Extended trip to Panama City Beach and Myrtle Beach
Jan 25th, 2024, 07:26 AM
#21
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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.
Some restaurants are closed for the season, coincidentally almost all captain named restaurants are close, captain Jack's, captain Dave, captain Anderson
Rudy's our favorite for bbq
Rudy's has a very casual relaxed set up
Rudy's menu, the brisket is our favorite but it's a little on the dry side, a little BBQ sauce makes it delicious
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.
Wicked Wheel menu
Wicked Wheel lunch specials
Rudy's and Wicked Wheel are our favorites so far.
Some restaurants are closed for the season, coincidentally almost all captain named restaurants are close, captain Jack's, captain Dave, captain Anderson
Rudy's our favorite for bbq
Rudy's has a very casual relaxed set up
Rudy's menu, the brisket is our favorite but it's a little on the dry side, a little BBQ sauce makes it delicious
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.
Wicked Wheel menu
Wicked Wheel lunch specials
Jan 27th, 2024, 06:47 AM
#24
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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.
St. Andrews state park
Inside the park office there are some static displays of local wildlife
Butterfly display
Shoreline display
Fish display
Wildlife display
Entrance to one of the piers, the park has 2 piers, this one is the longest
View of sand dunes from the pier
View of one of the beach areas from the pier
View from the end of the pier
Fishing is allowed at the pier
Pier structure framing the nearest buildings
Pier structure underside
Pier structure side view
Covered tables by park store
Light snacks and drinks are available
Beach wheelchair available for persons with reduced mobility
In the parking lot newly planted palm trees with support bracing and a lone survivor from the last storm
Different beach area
Stone jetty beach with very calm water perfect for young children
Park inland lake
The park has alligators but didn't see any
Park boat launch ramps
Ferry to Shell Island from the park
The other park pier, this one has a fish cleaning station nearby
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.
St. Andrews state park
Inside the park office there are some static displays of local wildlife
Butterfly display
Shoreline display
Fish display
Wildlife display
Entrance to one of the piers, the park has 2 piers, this one is the longest
View of sand dunes from the pier
View of one of the beach areas from the pier
View from the end of the pier
Fishing is allowed at the pier
Pier structure framing the nearest buildings
Pier structure underside
Pier structure side view
Covered tables by park store
Light snacks and drinks are available
Beach wheelchair available for persons with reduced mobility
In the parking lot newly planted palm trees with support bracing and a lone survivor from the last storm
Different beach area
Stone jetty beach with very calm water perfect for young children
Park inland lake
The park has alligators but didn't see any
Park boat launch ramps
Ferry to Shell Island from the park
The other park pier, this one has a fish cleaning station nearby
Jan 28th, 2024, 03:44 AM
#25
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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.....
I will be really interested in seeing what you find in MB! There are some "goodies" but.....
Jan 29th, 2024, 05:21 AM
#26
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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.
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.
Jan 29th, 2024, 06:05 AM
#27
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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.
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.
Jan 31st, 2024, 02:57 AM
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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.
Oh, and you may be there during soft shell crab season--if you like them, not to be missed.
Jan 31st, 2024, 04:30 AM
#30
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Brookgreen gardens newsletter.
https://www.brookgreen.org/?utm_sour...ae15-387600123
https://www.brookgreen.org/?utm_sour...ae15-387600123
Feb 2nd, 2024, 04:44 AM
#32
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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.
Homewood Suites Panama City Beach
Homewood Suites surrounded by nature and sports fields
Homewood Suites lobby
Homewood Suites breakfast area
Homewood Suites
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.
Homewood Suites Panama City Beach
Homewood Suites surrounded by nature and sports fields
Homewood Suites lobby
Homewood Suites breakfast area
Homewood Suites
Feb 3rd, 2024, 07:32 AM
#33
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We moved to a new location near Pier Park.
This area seems to be more alive with a lot more tourists.
New location across the street from the beach
The beach in this area is steeper by the water's edge and has a number of stormwater drains flowing into the ocean
Steeper edges at water's edge, uncomfortable angle walking
Stormwater drain on the beach
Stormwater drain
Stormwater discharge into the ocean
Stormwater at beach edge
Stormwater drain almost cuts the beach in half
This area seems to be more alive with a lot more tourists.
New location across the street from the beach
The beach in this area is steeper by the water's edge and has a number of stormwater drains flowing into the ocean
Steeper edges at water's edge, uncomfortable angle walking
Stormwater drain on the beach
Stormwater drain
Stormwater discharge into the ocean
Stormwater at beach edge
Stormwater drain almost cuts the beach in half
Feb 4th, 2024, 05:59 PM
#36
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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.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company advertising
Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Theatre lobby area, drinks are available
The stage, no photography during the actual play
Streets surrounding the theatre
The wet look on the stone surfaces
If you're an aspiring chef, Williams Sonoma is here
Everkrisp has healthy meals
This store fooled me, I thought it was a restaurant with an outdoor area but it's a furniture store
Still a furniture store
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.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company advertising
Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Theatre lobby area, drinks are available
The stage, no photography during the actual play
Streets surrounding the theatre
The wet look on the stone surfaces
If you're an aspiring chef, Williams Sonoma is here
Everkrisp has healthy meals
This store fooled me, I thought it was a restaurant with an outdoor area but it's a furniture store
Still a furniture store
Last edited by aulop; Feb 4th, 2024 at 06:40 PM.
Feb 6th, 2024, 04:30 AM
#37
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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.
Pier Park
The Pier entrance
Calm water at the Pier
Shops at Pier Park
Pier Park restaurants
Colorful restaurant entrance
Plenty of chairs to take a relaxing break
Still looking for the lost shaker of salt...
Mural at Pier Park
Veterans Memorial at Pier Park
Each branch of the armed forces has it's own remembrance medallion
Walking trail, bandstand in the background
Walking trail area with interesting plant life
Deer Moss
Lichen on tree bark
Colorful fungi on dead tree
Unusually colorful
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.
Pier Park
The Pier entrance
Calm water at the Pier
Shops at Pier Park
Pier Park restaurants
Colorful restaurant entrance
Plenty of chairs to take a relaxing break
Still looking for the lost shaker of salt...
Mural at Pier Park
Veterans Memorial at Pier Park
Each branch of the armed forces has it's own remembrance medallion
Walking trail, bandstand in the background
Walking trail area with interesting plant life
Deer Moss
Lichen on tree bark
Colorful fungi on dead tree
Unusually colorful
Feb 10th, 2024, 05:43 AM
#38
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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.
Eden Gardens State Park
Wexley house and reflecting pool
Wexley house with the surrounding porch typical of southern houses
Wexley house "backyard"
Resting spot in the garden
Tree garden
Ferns growing on the tree
Ferns on the tree
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
Knotted tree
Pond statute apparently inspired by Huckleberry Finn
Garden statuary
Large Oaks and flowering Azaleas
Azalea
Azalea
Multicolored Azalea
Bee on Azalea flower
Rose
Lake bench, relaxing spot to view the water
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.
Eden Gardens State Park
Wexley house and reflecting pool
Wexley house with the surrounding porch typical of southern houses
Wexley house "backyard"
Resting spot in the garden
Tree garden
Ferns growing on the tree
Ferns on the tree
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
Knotted tree
Pond statute apparently inspired by Huckleberry Finn
Garden statuary
Large Oaks and flowering Azaleas
Azalea
Azalea
Multicolored Azalea
Bee on Azalea flower
Rose
Lake bench, relaxing spot to view the water
Last edited by aulop; Feb 10th, 2024 at 05:47 AM.
Feb 12th, 2024, 12:34 PM
#39
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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.
Captain Andersons tour boat
Captain Andersons tour catamaran
Pirate themed boat at Captain Andersons marina
Captain Andersons marina and restaurant.
There's a Pelican in this photo, can you spot it?
Large propeller at Captain Andersons restaurant entrance
Nautical decorations in the restaurant
Some of the tables have a direct view of the marina
Spiny lobster, has a milder flavor compared to cold water lobster ( Maine lobster). Spiny lobster has antennae instead of claws
Nighttime illuminated entrance drive to Captain Andersons
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.
Captain Andersons tour boat
Captain Andersons tour catamaran
Pirate themed boat at Captain Andersons marina
Captain Andersons marina and restaurant.
There's a Pelican in this photo, can you spot it?
Large propeller at Captain Andersons restaurant entrance
Nautical decorations in the restaurant
Some of the tables have a direct view of the marina
Spiny lobster, has a milder flavor compared to cold water lobster ( Maine lobster). Spiny lobster has antennae instead of claws
Nighttime illuminated entrance drive to Captain Andersons
Last edited by aulop; Feb 12th, 2024 at 12:38 PM.
Feb 14th, 2024, 11:57 AM
#40
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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
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
