themed mini golf https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...786c946ec5.jpg Animal themed mini golf https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3e2027a47c.jpg Go karts https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4724b1cc04.jpg Rollercoaster https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0d149427c0.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8b421061d8.jpg Themed beach stores if you forgot your beach supplies https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3a784014a.jpeg Interesting store entrance |
Another beach day with mixed weather, we took a relaxing walk on the beach and a day trip to Port St. Joe - where I hoped to see the shrimp boats with their long "arms" but none were in port.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1c6c3f8d6.jpeg PCB beach https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...26b1d1468.jpeg PCB beach https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...54272ba15.jpeg " Homos Detectus " https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8efba9933.jpeg Sand abrasion sculpted this piece of black wood https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...964d81ba59.jpg PCB beach mini sand cliff https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6436bd4924.jpg This time of year is the off season, no lifeguards, their huts are stored inland https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...657e0e692f.jpg As we drove to Port St Joe we passed by Tyndall AFB, the road is somewhat desolate https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...29fde3faf.jpeg Jet streaks from Tyndall AFB practicing https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...40778b0f0.jpeg Mexico beach, Florida Mexico beach was severely damaged by a hurricane some years back but most of the town is rebuilt https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...83fa2e9e1.jpeg Mexico beach house on stilts, common feature in Florida's coastal areas https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fbd159e34.jpeg Mexico beach house rebuilding https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dd8a7cb0a.jpeg Mexico beach house stilt remains https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...da3d0a8df.jpeg Finished our day back at PCB |
PCB has a multitude of restaurants from fast food to fine dining, most are open but a few are closed for the season.
Rudy's and Wicked Wheel are our favorites so far. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...504936eb3.jpeg Some restaurants are closed for the season, coincidentally almost all captain named restaurants are close, captain Jack's, captain Dave, captain Anderson https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...85caea7c4.jpeg Rudy's our favorite for bbq https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9a15c27bfa.jpg Rudy's has a very casual relaxed set up https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4b89ca152.jpeg Rudy's menu, the brisket is our favorite but it's a little on the dry side, a little BBQ sauce makes it delicious https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d4cb011a82.jpg Wicked Wheel is not a biker bar despite the bike decorations, it's a casual restaurant with delicious food and reasonable prices. My favorite dish is the flounder with mashed potatoes (buttery) and coleslaw. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d1f52af17c.jpg Wicked Wheel menu https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...60182a48e5.jpg Wicked Wheel lunch specials |
These latest beach photos with a foggy vibe are incredible! You should sell them! :)
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FloridaLover7
Really appreciate your comments. Glad my photos are appreciated. Thanks |
St. Andrews state park
At one end of Panama City Beach is St. Andrews state park. The park is good for day trips and has overnight camping ( didn't see any tents only RV), it has a park store, snack bar , more than one beach area, boat launch ramps and the boats to Shell Island depart from the park. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...45be8b900.jpeg St. Andrews state park https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6fa6002b41.jpg Inside the park office there are some static displays of local wildlife https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...33f405d094.jpg Butterfly display https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...54d999bde.jpeg Shoreline display https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5429fd17e.jpeg Fish display https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1bfd99612.jpeg Wildlife display https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1d670991d.jpeg Entrance to one of the piers, the park has 2 piers, this one is the longest https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...630404d2e.jpeg View of sand dunes from the pier https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e36548a41.jpeg View of one of the beach areas from the pier https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...03055fc7f.jpeg View from the end of the pier https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9e58395d0.jpeg Fishing is allowed at the pier https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...62ad46b7d.jpeg Pier structure framing the nearest buildings https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8a00f910f.jpeg Pier structure underside https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2a1ba1ac5.jpeg Pier structure side view https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b1a4e1949.jpeg Covered tables by park store https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4bd4bf696.jpeg Light snacks and drinks are available https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5f1cdbab2.jpeg Beach wheelchair available for persons with reduced mobility https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...90089a7c37.jpg In the parking lot newly planted palm trees with support bracing and a lone survivor from the last storm https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9c3016dd9.jpeg Different beach area https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5ca159ced.jpeg Stone jetty beach with very calm water perfect for young children https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dc59928e4.jpeg Park inland lake https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4b3522b22a.jpg The park has alligators but didn't see any https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...43ded242a.jpeg Park boat launch ramps https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3cc87f128.jpeg Ferry to Shell Island from the park https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6fa3f8994.jpeg The other park pier, this one has a fish cleaning station nearby |
Oooohh. I was gonna say what a lucky picture of the turtles--but loved it. Has anyone (including me!) asked what camera you are using. VERY nice journal.
I will be really interested in seeing what you find in MB! There are some "goodies" but..... :O) |
Gretchen
For the photos I use Ulefone set with HDR ( High Dynamic Range) which usually makes the photos more vivid than with the naked eye depending on the available light. If you know of interesting places in Myrtle Beach let me know, we are going mostly to check out the beach area but will probably have enough time to check other points of interest, thanks. |
Well, that is a bit of my snark. As one who goes to Litchfield at least 4 times a year I stay away from MB. BUT.....
You must go to Brookgreen Gardens. Visit Atalanta, across the road--the Huntington's home--Moorish influenced architecture. Beach there is good for shelling Hobcaw Barony (make a reservation for the tour before going). It is just south of Litchfield/Pawley's. Bernard Baruch's former duck hunting preserve now an eco arm of Clemson University Visit Pawley's Island historic district. It is where the rice planters from Charleston spent summers to escape the malarial mosquitoes Go to Georgetown--Revolutionary era homes. Just charming Eat in Murrell's Inlet often--Russell's is a favorite. Seven Seas seafood Market is our favorite for fresh seafood--close to business 17 at the top of Murrell's Inlet. Brookgreen and Hobcaw both give wonderful non-development buffers to that part of the coast!! We are lucky. Are you going directly to MB? Passing by Charleston? Interesting about the camera. Thanks. For white table cloth dining go to Perrone's or Frank's Outback. Outstanding food. On 17 in Pawley's Island. Chive Blossom is good for lunch--on the road to the causeway to Pawley's Island. |
Gretchen
Brookgreen gardens was on my list but the other places weren't, I've added them, hopefully I'll have enough time to visit. Appreciate the travel tips. Thanks |
When you go to Brookgreen do eat in Murrell's Inlet or Pawley's. Our entire family (DH"s parents) have been going to that coast for 90 years--when North Myrtle Beach was Ocean Drive and had shag contests weekly!! There wasn't any grilled or sauteed fish--fry fry fry!! And nothing but "sweettea" to drink! Times change and Murrell's Inlet is booming but their seafood restaurants are really good--and you have an immense choice within yards of each other!! There are several on the waterfront (it's an inlet so not ocean). And for a restaurant ON the ocean with a great outdoor feel (not in a hotel high rise type) there is the Conch Cafe in Garden City (just south of MB)
Oh, and you may be there during soft shell crab season--if you like them, not to be missed. |
Brookgreen gardens newsletter.
https://www.brookgreen.org/?utm_sour...ae15-387600123 |
Gretchen
Thanks for all the travel tips. Appreciated |
Between rentals we had to stay at a local hotel.
Homewood Suites is inland but not far from the beach ( 10 to 15 minutes). It seems to be a recently built hotel, everything is very clean, the staff were welcoming and helpful, the rooms are nice with comfortable beds. Recommend it. WiFi tip: WiFi issue while trying to connect to the hotels WiFi - the phone would show connected but no access to internet and no log in page ( the page with the WiFi rules agreement). Hotel staff were helpful, eventually the solution was found. Instead of HTTPS ( higher security) HTTP website is required to allow connection, after the connection HTTPS websites are accessible. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...eb1d1619d.jpeg Homewood Suites Panama City Beach https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...09e509ad8.jpeg Homewood Suites surrounded by nature and sports fields https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e4be69385.jpeg Homewood Suites lobby https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...164b1452e.jpeg Homewood Suites breakfast area https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ebf7640f7.jpeg Homewood Suites |
We moved to a new location near Pier Park.
This area seems to be more alive with a lot more tourists. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...51d46aeff.jpeg New location across the street from the beach https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...800c4de9d.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...92e823495.jpeg The beach in this area is steeper by the water's edge and has a number of stormwater drains flowing into the ocean https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dd179eb61.jpeg Steeper edges at water's edge, uncomfortable angle walking https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d2fbc1893.jpeg Stormwater drain on the beach https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6d9b73750.jpeg Stormwater drain https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d8328c9d0.jpeg Stormwater discharge into the ocean https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2666a9841.jpeg Stormwater at beach edge https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...583544d19.jpeg Stormwater drain almost cuts the beach in half |
Still very much enjoying this very real reflection of the panhandle coast. Can't wait to see your pictures and impressions of Myrtle Beach.
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Brian_in_Charlotte
Glad you're enjoying the trip report. Still have a few weeks in PCB before heading to Myrtle Beach. |
Live theatre
We went to Sandestin to see a play staged by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company. The Play That Goes Wrong is slapstick comedy with the simple premise that everything goes wrong as the actors try to act - the props fail, actors miss the cues, etc. We have seen the British TV show ( The Goes Wrong Show), it was interesting to see it adapted to live theatre. The area surrounding the theatre has some nice shops and restaurants. The weather was rainy and grey but on the plus side it gives stone surfaces the vivid wet look - great for photography. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fb7f1f627.jpeg Emerald Coast Theatre Company advertising https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e6ab1bacf.jpeg Emerald Coast Theatre Company https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3e08f9e5c.jpeg Theatre lobby area, drinks are available https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7abe0b22e.jpeg The stage, no photography during the actual play https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cd3bbcc46.jpeg Streets surrounding the theatre https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ec8973122.jpeg The wet look on the stone surfaces https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4f0265806.jpeg If you're an aspiring chef, Williams Sonoma is here https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8768990b0.jpeg Everkrisp has healthy meals https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5ca37c632.jpeg This store fooled me, I thought it was a restaurant with an outdoor area but it's a furniture store https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...53e80e290.jpeg Still a furniture store |
Pier Park is very walkable with lots of small shops and restaurants on the south side and bigger stores( Walmart ,Target, etc) on the north side including a movie theater.
On the beach side is also the Pier that gives it's name. To one side behind the parking area there is a bandstand where large events are held, in this area there is also a Veteran Memorial and walking trail. The whole area is nice to have a relaxing walk and a tasty meal. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3c714508af.jpg Pier Park https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6c468ac894.jpg The Pier entrance https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e3ae8873d.jpeg Calm water at the Pier https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7de394431d.jpg Shops at Pier Park https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4bb5c3244.jpeg Pier Park restaurants https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...69b50d7bf7.jpg Colorful restaurant entrance https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7a5a9eabd.jpeg Plenty of chairs to take a relaxing break https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c360149b8.jpeg Still looking for the lost shaker of salt... https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9950c72825.jpg Mural at Pier Park https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3f8c984d4.jpeg Veterans Memorial at Pier Park https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a226c75c2.jpeg Each branch of the armed forces has it's own remembrance medallion https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...054486c79f.jpg Walking trail, bandstand in the background https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dbc809ad5.jpeg Walking trail area with interesting plant life https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...468f1effa.jpeg Deer Moss https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ee3c39af3c.jpg Lichen on tree bark https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9187f195c.jpeg Colorful fungi on dead tree https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ea28c0d17.jpeg Unusually colorful |
Eden Gardens State Park
We took a day trip to the park which is about 45 minutes from our location. The park has the homestead of the Wexley family, a garden area, nature trail and backs onto a lake. When we visited the entry fee to the park was placed in an envelope that is deposited into a post similar to a mail box near the guard house. Guided tours are available hourly at the house itself for a fee. Group size is limited to 10 people, unfortunately there were too many people waiting for the tour and after waiting thru 3 cycles of guided tours ( 3 hours) we gave up and enjoyed the gardens. Not all the flowers are in bloom but the roses and azaleas are beautiful. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...01a17f6e2.jpeg Eden Gardens State Park https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...689db2b1a.jpeg Wexley house and reflecting pool https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a458a9b7c.jpeg Wexley house with the surrounding porch typical of southern houses https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3286ff2b8.jpeg Wexley house "backyard" https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...402168ac7.jpeg Resting spot in the garden https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9ea28f684.jpeg Tree garden https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3b1f394d1.jpeg Ferns growing on the tree https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0c4472e26.jpeg Ferns on the tree https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...79524dd4c.jpeg Kissing trees - somewhat rare - two different trees grow so close to each that they rub off each other's bark and become joined. In this case a Pine and Hickory trees https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...32f23e057.jpeg Knotted tree https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...736483257.jpeg Pond statute apparently inspired by Huckleberry Finn https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e9d7a2383.jpeg Garden statuary https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a038cd3e7.jpeg Large Oaks and flowering Azaleas https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9d73028f4.jpeg Azalea https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dd006b3dc.jpeg Azalea https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e3b6877a8.jpeg Multicolored Azalea https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b0a06b285.jpeg Bee on Azalea flower https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8ca9452b9.jpeg Rose https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3a7339d52.jpeg Lake bench, relaxing spot to view the water |
Captain Andersons Restaurant and Marina.
We took a relaxing stroll through the marina ( fishing boats along with pleasure craft and day cruise/ tour boats) before heading to the restaurant. The restaurant has nautical decorations and some tables have a view of the boats The restaurant is quite big but despite being full, service was quick and very good. Can't say enough praise to our waitress, she was excellent. We had calamari for appetizers ( they used the smaller size calamari which was tasty and tender, not greasy) spiny lobster for the main with Greek salad and new potatoes for sides and pecan chocolate cake for dessert ( can't go wrong with chocolate). Everything was very good. Recommend it for a nice dinner out or a celebration. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fda80d3a4c.jpg Captain Andersons tour boat https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0a1111d26d.jpg Captain Andersons tour catamaran https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a23cc67d19.jpg Pirate themed boat at Captain Andersons marina https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...685d2bd4f6.jpg Captain Andersons marina and restaurant. There's a Pelican in this photo, can you spot it? https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d36ff74396.jpg Large propeller at Captain Andersons restaurant entrance https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...358c7841e.jpeg Nautical decorations in the restaurant https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...464ed4e12.jpeg Some of the tables have a direct view of the marina https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...092f4d892.jpeg Spiny lobster, has a milder flavor compared to cold water lobster ( Maine lobster). Spiny lobster has antennae instead of claws https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...097dbba4a.jpeg Nighttime illuminated entrance drive to Captain Andersons |
Panama City ( not Panama City Beach) mural trail.
On a nice sunny but windy day we decided to visit Panama City mural trail. Some murals are close to each other while others are spread out whitin the City ( not walking distance). We couldn't find a mural trail map so it took some research to find the location of each mural. We made it a day trip and lunched at nearby Cracker Barrel, while service and food we're ok somehow it wasn't as satisfying as we remember it from previous visits. Photo sampling of Panama City murals https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...93fddc6a9.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4f69987e9.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dd5326460.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1480ee3f8.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e8d5c50773.jpg |
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