WORTH THE TRIP: 30A girls weekend

30A girls weekend

By Magi Thomley Williams

Shoulder seasons on the beach are the best!

While I’m grateful for every tourist and the dollars they bring to the coast, there’s just something about the calm before and after tourist season that gives my soul peace and joy. I also cherish the time I spend with my girl tribe resting, relaxing, enjoying food, wine and good times. Girls’ beach trips are food for my soul.

Six friends and I set off in November for the beaches of 30A. If you don’t know, 30A is the highway that runs between Panama City Beach and Destin. The area includes several beach communities including Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Aly’s Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.

We arrived on a Friday afternoon and chatted over drinks and snacks on the beachside deck of our condo on Blue Mountain Boulevard before venturing out to dinner at Fish Out of Water on the golf cart we rented from 30A Golf Cart Rentals. I won’t tell you how I know this, but law enforcement frowns on using golf carts on bike paths – keep to the roadway!

Fish Out of Water offers stunning beachside sunsets, a package store in the lobby and hallways filled with scenes created by local artists keep guests occupied while they wait to be seated. The cocktails and food were superb, and the sunset from our deck-side table was a gift. One of our favorites from the cocktail menu was the Liftoff. Crafted from Tito’s Vodka, St. Germain, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, and Prosecco, the Liftoff was the perfect way to start our evening out. The shrimp tacos were one of our favorite dishes, while everything we ordered was delicious and generously portioned.

Redd’s Pub was our final stop of the evening where we enjoyed live entertainment from the John Galt Dance Band. Redd’s is a self-described dive bar hidden behind a gas station on 30A. Drive slowly or you will miss it.

We snagged some selfies with the life-size cardboard cutout replicas of such notables as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, and mugged with funky sunglasses, fun boas and distinctive head gear. Redd’s welcoming owner, Redd Vizard (who prefers “just Redd”), “sings and slings” as she serves as bartender and songstress from behind the bar.

Saturday morning, we woke to perfect weather for an eyeopening walk along the beach and then brunch at Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions. Smokehouse Bloody Marys and bottomless house champagne served with assorted juices were a hit. Chicken & Biscuits, Brisket Hash with famous Blue Mabel Burnt Ends, herb-roasted potatoes, peppers, onions and melted fontina finished with two eggs prepared your way. Croque Mabel was another yummy choice made of brioche toast, creamy bechamel, gruyere cheese, sliced, smoked brisket and topped with sunny-side up eggs.

After browsing through the mindboggling number of shops along the 30A stretch, we were thirsty. Fortunately, Red Bar – a 30A landmark – was right on the way. Trevor and Jesse are experienced barkeeps with lots of unique cocktails to offer up, including a Stress Reliever or a Lemoncello ’tini, or they are more than happy to fill a mug with a cold beer of your choice. The clientele at Red Bar is just as eclectic as the décor – bikers, professionals, locals and tourists all find a common, easy sense of place at the bar.

Saturday night was a highlight of the trip for all of us. We scheduled a sunset beach bonfire with Shorefires30a. The team at Shorefires30a took care of all the details. The owners, Ron and Shelly Harris, secured the required permit and delivered chairs, a firepit, music of our choosing, plenty of firewood, a table for our food and drink, trash can and cleanup. All we had to do was show up and enjoy the sunset by the fire.

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar was our final stop for the evening. The restaurant gets the odd name from the legendary fishing reef off the coast. Offerings include raw oysters and other coastal cuisine, live music, southern hospitality and amazing views of the beaches. Our crew feasted on oysters – raw and grilled – and crab bisque while we enjoyed the cool evening breeze.

Sunday morning gave us one last opportunity for a beach stroll and coffee on the deck before returning to reality. Shoulder seasons on the beach with a girl tribe are the best. If you don’t have a tribe, get you one. Then get out there and enjoy a girls’ weekend on the beach before the tourists return!

TOP: The sunsets on 30A never disappoint. MIDDLE: Bloody Mary and Croque Mabel from Blue Mabel; firepit set up by Shorefires30a. BOTTOM: Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions is a hit for brunch, Bloody Marys and bottomless house champagne served with assorted juices.