Family Fun in Florida

Blog Post 1 – Fabulous Family Fun

 

There is one place that my family LOVES to go each year to get away – Panama City Beach (PCB), Florida.  We have been going there for years. My husband’s family use to have a condo there at Pinnacle Port but sold it about 25 years ago.  None the less, this was always one of my husband's favorite places to go and now it is ours. We started back the year after my dad died.  We always went to my Father-in-Law’s for a family Father’s Day BBQ.  After my dad died it became harder and harder. The next year, I surprised my husband and Father-in-Law, and we headed to   It is now a Chen Family tradition again. We go each summer and try to book it around that time of the year if possible.  BUT… why?

There are so many things to do in PCB that are amazing and some even off the beaten path.  There is a little seafood market between PCB and Destin called Shrimpers Seafood Market. This is a family owned and operate business and I love going back each year to see them.  There are always cars parked there so you know it is good! Shrimpers has amazing fresh seafood and each year I head there to get mine and make homemade Paella.  This is a family favorite, and it is wonderful when it is made with fresh mussels, clams, oysters, shrimp, and scallops. The prices are great and sometimes I buy extra to freeze and bring home!

In 2018, I surprised my husband with a deep-sea fishing trip.  He was FLOORED! We had such an amazing time and made some great friends in the process. Fifth Generations Fishing Charters is the ONLY group we use. Owned and operated by Clarence and Hannah Raffield, this group runs amazing charters, and you will bring home fish!  When you get on the boat, immediately you feel the love.  The boat, The Lady Kimberly, is named after Clarence’s mom who passed away.  The tribute that you will see and read once you enter the vessel, warms your heart. There is a group at the dock that they work with that does all the processing and labeling of the fish. This is a family-owned business, and it does not end there.  Clarence’s dad and sister own and operate additional ventures like pontoon boat excursions and capabilities to take larger fishing groups for a day or half day outing.

If you are looking for more water fun, hit Shipwreck Island! Lots of family fun to be had by every age in your family.  The first time my mom went, she was 76 and had a blast and I never thought I would ever say that about my mom and a water park!  The lazy river is nice and relaxing.  There is an area for the smallest vacationers and then for those who want a little more adventure, you will find it on any one of their amazing slides.

You want to shop?  Well shop until you drop at Pier Park! Fun little unique stores, and some great restaurants await you.  One of our favorite places to visit when we are there is Saltwater Grill.  We NEVER leave until we visit Shuckums. Oysters are the BEST! Want something different? Take a drive to Rosemary Beach, Seaside, or even Destin.  More shopping awaits at the Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall.  All are a short distance from PCB. 

Finally, just the time to hit the pool and relax and recharge is always good. The beautiful white sandy beaches await you. I love listening to the ocean, having a drink or my coffee, and planning my next trip back.

JUNE 2022!