Text from my friend who just got back

To all those defenders of the TDC - here is a prime example of why we don't need to spend all those millions on marketing. It's also the reason we are quickly becoming Destin-East. Remember Spring Break this year and all those escaping PCB for the "tranquil beaches of 30a" (PCB-West).

From my friend Shannon, who just returned from SoWal yesterday. This following many long texts about what they did, etc.:

"The whole trip, our family kept saying, "we're SO glad you called Renee before we came!" We drove through Destin on our way to Santa Rosa and none of us could imagine a worse vacation. Even the kids were mortified at how crowded it was. One day when it rained, I suggested maybe we go to Destin to check it out. A loud NO WAY erupted from the gang. You single handedly saved our vacation from disaster! It's our favorite place ever!! My in-laws have been to every continent and most countries and the still say SoWal beats them all!"

Shannon says they went from one end of 30A to the other and loved every place they stopped. They rode bikes to Watersound...ate at the RB, stopped in galleries, LOVED Sun Dog, ate ice cream at Creamery, got a massage at FTHOI, sang karaoke at Elmo's, had wine in Watercolor, burgers at Pickles, fished with Captain Steve, yolo'd and more! Makes me kinda look really lazy when I come. :lol:

You're awesome!

I think it's pretty lame to trash your neighbor, Destin. it's like bad-mouthing your big brother. I grew up in Destin before it became the tourist Mecca that it currently is, but if it wasn't for Destin, "30a" would be completely unknown. You better be careful, karma's a B#%ch. Destin was what 30a is now. Your pretentious attitude doesn't become you. Hang ten.

:leaving:

DD, thank you for sharing this. I still remember our first trip to 30-A many years ago. We could never forget it, and certainly could never top it. Other places and beaches just never measured up. We are lucky enough to be able to have a piece of paradise. We've made the trip down hundreds of times. Yet, every time my tires touch the 331 bridge I get a lump in my throat and truly feel, I am home!
So thanks DD for being such a great ambassador for this wonderful place called SoWal.

I love for people to go to Destin ,leaves more room on 30A beaches.Judging last spring break I think enough folks know about30A.

Thank you Sheila. I can certainly understand why folks would want to keep SoWal a secret, and I know the overflow from the west and east can be annoying to some when it's tourist season. I recommended SoWal to my dear friend because I wanted her to experience what she's been hearing about from me for years. I have no beef with Destin (home of my beloved Crab Island), PCB or even FWB. The attraction to each area is unique. For some, SoWal might not offer what one looks for while on vacation. Those people go to FWB, PCB and Destin. I know if I had grown up in SoWal, I'd probably be shaking my head at all the changes. For those of us not as fortunate, we are grateful to be able to visit a couple of times a year and we thank you for sharing paradise with us.

What is it about that 331 bridge?

I'll tell you what I think it is about the 331 bridge. It is the entrance to unbelievable, unadulterated paradise. I have been lucky enough to have flown all over the world and there is no place I've seen that is as exhilarating and enthralling as the scene just 50 yards from my front door! The dolphins, schools of fish, osprey, and our local heron at the end of this very short walk make it a walk into God's gracious bounty. The surrounding area with its forests, dune lakes and generally naked beauty makes this a perfect place to live. I feel so very fortunate and lucky to be able to do so.

Well said, AA.

Gives me butterfly belly just like it was a first date.

NWFNative - just a reminder to express your view with courtesy and respect for your fellow SoWal members- see Forum rules. DD's friend's story is special - love reading about new visitors who come to town and discover their own paradise.

Nope, this is not Destin and never could be for many reasons. Destin is its own unique place. South Walton offers a whole different feel even with all the growth and changes. There was a time I resented change to my little home town, but hey - we have actual grocery stores! Plus, some of the most incredible people have chosen to make their homes here and they make the place even more special. It's always growing and changing - in ways that make me feel proud to live here. We also have so many repeat visitors who make SoWal their own - they make and keep strong connections to the community.

The 331 bridge = excitement!!! I have experienced that feeling so many times over my life. It never goes away. Butterflies for sure.

:wub: Toots.

Desin is great for some families. I used to vcation in Destin when my kids were young. I loved it. I do not think my family was a 30A family. Destin is perfect for some families, but it takes a certian mentality to vacation in SoWal...different strokes. I live in SoWal and could not imagine living in Destin or PBC. (because of the crowds and the development)
DD, I love you're friend's assement of SoWal!! It is a truly magical place :wub:

:wub:Allifunn!

Totally agree. I know some fams that would be totally bored in SoWal (no offense;-)). That's why I asked my friend prior to her family's visit what they liked to do, what was the goal of the trip, etc. For them, SoWal fit the bill perfectly!!!

:wub:Allifunn!

Totally agree. I know some fams that would be totally bored in SoWal (no offense;-)). That's why I asked my friend prior to her family's visit what they liked to do, what was the goal of the trip, etc. For them, SoWal fit the bill perfectly!!!

You are a good friend and advisor! And an expert on the area as you have stayed all over the coast!

Aw...certainly no expert, but I can tell ya ALL the routes from and to Texas, Crab Island info, the best barstool at AJ's, FWB inside & out, and why I love SoWal soooo very much.

TDC's need to STOP recruiting more and more people to come here i.e, STOP spending huge amounts of money advertising across the Southeast and Midwest. In Destin, this past summer has been the worst as far as traffic, frequent emergency vehicle runs, helicopters flying overhead and up and down the beach.

Idea: with the millions of dollars coming from BP, how about TDC scout and acquire desirable beachfront properties, now that the prices are relatively low. Take the properties and make them permanent beach access and parks so that (1) we can enjoy them for decades to come, (2) give people driving on 30A more opportunities to actually SEE the beach/water.

What the... Ok. Yes traffic in 30A is always tough in certain places during a few months in peak season. But still, I was reminded by my hubby that the traffic is nothing compared to real cities across the country - and I should stop my whining. Actually, I avoid it when possible.. It is all perspective. If anything, the number of bike riders and golf carts all over the place are more cause for safety concern.

Still, it is great to see folks out biking, walking, running, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding and taking full advantage of the beautiful outdoors in SoWal. This fall is the perfect time to do all that and more. Fall is our perfect season.