Just wanted to share the following good news with you…

Frommer Travel Recognizes the Lifestyle and Natural Beauty of the Florida Panhandle beaches as a “top 10 destination” for 2010

The “Florida Panhandle Beaches” is the only continental U.S. destination included in Frommer’s list of Top Destinations 2010!  (Other places on the list include Melbourne, Australia; Tunisia; Hanoi, Vietnam; Kerala, India; and Mexico City). 

Florida Panhandle Beaches, United States

Like the Rodney Dangerfield of the American Southeast, Florida’s panhandle never gets the respect it deserves. Dubbed the “Redneck Riviera” by dismissive northerners, northwest Florida, in fact, contains some of the most diverse recreation choices along Florida’s drastically under-appreciated Gulf coast, and some of the best options for visitors seeking an affordable family vacation.

From Destin to the west, where you can hire a fishing or sailing charter, to the smattering of National Seashores as you move east, there’s really something for everyone. Seaside’s planned community is so “perfect” it was the setting for the The Truman Show, yet you’ll also find old-school Florida towns with funky shops, tiny hotels, pristine beaches, and the perfect cottage to rent.

“Stunning beaches, nature trails … great restaurants, and a cozy, yet quirky, sense of community.” — Lesley Abravanel, author Frommer’s Florida

Read full article here

                         “What do you call a lawyer who hangs out in restaurants?

                                                       An ambiance chaser”    ; }

   Which nicely seques into our comments on one of our favorite local restaurants:

                                Garrett Realty Services Invites You to Experience:

                         Good Friends Good Food and Good Times at The Red Bar

 My BFF since I was twelve years old is visiting from Germany and wanted authentic local atmosphere not to mention, food.  I immediately thought of The Red Bar.

The first impression one has is that the vine covered restaurant has been there for a long time and deeply ensconced in the historical little town of Grayton Beach.   The Red Bar’s eclectic Bohemian decor is artsy and creative and BOY are they ready for the Holidays.  There is something interesting to look at in every square inch down to the international posters on the ceiling which patrons have contributed.

Needless to say, we LOVED the food.  There were five of us so we ordered several different dishes for sampling.  The Red Bar is famous for their Chicken Panne and Gulf-fresh seafood (especially the crab cakes).  There is quite a selection of side orders:  ranging from sweet potatoes, delightfully varied salads and freshly battered onion rings… YUM.  The specials change daily and are quaintly hand-written on a large chalk board presented by the waitress. 

My friends, Laura and and hubby Jerry, said their Shrimp PoBoywas the best they have had (and they are seasoned travelers).  Laura also added that the bread was as good as she gets in Europe.  That is quite the compliment. 

The two important things Laura and I have in common are our tastes in food and laughing (We haggled over a few beaus but that is fodder for another blog!).

We had so much fun (of course we always do… that is why we are still friends after —?! zillion years) reminiscing about slumber parties and debating the best techniques for tormenting our little brothers.  Some stories never get old…

A little Red Bar History 101: 

The Red Bar is venerable.  Belgian brothers, Olly and Phillipe Petit, have built The Red Bar from a former Grayton Grocery into one of the area’s most famous eateries.  The restaurant is actually called Picolo’s, but the whole place is best known by the bar’s name, The Red Bar.

The Red Bar Jazz Band plays almost nightly and is the best in NW Florida featuring the great Jabbo Starke, formerly James Brown’s drummer who played in Sex Machine and Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.  When Starke is not at The Red Bar, he still performs all over the world.

The Red Bar has always been known for featuring the best in South Walton County music, first and foremost with the Great Red Bar Jazz Band but also with regular appearances from area favorites like Dread Clampitt, The Waco Ramblers and Hubba Hubba.

Don’t be surprised to spot celebrities here late at night.  “…But please, everybody just wants to chill at The Red Bar.”

Located in the old part of Downtown Grayton Beach, Florida on Scenic 30-A, (Just down the road and west of Garrett Realty Services) The Red Bar is also a short drive from Destin & Panama City Beach. 

Phone:  850-231-1008

Check out their website: http://www.theredbar.com/ for more information.

THE VIDEO CORNER Special:  Rent 2 New Releases for $8.00 plus tax!

Did you know that Seagrove Beach has its very own video store?  The Video Corner is located in Seagrove Plaza on Scenic 30-A and has been open since March of 2008.

NEW RELEASES every Tuesday!

The Video Corner is the ONLY video store in the area and YES!  We are open to the public and have the latest greatest video releases for everyone as well as our customers!

Don’t forget that the memorable film The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey was filmed just down the road at Seaside!  We always keep plenty in stock for rent (Buy it for just $9.99!).  Take the Truman Show home for a souvenir  of  your vacation on beautiful Scenic 30-A. 

Fall Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Times of operation are seasonal so please call for current hours) Located inside Garrett Realty Services and is OPEN to the Public.