Vacation spot on the Gulf of Mexico

[blackkarma]

I lived in the Panhandle for years, and spent most of my childhood there. The areas of Walton County and Destin, even onto Okaloosa Island, are great areas for families. I would steer clear of PCB. Even check out Navarre Beach, if you want something quieter but not outrageously expensive like Walton Beaches(Rosemary, Seaside, ect). Okaloosa Island is a great place, easy drive to Destin <5 min, and is not quite as pricey as Destin.

This year and last year there has been an "overabundance" of condo rentals in the areas. I am still searching for a July 4th condo, and just watching the prices come down. You will have no problem getting a condo for Labor Day, but your best deal will come if you wait a bit. Trust me, the economy has hit the area hard as people are not vacationing like they have in years and condos are not being occupied. We have friends who generally have a booked condo from May to August, and last year it was only at 55% occupancy. This year is not looking much better. You will pay premium prices if you book now for Labor Day.
VRBO is a good site, but there are others. If you Google "Destin condo" ect, you will find the other sites.
The Sundestin (not SBR) is a great building if you have kids. They have tons of activities for kids, karaoke every night on the beach, a "parents night out" where they entertain the kids so adults can go out for dinner, and good freebies now. Right now you get one adult/one child free tickets every day for Big Kahunas, Little Nemo's Sea cruises, fishing excursions, ect. If you want to go on a great fishing experience, go out on the Destin Princess (I know the owner). He has been fishing the area for YEARS and is one of the most experienced captains on the Gulf. He is located in the Fisherman's WHarf on the harbor.
If you would like any other locals "tips" just let me know. I pretty much can tell you about areas from Navarre to PCB. We still go to Destin several times a year and we enjoy it, it is a great place for kids of all ages.

Elizabeth...I don't know what way you go if you are going through Georgia, but it is most definately WAY out of the way.

[Elizabeth_G]

MadisonMamma, Oops...thanks for the correction! I meant stop by Peach Park, for Georgia Peaches. Yes, going through Georgia would be QUITE the pit stop for a good peach, lol.
Exit 205 is where we always stop. There are many others as well. It's between Birmingham and Montgomery.

[blackkarma]

???? don't know if you were responding to me...just wanted to save you some mileage! I know about 10 different back ways down to okaloosa county, I can make it in less than 5 hours (depending on the traffic)

And yep, Clanton peaches are great...better than Georgia I think! Wife loves the peach ice cream.

[Elizabeth_G]

blackkarma, 5 hours???? Which is the quickest to Seaside/Seagrove. Do you have any shortcuts? I must drive slow, lol.
Yes, those peaches are delicious, aren't they? We get a bundle for our week at the beach and stop for more on our way home. We always stop and eat lunch and have some peach ice cream too. SO delicious. We also load up on fresh vegetables and take those down.
Do you know of any surfing schools? The kids want to take surf lessons. I know Seaside used to offer them, but maybe you know of someone else?
You are right on about occupancy being down. I was afraid I had waited to long to book our trip and I had so many great choices this year. Many were willing to negotiate on their fees as well

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by Mistybader

Where do you guys like to stay in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.

There are a bunch of great condos. You can go to the chamber of commerce Web site, Gulf Shores Alabama - Orange Beach - Alabama Gulf Coast Vacations, for an overview. They have a long list of condos managed by the various real estate companies. You can also go the for-rent-by-owner route, too.

I like to look at the condo online before choosing. Condos are usually individually owned and rented by the companies. You can also choose dates and make reservations online. I will probably reserve this week because I've been hoping for a good deal. There seem to be a lot of 10- or 15- or 20%-off deals.

We've stayed in units in Summer House, Crystal Shores, Island Tower, and Bluewater. There are plenty of good ones out there.

(Condos rather than hotels are the norm for Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.)

Originally Posted by Elizabeth_G

MadisonMamma, Oops...thanks for the correction! I meant stop by Peach Park, for Georgia Peaches.

??? Peach Park has Alabama peaches. Grown right in that area.

[blackkarma]

No, don't know any surf schools, the Gulf has never had enough good waves for surfing. If the waves are good, then there is a hurricane coming ashore, and you don't want to be in the water. Afraid for really good surf waves you will have to travel south on the Atlantic side.
For Seaside/Seagrove, you could either go down 331 or cut through Brewton (down 65).
I do tend to drive fast (invest in a radar detector but I always go down 65 to Brewton, then thru Andalusia, into Okaloosa County (Crestview) then down 85 thru Niceville/Bluewater Bay across Mid Bay. I have never liked traveling down thru Florala. I get my best time staying interstate as long as possible, plus on weekends 331 tends to get congested.
If you are staying in Seaside, check out Cafe 331. Guess where it is? Highway 331, and it is fantastic. Very eclectic, great atmosphere, food is terrific. It is a locals hangout, not touristy (or at least it used to not be) I guess it is still open. Also check out Tradewinds in Niceville. Best Italien food I have ever had. You better get a reservation, locals favorite and it is a hole in the wall.
I miss it down there, really would like to move back, if I could convince the fam!

[Elizabeth_G]

Blackkarma, My daughter thinks she is a "surfer chick", LOL...I didn't think I had seen enough good waves, but what do I know. At least I know she won't get herself killed in surf class
I have always gone down through Florala, so that's the time problem huh? I'll try your way!
We will definitely check out Cafe 331. Can't beat a great hole in the way. Tradewinds sounds great! We'll hit that as well.
Thanks for all of the great info. I really appreciate it!
Maybe I'll get it right on the peaches one of these day. GREAT Alabama peaches, lol. Can't help but call them Georgia peaches. No clue why

[melizh02]

I've never been but heard St. George Island, FL is nice and quiet. It's just about 8 hours or so from Huntsville. They only have one hotel that I know of to stay at. Everything else is houses or condos. Don't believe there's much to really do there except enjoy the beach! hah. It's probably an hour or a lil more from PCB if you really wanted something exciting to do one night. It's wild in PCB. Personally, I like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but it's just because I don't like the crowds. Here's a link to some info on St George Island: St. George Island Rentals from Resort Vacation Properties. Good luck!

[Elizabeth_G]

A friend of mine goes to St. George Island every year and said he'll never stay anywhere else. They love it and always rent a home. I'd love to go there as well. Sounds so relaxing!