Ahhhh, vacation.
For the first time in several years the beach was vacation destination; Panama City Beach, Florida to be more precise. Beautiful beaches, fun for the kids, fabulous seafood, a little R & R, were the main goals for the time off, and of course - try some new beers, eat tons of shrimp and find some good BBQ.
First pit stop: lunch in Montgomery, AL at
Jim & Nick's BBQ. Very good pulled pork, very good sauces including a habanero hot sauce with just enough kick to it. Everyone enjoyed lunch. Back on the road.
Arrived at destination around 5:00 CDT. Thrilled to find out that our room has been upgraded to a two-bedroom unit, top floor corner, beach view. Win! Great balcony, nice clean room: this vacation is starting out quite nicely.
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| View from the balcony |
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| If you build it, they will come... |
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| My big ass big toes |
Plenty of white sand at the beach, tons of good restaurants, now to find some good beers. Mission accomplished on a trip to
Kwiker Liquor where Cantillon, Prairie Artisan,
Fantôme, Crooked Stave, Cigar City and other great craft beers are acquired; some for the beach, most for sharing back home. Dinners at Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House, Margaritaville,
The Red Bar in Grayton Beach,
Hofbräu Beer Garden, and Hana Japan are all family pleasers. Quickie trip to Grayton Beer Company for an impromptu tour before our dinner at The Red Bar is a nice pit stop. Nice people, good beers.
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| She is a budding model |
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| Origins Beach Resort, our residence for the week |
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The one stormy day
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Most of the vacation is for family and fun though. My
eleven year old daughter took several of these pictures and is also featured
in some. She is wise beyond her years and very artistic like her
older sister, Ashlyn. Tons of fun in the sand at the beach. Lots of just enjoying the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
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| Sunset on the pier |
After further consideration, there will be many more return trips to the
Panama City Beach area in Florida. Best vacation in a long time.
Remember to try new foods and new beers, seek out the local BBQ joints during your jaunt, enjoy your vacation. You never know what you might find. Surprise yourself, you might like it.
