sherryb

Going to Ft. Walton Beach, FLA May 2-6, staying at the Radisson. Can anyone tell me if there are any decent places to eat close to the hotel? Within walking distance, probably a mile max? Something like a Chili's or Outback? Nothing fancy as I have a 9 and 12 year old. Or am I stuck with renting a car? Any thoughts on the Radisson?

hmmm

Happy to report, can't help with the chain restaurants, but, you might enjoy renting a car and getting out. The Panhandle has many first-rate locally owned restaurants, including, you might guess, seafood establishments. Beats playing frogger by crossing the highway to dine at Chili's. And, the shoreline near Pensacola is gobsmacking gorgeous. Destin has a waterpark, the Big Kahuna, that your children likely would enjoy, and myriad other "family" attractions. Grayton Beach was recently named the best beach in the U.S. All are short drives from Ft. Walton.

sherryb

I did a bit of checking before I booked and reserved in Ft. Walton because it wasn't as busy and built up as Destin. We are there for just 3 full days basically and mostly want to sit on the beach and/or poolside. The Radisson does have a small lazy river ride attached to the pool and with the ocean steps away, we see no need to venture to a waterpark. The kids are fine with that. I have not been able to find a map with resteraunts pointed out and I had no idea the hotel was on a major rodeway. My husband is the only seafood lover so I do need other options that are more mainstream for the kids. We are coming from MA and really want to just veg on a beach. The kids have never experienced warm ocean water. Any help with a grocery store close to the Radisson so I can buy some breakfast and lunch items?

sunbabe

Sherry--Try this website. Click on City of Fort Walton Beach Area Map. I zoomed in to a city or street view and used the Smartview on the right side to choose what I wanted to find (shopping and services has grocery stores). You may find this map helpful. I can't give you any specific help with Fort Walton--last time I stayed there was around 1977! We were in Destin and Pensacola Beach last summer and driving through Fort Walton it looks to be a nice area. I think you'll find the beach very relaxing.


www.fwb.org/html/fwbareainfo.htm

sherryb

Thanks! The map helped and I am basically screwed! I guess I have no choice but to rent a car just so I can eat. It seems that anything my kids would like for dinner would be over the Brooks Bridge. I really didn't want to spend the $200+ for 4 days car rental but I have no choice now. Being from Massachusetts, I have no idea if Tom Thumb is a large grocery store or a small conveinence type store?

annieladd

I believe Tom Thumb is a convenience store. As long as you are renting a car now, drive down to Seaside, probably no more than 15 miles. It's such a pretty town, and you can rent bikes and have some fun getting around town.

carte005

There are actually a few good restaurants you could walk to:

1. Fuddpuckers. This is a very touristy seafood restaurant, but I think it would be fun for kids.

2. Pandora's. Very good restaurants with steaks and seafood.

3. Old Bay Steamer. Great steamed seafood.

4. Hightide. Greasy spoon seafood restaurant. Good, reasonably proced fried fish, etc.

I still think that you will want a car. I also think you ought to be able to get one for less than $200. And you will save cab fares to and from the airport.

carte005

Guess I should have previewed my post. Sorry for the typos.

sherryb

Typos don't bother me. I'm just glad I'm getting some help! I had thought last night of maybe winging it with the rental car. Taking a taxi from the airport (VPS?) to the Radisson and checking things out on the way there. We will likely stay at the Radisson all of Sunday as we will have to leave for the airport at 5:30am, getting into Ft. Walton at 11:30am. I figure we will be at the hotel by 1:00pm. At that point it's been a long day already and we will probably just eat dinner at the hotel that night. Any idea if the water temps will be alright for swimming? We are used to the beaches on Cape Cod and NH being about 65 or so. I never go past my knees! It's snowing, AGAIN, at the moment and all I can think of is floating in the Gulf. 2 months is too long to wait to be warm again. Are there flat rates for taxis down there?

LilyLace

When I lived in Ft Walton Beach we strated to go to the beach in February! Some days were cooler than others, but by April the weather was great! As for any other info, I can't help with it's been 17 years since I've been back!

carte005

By May the water will be warmer than it ever gets on the West Coast or in the NE. Even locals will be swimming by May. You should also miss the Spring Breaks crowds and beat the summer crowds.

I still think you would be better off getting a weekly car rental at the airport. The airport is very small (one gate), and the rental car places are right in the terminal, with the cars just out front. I think you will come out ahead, compared to taking a cab from the airport to the hotel, then taking another cab to a rental car place when you decide you want a car, then taking a third cab ride from the rental car place back to the airport when you return the car. Often weekly rates are less than renting it daily for 2-3 days. You might also check priceline.

arjay

DEFINITELY check out priceline for your car rental! Get a couple of actual quotes from Dollar, etc...so you have a frame of reference for going rates. Then check out what people are getting at Biddingfortravel.com. Our P'line car rental experiences have been as good as our hotel 'buys.'

We were at Seagrove Beach (a little east of where you'll be) a week and a half ago and I waded with the pooch - was suprised to find there was no...."OHHHHH! frigid surprise" in that water, accustomed as I am to Lake Michigan. It was quite pleasant. This Emerald Coast area is sooooo gorgeous - you are in for a lovely surprise.

sherryb

I checked Priceline and found the rates were higher than Expedia and the car rental websites, with Expedia being the least expensive. I still haven't booked a car though. I will wait until I get closer to May 2 and see if the rates come down at all. After perusing through this board for Ft. Walton Beach info. I am very comfortable with my choice. My family is looking forward to getting down there as it is freezing up here right now. The water temps shouldn't be a problem for us at all it sounds like. If anyone can think of anything we HAVE to see/do please post. I imagine we will need an afternoon or morning away from the beach and pool. We are going for a no-concrete-pavement-opposite-of-Disney-sit-on-the-beach-and-veg-vacation! Thanks so much for the help so far!