Do you guys know what the difference is between a Yankee and a DAMN Yankee? Yankees just go to the South to visit, but the DAMN Yankees visit and then never leave.
On that note, here are 5 reasons 30A isn’t perfect, from the perspective of a damn Yankee.
It’s sunny, even during the Winter
Uh, so… where’s that giant, grey shelf cloud that covers the sky for 6 months of the year? What exactly is that bright, shiny thing in the blue sky in the middle of January? It can’t possibly be the sun, could it? On 30A the sun is ALWAYS shining. Even during the winter, folks. No more seasonal depression. No more dark, dreary mornings. Just sun. Lots and lots of sun. Bust out your Maui Jims and your Coola sunscreen this Winter because ya gonna need it.
There are way too many locally owned restaurants
Forget the “freshmen 15″… it’s more like the “I moved to Florida 30.” There are so many locally owned restaurants here, you’ll want to try them all. FYI, they’re all delicious. I am continually amazed at the chef talent on 30A and the quality of the food here. Some serious variety. Something for literally everyone. Unless you hate good food… then there is nothing here for you. Sorry.
The sand only LOOKS like sugar
Please, please, please, do not attempt to eat the sand here. Despite being told by locals everywhere that it is “sugar” sand, I can most assuredly tell you, it’s not actual sugar, people. It really is sand. And yes, it tastes like sand. (Again, not sugar. Do not be fooled!) I realize it is unlike any sand you’ve seen or felt before, but it is definitely, just white sand. Don’t eat it. And please, please, please… don’t try to bake with it.
The shopping is seriously local
If you hate really beautiful and hand crafted art, thoughtfully curated collections of books, fresh-water pearl jewelry, water sports equipment and locally brewed beer, just to name a few, then you won’t like the shopping scene on 30A. There is so much entrepreneurship here, it’s insane. If you’re not a fan of walking into a store and chatting it up with the salty soul who actually created the things you’re about to buy, you definitely don’t want to shop here. If you prefer that whole “Made in China” thing, then this is most assuredly, not your shopping scene.
The people are way too nice
Seriously, can I just walk up to a bar, order a mimosa (or ten) and drink them in peace? Not likely. On 30A, the people are friendly. They want to chat with you. They’ll ask you about your job, your homeland and how long you’re staying. (Sussing out that whole Yankee/Damn Yankee thing, no doubt.) They’ll take an interest in you and they’ll make you feel like it’s a friendly place, this 30A. If you’re more into solidarity and keeping to yourself, the fine friendly folks of 30A might not be your people.
There you have it. Five reasons 30A isn’t perfect. I know that there is time when this place almost seems as if it’s the set of a movie. Perfectly cobbled streets, nicely manicured landscaping and weather that feels too good to be true. It wouldn’t surprise me if someone just felt like they could hop a boat and row into the Gulf of Mexico and expect to bump into a wall and find out this is all just some perfectly crafted paradise. Not that I know anyone that has tried that or anything… but just in case you start to question whether it’s all just too suspiciously perfect or not, pull out this list and remind yourself that it’s just not as perfect here as it seems.
I’ve attached my holiday bucket list below for anyone who is venturing down this way for the Winter. Feel free to download it and create some holiday magic here in paradise.
Ann says
This is clever! I still haven’t been to Destin. One of these days, we’ll have to check out the area. I’m sure wishing I were there with the weather turning cold here in Paris now. Paris is wonderful and all, but my body has a hard time adjusting to the cold. Also, it is gray here a lot in the late fall/winter. It’s a bit depressing.
staceymkidder@me.com says
It’s so beautiful and fun! Love Destin. Come visit me. 🙂