I usually always rent from Dale Petersons right there in the curve by Luna del Mar (excellent Mex food).
I love South Walton for family summer vacations.
My daddy always took me to Destin (hometown Jackson MS) as a boy fishing in the late 60s and early 70s.
Aside from a few tiny communities like Grayton and the old Seagrove market, Old 98 and 30-A were pretty desolate tween Panama City and Ft Walton.....at nite, you'd go miles without seeing lights.
Destin only had the old two story Holiday Inn motel and the best food was at the Sand Flea by the bridge to Ft Walton.
The old Florida Coppertone ad days....when folks went there for Cypress Gardens and Silver Springs and there was no mouse. I loved it. I'm glad to take my kids down as well.
Has anyone seen any reports from Fort Morgan, AL?
Our house is about 3 or 4 miles from the Luna del Mar. Know what you mean about desolate. When I was a child there was nothing there, I mean nothing. In Panama City Beach there were quonset huts the military left used as rentals, a few mom and pop motels and miles and miles and miles of pristine white beach. I love it there.
So far have not been able to find any information about Hwy. 30A.
I remember the Sand Flea Restaurant by the bridge. :)