Collette and Scott are a traveling twosome and 2019 Visit California Travel Writing Eureka! Award Winners dedicated to experiencing luxurious and adventurous travel destinations. In 2015, they decided to quit their jobs as corporate desk jockeys and redefine the American Dream. Since then, they have been traveling the world full-time, exploring off the beaten path locations and inspiring others through their active vagabond lifestyle. Throwing caution to the wind with an end goal of viewing the world and all its wonders, this dynamic duo, also know as Roamaroo, made the Panama City area a must-do on their impressive travel list!

Watch and take note as Collette and Scott uncover the hidden and not-so-hidden treasures waiting for you in Panama City!

https://www.roamaroo.com/florida-panhandle-road-trip-off-the-beaten-path-florida/

 

 

(Author: Sandy Klug-Lard)

It’s impossible to pinpoint the number one best brunch restaurant in Panama City, Florida. With so many tasty local restaurants, you could easily spend all day brunch-hopping from St. Andrews to Downtown Harrison!

Where should you start? Here are four top spots where you can find the best brunch in Panama City, Florida. 

Alice’s on Bayview 

Located at 1000 Bayview Avenue with a stunning view of St. Andrews  Marina, Alice’s on Bayview has quickly become a local brunch favorite! The word on the bay is that Alice’s has the best French Toast hands-down in town. Start off with mouthwatering She-Crab soup or a refreshing Watermelon Beet Salad. Then choose from popular entrée options ranging from a Southern Breakfast to a Beef Tenderloin Benedict. Don’t forget to make a selection from the Beer & Wine menu. If you like brunch with a view, Alice’s is the place for you!

Burgunbarrel 

Nestled right on the main stretch of 1125 Beck Avenue, Burgunbarrel is steps away from Oaks by the Bay. Since it’s a wine bar, it’s not hard to  guess why the mimosas stand out here. Choose from grapefruit or orange  juice mimosas and enjoy your drink out on the patio before diving into their food options. Burgunbarrel’s popular Crab Benedict will make your mouth water, and the  praised local favorite brunch-menu option is the Truffled Steak & Egg  Benedict. Of course, the Cajun Shrimp & Smoked Gouda Grits is nothing to ignore. Be sure to bring enough friends to enjoy all these delectable bunch options on the menu! There’s plenty to go around.

The Funky Mermaid  

Take a quick cruise down Beach Drive and get funky! Located at 448 Harrison Ave, The Funky Mermaid is known for its live entertainment and fun atmosphere. Plus, the brunch menu will definitely make you do a happy dance! Come to brunch at The Funky hungry! Expect large portions of anything you order on the brunch menu. But the real treasure here are the  bottomless mimosas for less than $15. At The Funky Mermaid, your bartenders always take care of you and treats you like family. Pop in on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 11am—and get funky!

The Press  

Need a pick-me-up after those bottomless mimosas? Cross the street to 310 Harrison Ave and let The Press serve you up the best coffee downtown! Be sure to try out any of the premium coffee specials, the monthly flavor coffee blend or choose from a wide selection of teas. Top yourself off with  Strawberries and Cream or the crowd favorite Riding with the King crepe, then grab a fresh pastry for the road. The Press is the place locals come to relax or even catch up on emails. As soon as you step through the doors and smell the coffee, it feels like home! You definitely don’t want to skip out on this favorite local brunch spot.

While you can’t go wrong with any Panama City restaurant, these top brunch spots will leave you feeling the magic of our favorite city. Be sure to pick one to visit this weekend—and bring a friend or five!

It’s that time of year to celebrate friends and family, experiencing the magic of the holiday season together! There is plenty to do in Panama City to ring in the holidays as 2020 comes to a close.

Looking for something for your little elves?

The joy and wonder of the holidays is captured in events for children and the child-at-heart with games, storytelling, and exploring in Historic Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews.

Santa will make an appearance at The Little Mustard Seed from 6pm – 8pm on Friday, December 18th. Enjoy shopping, treats at the ice cream counter, and a visit with the jolliest guy around at 

this popular historic downtown destination.

On Saturday, December 19th start your day with the Christmas Market Downtown from 8am to 1pm and finish your Christmas shopping while the kids complete a Candy Land Game throughout the market. Be sure to stroll over to the Panama City Center for the Arts and explore their Winter Winter Wonderland Immersive Art Experience (open now – December 24th & January 1st – 9th).

Mrs. Claus will make her way to our historic districts on Saturday, December 19th and Sunday, December 20th. On Saturday, little ones can bring their letters to Santa, listen to Mrs. Claus’s stories, and even have a chance to receive a gift from her at 10am at Oaks By the Bay Park in Historic St. Andrews. On Sunday, the storytelling continues downtown at History Class’s North Pole Corner from 2pm -3pm. Settle in with a hot cup of cocoa while Mrs. Claus reads her favorite Christmas stories.

Homemade for the holidays

Christmas creativity is at your fingertips with several opportunities to put a personal touch on homemade decorations and gifts at the Panama City Center for the Arts.

Join a Stained Glass Angel Class on Thursday, December 17th at 4pm, or sign up for a Kids Reindeer Painting Class or Stained Glass Christmas Bell Class on Saturday, December 19th at 10am (fees required, space is limited).

Need some extra last-minute shopping time without your little ones around? Send your kiddos to the Kids Christmas Art Day Camp on December 23rd from 10am-1pm. Ages 5 & up will enjoy creating multiple art projects and Christmas ornaments.

Bring a little sparkle to your holidays

Christmas cheer is in the air at Historic St. Andrews! Illuminated with light and color from the Oaks by the Bay Christmas Lights Display, this exhibit can be seen daily from dusk until dawn.

 

 

Take an afternoon or evening stroll along Harrison Avenue to see the uniquely decorated Christmas Trees provided by the twenty-one Downtown Panama City business participating in the launch of the Downtown Tour of Trees.

Merry Melodies

The sounds of the holiday can be heard throughout our historic districts with caroling and concert events.

Join Floriopolis for an evening of merry making and joyful noises with Christmas Caroling in St. Andrews on Friday, December 18th from 6pm – 8pm at 1131 Beck Avenue.

Historic Downtown Panama City will be host to the City Hall Holiday Concert on Monday, December 21 from 9am – 10am in the City Hall rotunda on the main floor. The line-up of amazing local talent includes NuGulf Coast Youth Choir (led by Michael and Mechelle Grady), The Panama Symphony Orchestra (led by composer David Ott) and country singer Will Thompson.

Countdown to new beginnings

Historic Downtown Panama City will close its streets for the New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown on December 31st from 5pm-1am to kick 2020 to the curb and ring in the New Year! Featuring five amazing bands from all over the Southeast, a midnight countdown in front of the Martin Theatre’s new marquee, and digital projections on surrounding buildings, this is a party you won’t want to miss!

Do you remember that feeling of riding your bike with your friends and heading to the convenience store for candy and soda? It was that perfect balance of freedom, camaraderie and fun. A brand new experience called YourBikerGang.com brings that feeling back no matter the age with the FUNNEST adventure in Panama City!

FUN for everyone

What began with a couple of pedal-assist e-bikes to get around the city of Austin, Texas with friends, became an open road experience that brought big smiles to the faces of those who saw them. YourBikerGang.com took that and made it into the best way to see their city and now Panama City!

YourBikerGang.com in Panama City is located at a popular gathering and adventure spot, Papa Joe’s Bayside, and has an experience for just about everyone! Adults and children can enjoy riding together, businesses can book a large party for staff team-building, and those celebrating special occasions can book a tour as a party. The possibilities are endless, but one thing for certain is that everyone will have FUN with plenty of stops along the way to capture those memories!

Twice As Nice

YourBikerGang.com keeps your adventures exciting and unique which means no two rides are the same! Upon arrival, the witty and friendly Road Captains, who are your guides, initiate you into the gang and make sure you get to see some of the best points of interest in Panama City in two planned adventures.

Savor the local cuisine of Panama City and take in a little of the culture and history with the Panama City E-Bike Adventure. Ride your e-bikes to see the sights, murals, and historic spots in the St. Andrews area of Panama City as well as stopping to get a quick bite to eat and stretch your legs. It’s the FUNNEST lunch adventure you’ll ever have!

Are sunsets your thing? Take the Panama City Sunset E-Bike Adventure ride with the gang out to historic St. Andrews as the sun sets to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure. Relish in the incredible views of St. Andrews Bay, once known as a safe-haven for pirates, where dolphins and manatees are commonly spotted swimming! This is an experience you’ll be telling all your friends about!

Talk of the Town

Personal recommendation and shared experiences are what builds confidence in businesses and services, and YourBikerGang.com has a solid history of five star ratings. See what other riders are saying on TripAdvisor about their recent adventures with YourBikerGang.com in Panama City:

“Beautiful scenery! Lots and lots of fun! The bikes were the coolest thing ever. Tour guides were friendly. Great photo ops along the route. It’s definitely worth the ride.”

“The Sunset Tour was amazing!! Highly recommend taking a Your Biker Gang Sunset Tour! Not only will you learn a lot, but you will catch a beautiful sunset at the end!!”

”I loved every minute of it. Our guides John and Cope were engaging and fun! Our favorite part was beeping our horns through the streets and seeing everyone smiling at us. We also liked the history lessons. Can’t wait to do this again.”

Form Your Gang and Book Your Tour!

Book Here: https://www.yourbikergang.com/panama-city-beach-tour-company/adventures
Located at: Papa Joe’s Bayside
Duration: 2 hrs
Ages: 16+ years can ride solo & children under 16 years and at least 48” tall can ride with an adult. More info here.
Choose from: Panama City E-Bike Adventure or Panama City Sunset E-Bike Adventure
FAQ: https://www.yourbikergang.com/faq

To download FREE digital pass, click the image above. 
For the full press release click here.

Stay tuned for the Schedule of Events!

(in no particular order because we just thought they were all at the top of the list)

 

1. Take a historic journey into the printed past of Panama City at the Panama City Publishing Museum. Make your own creations on a working, vintage printing press at the original home of Panama City’s first newspapers.

 

1. Take a stroll through Oaks by the Bay Park. Admire the intricate details of a towering Chad Gainey chainsaw sculpture and relax with a picnic near the calming cool waters of the St Andrews Bay just down the boardwalk.

 

1. Turn happy hour into happy hours! Spend an afternoon at Little Village and Finn’s at Little Village dining, drinking, and relaxing in a lake-side palapa, and perusing quaint huts and a large indoor shopping area filled with boutique fashion and local jewelry creations.

 

1. Explore your artsy side at Floriopolis. Paint, craft, and form your own creations at Art on the Spot and Art in Action classes, and take advantage of art, music, and storytelling events for all ages. Become a part of the St Andrews landscape and take a selfie in front of Floriopolis outdoor public art display made by local artists and volunteers.

 

 

1. Saturdays are sweeter at The Market at St. Andrews. Homegrown fare and creative wares line the boardwalk near St. Andrews Marina on Saturday mornings, offering a family-friendly, pet-friendly experience for all ages. Shopping, eating, and hands-on activities make for a great start to the weekend!

 

1. Take in the sounds and flavors of St. Andrews nightlife. Live music greets your ears, exceptional dining curbs your late-night cravings, and local brews treat your palette at indoor and outdoor favorites Tap Room, Salty Oak, Los Antojitos, and Salty Hobo.

 

1. #KeepStAndrewsSalty with trademark artisan shopping. Beck Avenue is lined with shops and boutiques that showcase the creativity and quirkiness small business owners have poured into their passions. Find kayaks and outdoors staples at Sunjammers, the latest fashion at The Trendy Side and Adonia, and gifts and souvenirs at Native Spirit Museum and Gallery.

 

1. Enjoy a unique family friendly experience at Papa Joe’s Bayside. Spend a day on the water with convenient on-site pontoon rentals and deep sea charter excursions. At the end of the day savor the sunset with outdoor live music, lawn seating, and tasty food trucks.

 

1. Catch a signature St. Andrews sunset. Sunsets are what Panama City is made of and St. Andrews Marina paints a perfect picture of relaxation with a sprinkling of sailboats extending across a gorgeous setting sun.

 

1. Spread your spiritual wings at Capstone House. Dedicated to healing and spiritual exploration through intuitive and psychic readings, reiki, massage, crystals and art, this unique experience also offers crafts, jewelry, and other items from local vendors.

It can be difficult to find ways to celebrate during this time, but how often does Taco Tuesday and Cinco de Mayo land on the same day? To enjoy the holiday, we have put together a list of local favorites to help out!

La Michoacana
4003 W 18th Street E, Panama City FL 32401
850-763-2545
Regular Taco Special: 3 Tacos for $7.50

El Jalisco
766 W 23rd Street, Panama City, FL 32405
850-481-0909
Holiday Special: Taco Tray for 4 with Margaritas for $60

Los Antojitos
850- 784-663
1236 Beck Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

Maddie’s La Casita
561 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401
850-784-6817
Holiday Special: $4 Margarita

Pepper’s Mexican Cantina
2061 N Cove Boulevard, Panama City, FL 32405
850-785-2227
Holiday Special: $49.99 Gallon with a Pepper’s Hat

Finns at Little Village
2808 W 12th Street, Panama City, FL
850-215-8780
Holiday Special: Half Price Tacos

The Place Downtown
429 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401
850-818-0590
Holiday Special: Taco Pizza $11.50 and $6 Margarita

The Funky Mermaid
448 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401
850-215-0947
Holiday Special: 2 for $5 Tacos, $5 Margaritas

If you’ve ever wondered what life at sea would be like, you can get a little taste for yourself in Panama City, Florida! Rent your home away from home, right on the water, with the abundance of Airbnb boat rentals offered at the St. Andrews Marina. From small sailboats to 56-foot motor yachts, there isn’t a better water view around. A one-of-a-kind experience made for the adventurous at heart, you won’t be disappointed with your home away from home. Some even feature an excursion with one of their captains.

When you want to venture onto land, there’s plenty to do within a short walking distance. Take some time to explore the historic St. Andrews neighborhood, with a variety of local shops, art galleries, museums and charming restaurants serving up fresh local seafood.

 

There’s even a few stops on the Panama City Oyster Trail located right in St. Andrews that you won’t want to miss!

 

For a full list of restaurants and more about the Oyster Trail, download the map here.

Featured in Southern Living, you can read more about these unique Airbnb boat rentals by clicking here!

Is summer actually summer if it isn’t filled with scoops of ice cream, Pina Coladas and desserts made with seasonal fruit? If you ask us, we’re pretty sure it should be a new requirement when you’re on vacation to cave in to your sweet tooth. We know when you’re traveling, it can be difficult to find all the best places to stop, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this list of some the best places to find those tasty summer treats in Panama City, Florida.

 

Cool Down with Frozen Treats

If you’re sporting your tank top and flip flops this summer and finding you’re still a little hot, take some time to cool down with these frozen treats.  We won’t judge if you decide to make it a bucket list and try them all!

Barefoot on the Bay Piña Colada Smoothie

Nothing screams summer quite like coconuts and pineapples.  The panoramic view of St. Andrews Bay doesn’t hurt either.  Grab a seat on the back deck overlooking the crystal blue waters of the bay, and enjoy a delicious Piña Colada Smoothie.  And if you want a more traditional Piña Colada (you know, the kind with a little more punch), they’ve got that too!  We’ve also got to mention that they’re a stop on the Panama City Oyster Trail, serving up some pretty delicious oysters on the half shell.

Sugar Boogers Ice Cream

If hearing the words “icing shot” makes you drool a little, then you need to run to Sugar Boogers!  The name of their business might be even sweeter than their specialty cakes – it was inspired by a nickname that the owner’s grandpa called her Oma.  Sugar Boogers is the place to stop if you’re looking for cookies, ice cream or gourmet cupcakes, and they’ve also got you covered on custom cakes and designs if you have a special event while you’re in town.

 

Loony Shakes from Vinny & Bay’s Coffee and Eatery

You can’t visit Panama City, Florida without stopping in Vinny & Bay’s and ordering a Loony Shake.  A totally over the top shake, Loony Shakes are rimmed with anything from chocolate malt balls to sprinkles and Lucky Charms!  And it doesn’t stop there.  Depending on what you order, they’re garnished with a variety of toppings ranging from Hershey’s bars, Reese’s, Kit Kats, dripping syrups and whipped cream to full size donuts from local Dan-D-Donuts!  The creations are endless!

 

 

Key Lime Pops at the Panama City Marina

A staple on almost every dessert menu, Key lime pie is a pretty big deal in Florida.  While we love tradition, we also love a good twist on things.  Dipped in chocolate and on a popsicle stick, this is a perfect and easy cold treat to eat while fishing on Panama City Marina.

Delicious Summer Deserts

We know you’re working up your appetite after long days in the sun exploring Panama City.  From deep water fishing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, shopping and all of the other exciting activities you’re doing, you might need something a little more filling to pair with your ice cream.  Cake, pies and all sugary sweet baked desserts are obviously the answer!

Sweet Magnolia’s Deli Strawberry Cake

There are a dozen ways to enjoy this season’s star fruit.  Sweet and savory, they make for some pretty tasty culinary treats.  Sweet Magnolia’s Simply Delicious Strawberry Cake just happens to be so delicious, it was featured on USA Today’s 100+ Way to Savor Strawberries.

 

Bayou Joe’s Sunshine Pie

We mentioned before that we love a good Key lime pie, but Bayou Joe’s Sunshine Pie is a must try!  It’s like a Key lime pie, except made with oranges.  If that doesn’t sound like your kind of treat, you can order a traditional Key lime pie instead.  Aside from the delicious desserts, Bayou Joe’s is a must stop place in Panama City, located in a bright pink building with 270+ degree view of the water.  And if you’ve spent all day on the boat working up your appetite, you can just pull up and hop on through the window – we all do it!

g. Foley’s Seasonal Cream Brulee

Offering casual elegance with an eclectic menu of locally sourced fare, g. Foley’s doesn’t ever disappoint.  Order a Cream Brulee topped with seasonal fresh berries and whipped cream, and sit outside to enjoy the summer air on the beautiful courtyard shaded by oak trees.

Funnel Cake Fries at The Place Downtown

You could say that eating funnel cakes during summer is kind of a rite of passage.  Every child (and adult) should be able to claim that they devoured an entire funnel cake completely by themselves at least once in their lives.  The hot, fried, doughnut-like dough smothered in powdered sugar is a quintessential food of fairs, theme park and carnivals.  But in Panama City, you can order a fun twist on the delicious dessert at The Place Downtown.  Funnel Cake Fries may or may not be just as messy, but they certainly are just as delicious!

Refreshing Drinks with a View

Summer vacation means it’s totally acceptable to kick back and relax with a drink in your hand in the middle of the afternoon.  We don’t think there’s any better way to get your dose of vitamin D than sitting on a deck overlooking the water drinking a punny named cocktail.  It gets even better – all of these locations also offer live entertainment!  Just make sure you check their current schedules before heading out.

Uncle Ernie’s

With names like Brazilian Kiss, The Sassy Senorita and Dapper Dan, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.  If you’re looking for the perfect summer drink, we recommend trying the Starburst Martini or the Sunset Martini, made with strawberry Vodka, freshly muddled oranges mixed with pineapple juice, a drop of grenadine and champagne float.  You can sit on the outdoor two-level deck for amazing views of the bay and even take a stroll on the boardwalk extending from the restaurant. 

 

Los Antojitos

For some of the best margaritas in town, Los Antojitos is the place to go!  They pair perfectly with the famous Superduperbaked Burrito, weighing in at 5 pounds!  The outdoor deck overlooks Lake Ware and is the perfect way to spend a laid-back afternoon.

 

Shipyard Grill

Nestled within the Sun Harbor Marina, the Shipyard Grill is a perfect ‘dock and dine’ restaurant. Located on the site of a WWII Shipyard, the restaurant has some pretty cool history behind it, and you’ll find an assortment of memorabilia and artifacts throughout.  You can enjoy water views from every single table, whether you choose to sit inside or outside.  As if this place wasn’t already awesome enough, it also boasts an outdoor Tiki Bar.  The Pineapple Upside Down Martini is full of grilled pineapple deliciousness, but we also love the aptly named drinks like the Shipyard Sipper and Blue Marlin.

The Shrimp Boat

A staple seafood restaurant in Panama City since the 1950’s, The Shrimp Boat started out as a 50-seat diner and has grown to a 500-seat restaurant.  Perfect for waterfront dining, the restaurant sits along the Smith Yacht Basin in St. Andrews Bay.  They open for dinner at 4 PM, the perfect timing for a late afternoon drink after an eventful day in Panama City!

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