us along the wave-less fresh water lakes that dot this coastal area. Though the map told us we were on the Gulf of Mexico, the just-inland flora and fauna with its spiky pine trees everywhere and forest habitats teeming with deer and even black bear (they’re harmless, but give a wide berth anyway), the region reminded me of the NJ Pine Barrens.
Unlike being at home where harried vacationers seemingly tail gate and rush frenetically toward their ideal of fun, down here there really is a sense of moving slower, and of legitimate south- ern hospitality. Other than one grumble bunny working at Modica Market (she did not seem pleased to be scooping our delicious bow tie pasta with pesto and sun-dried tomato salad), literally everyone else we had met on the coast were as nice as can be.
The end of summer meant some steaminess during the day at Watercolor, but nights were cool and clear.
One tranquil evening, my daughter and I lay on our backs in the pristine park that was across from our homestead for the week. We tried to locate stars and planets. Just then an meteorite zipped across the horizon. “A shooting star!” she cried.
“Yup,” I replied. “Or maybe that was Grand Pop’s way of saying hello. He would have wanted us to be together in such a special place.”
Though it wasn’t the initially planned "Big Trip" we had been hoping for, our visit to the Emerald Coast turned into the perfect week away, and it was one of those vacations where we really did want a second week to do it all - or nothing at all.
After our return, my family and I agreed about Paris - “There’s always next year.”
Ken Alan is theVice President of Concierge Services for Equus Capital Partners.He is the founder of the
Philadelphia Concierge Association and a contribu- tor for several regional publications.
kalan@bpgltd.com
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 87
Check out what the Emerald Coast can offer your corporate groups or vacationing individuals by visiting the South Walton Visitors Bureau. They’ll help you find your perfect beach.
www.visitsouthwalton.com
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