#11: Florida Panhandle, Alabama & Mississippi

After celebrating the new year in Key West, I headed north (which is essentially the only way to go!). I wanted to explore a bit of the western side of Florida after heading south on the eastern side. Given it was peak season in Florida, and the fact that I somewhat procrastinated planning my route post-the new year, I was a little limited as to where I stayed (live and learn…).

Little Manatee River State Park, Florida

I headed to Little Manatee River State Park, which is south of Tampa. Here, I took about three days to collect myself. To be honest, I needed some time in my trailer to wrap my head around a few things and get back into somewhat of a routine. I was able to finalize a freelance project, read, cook and get some good runs in. Here, I also had the realization that I need to stretch more often and pay a bit more attention to my body. I’m starting to wake up with a sore back - which I don’t want to escalate. I’m thinking culprits of this are driving for long periods of time and/or sleeping in the trailer. Little hack: I purchased a camping sleeping pad ($25) that I use as a yoga mat - it’s thicker than a yoga mat so it works perfectly on uneven surfaces. I love it!

Manatee Springs State Park, Florida

I then went north to Manatee Springs State Park (yes - another park with the word “manatee” in it), which is located north of Tampa, about 45 minutes inland from the western coast, right where the state starts to bend west - almost the inner “elbow” bend of the state. This was a park I had read about and was on my list because it was very possible to spot a manatee(!). In the cooler months, manatees find warmth in the springs there. I didn’t get lucky enough to see any, unfortunately. Also, I was a bit disappointed here as dogs weren’t allowed on most of the wilderness trails so we had to stay on the main roads.

St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida

I was excited to check out Panama City Beach. I booked three full days at St. Andrews State Park - I loved this park. The camping area was on the water, overlooking a body of water called the Grand Lagoon. The weather was fantastic while I was here, too, which always helps.

Panama City Beach reminded me of Myrtle Beach: pretty touristy, big beach shops, a ton of restaurants and high-rise resorts on the water. Many of the “activities” are geared towards families and children: miniature golf, water parks, etc. Not only did I have zero interest in those things, but also given it’s the off-season, many of them weren’t open.

Luckily, a friend of mine has a friend who lives in this area and she was able to give me some recommendations of things to do in the areas OUTSIDE of Panama City Beach. Addie and I explored west along 30-A - the road that runs along the beach. I wasn’t aware, but this road is iconic and hosts many small beach towns along the gulf shore in Florida. We explored Seaside, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and a few others. The beaches are beautiful in this area with fine white sand and blue water.

In Seaside, I got a to-go mimosa (a specific recommendation) and Addie and I walked around the shops and restaurants. This is an area I would love to visit again one day.

Gulf State Park (Alabama)

We then ventured west to Gulf State Park in Alabama, just over the Florida border. I was only able to reserve one night here so we had to make the most of it. Unfortunately, the weather was turning and we ran into heavy fog and clouds. A storm was coming.

I visited the infamous “Flora-Bama” - the huge honky tonk/beach bar on the Florida/Alabama line. I was really digging it. This place has live music 365 days a year, countless bars, beachfront areas, gift shops and a TON of character (especially for my country music-loving heart). I wish I could have hung out longer but Addie wasn’t allowed inside. I’ve noted to return when I can tap into my younger self and let loose a little at Flora-Bama…

Chickasabogue Park (Mobile County, Alabama)

We left Gulf State Park early morning. The storm was expected throughout the day and I wanted to get to a place where Addie and I could hunker down and ride it out. We stayed south, in Mobile, because the middle of the storm (tornado!) was more north in Mississippi and Alabama. We didn’t do much at this park…just kept warm and dry as the storm passed.

Roosevelt State Park, Mississippi

After leaving Alabama, we made our way to a memorable state park in Mississippi - Roosevelt State Park. I loved this park. It was quiet, serene and lakeside and there weren’t many other campers there. Addie and I hiked and kept our eyes peeled for civil war trenches still somewhat identifiable. Not sure if we spotted any, but it was thought-provoking to consider the area as a Civil War Battlefield at one time.

Here, we also met an amazing park ranger named Louis. He and I had a lovely conversation when I checked in about everything from marriage and values to the Union and Confederacy. We were two people who grew up in very different places who were able to connect on so many common grounds. This was an obvious highlight of my time in the South.

I had all intentions of heading to northern Louisiana, but it just didn’t work out the way that I had planned - which is okay! Next, Addie and I headed north to Hot Springs National Park!