Southern Breeze 2007 Summer Issue - (Page 41) “ It’s beautiful over there. Unspoiled and untouched. ” Enjoy an up-close view of dolphins (far left, top), tropical birds (far left) and other creatures at Gulf World Marine Park. Or, go for the weird at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! (center). Then relax your worries away on the beach at St. Andrews State Park (above). 38- to 40,000 unit range.” But the big news for the area is the new international airport being built, which will begin construction later this year. “For the first time in our history we will be actively promoting international travel to Panama City Beach and that’s an exciting thing.” Other exciting aspects about Panama City Beach are all the fun things to do and see, places to stay, and amazing eateries to sample while you’re visiting. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the Panama City Beach of your crazy youth has become a new destination for a relaxing retreat. The little ones will get a kick out of the dancing dolphins at the Gulf World Marine Park that entices visitors with an aviary full of colorful birds from around the world, all within reach. But don’t try to give Polly a cracker because these fowl are for your eyes only. You can get up close and personal with the quartet of dolphins that call Gulf World home. Aside from several shows a day, these lovable creatures are available for anyone who’s ever had the desire to “swim with the fishes.” Or swim with the mammals, as the case may be. If you find yourself humming the theme from Titanic, then you’ve probably spotted Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium which is built in the shape of a distressed ocean liner crashing into a building. Whether you love or loathe museums, you will be entranced by Ripley’s. Seriously, where else can you find a vampire hunting kit, a two-headed goat, fragments of sweaters made from human hair, not to mention actual relics from the Titanic? There is also a 4-D theatre where you become an active participant in six different adrenaline-pumping films. Speaking of that famed ocean voyage, if you time your trip just right you can imagine what it was like to be “king of the world” yourself as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition sails into town from May 25 to September 3 at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida. Created as an interactive experience, you tour the exhibit as if you were wandering from cabin to cabin on the decks of the ill-fated ship. If you want to get away from the crowds and get back in touch with nature, my friend Nancy “Burgess” Shelton—the local girl whose house we invaded 20 years ago—says that St. Andrews State Recreation Area is an ideal escape. “It’s beautiful over there. Unspoiled and untouched, and not crowded when we went,” she says adding that “it’s more of a family retreat than the heart of Thomas Drive or Front Beach Road.” Fortunately, St. Andrews is easily accessible as it is three miles east of Panama City Beach where Thomas Road turns back into State Road 392. Basically, you just keep driving east on Thomas Road until oyster bars and motels give way to a beautiful seaside landscape. Summer 2007 41
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