The highlights!
Sun, sand, a few unexpected hiccups, and plenty of laughs—our Memorial Day week trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast was the perfect blend of chaos and charm.
🚗 Day 1 – The Long Drive & a Toilet Surprise
We road-tripped from Atlanta to Seagrove Beach, breaking it up with lunch near Auburn at the most classic of stops—Chick-fil-A. Eight hours later, we arrived… only to discover our apartment’s toilet didn’t work. On Memorial Day, no less.
The management team scrambled and relocated us to Panama City Beach for the night. At first, it felt like a hassle. But as we’d later realize, it was a blessing in disguise.
🏖️ Day 2 – Beach Bliss & Poolside Fun
Our temporary Panama City spot was just a 10-minute walk to the beach, and despite the holiday crowds, we easily found room for our umbrella and blankets. The calm, turquoise, warm water was perfect for my daughter, who felt confident splashing around.
By the afternoon, our original apartment was ready—with a working toilet this time. Even better, the complex had a sparkling pool that instantly became my daughter’s favorite spot. That evening, we walked to Café Thirty-A for a memorable dinner: heirloom tomato salad, lobster with mashed potatoes, and divine bread, all paired with crisp white wine. She happily twirled pasta while I savored every bite.
Tip: Food is pricey in this area, so stocking up on breakfast and lunch supplies from the supermarket saved us money (and sanity).
🌤️ Day 3 – Sun, Sand & Shopping
The day started with breakfast in the apartment, a walk on the beach, and pool time. In the afternoon, we braved the crowds again at the beach, still managing to carve out a sandy corner near the water.
When rain rolled in, we headed to The Big Chill, a shopping and dining hub. Between Build-a-Bear, a toy store, and an ice cream shop, my daughter was in heaven. We capped it off with lemonade as thunderstorm clouds passed overhead.
🍷 Day 4 – Rosemary Beach Vibes
We mixed things up with a visit to Rosemary Beach. The vibe? Posh, manicured, and very much like a movie set version of Europe. The shops were pricey, and the diversity… limited.
My daughter accidentally dropped a candy case in one boutique, and though they kindly asked me to pay for it, it was a reminder that this wasn’t exactly our scene.
Dinner at La Crema Tapas came after a loooong wait with a 4-year-old (hello, Memorial Day crowds), but the tapas were delicious once we finally sat down. Still, Seagrove felt more like “us”—laid-back, low-key, and family-friendly.
☕ Day 5 – Goodbye Gulf
On our last morning, we attempted to find a cozy local breakfast spot, but everywhere was packed. Dunkin’ Donuts in Panama City Beach to the rescue—sometimes you just need fast and easy.
The drive home was rainy but smooth, with the expected Atlanta traffic greeting us. We left with sandy hair, salty skin, and a list of tweaks for our next Gulf Coast getaway.
🌟 Mom-to-Mom Takeaways
- Holiday weeks = crowds. Book restaurants and activities ahead if you’re visiting during peak season.
- Save on meals. Stock your apartment with groceries for breakfast and lunch.
- Pools are lifesavers. Especially with little ones who tire quickly of the sand.
- Stay flexible. Our toilet mishap turned into an unexpected adventure.
✨ Seagrove Beach gave us sun, sand, and stories we’ll retell for years—proof that even rocky starts can turn into golden memories.
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