Traveling to the Florida Panhandle? Tips & Advice

[Teresa]

We're seeing a lot of excitement about opening our beaches, businesses, restaurants and vacation rentals. We're all #InThisTogether during the COVID19 pandemic and share responsibility for protecting our families and communities this summer. We welcome our visitors to the world's most beautiful beaches. And we ask you to please plan ahead, pack your supplies and your patience, and be mindful of health and safety during your stay.

Summer 2020 is here and vacation rentals are open. Let good times roll with caution, social distancing, fun in the sun, with kindness and care for everyone around us.

I'm seeing a lot of important and positive advice from locals, businesses and beach lovers and would like to share them with our readers. Feel free to offer your friendly and constructive advice by posting here. Please be kind.

 

[Teresa]

The Art of Simple
Seaside

For those of you headed our way soon to vacation on our beautiful beaches, we kindly ask that you pack plenty of kindness, patience and supplies.

PLAN AHEAD is the best way to prepare for your trip to 30A. Local supplies are limited so bring hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, groceries, etc.

Please bring face coverings. Friends they are not a symbol of fear but they are a symbol of LOVE! #spreadlove on your trip to the beach

Restaurants & shops have limited capacity by law and may be understaffed. Please be patient & kind. If a shop ask you to wear a face covering - please be respectful and DO IT!

If you have to shop at a grocery, send one person only with face mask, follow the one-way arrows, get in and out quickly.

Restaurants are not allowed full capacity and will fill quickly and likely have wait times. Consider pick up.

Always practice safe social distancing, as recommended by the CDC - how to stop the spread of germs. If you or anyone in your group is sick, postpone your vacation. If you or anyone in your group begins to feel sick, return home immediately to shelter in place & seek medical attention. Hospital care & beds are limited at the beach.

Thanks for all your love and support while we were closed. We can’t wait to meet all of our great online shoppers in person, so make sure you tell us when you stop in the shop. #loveistheanswer #shopsmallbusiness #thankyou

 

[bob1]

Tip well and have patience!

 

[James Bentwood]

A tip for everyone, locals and visitors, and especially event planners:

Do Not attend or create any GROUP events!

I know South Walton usually has tons of events but RESIST the urge to have events!

Gathering groups together is the most dangerous thing going right now. Going to an event is like jumping on a hand grenade - don't do it!

You may be ok with jumping on a hand grenade but you will carry it beyond to other people.

 

[raven316]

A tip for everyone, locals and visitors, and especially event planners:

Do Not attend or create any GROUP events!

I know South Walton usually has tons of events but RESIST the urge to have events!

Gathering groups together is the most dangerous thing going right now. Going to an event is like jumping on a hand grenade - don't do it!

You may be ok with jumping on a hand grenade but you will carry it beyond to other people.

We always said "keep your interval to one frag can get you all"!

 

[liz coats]

Tip well and have patience!

And if you run into the "Grim Reaper" be sure to tip him too. He needs the money.

 

[Teresa]

Please offer helpful advice here to residents and visitors as we begin a summer season at the beach during a pandemic. Thank you.

Locals! Get to the grocery store now! Already getting crowded. TP is low. Only a handful of shoppers wearing masks. Tomorrow morning may be the last opportunity time to shop safely.

 

[newsprint]

Thanks to all, this has been helpful. We usually mostly eat at restaurants when visiting 30A but now plan to stay home with our crew and cook in. I'm expecting the Publix near Watercolor and Goatfeathers seafood market to be slammed/cleaned out. Are there any recommendations for higher quality grocery stores and seafood markets that are less likely to be hard hit by visitors? We don't mind driving 30 minutes or longer to stock up if needed.

 

[Teresa]

Thanks to all, this has been helpful. We usually mostly eat at restaurants when visiting 30A but now plan to stay home with our crew and cook in. I'm expecting the Publix near Watercolor and Goatfeathers seafood market to be slammed/cleaned out. Are there any recommendations for higher quality grocery stores and seafood markets that are less likely to be hard hit by visitors? We don't mind driving 30 minutes or longer to stock up if needed.

Publix stays pretty well stocked on most foods and BEER! But like grocery stores everywhere they are running low on paper products, cleaning supplies and other staples. They also have restrictions on many items such as meat.

Specialty shops are a great source for shopping!

Destin Ice Market Inlet Beach
For The Health of It Blue Mountain Beach
Shrimpers Seafood Market Santa Rosa Beach
Other seafood markets: Buddies, 3 Goatfeathers markets.
Wine World at WaterColor
Fresh Market PCB and Destin
Modica Market in Seaside

 

[Teresa]

Visit South Walton TDC

What To Know Before Visiting South Walton

For those visiting South Walton, please be advised that there will be some restrictions in place. CLICK HERE to learn how you can keep your family and the South Walton community safe.

Stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 travel updates to South Walton: COVID-19 Travel Updates