just returned from Blue Mt. Beach

[alic65]

what a beautiful area the South Walton Beach area is! we had a really nice time, just spending time with my extended family. The beaches were nice and the water, although the surf was a little rough this past week. My hubby , kids and I are used to alot more activity though. We spent most of our time in Destin or Panama City Beach. We stayed in Grande Beach, most mornings, we walked to the health food store next to us for a natural fruit smoothie! yummy! My brother and his wife enjoyed the little Cajun resturant witin walking distance. We all (12 of us) ate at Goatfeathers which was WONDERFUL. We overwhelmed them though, I think, with such a large party, we had almost a 2 hour wait, but the food was excellent. We bought many Blue Mt. Beach T-shirts to bring home with us for memories. The home we stayed in was beautiful and very private, if anyone would like to know. Very homey and well taken care of. I heard that Cheryl Crow owned the home next to ours, at least that's what a local told my brother! She wasn't there . A very clean area, great for families with little ones, for sure! My 14 and 9 yr. old were a little bored. But a good time was had by all, who wouldn't love the white suger beaches and clear emerald waters, no matter where one stays??? elise

[Smiling JOe]

We stayed in Grande Beach, I heard that Cheryl Crow owned the home next to ours, at least that's what a local told my brother! She wasn't there

Perhaps she was not there because she does not own a house in Grande Beach. Glad you had a great time. I am curious to know where you live. I like the quietness of the Beach, and enjoy not having an anxiety attack when I drive around here. Sounds like your kids need to get off of the Game Boys and X Boxes and begin to use their imaginations. I cannot imagine vacationing in Blue Mtn Beach and having the need to spend most of my time in Destin or PCB. I guess everyone has their own needs and that is what keeps the world a little more interesting.

[lurker1]

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe]Perhaps she was not there because she does not own a house in Grande Beach.

Dang, Joe, do you always have to be such a smarty-pants? She did own the house next door until October 2004. Why not give a tourist a break? Is your self-esteem dependent upon being the most knowledgeable among the Posters?

[Smiling JOe]

[QUOTE=lurker1]

Perhaps she was not there because she does not own a house in Grande Beach.

Dang, Joe, do you always have to be such a smarty-pants? She did own the house next door until October 2004. Why not give a tourist a break? Is your self-esteem dependent upon being the most knowledgeable among the Posters?

My apologies. Did not intend my post to be offensive.

[RiverOtter]

[QUOTE=lurker1]

Is your self-esteem dependent upon being the most knowledgeable among the Posters?

I thought I was the most Knowledgeable

[alic65]

Thank you Lurker 1 for coming to my defense! Glad to know that Cheryl Crow actually DID own a home there! And to Smiling Joe....my kids have plenty of imagination, they do not own these things that you speak of. They enjoy snorkel trips, dolphin tours and parasailing when we come to Florida, things that they don't get to do every day. My husband and I like being close to shopping and eating joints. We live in a small , rural town in Southern Missouri where we enjoy canoeing, boating on Bull Shoals lake and camping. I love the beach and the water in Florida, it's my favorite thing there! But it is also my children's vacation and I have to think of them. :)

[Smiling JOe]

My husband and I like being close to shopping and eating joints. We live in a small , rural town in Southern Missouri ...

Now, I see. Most of the tourists here are from major cities, and I could not figure out why anyone would come from a major cities filled with traffic and still feel compelled to go into Destin. I can see why someone living in a rural area would want to see a little eye candy and go shopping, dining, etc.

[alic65]

we are from a town of about 900 people, so traffic usually isn't a problem here! And we go to PCB to visit family (my aunt and her children and grandchildren who visited there at the same time my family stayed in BMB). Didn't mean to offend anyone, it's a GORGEOUS area for sure! By the way, my boys play basketball and baseball, love to fish and swim in the lakes near us. We are NOT city people at all, I couldn't live in the city. I'm a country girl! Maybe the locals in that area should appreciate people like us who come to your area and spend their money, making it a better place for you to live!

[Wu]

we are from a town of about 900 people, so traffic usually isn't a problem here! And we go to PCB to visit family (my aunt and her children and grandchildren who visited there at the same time my family stayed in BMB). Didn't mean to offend anyone, it's a GORGEOUS area for sure! By the way, my boys play basketball and baseball, love to fish and swim in the lakes near us. We are NOT city people at all, I couldn't live in the city. I'm a country girl! Maybe the locals in that area should appreciate people like us who come to your area and spend their money, making it a better place for you to live!

Forgive my impertinance. Why money make a place better?

[alic65]

because Wu, just like our area, tourists coming in spending money at the lakes and rivers in our community, help make many people a nice living

[Wu]

because Wu, just like our area, tourists coming in spending money at the lakes and rivers in our community, help make many people a nice living

He who have mini storage, have many problems.

[alic65]

I don't get it....

[sunshine]

You fellas be nice. Of course tourist money is good for the area. What is your property worth now compared to when you bought it?

I tire of hearing about "the good old days" down here.

[beachmouse]

There's more to life than property values. (and high values aren't good once you get to a situation where employees have extensive/long commutes to get to their jobs every day)

Overall, I see tourism as a very good thing for the area, but I do have my share of prickly and conflicting feelings of what our guests bring to and take from the area. Kind of more of a spectrum of feelings than a yes/no sort of deal.

[Bob]

You fellas be nice. Of course tourist money is good for the area. What is your property worth now compared to when you bought it?

I tire of hearing about "the good old days" down here.

What exactly do you have now that is better than "the good old days"? Property values and Publix aside??

[BeachDreamer]

Sounds like a great trip, Alic65!! We also live in (or, outside of) a tiny town of around 300. We love having our privacy, being close to nature, living a calm and peaceful life, giving our kids the freedom to explore in the woods and create the dreams and adventures that every kid should experience at least on some level. I couldn't handle city life either. Nice to visit, though!

We just had house guests (they left yesterday) that are from Southern Missouri. I think they were ready to be back in cooler weather! We LOVE canoeing on the Buffalo River, and we hope to get to Bull Shoals again very soon. Gorgeous place! Every bit as charming, in it's own right, as SoWal.

Our girls are 6yrs and 8yrs, and we are having so much fun vacationing with them at these ages. (Or, as we call it, exploring.) Just the perfect ages for them to really see the wonder and magnificance of experiencing new places and seeing new things they've never imagined. It delights us so much to see them so delighted, if you know what I mean! Last year we took them to Washington D.C. and there is something humbling and emotional in watching your kids stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and stare with amazement and wonder at the sun rising over the Washington Monument, or watching in silent awe at the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldiers. Anyway, that is off-topic! But if you haven't done it, D.C. is a MUST SEE.

[Oldtimer]

You fellas be nice. Of course tourist money is good for the area. What is your property worth now compared to when you bought it?

I tire of hearing about "the good old days" down here.

A later post asked "What do we have now that's better than 'the good old days'?" And for those tired of hearing about he GODays, take it from one who literally grew up on beach at Grayton, those days were the best! We had things that money couldn't buy and now it seems you have to have lots of money just to maintain status quo at Grayton.

As for increase in property values....that's only good if you are selling. For the few of us that hope to NEVER sell, it only means higher and higher taxes. Our beach house could not be replaced even if we made millions. The money didn't matter in the GODays and that was a good thing.

Just hanging out at "the store" was plenty; walking the beach; exploring the dunes (before they were restricted); swimming the entire Western Lake; crabbing off the dock with a string and a net; listening to the frogs and crickets because all the windows were always open to catch the lake and gulf breezes; no traffic; no rules about dogs or trucks; no garbage pick-up; no TV; no locked doors; just freedom to be and let be. Grayton was undiscovered and it was perfect then.

Don't get me wrong, I still love Grayton more than I can express, but some of the modern conveniences have just about destroyed what made Grayton special. It was a place for the common folks; nobody had a decorator "do" their house. In fact, we were lucky if two items matched in the entire house, but everthing was comfortable. It was a "beach" house! The only rentals that I'm aware of were the Butler cottages (and that is a stretch to call them "cottages"). We rented them before we built our house in 1956 for about $200/week. NO amenities!!! I know, too, because I cleaned them along with Gretchen Butler on Saturday mornings between tenants.

Guess you've figured that I could go on and on, but I'll stop for now. Anyone with questions, can send me a private mail.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled 4th of July weekend and week.

[ShallowsNole]

Oldtimer said it best in reference to property values...and I too can remember most of those things.

But, back to the original point - I have a pre-teen son and the orginator of this thread has my sympathies. What we as adults want on vacation and what kids want are two entirely different things. Kids do not go on vacation to relax. I live here and find myself in Destin frequently!

[alic65]

Yes, Beachdreamer, I totally agree with you....on all topics. I HAVE been to Washington D.C., once (many moons ago, my senior trip) I LOVED it. I agree that it is a very humbling experience and even as an 18 year old, I found it very powerful. I love going on vacation, no matter where it is, just to see new and different things and to give my children that experience as well. Living in such a rural area, they aren't exposed to much and it is a wonderful opportunity to travel each year. We save all year for our trip to Florida, whether it be Destin, or Blue Mountain Beach. But I think we'll always go to Florida, I have never seen such gorgeous blue/green water and white sand! I used to live in Palm Desert California and we would travel to the beaches often ( no comparison to Florida). As a child My family traveled to Northern California from Missouri every year (talk about a long drive, especially when you have a big brother breathing his stinky breath on you or licking you on the cheek, quite annoying). But I look back now and my brother and sister and I laugh and remember the good and the bad times on those trips. Like my dad wanting to stop at every tourist area to see something like "the world's biggest ball of string" . it was a good time. I want my children to do the same one day!

[Smiling JOe]

"What do we have now that's better than 'the good old days'?" And for those tired of hearing about he GODays, take it from one who literally grew up on beach at Grayton, those days were the best! We had things that money couldn't buy ...

Here is a photo taken today that reminds me of what Grayton Beach rush hour probably looked liked when OldTimer was growing up around here.

[Oldtimer]

Right on, SJ! Nice photo. Wish we'd had nice cameras back in the GOdays.

I envy you, being able to go to the beach every day! Someday we hope to be nearby, but for now we're exiled in the real civilized (?) world of Tampa.

[Smiling JOe]

Right on, SJ! Nice photo. Wish we'd had nice cameras back in the GOdays.

I envy you, being able to go to the beach every day! Someday we hope to be nearby, but for now we're exiled in the real civilized (?) world of Tampa.

Just keep saying that and one day you will say, "why not move?" Then, you will be able to enjoy the days once again.

[lollygal]

Just keep saying that and one day you will say, "why not move?" Then, you will be able to enjoy the days once again.

SJ - You seem to always put it into perspective for us, thanks -

[Smiling JOe]

SJ - You seem to always put it into perspective for us, thanks -

OldTimer has half of the battle won already by owning a house, on the Lake to boot! Now, he just has to slow down enough to pack up shop and move up here.

[beachbunny]

I am shocked as someone that comes from a tourist town with our own related problems.It sounds and comes off like guests are not welcome.Makes me very leary.

[Travel2Much]

I am shocked as someone that comes from a tourist town with our own related problems.It sounds and comes off like guests are not welcome.Makes me very leary.

There are some threads that deal with this:

The "I just logged on and am shocked, offended and hurt that anyone would every say anything that even remotely implied anything bad about a visitor/tourist/renter/guest (still working on the politically correct term) and darn well needed to let people know it while you people are desperately trying to save their lives, property, family, and livelihoods" thread is here:

http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.p...&page=12&pp=30

The "No, No, No we like and respect visitors/tourists/renters/guests, maybe others don't but I sure do, give us your input" thread is here:

Welcome Advice from Renters for Rentals - SoWal Beaches Forum

Enjoy.

[beachbunny]

O.k. First of all I never intended to sound like I am not sympathetic to the people fighting for thier property or livelihoods.I was not under the impression that this was the topic of this thread.I was saying my statement because unlike some I am not cancelling but I am proseding with my plans to visit blue mountain beach.I came here to get some kind of feel to how friendly that said community is to thier "visitors".The owner of the home we are renting,[and by the way have been saving for our first vacation in seven years ],is a lovely lady that I have been in contact with many times since our reservation.I certainly understand that this community is having trouble.I have offered my time if needed while I am there.

[Rather B Paddlin]

O.k. First of all I never intended to sound like I am not sympathetic to the people fighting for thier property or livelihoods.I was not under the impression that this was the topic of this thread.I was saying my statement because unlike some I am not cancelling but I am proseding with my plans to visit blue mountain beach.I came here to get some kind of feel to how friendly that said community is to thier "visitors".The owner of the home we are renting,[and by the way have been saving for our first vacation in seven years ],is a lovely lady that I have been in contact with many times since our reservation.I certainly understand that this community is having trouble.I have offered my time if needed while I am there.

By keeping your plans and making the best of the situation states a lot about your character. You will fall in love with this area just like most of the people on this board. Thank you for choosing our beaches.

[beachbunny]

this is the cove close to our lakefront house,....crowds and visitors ,I know are not always good.

[beachbunny]

And I am sorry ,thank you so much for the warm welcome. :oops:

[Travel2Much]

And I am sorry ,thank you so much for the warm welcome. :oops:

No reason to be sorry--really, there are threads on the issue that you would enjoy about this exact thing. Many of us with property have been dealing in a situation of extreme stress for days now. You will have a great time down here. Give it a few days for people to mellow out.

[Travel2Much]

Actually, I re-read it several times. Like I have said, this debate has been going on now for days in another thread. Enjoy!

How many coastal hurricane evacuations have you done kareshack? Just curious.

[Travel2Much]

wow- I did not mean to upset you. Things are stressful for you i am sure but beach living is suppose to be the life and that is part of it. Maybe you should reconsider your living sittuation if you are not able to handle it.

I do feel for everyone that is in this mess but i also feel for the ONE fatality from this storm that was killed by a falling tree while he slept. The hurricane HIT your house but the destruction touched a lot of others. By the way the tree killed a man in decatur, georgia too bad they were not evacuating there.

take it down a notch - maybe we should start a thread for people that can not handle the stress of living along the coast!! BE NICE!!

Never, eh? Figured.

I have done about 15. This one was a full-fledged evacuation of every person from past Panama City into Mississippi. Not bad, actually. Seen better, seen worse.

Like I said, there is a thread discussing your exact issue. Enjoy! I myself backed off on it a while back, since right now I am gathering info on property damage and other concerns. As I entered this thread to read about the severe damage to Blue Mountain Beach and discovered that it deals with nothing of the kind, I shall move on since I am gathering info for someone who has been devastated near there. Bye.

[kurt]

There are some threads that deal with this:

The "I just logged on and am shocked, offended and hurt that anyone would every say anything that even remotely implied anything bad about a visitor/tourist/renter/guest (still working on the politically correct term) and darn well needed to let people know it while you people are desperately trying to save their lives, property, family, and livelihoods" thread is here:

http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.p...&page=12&pp=30

The "No, No, No we like and respect visitors/tourists/renters/guests, maybe others don't but I sure do, give us your input" thread is here:

http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=826

Enjoy.

[beachbunny]

Why is that funny?

[Miss Kitty]

Okay people....Who do we call?

Dr. Phil?...Dr. Laura?...Dr. K?

Be nice!