Destin bound

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Clodhopper

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The wife and I are taking the kids to Destin, Florida next weekend. We'll be going down south out of Nashville, through Alabama, then across the panhandle. Our trip down and back will be semi-leisurely, so we're looking for places to eat and things to do on the way. Big Bob Gibson's in Decatur, Alabama is a possibility. I like to stay away from national chains and go to local places. Any suggestions from all you Alabama and Florida boys?
 
I made that trip a few years ago. I loved it from Montgomery on. I have no idea what the name of it was or what hwy it was on, but after you go through Montgomery and get on 2 lane state hwy's, there was an old fashioned chicken joint. Right in the middle of a town that looked like it might have a population of 800. There was at least 30 cars in the parking lot. I've always regretted not stopping.

Sorry for the non-help, but who knows, maybe you'll see it.
 
When we go that way we always stop at the peach park in clanton to get ice cream and sit around in the shade. It gives the kids a break from the car to run and play.
 
I was stationed at Eglin AFB (Ft Walton Beach/Destin area) back in the 90's. If you like sea food, follow where the fishing boats come in and dock. The main drag along the coast will have the chain restaurants but those even those chains had good sea food. Where the fishing boats dock, will be some of the finest and freshest gulf seafood that is amazing.

If your headed down to Destin via way of Nashville your probably running interstate 65 to Montgomery. In Montgomery you catch a two lane (used to be 2-lane anyways), I believe is rt 331 through lower Alabama and the Florida panhandle. As SJB noted, that two lane will run you through a couple little towns. I would stop at the small little mom and pop restaurants and I always walked away with a good meal.

Also, when travelling that little 2-lane route from Montgomery to Florida, watch your speed. Those cops in those little crossroad towns are looking to nail you for speeding especially if you got Yankee plates on your car.
 
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Im in Dothan Al Monday thru Friday Except next week ill be in Pensacola Wednesday and Thursday. If your coming down 231 to Dothan and you want a short cut to Destin ( it will be a 2 lane paved road but lots of cows and woods ) let me know If its a day your coming thru around lunch or breakfast and im in town , Ill buy.
 
We're leaving next Friday and will be coming home next Wednesday or Thursday. That may work out, thank you! We might meander around a little on the way back. Lots of good folks still in this old world!
 
Check out Sexton's Seafood in Destin. Its a retail fish market.You'll have to cook it yourself but they can advise you on the best way to cook. Very large selection of local Gulf seafood from fish, crab & shrimp.Try the Royal Red shrimp. You just boil them and they cook very quickly so don't over cook. They are deep water shrimp(1200-1800 ft deep) that taste more like lobster.Some kinda fine eating. Our boats supply almost all their shrimp.
 
Oh, and fuel up before you get too far out of Montgomery. Once you get on 331, there ain't much. There is a nice rest stop once you cross into Fla though.

Really nice country, "old Florida" like I remember it 30 years ago.

And, head on down to the little beach communities in south Walton county along 31-a. Really nice laid back place without all the destin hoopla and outlet malls. Good local food, no chains that I remember.
 
zirlottkim":cst1t8fg said:
Check out Sexton's Seafood in Destin. Its a retail fish market.You'll have to cook it yourself but they can advise you on the best way to cook. Very large selection of local Gulf seafood from fish, crab & shrimp.Try the Royal Red shrimp. You just boil them and they cook very quickly so don't over cook. They are deep water shrimp(1200-1800 ft deep) that taste more like lobster.Some kinda fine eating. Our boats supply almost all their shrimp.
Click to expand...

That's an amen on those royal reds. I order them from Billy's seafood over in Alabama every once in a while. How about shipping a brother 20lbs? Lol
 
SJB":1h0ena5q said:
zirlottkim":1h0ena5q said:
Check out Sexton's Seafood in Destin. Its a retail fish market.You'll have to cook it yourself but they can advise you on the best way to cook. Very large selection of local Gulf seafood from fish, crab & shrimp.Try the Royal Red shrimp. You just boil them and they cook very quickly so don't over cook. They are deep water shrimp(1200-1800 ft deep) that taste more like lobster.Some kinda fine eating. Our boats supply almost all their shrimp.
Click to expand...

That's an amen on those royal reds. I order them from Billy's seafood over in Alabama every once in a while. How about shipping a brother 20lbs? Lol
Click to expand...

zirlottseafood.com I am strictly wholesale but that link is to my parents, they have a retail place and can FEDEX overnight anywhere in country. Try the stuffed shrimp. Make you hurt yourself if you are not careful. Also have fresh handpicked crabmeat and my sister has halfshell oysters. Oh ....and I sell Billy red shrimp so my boat caught them
 
We just got back 2 weeks ago from destin .. most of the food we ate was boxed / frozen breaded .. but im biased because i live on the gulf coast and buy my shrimp right off the boat .. we took the kids on a charter fishing trip .. they had a great time .. old bay steamer was pretty good in fort walton beach ..
 

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