Search for the Warm Part 3

Originally, the plans were to go to Panama City, stay there for a few days, then head west for Destin and Fort Walton Beach before Gulf Shores, Alabama.

We wanted some warm weather, sun, playing NTN, and mom/pop motels.

The drive from Dothan, Alabama, was all four lane highway, but boring for the most part. They was a really nice Florida Welcome Center, though, and free orange juice for some reason.

We went through some towns on the way, but weren't impressed.

Ate some good barbecue at Smitty's in Panama City. The place has all sorts of aircraft hanging from the ceilings and pictures on the walls. Tyndall AFB is nearby.

Drove out to Panama City Beach to check it out, since we'd never been to it before. Found some likely places to stay.


PORT ST. JOE AND MEXICO BEACH

There was an NTN site at both these towns located on the Gulf shore, so drove west out to them.

The Thirsty Goat in Port St. Joe is located in an old hotel dating back at least to 1913. The bar wasn't open yet, but they let us play NTN by the fire place.

Mexico Beach had the Mango Marley's which can best be described as a perfect Beach Bar. Nothing fancy, including seating at picnic tables if you're not at the bar.

We had thought to stay in one of these towns, but, didn't find any motels nearby, so drove back to Panama City Beach.

Finally, Getting Warm. --Cooter