Question for Sunshinesue
 

Hi Sunshinesue - I'm hoping you can help me. (You seem to be an expert in Florida destinations) I've got another post on here for the Destin area but I'm really open to other areas of Florida as well. I'll be traveling with another couple and we are all 30ish. We want to lay by the pool or beach, drink alcohol and eat at great restaurants. We aren't looking for really low-key but nothing with little kids. I'd also like to take a fishing charter one day. Where might you suggest?

Hi Buckeyes,
I am afraid I am not an expert on most of Florida. I live in Tallahassee so the panhandle is what I am most familiar with. I read your other question about Destin and I will tell you that Destin is very family-oriented. There is probably no escaping little kids completely, but many (if not most) condos have separate adult and family pools.

You might find a more "adult" location in south FL but you will not find prettier beaches anywhere north of the caribbean. If you want gorgeous clear emerald green water and sugar white sand, Destin is the place.

Deep sea fishing is good in Destin and there are some excellent charters.

You might consider Sandestin:

http://sandestin.com/

Also, look at the beaches of south Walton on highway 30A, just east of Destin. These include Seaside (Jim Carry's The Truman Show was filmed there), Rosemary, Grayton, Watercolor, etc. I actually perfer 30A to Destin because the beaches are less crowded and the area is less congested.

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/

If money is no object, look at the Watercolor Inn. It is fabulous!

http://watercolorinn.com/

I also recommend you go to Trip Advisor and read the Destin board. It is a very active board with quite a few locals who post. You can find out a lot more there than I would ever be able to tell you here.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...n_Florida.html

Wherever you decide to go, I am sure you will have fun. But I can guarantee that the Destin/30A beaches will not disappoint you!

Thanks Sunshinesue! I knew you would be able to help. I have seen the Watercolor site and that looks absolutely wonderful, but maybe a little more laid back than what we're going for on this trip. I'd also heard things about Naples and Marco Island, so I wasn't sure if I should look into those places as well. I'm going to take a look at your sites and figure something out. Thanks!

<We want to lay by the pool or beach, drink alcohol and eat at great restaurants. We aren't looking for really low-key but nothing with little kids.>

Sounds like Ft. Lauderdale/South Beach/Keys. Try searching on any of those and see if you find something you like. If you want to stay in the Panhandle, I agree with SunshineSue that Sandestin or So. Walton would fit the bill.

Hi Sunshinesue! I am also a seeker of your sunny knowledge! We are driving to Orlando in a couple weeks to do the Disney thing with my sister's family of four and my three boys (all kids under 9 yikes!). We plan to drive from Birmingham and overnight in Tallahassee then continue on to Orlando the next day. I am looking for a nice inexpensive hotel with a pool to kick back at overnight in Tallahassee. I was actually looking for something interesting like a b and b or something at a state park for the kids but most essential is probably just a plain ol room with a pool. ANy suggestions? Thanks so much!

Have I got the place for you! Check out Wakulla Springs. It is a state park with an historic lodge, built in the 1930s by Ed Ball, brother in law of Alfred DuPont. If you have time take the jungle cruise or the glass bottom boat ride.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/wak...gs/default.cfm

http://www.wakullacounty.com/wakulla-24.htm

http://funandsun.com/parks/Wakulla/wakulla.html

There isn't a pool but there is a very nice swimming area in the Springs-if you can stand that icy water! In fact my teenage daughter was just there yesterday with a group of friends. They love to go.

Several movies have been made there including the old original Tarzan movies.

Wakulla Springs is south of Tallahassee and is not convenient to I-10 but if you want a taste of the real Florida, it is a great place.

Also, last time I checked they do not serve alcohol in the restaurant.

Have a great time!