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-   -   Extended trip to Panama City Beach and Myrtle Beach (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/extended-trip-to-panama-city-beach-and-myrtle-beach-1719599/)

aulop Jan 25th, 2024 07:26 AM

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


FloridaLover7 Jan 25th, 2024 12:53 PM

These latest beach photos with a foggy vibe are incredible! You should sell them! :)

aulop Jan 26th, 2024 06:39 AM

FloridaLover7

Really appreciate your comments.
Glad my photos are appreciated.
Thanks

aulop Jan 27th, 2024 06:47 AM

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



Gretchen Jan 28th, 2024 03:44 AM

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)

aulop Jan 29th, 2024 05:21 AM

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.

Gretchen Jan 29th, 2024 06:05 AM

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.

aulop Jan 30th, 2024 07:19 AM

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

Gretchen Jan 31st, 2024 02:57 AM

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.

Gretchen Jan 31st, 2024 04:30 AM

Brookgreen gardens newsletter.
https://www.brookgreen.org/?utm_sour...ae15-387600123

aulop Feb 2nd, 2024 04:19 AM

Gretchen
Thanks for all the travel tips.
Appreciated

aulop Feb 2nd, 2024 04:44 AM

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





aulop Feb 3rd, 2024 07:32 AM

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

Brian_in_Charlotte Feb 3rd, 2024 03:53 PM

Still very much enjoying this very real reflection of the panhandle coast. Can't wait to see your pictures and impressions of Myrtle Beach.

aulop Feb 4th, 2024 05:32 PM

Brian_in_Charlotte

Glad you're enjoying the trip report.
Still have a few weeks in PCB before heading to Myrtle Beach.

aulop Feb 4th, 2024 05:59 PM

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

aulop Feb 6th, 2024 04:30 AM

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

aulop Feb 10th, 2024 05:43 AM

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




aulop Feb 12th, 2024 12:34 PM

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






aulop Feb 14th, 2024 11:57 AM

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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