My husband and I went to Panama City Beach last week for our annual vacay. We had a great time. The water was still a bit murky and not as crystal-clear as it usually is, but other than that, we had no problems.
Had dinner one night at Angelo's Steak Pit and we swear they were the best steaks we'd EVER eaten. (We both had the top sirloin). Another night we went to Pompano's - another stellar dining experience. Being from New Orleans, it's not often we have seafood on vacation that is as good as or better than home, but Pompano's does a wonderful job. In fact, my DH is a softshell crab freak and he said the ones he had at Pompano's were better than any he'd ever had here at home. Wow!
We had great weather - sunshine with a few passing clouds, which were welcome at times, as the sun beating down would get kind of hot. Of course we also cooled off in the pool.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree resort on the beach. Great place - we had a wonderful view of the beach and the pool. All rooms face the Gulf - I didn't know that. How cool!?! Plus the room had a refrigerator & freezer, microwave, ironing board and iron, and all the great service you'd expect from a Holiday Inn.
Also, one evening as we were leaving the pool, Randy from "Club Hour" was there. He was with a camera man and a woman, who was being filmed for some bit for Beach TV, I suppose. My DH wanted to ask if he'd mind if he snapped a pic (of me and Randy), but he looked busy AND I'd been swimming in the pool all day and looked a wreck (wet hair, no make-up, you know the drill). It's funny because every year when we go to Florida we'll watch Club Hour and see what Randy's up to - it was kind of cool to see him in person. I felt like a groupie!
Anyway, just wanted ro report back that we had an awesome time last week. :)

Is PCB crowded this time of year?

Nope, not at all. That's why we always go in mid or late September (plus the rates are lower, too!) Our hotel was completely booked because a lot of insurance adjusters were staying there. But during the day they were all out working, so the pool and beach area were very quiet. We didn't have to wait for a table at restaurants, either.
When we checked out there were a lot of bikers in town, some kind of Harley Davidson festival going on, but that was it. No teeny-boppers or insanely-crazy-wild-party college folks, either.

Pheebie,

Glad to hear you and your husband had a great time visiting PCB...regardless of what the weather channel says, Panama City Beach survived the storms and did so with some of the best weather we have had in months...

Also excellent choice on Holiday Inn...can't beat the price in the off-season or all the amenities they have for their guests....only bad thing about your trip is that you did not come up and say hi. Regardless of wet hair, no make-up, etc. I would have loved to meet you.

We were out shooting for one of our new programs The Local News. Lee Ann is our anchor for that piece and we were using the torches of the pool deck as our backdrop, but no matter how busy we ever appear, always time to stop and have a cocktail with visitors to our beach.

Next time you better give me a heads up in email when and where you guys will be when visiting...in fact first beer is on me!

My very first groupie...LOL j/k
Can't wait to meet you, your husband, and friends on the next trip down.

Randy Peterson

Hey, dude! Yeah, PCB was great. I'm always so sad when we have to leave Florida to come home. Now I'm back here at my crummy office doing crummy work. (sigh) Oh, to be back on the beach again . . .

I loved the tiki torches and the whole Polynesian theme at the Sun Spree. Really enhances the atmosphere of the beach. I can see why it would make such a great backdrop for filming.

Say - the mister and I just might take you up on that beer, LOL! Of course, we won't get back there 'til next year, but we won't forget about ya!

Let me know if you're every going to be in New Orleans. I'm sure you know all the best hot spots throughout the Gulf region, but I'd be happy to give some recommendations if you need 'em.


:)
Pheebs