Publix WC is Packed - Combat Grocery Shopping Time Has Arrived

**DuneLaker** · 03-06-2010, 07:19 PM

Oh My Gosh! Drove home from all the days activities and passed WaterColor Publix and the parking lot was FULL at 5 p.m.!! Didn't know it was already time for us locals to get into our combat grocery shopping mode. I thought the traffic was heavy on the way down 331 from DeFunk today. Spring has arrived in SoWal.

**Miss Critter** · 03-06-2010, 07:24 PM

Grand Boulevard Pubix was packed, too. And Wal-Mart yesterday definitely sported a younger demographic. Yep, spring has sprung. By the way, love the "combat grocery shopping. " Very apropos.

**DuneLaker** · 03-06-2010, 07:33 PM

Hey Miss Critter. Crazy mix going on right now. I know a number of our Snowbird friends have extended their stays through April. With the Spring Break crowd coming in, there will be some narrow windows of opportunity to be out and about. Actually, love the change. We'll be out and about and enjoy the dynamics.

**middlesister** · 03-06-2010, 07:55 PM

I have a question. We come there every April. I am getting to book a reservation. Last April we lucked out and came the week after most of the spring breakers were there. What would you say the optimum week would be for that? I love what Dunelaker said. To be out and about and enjoy the dynamics is so much fun. One more thing, as long as I have been coming there I have never been there in the summer. What is it like? A waitress at a local restaurant told me that the locals call if the "100 days of hell." Is that true? Love it down there and you that live there are so lucky.

**DuneLaker** · 03-06-2010, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by middlesister

I have a question. We come there every April. I am getting to book a reservation. Last April we lucked out and came the week after most of the spring breakers were there. What would you say the optimum week would be for that? I love what Dunelaker said. To be out and about and enjoy the dynamics is so much fun. One more thing, as long as I have been coming there I have never been there in the summer. What is it like? A waitress at a local restaurant told me that the locals call if the "100 days of hell." Is that true? Love it down there and you that live there are so lucky.

Ahhh. Middlesister. The joy is in the finesse. I love every day in SoWal. Even when there are 100,000 extra people in SoWal, you can find that crowd and excitement if that is what you are seeking. Or, there are also miles of beach, trails and special dining opportunities that are peaceful and tranquil. With 26 miles of beach, secluded beaches or open and accessible public parks, you can find a place and a time to park your self on our spectacular sand and look out across the gulf and pretend no one else is there. There are also times to go to Publix that are preferred by locals. Need to look up that old chart.

**DuneAHH** · 03-08-2010, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by middlesister

I have a question. We come there every April. I am getting to book a reservation. Last April we lucked out and came the week after most of the spring breakers were there. What would you say the optimum week would be for that? I love what Dunelaker said. To be out and about and enjoy the dynamics is so much fun. One more thing, as long as I have been coming there I have never been there in the summer. What is it like? A waitress at a local restaurant told me that the locals call if the "100 days of hell." Is that true? Love it down there and you that live there are so lucky.

The 3rd or 4th week of April is optimal timing!

**kurt** · 03-06-2010, 08:02 PM

Saw a circle of breakers sitting in the street drinking beer in watercolor today.

**middlesister** · 03-06-2010, 08:07 PM

When you say "breakers" are you talking about your usual college kids? I can't believe they come to Watercolor. I would think they would be way East in Panama City. It is so much fun to hear what goes on down there. By the way how is the weather?

**SGB** · 03-06-2010, 08:37 PM

There are also more than 3000 runners and their families in town. Seaside was busy today!

**North Lake** · 03-07-2010, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by middlesister

When you say "breakers" are you talking about your usual college kids? I can't believe they come to Watercolor. I would think they would be way East in Panama City. It is so much fun to hear what goes on down there. By the way how is the weather?

MS, I'd bet most of our Spring Breakers are children of parents or grandparents who own homes here in SoWal...not just random Spring Breakers who pick out a place online for a hot place to go for Spring Break. Just a WAG on my part, if anybody wants to refute it. Nonetheless, it's a great place to be for Spring Break without some of the hazards that other venues offer.

The weather is great down here right now! Come on down!

**JUL** · 03-12-2010, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by middlesister

When you say "breakers" are you talking about your usual college kids? I can't believe they come to Watercolor. I would think they would be way East in Panama City. It is so much fun to hear what goes on down there. By the way how is the weather?

During my daughters spring break I allowed her to have 2 friends stay in the cottage with us. Her other friends were in Panama City Beach. One evening I drove them to PCB to be with the other friends. They were all crowded into the hotel and running all about the premises. I thought they would be spending the night. I left and went to a wine bar and within an hour had a call saying they were ready to come back and wanted to bring 3 more friends. They got a ride and I had 3 more in the cottage.
Turns out they preferred the nicer accomodations and we had guitar hero

**middlesister** · 03-06-2010, 08:43 PM

I love what Dune Laker has to say about the area. I agree that the joy is in the finesse wherever you live. Well said. Do you work for the Chamber of Commerce? What does "need to look up that old chart" mean? One more thing, where do you fit 100,000 extra people? Yikes!

**beachmouse** · 03-06-2010, 09:13 PM

Guess it's the time of the year to start doing my weekly grocery store runs on Friday nights.

**DuneLaker** · 03-07-2010, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by middlesister

I love what Dune Laker has to say about the area. I agree that the joy is in the finesse wherever you live. Well said. Do you work for the Chamber of Commerce? What does "need to look up that old chart" mean? One more thing, where do you fit 100,000 extra people? Yikes!

That is nice of you to say, Middlesister. No, I don't work for the Chamber or TDC. That would be cool

if they paid me for all my sage advice.

Seems like we had an earlier thread on best times to shop during busy times. It would have to change with the Season. Right now we have a Snowbird/Springbreak/Special Event mix. So, shopping early in the day is out if the snowbirds are flocking, lunch is always busy, by 3 p.m. coolers are being filled and the evening gets hit before and after an event. Maybe 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. might be light.

Will have to ask around for an "official" count on the 100,000 question. It could be more on peak days. South Walton has 26 miles of beaches and various accommodations. In addition, vacation or rental neighborhoods and venues stretch between the beach and Choctawhatchee Bay. Lots of choices and places that can put a lot of heads in beds. Some numbers may be stealth. On July 4th, for example, we'll have extra company at our house as well as my mother's beach house. I don't know if anyone counts those in official reports.

Looking forward to SJ's video of Publix group shopping.

**North Lake** · 03-07-2010, 12:31 AM

I just love shopping at the Watercolor Publix...if nothing else just to people watch, but mostly to visit with all my friends who work there and pick up the necessities. It's really a great grocery store, with an amazingly friendly staff at whatever time of the year. Steve Myers and his crew do a wonderful job at what would normally be a mundane thing...getting groceries out the door.

Stopped in at the Destin WalMart on the way home from Mobile this evening...the dogs have to have their peanut butter flavored dog biscuits...and the Spring Breakers were everywhere. The place was packed!

Stopped in at the Watercolor Publix at 8:55 pm as we got closer to home to get my favorite bottle of wine ($7.19 a bottle at your Publix savings price, with screw-top cap to boot) and it was just as packed --- at closing time, no less. Looks like Spring Break is here! We're going to have a great season this year, no doubt about it!

**SWGB** · 03-07-2010, 05:14 AM

It was like someone flipped a light switch. We ran into a group of spring breakers from UNC. They actually chose to come here and not PCB as they weren't looking for non-stop partying. The college spring break crowd is a relatively new phenomenon to this area and I think it began with all the issues Mexico was having last year. They have since told their friends and come back.

P.S. If that group of hotties from Nebraska is coming back our offer still stands.

**Smiling JOe** · 03-07-2010, 06:08 AM

From March through August, grocery shopping in groups larger than three people should be banned. Video coming soon.

**GoodWitch58** · 03-07-2010, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

From March through August, grocery shopping in groups larger than three people should be banned. Video coming soon.

and can you have them check the mobile phones at the door please...I am so sick of having them call back to the condo while standing in front of the one thing I stopped in to get!

**Teresa** · 03-07-2010, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by middlesister

I have a question. We come there every April. I am getting to book a reservation. Last April we lucked out and came the week after most of the spring breakers were there. What would you say the optimum week would be for that? I love what Dunelaker said. To be out and about and enjoy the dynamics is so much fun. One more thing, as long as I have been coming there I have never been there in the summer. What is it like? A waitress at a local restaurant told me that the locals call if the "100 days of hell." Is that true? Love it down there and you that live there are so lucky.

oh, its only about 68 days of hell at most.

and for me that would be July, Aug, and part of Sept where you are roasting in hell fire heat. other than than the heat though - its always lovely - even during actual hell week (July4th week) - as long as you know when to stay away from which beaches, restaurants, shops etc.

But, I do appreciate DL's positive outlook - and I agree with them completely. however, I do start getting a little irritated come July. Its not because of peak season really. it has more to do with mass visitors who we know who end up staying with us or who we must go see and visit every other day. visitors expect us to actually go out on the beach with them during peak sun/heat exposure! egaaaad! and we do accommodate to an extent. but by July when we've simply had all the sun exposure we can take we just say: ya'll go on to the beach - we'll see ya out there around sunset.

Regarding my beloved WaterColor Publix, it does get postively crazy starting now. it is fascinating to watch some of the visitors shopping in their bathing suits while talking on cell phones. but I am soooo happy to have my new Santa Rosa Beach Publix. what life savers. I'll be doing most of my shopping there. I don't think WC Publix will miss me. I'll be back. actually I love going to both and do so frequently.

**Andy A** · 03-07-2010, 05:14 PM

MS, DuneLaker is our local Walton County historian, though to modest to say so. She does a wonderful job of telling us what went on before us. As to spring breakers, we have a group who have been having a party next to our pool ever since this morning. It is unusual for us to have them but so far they are very well behaved.

**30A Skunkape** · 03-07-2010, 06:55 PM

For what it is worth, Santa Rosa Beach (new) Publix was not crowded at all this afternoon. I don't think the secret is out yet.

**GoodWitch58** · 03-07-2010, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

For what it is worth, Santa Rosa Beach (new) Publix was not crowded at all this afternoon. I don't think the secret is out yet.

Shhh...please.

**middlesister** · 03-08-2010, 06:51 PM

Thank you so much for your timing advice. Santa Rosa Beach Publix is where? Is that the new one on 98 just past the end of 30A? You are all so lucky to be there. We are coming mid April and I am counting the days. I have one more question to you who live there. If you were going to go to dinner on 30A around July 4 would it be a mob scene? I think I have to experience it once in the summer just to get a feel for it. We love April and October. Somebody sink their toes in the sand for me.

**DuneAHH** · 03-08-2010, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by middlesister

Thank you so much for your timing advice. Santa Rosa Beach Publix is where? Is that the new one on 98 just past the end of 30A? You are all so lucky to be there. We are coming mid April and I am counting the days. I have one more question to you who live there. If you were going to go to dinner on 30A around July 4 would it be a mob scene? I think I have to experience it once in the summer just to get a feel for it. We love April and October. Somebody sink their toes in the sand for me.

Yes the new Publix is on 98... b'tween 393 and 331 lights.
Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I do everything I can to stay in the 'hood NORTH of 98 around July 4th!

Found myself in WC Publix around 4pm on the 4th a couple of years ago

... think it was around Halloween when I finally escaped.

For all that... definitely experience EVERY month here... because it is the most wonderful place to live and be!
Enjoy your vacation!

**SWGB** · 03-08-2010, 11:05 PM

We discovered the best time to shop at Publix during season late Thursday evening and early Saturday morning. It's a little busy, but not nearly the hell on Earth that 4pm at Publix on a Satuday is.

**TreeFrog** · 03-09-2010, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

We discovered the best time to shop at Publix during season late Thursday evening and early Saturday morning. It's a little busy, but not nearly the hell on Earth that 4pm at Publix on a Satuday is.

Mainly stay away Saturday and Sunday afternoons. In general, any morning or early afternoon is OK, even at the peak.

**DuneLaker** · 03-09-2010, 10:06 AM

Aaahh! Wanted to report that I just returned from a quiet, lovely trip to the WaterColor Publix about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Like shopping in a quaint little village where everyone knows your name. BTW, pot roast, pototoes and carrots are on sale. Will make a cozy meal for the rain forecast for later tonight and tomorrow. The other South Walton Publix stores, Santa Rosa Beach and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, should take some of the heat off the WC store this summer. Along that same line, the Panama City Beach Publix is on the way home from Mini-Miracle Strip at Pier Park.

**SWGB** · 03-09-2010, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

Aaahh! Wanted to report that I just returned from a quiet, lovely trip to the WaterColor Publix about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Like shopping in a quaint little village where everyone knows your name. BTW, pot roast, pototoes and carrots are on sale. Will make a cozy meal for the rain forecast for later tonight and tomorrow. The other South Walton Publix stores, Santa Rosa Beach and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, should take some of the heat off the WC store this summer. Along that same line, the Panama City Beach Publix is on the way home from Mini-Miracle Strip at Pier Park.

It's okay, you can tell them you're hanging pool side at La Vela we won't judge.

**DuneLaker** · 03-09-2010, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

It's okay, you can tell them you're hanging pool side at La Vela we won't judge.

I'm afraid the ferris wheel and merry-go-round are more thrilling these days and more in line with my snowbirdish age. Thanks for the laugh, though. You won't see me lining up for the freebies on the beach with the springbreakers at La Vela. I did get BOGO cranberry juice at Publix today.

**Cork On the Ocean** · 03-10-2010, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

Oh My Gosh! Drove home from all the days activities and passed WaterColor Publix and the parking lot was FULL at 5 p.m.!! Didn't know it was already time for us locals to get into our combat grocery shopping mode. I thought the traffic was heavy on the way down 331 from DeFunk today. Spring has arrived in SoWal.

Oh yea, we're there! Went to grab lunch at Wild Olives with the pooches and even though there was 3 tables available, they were too slammed to seat me soooo I went down to see Ali at Chans and guess what! I got a seat and a fabulous lunch!

We love visitors but I wish there was a list of people who took care of locals "in-season" as well as off-season.

**SWGB** · 03-10-2010, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Cork On the Ocean

Oh yea, we're there! Went to grab lunch at Wild Olives with the pooches and even though there was 3 tables available, they were too slammed to seat me soooo I went down to see Ali at Chans and guess what! I got a seat and a fabulous lunch!

We love visitors but I wish there was a list of people who took care of locals "in-season" as well as off-season.

Are you sure they weren't just ignoring "that lady with the dressed up rats"?

**scooterbug44** · 03-10-2010, 04:01 PM

I like to do strategic grocery shopping during season - no cart!

Throw it all in one of the reusable bags and you can easily maneuver around all the tourons who feel the need to shop in groups, talk on the phone, and leave their carts in the middle of the aisle!

**ata** · 03-10-2010, 06:09 PM

For everyones info the wc publix is the #1 publix in the us during summer months. i confirmed that with 2 publix managers

**Teresa** · 03-15-2010, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by ata

For everyones info the wc publix is the #1 publix in the us during summer months. i confirmed that with 2 publix managers

I am not surprised! The location is primo. and though it is a small store, the management and staff make it extremely accommodating with the best in customer service.

as much as we complain about the mobs of tourists in our grocery stores when we need to food shop - in all truth I can get in and out pretty easily without much stress - most of the time. Publix is really good about staffing up whenever its needed so there is never a huge wait in line to check out. If you can handle the crowd in the tiny aisles, then its not that big of a deal. most of the time.

the new publix was packed out a few days ago - but still - no wait to check out. all went very smoothly.

I am grateful for Publix! thanks for coming to SoWal!!! now I never ever ever ever have to leave the 'hood.

**Beach Runner** · 03-21-2010, 09:54 AM

Maybe my Excel spreadsheet will help get the newbs out of the store faster. It certainly helps me.

**DuneAHH** · 03-21-2010, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

Maybe my Excel spreadsheet will help get the newbs out of the store faster. It certainly helps me.

LORD WOMAN!! I didn't think it was possible, but now I've finally met somebody even more attached to Excel spreadsheets than me!!!

**scooterbug44** · 03-21-2010, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

Maybe my Excel spreadsheet will help get the newbs out of the store faster. It certainly helps me.

Bless your OCD heart!

I had forgotten about that.

**Beach Runner** · 03-22-2010, 06:02 AM

Heck, I even have my Thanksgiving grocery list in a spreadsheet arranged by the aisles in Publix!

**inside635** · 03-22-2010, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

Maybe my Excel spreadsheet will help get the newbs out of the store faster. It certainly helps me.

Bless you, Beach Runner, for posting the list. Think of all the time everyone will save by using this! It will definitely get on the beach faster.

**TreeFrog** · 04-03-2010, 07:45 PM

The March crowd was nothing compared to today, with Publix planning to be closed tomorrow for Easter. I had the misfortune and bad judgement to have to make a run at 5:30 today. Truly stunning. Let me say that again, truly stunning. The biggest crowd I ever saw there. The checkout line stretched down to the wine, around past the dairy and beer, around the corner, past the meat, and ended in front of the seafood counter.

Hope this is a leading indicator for a good summer.

**beachmouse** · 04-03-2010, 09:07 PM

The Destin Publix was even worse today because they're smack in the middle of a mini-remodel, and a whole bunch of stuff has been moved to new locations without the signage following yet.

Because of course you should just automatically know that the frozen pizza is now found in the case labeled for pastries and frozen waffles.

**Diane4145** · 04-03-2010, 09:22 PM

I was at the 395 Publix after 7pm and couldn't believe it!

I live here and have never seen it, so crowded! Happy Easter wonderful visitors and locals! Enjoy this fantastic weather, too!

Originally Posted by TreeFrog

The March crowd was nothing compared to today, with Publix planning to be closed tomorrow for Easter. I had the misfortune and bad judgement to have to make a run at 5:30 today. Truly stunning. Let me say that again, truly stunning. The biggest crowd I ever saw there. The checkout line stretched down to the wine, around past the dairy and beer, around the corner, past the meat, and ended in front of the seafood counter.

Hope this is a leading indicator for a good summer.

**middlesister** · 03-10-2010, 07:10 PM

Cork on the Ocean: What is Chan's and where is it?

**SWGB** · 03-10-2010, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by middlesister

Cork on the Ocean: What is Chan's and where is it?

The locals call Wine World at WaterColor (just realized that's WWW) as Chan's.

**SWGB** · 03-12-2010, 10:10 AM

Spring break shopping list:

Loaf of white bread
Family sized package of cold cuts
Mayonnaise
Chips
Remainder of room in cart to be filled with beer

**mot** · 03-12-2010, 01:02 PM

Publix will be even more crowd this coming week. More schools on spring break.

**SWGB** · 03-12-2010, 01:03 PM

WaterColor has 1200 check-ins this weekend. Hold on to your hats folks.

**GoodWitch58** · 03-12-2010, 03:10 PM

think maybe I'll go to Costa Rica....

**DuneAHH** · 03-13-2010, 08:25 AM

This thread is a riot. ROCKING ideas here for Spring Breaker pre-bagged grocery staples dispensed from an ice-cream style truck in the Publix parking lots!!!!

Y'all are BRILLIANT (and snort funny to boot)!!!