Sandestin 12-6 and 12-7-12

Thursday 12/6 and Friday 12/7 in Baytowne Marina in Sandestin: Now this is living. Great marina, wonderful amenities, white sand beaches, bikes, shopping, good food. The whole package. And it is pretty. No one was here. We were mostly alone everywhere we went. I don’t mean alone like tumbleweeds blowing in the streets but we had the definite impression that there were more workers in this 2400 acre property than guests. Odd.

This place also goes on the list of places we could live in the future. We liked the mix of ages, old and young, and the way the properties are set up so it is lovely but not perfect. It is not Disney World. It is designed but not perfect. Does that make sense?

Rich and Paula Mandel had to leave on Friday but we went on a great bike ride through most of the property including a nature area and the beach then joined them for dinner.

Rusty having a private moment at the end of the dock. He loves swimming at the beach. 

Beautiful docks

The resort is located in 2400 acres that extend between the Gulf and the ICW. Due to its location there is no tide in the marina which made it easier to get Rusty off. The floating docks seemed brand new.

L to R: Mike and Judy Hechtkopf, Rich and Paula Mandel,
and Kermit Ruegamer at Marlin Grill

Very quiet in winter, restaurants all open but no crowds. We ate at Marlin Grill, beautifully decorated for Christmas.

The decorations at Marlin Grill were exquisite. Even the bathrooms were decorated - no photos though.

Marlin Grill decorations - there was a little fireplace outside that smelled great

Kermit in Baytown at night

We could walk from our marina to Baytown, a little section with restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as games for kids. We visited there often.

Golf courses look great although we no longer golf. We took golf carts to the other shopping area to the grocery store (Publix - very nice). They also have upscale shops like Tommy Bahama and J. Crew. 

A great group to travel with:
Kermit, Katherine, Judy Hechtkopf,
Paula and Rich Mandel, Mike Hechtkopf

Beaches were beautiful. 

We biked around the property to Jolee Island where we played with labs in the water and watched out for snakes. 

Condos around the lagoon at Jolee Island

This is a very dog friendly place.
Too far for Rusty to walk to get there though.
This is a Rusty look alike and a huge mutt.

Tree houses!!

We had to climb the tree houses!!

 More biking:

 Rusty enjoyed Baytown too.

 This is our favorite gelato place. We went there twice in one day because the gelato was great and comes in these cut plastic petal cups that we can reuse for appetizers on the boat!! A great two-fer.

This place is really beautiful. 

Gas price was $5.61, highest since Chicago. We didn't fill up. We only stayed two days because we are concerned about positioning ourselves properly to make the crossing to Tarpon Springs. Next stop is Panama City on 12/8/12.