What to do at the beach

[Smiling JOe]

Other than going to the beach, shopping and eating, what are things you like, or want, to do when you go to the beach?

[Mermaid]

Merman and I enjoy socializing with our SoWal friends. That's what has turned a simple beach vacation into a perfect beach reunion, every time we visit. :wub:

And a bit of kayaking and bicycling doesn't hurt, either, especially when we come down in the "cooler" seasons. I'm just waiting for everyone to discover what we've discovered: that SoWal is even better when it's not the months of June, July, and August. I particularly love October at the beach--water still warm enough to swim in, but the high heat and humidity has disapated and it's lovely being outdoors all day and evening.

[Paula]

Visiting with friends I've made in SoWal, meeting new people, reading anywhere (porch, coffee shop, couch, beach), bike riding (as of this next trip).

I try to do one-two new things every time I'm there. I'd like to explore more (parks, Eden Gardens, the different communities, the library) because even though it's only 18 miles or so on SoWal, I've only seen a tiny bit of it so far. I think I'll spend this next trip walking/biking Alys Beach - Rosemary Beach area to get to know it better.

[steele mama]

Other than going to the beach, shopping and eating, what are things you like, or want, to do when you go to the beach?
Always listening to music! Wherever we can find it. :clap_1: Dancing is good!

[Miss Kitty]

Always listening to music! Wherever we can find it. :clap_1: Dancing is good!

I find a dance partner where ever I am!!!! You'll be next!

Mermaid has let the kat out of the bag!!! April has been mythical! Here is a list of sowallers I have met in person...since last October!

gttbm, Smiling JOe
gttbd aka futurebeachbum, scrltbegonya
Mermaid, M/M T-bone
Merman, Bettis
jfunn, M/M seagrover aka sparklegrover
steeleing1, Catfish and Bubba
grayton kid, Borago steeleing (#?)
M/M olive, Gypsea
M/M chickpea, Cap'n Crazy...and yes he is that crazy!!!!
JohnR, whiteyfunn, Beach Runner

And of course my Texgent....destindreamin, mr.dd, CastlesofSand and family, Rita and DTinTexas (both here and in Dallas!!!)

The power of SoWal.com is evident....look at all my new friends!!!

[Mermaid]

I find a dance partner where ever I am!!!! You'll be next!

Mermaid has let the kat out of the bag!!! April has been mythical! Here is a list of sowallers I have met in person...since last October!

gttbm Smiling JOe
gttbd aka futurebeachbum scrltbegonya
Mermaid M/M T-bone
Merman Bettis
jfunn M/M seagrover aka sparklegrover
steeleing1 Catfish and Bubba
grayton kid Borago steeleing (#?)
M/M olive Gypsea
M/M chickpea Cap'n Crazy...and yes he is that crazy!!!!
JohnR whiteyfunn

And of course my Texgent....destindreamin, mr.dd, CastlesofSand and family, Rita and DTinTexas (both here and in Dallas!!!)

The power of SoWal.com is evident....look at all my new friends!!!

What, Miss Kitty? No mention of kayak partners wherever you go? :floor:

[steele mama]

I find a dance partner where ever I am!!!! You'll be next!

Mermaid has let the kat out of the bag!!! April has been mythical! Here is a list of sowallers I have met in person...since last October!

gttbm Smiling JOe
gttbd aka futurebeachbum scrltbegonya
Mermaid M/M T-bone
Merman Bettis
jfunn M/M seagrover aka sparklegrover
steeleing1 Catfish and Bubba
grayton kid Borago steeleing (#?)
M/M olive Gypsea
M/M chickpea Cap'n Crazy...and yes he is that crazy!!!!
JohnR whiteyfunn

And of course my Texgent....destindreamin, mr.dd, CastlesofSand and family, Rita and DTinTexas (both here and in Dallas!!!)

The power of SoWal.com is evident....look at all my new friends!!!
Oh yea, I met scarletbgona at the Red Bar yesterday! Also got to see SJ which is always a treat. So sorry we didn't get to meet up MK. I'll be back in two weeks for Steeleing2's college graduation! :clap_1:

[CastlesOfSand]

We all :wub: you too Miss Kitty!!!! That's an impressive list you've got there!!! :clap_1:


We like to explore new areas when we are in SoWal. We just take off walking or drive to a certain area, park and walk around (we love to look at the houses). We would love to visit some of the parks on our next trip and I would love to try this kayak thing out (I think). My husband thinks we should take a boat out on the bay side, cruise around and watch the sun set from a different perspective. And I would like to either bring our bikes or rent so we can cruise along 30-A...... but most of the time we are ON THE BEACH!!!! :biggrin:

I would love to meet some SoWal buds next time we are there, if anyone is around. That would just make it even better!!!

[Rita]

Mostly walk the beach, build sandcastles, sit on the balcony and just take it all in.

We also check out the artists and antique shops, watch Seaside's summer plays, catch some bands ....

:( Now I want to be there even more!

[Beachlover2]

What - Am I the only one having a beer or Foo Foo drink? :confused:

[jdarg]

I like to do anything that involves touching the sand and/or water. It's not a
perfect day at the beach unless 5 pounds of sand falls out of my bathing suit at the end of the day. (don't be scared homeowners- I like outdoor showers too, so the 5 pounds of sand won't be inside your house!:biggrin: )

Cruising around Grayton on the bike. Walking around at night with our kids, finding critters. Going for a morning walk with Bdarg (which will hopefully happen more this year!). And getting such a good night's sleep every night from all the outside activity!

[kathydwells]

I find a dance partner where ever I am!!!! You'll be next!

Mermaid has let the kat out of the bag!!! April has been mythical! Here is a list of sowallers I have met in person...since last October!

gttbm Smiling JOe
gttbd aka futurebeachbum scrltbegonya
Mermaid M/M T-bone
Merman Bettis
jfunn M/M seagrover aka sparklegrover
steeleing1 Catfish and Bubba
grayton kid Borago steeleing (#?)
M/M olive Gypsea
M/M chickpea Cap'n Crazy...and yes he is that crazy!!!!
JohnR whiteyfunn

And of course my Texgent....destindreamin, mr.dd, CastlesofSand and family, Rita and DTinTexas (both here and in Dallas!!!)

The power of SoWal.com is evident....look at all my new friends!!!

Wow, I am so impressed Miss Kitty, you have been a busy little kitty. I do not see M/M Kurt on this list!!! What is up with that?

To answer Smokin' Joes question. I enjoy every single minute of just being at the beach. We have a big group, and we all just like to hang together. We like our morning coffee, afternoon beer, and evening "Happy Hours". Cooking good food, and sitting outside at night telling stories and reminiscing. We all went to high school together and we like to talk about the good old days. We are all fortysomethings now, so it is funn to see who can remember what. I am looking forward this year to meeting some local or visiting SoWallers. I can't wait!!!!!

[kathydwells]

What - Am I the only one having a beer or Foo Foo drink? :confused:

No, beachlover2, check my post my dear !!!!

[jdarg]

What - Am I the only one having a beer or Foo Foo drink? :confused:

Honey, that's a given. Kinda like brushing your teeth or the morning coffee.:clap_1:

[Donna]

Our favorite thing is the beach (Grayton, especially) first thing in the morning and at sunset (especially in October). We also like avoiding the 30A traffic by taking the bike path to neighboring beach communities. We love browsing at Sun Dog Books, lunching on the deck at D&K Cafe, picnics at Eden State Gardens grounds, and having a massage on the top deck of Conch Out with the warm sun on our backs and with the sight and sound of the crashing waves and the laughter of those who love it as music. We love dinners with a big group of family and friends in the wine cellar room at A Fish Out of Water.

We also like our little daytrips: a visit to the fishing fleet in Panama City paired with dinner at the incomparable Captain Anderson's Restaurant...an icy martini the the dim, cold bar when it is 95 degrees outside. We like a trip into DeFuniak Springs to walk around the lake, visit The Busy Bee Cafe for the best fried green tomatoes and panko-crusted grouper sandwiches, and a visit to the DeFuniak Springs Library (the oldest continuously operating library in the State) to view the artifacts.

Truth is, we like it all! :rofl:

[Paula]

I'd like to add massages and spa-type things to my list of things to do since this is a time to break-away from normal work/family routines I have at home.

[MKH]

Other than going to the beach, shopping and eating, what are things you like, or want, to do when you go to the beach?


We love it all! Going to the beach early in the morning with the doggies, sitting under the umbrella and reading for a few hours at the beach each day, then taking a shower and hitting the fun little shops in Grayton, Seaside, Rosemary, everywhere.

Something we really enjoy is buying an adult beverage at the Modica Market and sitting outside at one of their tables and people watching in the afternoons. We watch so many people come and go; it's a lot of fun.

After our afternoon excursions, we either head back to start our grilling for the evening and a few cocktails, or we change out of our swimsuits for the first time all day and actually put on clothes to go out to eat. Cafe 30-A, Fish out of Water, Village Market, we love 'em all.

Last year we explored WaterSound, the new development just west of us. It looked like the condos were done and the houses were just getting started. Any update on what that development is like now?

[Beach Runner]

April has been mythical! Here is a list of sowallers I have met in person...since last October!

What am I? Chopped liver? :biggrin: Just kidding.

To answer SJ's question, besides being with my new beach friends (neighbors and SoWalers), I like catching up on DVDs while looking at the Gulf view. That's especially true when my daughter is with me because she is so much fun to watch movies with, and she has (believe it or not) about 600 DVDs. She buys about one a week (that's what she chooses to go with her allowance), and then she always asks for DVDs for Christmas and birthday gifts. She's like having an in-house video rental store!

We also like watching college football and basketball at bars at the beach - there are always Gator fans around to cheer along with. We can't do that at our GA home because (a) it wouldn't be appropriate for a college department chair and church musician to be hanging out at a bar (people are very conservative in this town), and (b) you can count on one hand how many Gator fans are in my town.

[gotothebeachmom]

I like to sit on my deck at night and listen to the tree frogs, star gaze, and just enjoy the peacefulness of it all. :wub:

[Miss Kitty]

BR...you did make my list....but that list got all messed up from how I typed it and it left you off! I had two nice columns and it didn't come out that way! That's what I get from trying to be creative! :bang:

I love hearing what y'all do at the beach. I am going down in a bit and will send beach vibes to everyone! This place is magic!

[ktschris]

drink :biggrin:

[Mermaid]

drink :biggrin:

We do a lot of that, too. Something about that salty air makes you thirsty. ;-)

[gotothebeachmom]

We do a lot of that, too. Something about that salty air makes you thirsty. ;-)

Yeah, that's it the salty air. :biggrin:

[peapod1980]

Merman and I enjoy socializing with our SoWal friends. That's what has turned a simple beach vacation into a perfect beach reunion, every time we visit. :wub:
Oh, Mermaid, I agree with this one! Honestly, going to the beach is so much different now; I feel less and less like a tourist thanks to my SoWal friends.

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, Mermaid, I agree with this one! Honestly, going to the beach is so much different now; I feel less and less like a tourist thanks to my SoWal friends.

And then there's poor jfunn. She goes up to the bar, just wanting a beer and someone asks if she is jessifunn!!!! Kimmi has her pic up in her tar! One of the funn's gullfriend was asking about sowal.com this weekend. She said..."oh, that's what that sticker is...I just put it on my car because it was cute!" We will now shame her to join in the funn!

[jessifunn]

And then there's poor jfunn. She goes up to the bar, just wanting a beer and someone asks if she is jessifunn!!!! Kimmi has her pic up in her tar! One of the funn's gullfriend was asking about sowal.com this weekend. She said..."oh, that's what that sticker is...I just put it on my car because it was cute!" We will now shame her to join in the funn!
booyah kitty

[Johnrudy]

I like to wake up early, walk on the beach before most are up yet, look for shells at low tide.
And the best... listen to the waves while falling asleep each night.

[jdarg]

Make sand drip castles (or some call them sand doo doo castles)...very relaxing to sit there and let the wet sand drip through your fingers...wow, I'm chilling out just thinking about it!

[Lady D]

I get up early and walk the beach early in the morning looking for shells. Try to sit on the beach around 9:00 a.m. under our umbrella for about 30 minutes. All we can tolerate with the flies bothering us. Also like sitting on the deck after dark watching the stars and listening to the pleasant sounds of the waves. During the day, we like to go into PC Beach and go on a guided waverunner tour bayside and rent scooters, hit all the beach stores, especially Alvins Island and Shipwreck Ltd.! We also enjoyed going to Econfina Creek and taking a canoe trip.

[Miss Kitty]

Make sand drip castles (or some call them sand doo doo castles)...very relaxing to sit there and let the wet sand drip through your fingers...wow, I'm chilling out just thinking about it!

Oh YES!!! I remember seeing people do this and when I showed my kiddos how to do it....it was like magic!!! We made many beautiful castles over the years with huge forests!!!

[Ocean Lover]

Oh YES!!! I remember seeing people do this and when I showed my kiddos how to do it....it was like magic!!! We made many beautiful castles over the years with huge forests!!!

We love to do this too and bury the kids in the sand. One year we buried Samantha up to her waist and sculpted a beautiful mermaid tail out of sand and added seashells to decorate it.

[CastlesOfSand]

We do a lot of that, too. Something about that salty air makes you thirsty. ;-)

Yes!!!! and we are thirsty from the time we get there until the moment we have to leave! :biggrin:

[seagrovelover]

This is very simple, I live 13 hours away from Sowal.....

Look at the gulf......smell the gulf breeze.........feel the soft sand......

nothing else matters, not the shopping, not the restaurants, not all the activities there is to do.......................


Just to be on the beach........thats what does it for me :wub:

[Beach Runner]

Oh YES!!! I remember seeing people do this and when I showed my kiddos how to do it....it was like magic!!! We made many beautiful castles over the years with huge forests!!!
Have you ever seen Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona? It reminds me of those sand-drip castles. I just adore Gaudi's architecture (and Barcelona, for that matter)!

[Beachlover2]

BR

Good point - I love Barcelona and really enjoyed that architecture - it is so impressive and detailed in person. Wish I could go back - another place to visit again.

[audie]

we like to just sit and veg under the umbrella, listen to music and catch up on all our reading. we like to eat out at a different place each night. we like to sit out in the moonlight on the balcony. and best of all - no ringing phones !

[Miss Kitty]

Have you ever seen Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona? It reminds me of those sand-drip castles. I just adore Gaudi's architecture (and Barcelona, for that matter)!

:clap_1: ...WOW! That is beautiful. Someday I need to get to Spain. I think that is the only country Mr. K's firm does not have an office!

[Donna]

My absolute favorite Grayton day was just before the sun began setting one October weekday. The husband and were walking eastward along the water's edge. Porpoises were jumping out in the dark blue water. Dozens of Monarchs were flying along the water's edge about eye level and the setting sun was shining through their orange wings so that they looked like so many pieces of flying stained glass coming directly at us. Three velvety gray baby sting rays were vacuuming along the very shallow water just where the lacy wash laps the sand. Suddenly, this huge black sting ray (Mama, perhaps?) came rushing up and flew directly out of the water and high into the air. It was like something out of a dream. :wub:

And that's what I like to do at the beach!

[DD]

My absolute favorite Grayton day was just before the sun began setting one October weekday. The husband and were walking eastward along the water's edge. Porpoises were jumping out in the dark blue water. Dozens of Monarchs were flying along the water's edge about eye level and the setting sun was shining through their orange wings so that they looked like so many pieces of flying stained glass coming directly at us. Three velvety gray baby sting rays were vacuuming along the very shallow water just where the lacy wash laps the sand. Suddenly, this huge black sting ray (Mama, perhaps?) came rushing up and flew directly out of the water and high into the air. It was like something out of a dream. :wub:

And that's what I like to do at the beach!

:clap_1: Bravo, Donna!!

[DD]

This is very simple, I live 13 hours away from Sowal.....

Look at the gulf......smell the gulf breeze.........feel the soft sand......

nothing else matters, not the shopping, not the restaurants, not all the activities there is to do.......................


Just to be on the beach........thats what does it for me :wub:

You have just described me, seagrovelover! I go out by 9:00 am and don't come back til dark. Sometimes, I go back after I've made a rather large beverage in a plastic container. ;-)

[newyorker]

Most of you have mentioned all the things we like to do--the beach is the foremost thing on our list--sunning, walking, gathering whatevers, reading mysteries. But then theres the rest--cooking wonderful seafood from Goatfeathers, shopping at Modica (and Publix--which I gotta say is a great market); going to the rep theater at Seaside (I am a huge supporter of performing arts wherever I go); and buying LOTS of books at Sundog Books; the ritual dinner at Bud and Allie's.
But we try to do new things too--last year, my daughter convinced me to take her on a deep-sea fishing day (it was wonderful!); and we also went to the nice spa at Seaside. Like Paula, I like to do things to impose relaxation on these trips--things I don't get time to do in my regular life.
Beach time is magical time.....

[seagrovelover]

You have just described me, seagrovelover! I go out by 9:00 am and don't come back til dark. Sometimes, I go back after I've made a rather large beverage in a plastic container. ;-)



Girl we need to hook up at the beach!!!!!! :clap_1:

[Miss Kitty]

:clap_1: kudos to all of you for sharing such wonderful thoughts and experiences of the beach. This thread just makes me smile. SoWal is magical no matter how you spend your time here.

[Allifunn]

I :wub: this thread...it is so near and dear to my heart! I have made so many SoWal friends in the last few months...and I can not wait to meet them all soon...May...we will make our OWN MAYHEM!!! and again in June...when we will converge on your peaceful little sleepy town...:floor: ...I look forward to eating, kayaking, sunning, funning, playing, partay-ing, greeting, hugging, socializing, drinking, beaching, wave playing, sight seeing, ...did I mention drinking, eating, hugging????:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :lolabove: :lolabove:

[DD]

Girl we need to hook up at the beach!!!!!! :clap_1:

Yep! :clap_1: