Yes, I do take vacations (although, does it count as one if I blog about it?).  Anyway, during this past Memorial Day weekend I explored Panama City Beach and documented it with Instagram. 

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Headed down to the beach?  Here are some places you should check out:

EAT:  Bruno’s Pizza in Seagrove Beach.  These pies are piping hot, full of flavor and worth the wait! We had half supreme, half pepperoni, and it didn’t last long enough for me to photograph.  Their weekly pizza buffet is seven days a week, from 11-2.  We just HAD to stop at Polar Bear Ice Cream…who counts calories on vacation?  And if you’re in the mood for sushi, stop by Hana Japan at Pier Park and get the spicy shrimp roll.

SHOP:   It wouldn’t be a trip to Destin if you didn’t hit up the SilverSands outlet.  I got as far as J. Crew, Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue.  I managed to make it out alive, with a pair of rainy day ballet flats (normally $39.50, made mine for just under $11.)

STAY: On the beach! Duh.  Whether you crash with family (like this frugalista did) or lounge in luxury, you have to be near the emerald waters and sugar-white beaches.  Want to splurge? The Serenity by the Sea spa at the Hilton Sandestin resort awaits.

PLAY: I don’t do jet skis or miniature golf; my hobby is shopping.  And the St. Andrews area in downtown Panama City beach is a thrifter’s delight.  If you brake for antique malls, Elegant Endeavors Antique Emporium is your Shangri-La; Debra Anderson and Jane Lindsey make treasure hunting a blast.  I’ll post about the vintage black silk dress I bought (half-off!) for $7.50 later.  Pier Park in Panama City Beach offered the best in shopping, people-watching and parlaying; it even hosted a carnival!  Just want to enjoy the water?  Pompano Place has the breathtaking views.