Panama City Beach

For the last two weeks, I’ve been visiting my amazing mom in Panama City Beach. This Florida coastal town is tourist friendly and certainly welcoming to anyone passing through. The people are kind as they speak with a southern accent while sporting around in flip flops (aka- slippers or thongs).
Most of my time spent here was catching up with my mom (this has been the longest we’ve ever been apart since the day I was born!) so here’s just a little snip of Panama City Beach.

This is Thomas’s Donuts. They’ve been around since 1971 and have been in several magazines as a “must do” in this city by the bay.   Considering I eat a donut once every couple of years, I thought this was a great opportunity to try a local favorite. (As if I need an excuse for a sweet treat).

They open at 6am so mom and I thought we’d be sneaky and watch the sun come up together then walk down there to be the first ones in line!

The night before- Acting silly, plotting out our sunrise adventure.

5:28am- Here we are on the balcony, waiting for the sun to peak up.

5:52am- sunshine!

Six thirty something- First in line? Nope. By the time we arrived, the line was out of the building and into the parking lot… and in the rain!

Yes, that cute pup is looking at the “business” he just delivered while his owner was ordering.

They have quite the variety to pick from.  Along side of the usual flavors there was also custard, red velvet, sour cream, blueberry, white cream, key lime, and at least a dozen more. 

Here’s our little sample pack. (Before)

(After)

Live music in the park! 

This was a local blues band that entertained us…

…until she busted out the bubbles!

Flamingo Joes is a restaurant off the beaten path that serves up a variety of coastal favorites.  From tuna wraps, bacon burgers, veggie pitas and turkey salads, the menu offers a large enough selection to please everyone.  I got the Swai fish Salad and mom ordered a classic hamburger with sweet potato French fries…. Yum!

Crocodiles! Seeing any wild animal in a cage doesn’t thrill me, but being up close was pretty neat. They are definitely mysterious creatures.

Yes, he sure does. Thousands of them! Shell lamps, shell jewelry, shell boxes, shell magnets, shell fans, shell coasters…

…shell frames, plain shells, painted shells, shell belts, shell chimes…

Tourist time!

This is a typical sky in the gulf. Beaming light from a dark cloud sitting on the edge of the water. This scene usually means to expect a quick thunder and lightning with enough rain in a few seconds to drench your not so water proof t-shirt. Then just like that, you’ve experienced a little storm drive by.  

A walk to the beach to capture the sunset.

The three finalist for the handstand pic!