Note to Tourists

[Smiling JOe]

You might be reading through some of these posts thinking that the locals hate the tourists. Well, you are right. :floor: Just kidding, but it may sound that way. We somewhat go into shock after having about six months of South Walton all to ourselves. No one on the beach, and I mean no one, not a soul. More employees working at WC Publix than people shopping there. Empty parking places everywhere, just waiting for us to pull in. Traffic? :floor: The Tom Thumb on 98/331 is about as busy as it gets here in the off-season. It would be like imagining your town or city being normal, then around March 8, the town grows in capacity three times. :yikes: We are lucky that we live in SoWal, because I cannot imagine living in a town like Atlanta, and having it swell three times the number of people overnight.

So, when we go from that scene to the direct opposite, we don't get too excited, except for the people who rely on the tourist dollar for their business. Those people begin to drool, and rightly so.

I will try to remember to put on my courteous hat during the high-season, slow down, relax, know that you might decide to ride your bicycle across the street in front of my car, without thinking about stopping to look first. I will also try to watch out for your kids, who are likely running all over the place, and maybe getting into trouble. In return, please don't leave your thinking cap back at your house and show a little courtesy to those around you. Expect long lines or long waits at restaurants. If you are like me, and wait until you are hungry to go out to eat, eat a heavy snack before you go, so that you can enjoy yourself while you are out on the town. Remember to tip your servers and bartenders, and while I am wishfully thinking, buy a house from me. :funn:

Seriously, have fun while you are here, be safe, and courteous. Relax, enjoy the beach and the many awesome people who make this place what it is.

[sowalgayboi]

Very well said SJ.

Personally I echo that as best I can. :biggrin:

[DD]

:biggrin:

[Paula]

And pay attention to the flag system that keeps people safe at the beach. We want you to have a safe, as well as wonderful, trip. If you stay on the porch, pool, and beach wherever you're staying, you don't have to worry about traffic anyway.

[MissCritter]

I will try to remember to put on my courteous hat during the high-season, slow down, relax, know that you might decide to ride your bicycle across the street in front of my car, without thinking about stopping to look first. I will also try to watch out for your kids, who are likely running all over the place, and maybe getting into trouble. In return, please don't leave your thinking cap back at your house and show a little courtesy to those around you.

When we lived in Sandestin, we used to joke that maybe the laws of physics don't apply on vacation. No gravity, no problem with big metals objects (cars)hurtling toward small mushy ones (bodies). We even used Sandestin's marketing campaign - "In Our World. . . the laws of physics do not apply!"

We just learned to be extra cautious, and when frustration got high always reminded ourselves that these people saved all year to spend one week where we got to live year round.:D

[kurt]

And put a SoWal sticker on something or someone. :lol:

[jdarg]

:clap: Thanks y'all- great words. What a beautiful day for the visitors too.

[greenroomsurfer]

Sj where do you find 6 months to yourself Antarctica, maybe Bunker?

[Mack]

SJ, you are truly a gracious person.
My family has been making the trek from Birmingham to SoWal for about 60 years. We have seen Blue Mountain, Grayton, Seagrove, Destin, et.al. grow from sleepy, relaxed villages into an environment that no longer has a beach-like charm, only the mass influx of tourists, t-shirts, golf carts, private access, traffic lights, congestion, exhaust fumes, chain stores, etc, etc.
I understand what this growth means to local merchants/vendors/schools/rental owners/ but, most of all, Real Estate developers. Truly, I understand. The same thing is happening at waterfront property everywhere.
But, SouWal Beaches are SPECIAL! At least to me and my family. But, you surely cannot easily dig up concrete.
We will continue to try to find a vacation rental on the beach away from "the storm" until we are forced to quit.
I admire your spirit of accepting dramatic change. And it has been dramatic. Good luck.