We've assembled a (growing) list of restaurants we've enjoyed dining at and information on shopping opportunities. Hwy 30A is an interesting area. There are no chain retail stores. For the most part everything is locally run, 'Mom&Pop' establishments. There is all kinds of dining in the area. We have listed below places that we have eaten at several times and enjoyed our meals every time. This list is very incomplete. There are literally hundreds of places to eat in the area.

Our number one recommendation is the Red Bar at Picolo's in Grayton Beach. It is about a 20 minute drive to this restaurant from Johnny's Hideaway and about 10 minutes from Seagrove Seacret but we have never been disappointed. The food is fabulous, the decor is eclectic and the Jazz band is always good. They only serve 5 entrees, and only one of them is non-seafood (it is chicken.) Beware though, the portions are large and the desserts are irresistable. (They also make a mean Martini.) The dress is very casual, the crowd is laid back and you always have a good time. One important note, they don't take credit cards. They do have an ATM on site though and they take checks. You can get there by going to Grayton Beach on Hwy 30A and turning left (headed towards the beach) at the Grayton Beach stop sign. Sometimes we prefer to take Hwy 98 to Grayton Beach. It is a bit quicker when Seaside is very busy.

Ollie, the owner of the Red Bar recently opened the ' 331 Restaurant' in Santa Rosa Beach. The cuisine here is reminiscent of the Red Bar, but different enough to have its own identity. Like the Red Bar, it is very eclectic inside, but with a great deck where you can watch a great sunset while you dine/drink/just-hang-out. This is also a cash/check only establishment. To reach the 331, go west on Hwy 98 until you come to the intersection with Hwy 331. Turn right (north) and the restaurant is the last building on the left before the bridge.

Across the street from the Red Bar in Grayton Beach is D&K's Beach Cafe and Oyster Bar. It's another really good, casual place to get a great lunch. Be sure and try the chowder while you are there, it's their speciality. Not only is the food very good, but you overlook the gulf as you dine.

For a great seafood sandwich at lunch (or dinner for that matter) you can't beat the Grouper sandwich at The Market Cafe. The cafe is, oddly enough, located in the rear of a small market. We are also partial to their fresh grilled Tuna sandwiches as well. To get there from the Cottage, go west on 30A until you come to the stop sign at the end of Seagrove and turn right. The market will be the first thing on the left, next to a realtor's office. This is about 8 miles from the cottage and will take about 10-12 minutes to drive.

Another great lunch spot is the Summer Kitchen in Rosemary Beach. The spicy wraps are great there and its only a 5 minute walk from the cottage.

If you like Cuban Food, drive about 10 minutes east on Hwy 98 to Havana Bob's Restaurant. The prices are great, and the selection is excellent. The Ropa Vieja is fantastic. Bob's is in a strip shopping center on the right about 2 miles east of Hwy 79 on Hwy 98.

When you're ready for a sweet snack or some ice cream, walk over to Rosemary Beach and check out the Sugar Shack . If you like ice cream, candies, etc... this is the place for you. It is about a 5 minute walk from the cottage

If you want pizza, try Angelina's on Hwy 30A in Seagrove. We have always been very happy with the pizza's from there and you can dine in or call ahead for take out. Angelina's is about 5 mile west of the cottage on Hwy 30A and it is walking distance from the condo.

If you are after pasta or pizza, also try the Spicy Noodle. It is a casual place in Inlet Beach, about 1/2 mile east of the beginning of Hwy 30 on Hwy 98. They have fresh seafood, pizza, calzones, salads, marinara sauced pastas, alfredos, etc... We especially like their smoked tuna dip.

For breakfast, or when we feel the need for some 'down-home country cookin', we go to Mike's Diner in Panama City Beach. It is about a 15 minute drive, but the breakfasts are very good and the lunches are too. The food is also very reasonable. To get to Mike's, take Hwy 98 to Dan's BBQ. Turn left at Dan's and go to Front Beach Rd. Turn right, Mike's will be on the right.