Centennial 2009

Panama City will be celebrating it's Centennial in 2009. Different cities celebrate in different ways - some bury time capsules, some feature heirloom quilts, many have a parade and/or festival with everyone dressing in period clothing - what will Panama City be doing?
Well, for one thing, they are publishing "City Limits," a literary anthology, a trilogy of collectible books showcasing the best fiction, poetry, memoirs, art and photography produced by, for, and about the Emerald Coast city. There will also be a calendar, featuring works by local artists. You can keep up with what is happening at the official Centennial website . We are setting up a website (still in progress!) that will feature clothing, hairstyles and recipes, among other things, from the 1909 period, for those who are interested. Just for an example, check out Vintage Sewing for patterns for dresses from the 1900-1910 period!
Why not get in the spirit of things and makes this a real celebration!

More than Just a Beach

So you are visiting Panama City - or maybe even have lived here on the beach for a while. Suppose - just suppose - that you don't FEEL like a "beach day". You want to do something different. Well, what might you do?
Have you heard of Econfina Creek? There is the Econfina Creek Canoe Trail; it is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This trail is an unusually beautiful, swift-flowing creek. Located north of Panama City, it slices into the Floridan Aquifer and is fed by numerous springs as it enters Bay County. It then flows into Deer Point Lake Reservoir. Canoeists pass waterfalls, rock outcrops, log jams, riverbed springs and plentiful bird life as they approach State Road 20, where the Gainer Springs Complex enters from numerous vents, filling a deep clear pool surrounded by palms, cypress and mixed hardwoods. Canoe Trail Map Paddling Trail Guide
Group Camping is available at Blue Spring, Rattlesnake Lake North and South and Sparkleberry Pond. Primitive campsites (which are first come, first served) have also been established at a number of sites along Econfina Creek, at Porter Lake (Tom Johns and White Oak boat landings) and at the Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail Campground. Swimming is available at Pitt Spring, Porter Lake (Tom Johns and White Oak boat landings), Devil’s Hole and Rattlesnake Lake North and South (Tuesday through Thursday). Swimming is also available at some group sites, which are weekend use only and require reservations. You can find a map of the recreation area.
If you would like to see some pictures of the area, visit Econfina Springs Creek or Pitt Spring.
So who says Panama City is "just a beach"? Try it all - there's a lot more we can tell you about!

Almost Thunder Beach!

Well, Thunder Beach Spring Rally is almost here again - we're ready! Bought a motorcycle and we are definitely going to be there. This years pre-events start on April 25th, and the Rally goes on through Sunday, May 4. And it looks like the weather is going to co-operate - highs in the low 80's and lots of sunshine!

It appears that much of the action this year will be at the venue at Frank Brown Park; they were very pleased with the reception they received there last fall.

There are biker games, a Miss Thunder Beach contest, a Rate the Rack wet t-shirt contest, bike fest, the Thunder Beach bike show, the Kevin Kight Memorial Parade and so much more. Whether you have a bike or not (and it's not too late to get one-talk about saving gas) this is definitely the place to be. Bands, party's, vendors-you name it, it will be happening!

We will be busy taking pictures (lot's) and a few videos just in case you miss some of it. Hope we will see you there!