We settled in at Panama City Beach like it was an old, worn, shoe.
The Emerald Coast has long been a favorite vacation destination for us, though we had not been to PCB in a long while. Grammy and Pops rejoined us for our spin around Florida, bringing back memories of our family trips to PCB in the ’80’s. But this time we managed to avoid buying matching airbrushed T-shirts or collecting sand dollars that would eventually stink up the garage as they dried out. Not to be avoided–an outing to Captain Anderson’s for a cocktail and their famous seasoned bay shrimp.
Maxing, relaxing, and schooling dominated our stay in PCB as we recovered from our recent travels and prepared to descend on the Everglades and Keys. The Farran’s, friends of Grammy and Pops, invited us to a cookout at their RV. Thank you! Grammy and Pops hosted several movie nights. Aca-Awesome! We even found time and space to crack open M3’s Star Wars Miniatures board game that, in contrast to its miniature description, requires a large 3 foot by 3 foot playing surface. I would have taken pictures but I’d already expended all my spare brain power figuring the game out.
The clean, white sand beaches sparkled, calling visitors to the coast, or perhaps yelling across the Gulf, “Eat your heart out Texas.”
A short stop in the laid back town of Cedar Key followed. Tony enticed us to his restaurant with a 3-time national award-winning clam chowder. I’ll admit it was the best I’ve had.
Chillin’ is the name of the game in Cedar Key. We enjoyed walking around town, shopping, eating, and goofing off.
The soothing vibes of Cedar Key diminished as we ventured south and disappeared altogether as we crept down US19 to Clearwater, caught in traffic made even worse by a PGA Tour event in Palm Harbor. Nerves further frazzled at Avalon RV Resort, where narrow roads and small sites barely accommodated our moving homes. Fortunately, friendly faces awaited.
The Betts family moved to Florida a few months back and we were not there to say goodbye. I know those back home, particularly the Blackbird Patrol, misses them. Their absence will certainly require an adjustment upon our return. They graciously invited us into their beautiful home and introduced us to Greek culture in Tarpon Springs. We enjoyed catching up and getting our Greek on at Hellas Restaurant.
The flaming cheese appetizer did not disappoint. Opa!
The bakery dishes delighted all.
M3 especially liked spending the night with AB. Does it get any better than hanging in a hot tub with a good friend and breakfast at Spirou’s? Yes….no parents in sight!
Thank you, Betts Family!
If it seems like we have eaten out a lot on this segment of your journey, you are right. But we are not done. Reuniting with Uncle D (Pops’ Brother) and Aunt L brought us to Frog Pond in North Redington Beach.
Great to see you guys!
Life is a grand adventure that is best when shared with family and friends.
In my mind … one of the best things I’ve read about is being able to eat the best [insert tasty dish here] in the country by travelling all around! Jealous!
Thank you for sharing your travels…living vicariously through you! If you haven’t traveled south yet, try Honeymoon Beach near Clearwater. It is a pristine state park with the most incredible shell collecting opportunities due to how the water hits the shore. It is beautiful! Hopefully you stopped at Lori’s Soaps and Sponges at the docks in Tarpon Springs. Great handmade goats’ milk soaps. We still have it shipped here. Blessings, safe travels, and thank you once again. What a memorable year of a lifetime,
Rebecca
Thanks, Rebecca! Glad to hear you are enjoying our travels too! Sounds like you have spent some time in the area! We obviously needed more time there! We did come home with some locally made soap and some sponges from Tarpon Springs. The soaps do smell wonderful. We will look forward to Honeymoon Beach next time!