Page 98 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Scenic Byway, a 220-mile corridor of forest and coastal treasures. The Dead Lakes State Recreation Area, in nearby Gulf County, offers perhaps the best freshwater fishing in the state, along with unusual scenery due to the stumps and dead tree trunks sticking out of the water. Another “natural” day trip is St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, accessible only by water. Here, you’ll see an incredible variety of wildlife, among them many species of birds, Sambar deer and the endangered red wolf. A good starting point is Indian Pass, an historic trading post and, supposedly, the site of Spanish buried treasure.
The Washington County town of Chipley has its fair share of interesting historical buildings in the South Third Street Historic District. And you can take an extraordinary look at early life here at the Five Oaks Museum.
South Walton has 16 beach neighbor- hoods that make for a beautiful drive along the coast. You’ll drive along Scenic 30A through a variety of distinct neighborhood styles—so distinct, in fact, that you’ll know when you’re going from one town into another. The area’s upscale aura is evidenced by its many artists and galleries, funky local boutiques, and farm-to-table dining philos- ophy. This route also offers numerous opportunities to kayak on coastal dune lakes, play golf at a PGA-quality course, and bike along the 18-mile Timpoochee Trail.
For something truly unique, check out the first Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in the U.S. off Grayton Beach State Park, where a collection of 34 underwater sculptures have been installed as artificial reefs to provide anchor points for marine life to inhabit. This ecotourism attraction was named one of TIME magazine’s “World’s 100 Greatest Places.”
INTERNATIONAL
GATEWAYS
OUTDOOR GEAR AT BLUEWATER OUTRIGGERS IN GULF COUNTY • DESTINATION PANAMA CITY
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: iflybeaches.com Pensacola International Airport: flypensacola.com
96 2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA
The Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery is a nice day trip from the Gulf beaches. You can tour the winery and learn the ABCs of grape- growing, pruning, harvesting, crushing and bottling. You’ll be able to taste some of the wines that have earned Chautauqua over 140 awards, from dry wines and southern favorites to sweet muscadine and blueberry.
SHOPPING
In the Jackson County town of Marianna sits a local treasure called Southern Craft Creamery. They feature innovative ice cream treats such as Vanilla & Satsuma Jam and Tupelo Honey.
Reid Avenue in Port St. Joe is a half-mile- long stroll back into the Old South. Outdoor gear? Books? Jewelry? Local pottery or artwork? Luxury spa treatment? It’s all here, along with restaurants running the gamut from Italian and Southern to Chinese and Mexican.
The Little Village in Panama City has an offbeat collection of outdoor shops. At The Little Mustard Seed, find a mix of furniture, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, and a thousand items that have been revived,
renewed and restored. Historic Downtown Panama City is home to the Elegant Endeavors Antique Emporium and Main Street Antiques, which have been featured on different shows. Every Saturday, head over to the St. Andrews Farmers’ Market.
Across the water in Panama City Beach, Pier Park is an outdoor shopping and lifestyle center with a wide variety of items to buy, eat or ogle.
The Market Shops, at South Walton, offer outdoor shopping accompanied by musicians and artists. In Rosemary Beach, a planned town built in the mid-90s on the principle of “New Urbanism,” the French Quarter, with its balconies and vividly colored buildings and curling wrought-iron railings, is a delightful place to spend an afternoon shopping and dining.
In Destin, HarborWalk Village has a vibrant atmosphere, with vendors, artists and street performers outside, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay. On The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, you’ll find several restau- rants and shops. Nearby Fort Walton Beach is filled with boutiques, restaurants and galleries—even a brewery. Hunt for bargains at Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach. And, in Fort Walton Beach, De’France Antiques and Flea Market has treasures you never knew you needed until now.
And if you have a yen to bring home something new from Pensacola, head for the shops on Palafox Street.