Road Trip 2018 (Part 2): Big Easy to the Redneck Riviera

Have you read Part 1 of this road trip? Click here to check it out.

The second half of our trip was a scenic drive along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Our anchor point for the next few days was the Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola. Before reaching this piece of Parrothead paradise, our first stop was in Pascagoula, Mississippi at the Buffett Bridge.

Buffett Bridge and Beach

I have to admit, I did not even realize there was a Buffett Beach, so that was a nice surprise. Also, in case you haven’t figured it out already, I’m a big Parrothead. I had planned out this little stop a long time in advance. I was actually imagining a big bridge stretched out over a wide waterway. However, I really liked this smaller artistic version.

Flora-Bama

The border of Alabama and Florida is known as the Flora-Bama. There’s a famous beach bar named, appropriately enough, the Flora-Bama (Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar is the official name on the side of the building). It’s located on Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida.

There are multiple performance stages, and Kenny Chesney (among many other famous faces) has performed right on the beach. Apparently, he stops by whenever he can. No such luck for me that day.  The place is often packed. We were there at noon on a Monday, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

“Honkytonking since 1964,” the Flora-Bama is one of those laid-back beach bars with sunwashed wood and sand floors, license plate decor and bra-strewn walkways. It’s home to events like the Mullet Toss (fish, not the infamous hairdo), a Polar Bear Dip and Bulls on the Beach. It’s also home to the world famous Bushwacker – a milkshake/coffee-like concoction of dark rum, chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and various other “secret ingredients.” I’ve heard there are five types of liquor.

Pensacola and the Redneck Riviera

Pensacola has a couple of nicknames. One of which is Redneck Riviera. I’m not real sure where this came from. My guess is that the Redneck part comes from the area’s remote and natural landscape, or from the Gulf Coast’s excellent fishing. Riviera, on the other hand, is easy. The water along this area is sparkling, crystal clear and amazingly blue.

Another nickname I’ve come across is “Western Gate to the Sunshine State.” I really like that one, as I felt like I was entering a secret door to an unknown piece of Florida real estate. Gulf Islands National Seashore (GINS) gave me vibes of the uninhabited areas and long stretches of sand and dunes found along the Outer Banks (especially Hatteras Island) of North Carolina.

GINS is the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the U.S. I was surprised to learn that, as I had previously thought the Outer Banks took that recognition. Hey, you learn something new all the time.

The beaches in this area are made up of impossibly white quartz sand. It almost looks like snow. And, mixed in with grasses and such, is a really cool sight. Some say the sand “talks” (in squeaks) as you walk through it. I did not notice this phenomenon.

Margaritaville Beach Hotel – Pensacola

We typically stay in budget hotels when we travel. We’re big fans of La Quinta. However, we went budget with the New Orleans accommodations, so we decided to treat ourselves with a couple of days at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel. Located right on Pensacola Beach, it’s a tropical oasis with an elegant coastal atmosphere. Rattan, wicker, Adirondack chairs, dark wood and sundrenched colors decorate the lobby and guest rooms.

If any of Margaritaville’s interior design staff happens to be reading this, I want you to decorate my home. Or, at the very least, just let me live here (I’m sure I could contribute in some way or another). I’ll start with our room …

This was our sound-side view. Who needs beachfront views when you have this?

The Lobby

I don’t mind doing a big of work on vacation when the view and the seating is this great. I spent an enjoyable amount of time on this sofa.

Frank and Lola Love Pensacola Cafe

Any Parrothead worth their salt (-rimmed margarita) knows this is based on Jimmy’s 1982 song “Frank and Lola.” If you’re familiar with the traditional and well-known Margaritaville Cafe menu, it’s a bit of a different menu. It’s more “upscale” but still casual in atmosphere. There’s also a bar if you’re just in the mood for frosty beverages and boat drinks.

Outdoors at Margaritaville Beach Hotel

Landshark Landing

Every beach needs a great beach bar. It’s a law.  If it’s not, it should be. Anyway, Landshark Landing is right off the beach and has drinks, snacks and hammocks. There’s also a firepit and a volleyball net. This is a nice relaxing spot to enjoy a sunset drink (or two … or three).

Out and About in Pensacola

This part of our trip was all about relaxation. Other than our day trip to the Flora-Bama, we spent most of our time on the beach, in the pool and just exploring the Pensacola Beach area. Of course, we found several delicious lunch and dinner spots.

Hemingway’s Island Grill

We tried a couple of places (with rather long wait times – who knew it would be so busy in the middle of June) before we came across this elegant and aptly named restaurant. With a name like Hemingway, it has to be good, right? It was, by the way.

I don’t remember exactly what this dish is called, but it was delicious. It was the teen’s, and I very nearly had my hand bitten off before snapping a quick pic. In her defense, we were quite hungry after trying to find somewhere with less than an hour wait.

If you read Part 1 of this, you’re probably seeing a trend with me and restrooms. I do love a well-themed lavatory.

Shaggy’s

Shaggy’s is a casual beach bar with a waterfront marina setting. And a shark. Don’t forget the shark.

Headed Home

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We did make a quick stop in Destin, at the Destin Harborwalk (and marked another Margaritaville off the sand bucket list). Let me just say, Destin is GORGEOUS! The water is that crystal blue and emerald color that’s usually only seen in the Caribbean. We nearly wrecked trying to take photos as we crossed this bridge. That’s an exaggeration for any law officers reading this.

See ya later, Panhandle. We’ll be back.