Main Streets of the Florida Panhandle
To get to know the “real” Florida, you must know the heart of its local communities - and where better to find these than in the Florida Panhandle. When you walk the Main Streets of these towns, whether small or large, you will find an old Southern sense of hospitality from the community, and you’ll have the chance to discover all kinds of hidden treasures.
Create Lasting Memories on The Forgotten Coast
Dubbed “The Forgotten Coast” because of its unspoiled beauty and authentic communities, Franklin County encompasses some of the most beautiful stretches of the Panhandle. Take a self-guided walking tour of coastal towns like Apalachicola, where you can take in an array of landmarks, shop unique boutiques and art galleries and learn about the town’s rich maritime history. The historic fishing community of Eastpoint continues to offer fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood in local waterfront restaurants, where you can watch fishing boats unload their catch. The community of Carrabelle offers a championship golf course. St. George Island is an idyllic community of unspoiled beaches, opportunities for bird watching, and a chance to connect with nature. The island offers pet-friendly beach areas where you dog can enjoy the sand and surf with you! Many vacation rentals and some accommodations offer pet-friendly options, and even local restaurants welcome well-behaved pets!
Ideal for family gatherings, the St. George Inn offers peace and tranquility on a Forgotten Coast barrier island, St. George. Featuring a quaint Southern style with whitewashed exterior, gables, and even wraparound porches complete with rockers, the inn offers spacious, comfortable, individually-appointed rooms. Their adjoining two-room suites with private porches are perfect for a group trip or family stay, while their Honeymoon Suite with fireplace offers a cozy hideaway for newlyweds. Not only is the inn spectacular - it is also close to the island beaches, restaurants, and shops. A nearby free boat launch as well as a fishing pier are easily accessible to water lovers. Being a pet-friendly island, its makes sense that the St. George Inn welcomes pets!
floridasforgottencoast.com
stgeorgeinn.com
Discover History and Coastal Nature in the Pensacola Area
Found on the 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s famed Emerald Coast, and a short scenic drive from downtown Pensacola, Santa Rosa Island offers several beach communities for visitors, each with its own unique draw. Santa Rosa Beach, founded in 1910, provides a perfect blend of old and new: historic architecture houses modern restaurants and boutiques, and arts and culture surround you. Throughout the island, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Northwest Florida nature with pristine parks, rich forests and rare coastal dune lakes all intertwined by a series of trails. Deer Lake State Park offers Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod, and scrub oaks can be seen in a coastal dune habitat, with a boardwalk across the dunes providing easy access to the beach. Local history and nature beautifully intertwine at Eden Gardens State Park, which features the historic Wesley house and ancient oak trees. Stop by for a guided tour of the home or walk through the gardens to learn about South Walton plant and wildlife species. And there are always special ways to explore nature thanks to plenty of adventure outfitters, from pushing yourself along the water on a paddleboard from YOLO Adventures Sandestin, to exploring the acreage of Point Washington State Park on horseback with Arnett's Gulfside Farm & Stables.
The sister island of Santa Rosa and another island option for those visiting or residing in Pensacola, Okaloosa Island is full of outdoor water adventures! Surrounded by Santa Rosa Sound, Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the waves. Love to relax? Rent a pontoon boat from Crab Island Watersports, and spend your time laying out in the sunshine. Does your family love adventure? Try Banana Boat Rides in nearby Destin Harbor. Want to see some friendly dolphins? Visit Gulfarium Marine Adventure in Fort Walton Beach, where you can snorkel with stingrays and sharks, feed penguins and watch otters play - and don’t forget the dolphin shows and special dolphin encounters! Become a VIP trainer and work side-by-side with the staff to learn what it takes to train and care for marine mammals, and don’t leave with a sweet kiss from a seal! Speaking of family trips, there are plenty of family-friendly accommodations on Okaloosa.
Perfectly situated in Historic Pensacola, the breathtaking Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast warmly welcomes guests into its individually-appointed guest rooms, each with private bath and antique decor from its four-poster bed in the Captain’s Room to its soaker tub in the Suzanne Room. Awake each morning to a delicious home-cooked breakfast, as well as sampling delicious home-baked treats throughout the day. In addition to the hotel, you can relax at the Cottage Cafe, which occupies what was once the property’s carriage house. Boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, the Saenger Theatre, Pensacola Historic Village, and the local Farmer's Market are all within walking distance of the Pensacola Victorian.
Situated on the picturesque Santa Rosa Sound just off Pensacola, the Paradise Inn is a quaint and classic beach hotel in the traditional Old Florida style that offers pet-friendly rooms as well as private beach, pool, and pier that makes it ideal for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. Their onsite restaurant, Paradise Bar & Grill, serves up tasty plates and beverages - even the locals love to hang out here.
visitpensacolabeach.com
emeraldcoastfl.com
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Uncover Hidden Gems in Havana
Perhaps one of the most perfect places to go antique hunting is the town of Havana, just 17 miles from Tallahassee. Havana is an iconic Panhandle destination, which has earned itself the moniker “Florida’s Friendliest Small Town.” Some years ago, the town went through a magical transformation, in which dozens of vintage homes were repurposed into antique shops, furniture stores, art galleries, fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re into collectables or want a unique way to decorate your home, these shops have some of the coolest items you could think of. Weezie’s Cottage is a restored 1860’s cottage located in the heart of downtown Havana, with lots of items to furbish your own home. Wanderings Decor & More offers an extensive collection of eclectic styles, mixing exotic or funky with more traditional, transitional lines with their furniture, jewelry, gifts and home decor lines. Brides will find that it isn’t just “something old” available in these shops - there is also plenty of “something new”! Miss T’s Sets is a unique gift shop with a bridal registry and wine bar, women’s accessories, candles, kitchen gadgets, Waterford crystal, Kate Spade and Fortessa items, and lots of other accouterments that make it a great place for a bridal party trip or for finding a special bridal gift.
havanaflorida.com
Find a Warm Southern Welcome in Milton
Just 30 minutes outside of Pensacola is Milton, one of the oldest cities in Florida and a testament to Southern beauty and character. Even the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright drew inspiration from this town. Here you will find incredible antique shopping, with establishments such as Blackwater Trail Antiques & More. Search through this shop, which is located in a historic home, for special gifts like homemade soaps and unique household items like shabby chic decor, antique furniture, and even toys. Meanwhile, at the Copper ‘Possum Antique Mall, you can find a wide assortment of almost completely vintage items spread throughout 10,000 square feet of furniture, glassware, decor, jewelry, and more. If you’re searching for a special home decor item, you should certainly visit Millie’s Antiques & Collectibles, which offers lots of vintage and refurbished furniture as well as hand-crafted decor and knickknacks.
miltonfl.org
New and Old Merge Magically in the Panama City Area
Historic Downtown Panama City has the charm of Old Florida right on the beautiful St. Andrews Bay. Downtown has a thriving art scene, regular live music, great restaurants and unique shopping. Lots of new businesses are flocking to the area, bringing a fresh feel to Downtown. You can still find the antique shops that have been a staple of downtown for years, but now you can also find charming specialty stores, coffee, and craft beer just to name a few! Downtown merchants work together to put on regular events.
Not that you needed another reason so visit the beautiful Panama City Beach in the Florida Panhandle, but they have some of the greatest shopping in the state - particularly if you’re looking for shabby chic home decor or coastal-style furnishings. Follow the Coastal Design Emporium Trail (also known as “Decor by the Shore”) to discover a collection of charming local shops wherein you can spend the day searching for your favorite home decor treasures. To begin your retail journey, stop at the Visitor Center for a Decor by the Shore passport, which contains a map, descriptions of each store, and even the chance to get a free souvenir!
One of the most iconic shopping destinations in Panama City Beach is Pier Park, a complete shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located right on the Gulf of Mexico. This colorful outdoor complex boasts 124 stores, ranging from clothing for the whole family to home goods, shoes and jewelry. Pier Park features anchor department stores like Target, Dillard’s and JCPenney plus tried and true clothing stores like Old Navy and American Eagle Outfitters. For the trendy shopper, Pier Park’s boutique stores so you can find that flawless look. And to put the finishing touches on any outfit, youthful Claire’s, color-coded Charming Charlie, and sophisticated Francesca’s has adorable accessories and fashion jewelry. For those in your family who aren’t as into the shopping, there’s an IMAX theatre, laser tag, and thrill rides.
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