• Home
  • Blog
  • Causes & Programs
  • PORTFOLIO
  • SHOP

Her & Her Dogs

PLUS THE CAT - RESCUES ADVOCATING FOR RESCUES

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • CONTACT
  • Shop
  • MAKING A SPLASH

GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA

November 18, 2016 | 43 Comments

CAPE SAN BLAS / INDIAN PASS / PORT ST. JOE / ST. JOE BEACH /WEWAHITCHKA
Pet-friendly

Pet-friendly Gulf County

Apalachicola – Franklin County

It may be referred to as Florida’s forgotten coast , but after a few weeks of being back home, this beautiful part of the panhandle is still very much on my mind.

All my research indicated this part of Florida was remote and secluded. October is especially quiet as most tourists visit during the summer months. Previously, our vacations have been relatively fast-paced: long drives to get to our destinations followed by day trips and sight-seeing upon arrival. It took me a couple of years to convince my husband that we needed a quiet, relaxing holiday to unwind and recharge our batteries. We both work long hours in jobs that, at times weigh heavily upon us.

Cape San Blas was the perfect place to shake it off!

shakin-it-off

Although remote, it was not exclusive, and although we chose not to do an enormous amount of sight-seeing, we were made to feel welcome by the locals wherever we chose to venture. The pride they have for this little piece of heaven is evident, and they were happy to share information and make suggestions that only added to such an incredible experience. One thing we noticed immediately was how pet-friendly the area is. Exception for State Parks, dogs on leashes are welcome to enjoy the sights and interact with their owners.  Bring a few training leashes for active dogs!

Reese was placed on the beach for the photo. Otherwise,lLeash on when not being carried.

Reese was placed on the beach for the photo. Otherwise, Leash on when not being carried.

For Dog Visitors:

  • Port City Trail is a nearly four-mile stretch wandering through the town
  • Bay Walk Trail runs between Port St. Joe Marina and Fran Pate Park with picturesque views of St. Joseph Bay.
  • Restaurants with Pet-friendly patios (The following offer veggie options)
krazyfish

Krazy Fish Grille

Penny on the patio at Triple Tails

Penny on the patio at Triple Tails

View from Up The Creek Raw Bar

View from Up The Creek Raw Bar

Provisions

Provisions

  • Port St. Joe
    • Krazy Fish Grill
    • Provisions
    • Triple Tails
    • bin 4 eleven coffee house
  • Apalachicola (Franklin County)
    • Up The Creek Raw Bar
    • Oyster City Brewing Company (beer is vegan!!!)
  • Pet Shops – perfect for Fido to pick up a souvenir for Fifi
    • Bow Wow Beach Shop – Port St. Joe
    • Oysterbones – Apalachicola
  • St. Joseph Bay Humane Society – please stop by and paw it forward
  • BEACHES, BEACHES, BEACHES
Sweetwater Cottage

Sweetwater Cottage

We felt right at home in our pet-friendly accommodation.

Sweetwater Cottage is only steps from the beach with a clear view of the sand and sea from it’s screened-in porch.

We could not have asked for more! This bungalow was the perfect retreat for my husband and me, and our dogs. The sunlight filled this home during the day, and we enjoyed sitting on the swing or eating at the table on the porch. The dogs LOVED finding sun spots from which they relaxed and enjoyed the view!

Leslie is an incredible hostess – reach out to her before booking, and you will know what I mean. Even though a binder and brochures are provided at the cottage, Leslie enjoys speaking with guests, in person, to share her knowledge of the area.

The area is also home to an abundance of wildlife: Bears, Loggerhead Turtles, and Eagles to name a few. The locals cherish the nature occurring in their backyards and beaches. The “Leave No Trace” ordinance is an outline of all the rules put in place to protect their local treasure.

view-from-the-beach

Although there did prove to be several activities and excursions at our destination, we stuck to our plan and relaxed. Visits to Port St. Joe and Apalachicola to sample local cuisine and some retail therapy were about the most effort we made (this trip – stay tuned for part two).

park

The area is unspoiled by big box-stores. Instead, we discovered several boutique-style shops and several pet-friendly patios. It was as if we had stepped back in time. A large grocery store in Port St. Joe may be the exception although not seeming out of place and not without charm. Community member George W. Duren’s Piggly Wiggly is fondly referred to by locals as ‘the pig.’ During our stay, The Pig had it’s grand ‘re-opening’ and hosted a fundraising event for the local humane society – making this large shop even more endearing to this tourist!

Water enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of interactions available on an equally varied selection of waters (say that ten times, fast):

  • swim
  • fish
  • snorkel
  • kayak
  • paddleboard
  • boat
  • fishing and sightseeing boat tours and charters also available

psj-marina

On dry land:

  • horseback riding on the beach
  • golfing
  • family days at more than a dozen parks
  • biking and walking trails
  • retail therapy in Port St. Joe and Apalachicola (drive to St. George Island and visit Island Dog Beach and Surf Shop)
  • art studios

arty-apalachicola

When not exploring Port St. Joe or Apalachicola, we walked the beaches of powdery white sand.  On more than one occasion we had the pleasure of seeing dolphins play, and we enjoyed watching our dogs run in and out of the sea at the same time. In vacations past, we would have to drive for miles to find the nearest pet-friendly beach.

our-beach-2

This was Jack’s first ever vacation. He was formally used as a breeding dog in a puppy mill before we rescued him.  We wondered if it might be too soon for him and considered postponing our holiday.  Other than a few anxious moments, Jack was relaxed and happy.  I would say he enjoyed the trip!

Shelling, Bonfires on the beach, watching the most beautiful sunsets followed by an encore of sparkling stars fill the sky…my perfect vacation!

golden

sunsets

 

This slower pace allowed us the opportunity to relax and reflect on all that is important in our lives.  I can’t wait for our next visit to this beautiful destination along the panhandle’s gulf shores.

Main signature

 

Categories: TRAVEL Tagged: Beach, Dog-Friendly Travel Destination, Play, Sun

Comments

  1. Denise Gruzensky says

    November 18, 2016 at 9:40 am

    I relaxed just reading your post. Thank you for the terrific information and stunning photos!

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 19, 2016 at 9:45 am

      I’m glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  2. Golden Daily Scoop says

    November 18, 2016 at 11:46 am

    What a great post, your photos are stunning! I’d like to frame them all. lol We don’t have many dog-friendly places around here, thanks for sharing!
    Golden Daily Scoop recently posted…Wash Away Pet Odors Naturally #happyhealthyodorfreeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 19, 2016 at 9:44 am

      Ha ha. I have my own house decorated kind of ‘beachy’ as we live near the Lake. I was thinking of printing the top photo and hanging it in the bathroom. I mean, it’s as much the dog’s house as it is mine!

      Reply
  3. Rachel says

    November 18, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    Wow, your photos are just beautiful! I really felt like I was there. That’s wonderful that the locals made you feel welcome and that it’s so pet friendly.

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 19, 2016 at 9:43 am

      People AND Pet friendly 🙂

      Reply
  4. Joely Smith says

    November 18, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    What a GORGEOUS place! Sweetwater cottage looks perfect! I would love for my Lyla to get on a beach once in her life but we are a bit landlocked in Kasnas lol
    Joely Smith recently posted…Why You Should Be Wearing Aromaearth Instead of PerfumeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 19, 2016 at 9:42 am

      OH! I hope you do. It will be a fabulous experience for Lyla!

      Reply
  5. Cathy Armato says

    November 18, 2016 at 4:33 pm

    What gorgeous place! I can feel the calm right through your photos. The cottage you stayed in looks like a dream! I’m definitely adding this to my list of dog friendly vacay spots. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
    Cathy Armato recently posted…A Natural Dog Food We Can Trust #WeBelieveinNBMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 19, 2016 at 9:41 am

      I hope you do go. You won’t be disappointed!

      Reply
  6. Ruth Epstein says

    November 19, 2016 at 12:14 am

    What a beautiful place, it looks like paradise, thanks so much for sharing

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 19, 2016 at 9:40 am

      It definitely is paradise!

      Reply
  7. Hindy Pearson says

    November 19, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    Your pictures are incredible, looks like an absolutely stunning place to visit. That and being dog friendly? What else can you want.
    Hindy Pearson recently posted…Mobility Aids For DogsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 11:56 am

      I’ll just add that a cold glass of wine was also quite lovely 😉

      Reply
  8. Dianne R says

    November 19, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    Great write up!!! It is a fascinating place to get away and enjoy the many opportunities of places to see or just hang out and enjoy the Gulf. To know Leslie is to love her and she has the ability to make you feel like you gave known her forever. She loves her homes and it shows. There are too many personal touches to name but she has thought of them all.

    Very special area!!

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Thank you Dianne. Yes, Leslie is lovely. I did have a hard time not rambling on about the accommodation portion of our visit.

      Reply
  9. FiveSibesMom says

    November 19, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    Beautiful photos. Love the sunset over the beach ones! Thanks for sharing this info on dog friendly places! My aunt lives in Florida for half the year, I’ll bookmark this for future reference!
    FiveSibesMom recently posted…Flashback Friday: A Summer Book Signing With Buddy, the (Rescued) Christmas HuskyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 11:58 am

      We hope to be snowbirds, eventually!

      Reply
  10. Pawesome Cats says

    November 19, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    This looks like a fabulous holiday destination ~ so serene and relaxing. I love those sunset photos especially!

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 11:59 am

      Thank you. Yes, it was incredibly relaxing.

      Reply
  11. PSTGal says

    November 19, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    Glad you enjoyed your visit here. Come again soon!

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      Thank you. We can’t wait until our next visit!

      Reply
  12. Dash Kitten Crew says

    November 20, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Looks like paradise for some valuable down time. What a magical place, and I am so glad Jack enjoyed his first holiday. Well done that dog!!!!
    Dash Kitten Crew recently posted…Snoozy Sunday Selfie with SilverMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      I would say it was the perfect ‘first holiday’ choice for Mr. J. Black 😀

      Reply
  13. Lola The Rescued Cat says

    November 20, 2016 at 5:36 pm

    What a beautiful place! Mommy noticed the lighthouse right away and would love to go see it. We love these posts that you do.
    Lola The Rescued Cat recently posted…Sunday Selfie – Deep in ThoughtMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      Thank you! I noticed a couple of lighthouses: one in Port St. Joe and the other was at the bridge in Apalachicola (before heading over to the Island).

      Reply
  14. Kandace says

    November 20, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    What beautiful photos. I love reading about dog friendly places! I wish the world had more of them!

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      I think us dog people are helping to influence acceptance.

      Reply
  15. Sweet Purrfections says

    November 20, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    What a nice place to escape to for some rest and relaxation.

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      HEAVEN

      Reply
  16. Beth says

    November 20, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    It looks like you had a great vacation! I’m glad your dogs all enjoyed it too.
    Beth recently posted…In Loving Memory: El Guapo the Senior PugMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Thanks Beth.
      This wasn’t just a holiday on which you TAKE your dogs. This was also a holiday FOR dogs.
      Delightful vacation 🙂

      Reply
  17. Tonya Wilhelm says

    November 20, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    Wow! That looks like a really fun dog vacation. What a lovely place to visit. I love that it is so rustic and dog-friendly. Thanks for sharing your great adventure and photographs.

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:13 pm

      My pleasure, Tonya. Hopefully you can visit one day!

      Reply
  18. Robin says

    November 21, 2016 at 1:33 am

    Gorgeous photos! I love the idea of a beach walk that runs through town. This sounds like the perfect sort of getaway for a family with dogs. I’ll have to ask my mom if she has been up there (she lives on the southern gulf coast of Florida). I bet her dogs would love it too!

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 12:15 pm

      Yes, definitely recommend it to your mom.

      Reply
  19. Tenacious Little Terrier says

    November 21, 2016 at 2:26 am

    That does look nice and relaxing. We could use a beach vacation right about now!
    Tenacious Little Terrier recently posted…I Am ArtMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 11:53 am

      Mr. N. could find some stunning poses to strike in Gulf County 😉

      Reply
  20. Katie Allan says

    November 21, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    My parents recently moved to Florida’s gulf coast and they keep telling me about how dog friendly it is there! I hope to eventually visit with my huskies!
    Katie Allan recently posted…Answers Raw Goat Milk ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 11:52 am

      I’m sure you (and the huskies) will LOVE it!

      Reply
  21. Jenna Hughson says

    November 21, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    These are amazing shots!
    Jenna Hughson recently posted…A Look Back At Some Fun Husky Bloopers!My Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      November 23, 2016 at 11:51 am

      Thanks Jenna

      Reply
  22. Jennifer says

    December 3, 2016 at 8:59 am

    Now this is what I call a true getaway! A remote beautiful place, be friend with nature, and with your beloved pets who will sure enjoy the place too. I’m glad you shared it. Thank you Sadie!
    Jennifer recently posted…Why Are LED Lights so Popular?My Profile

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Cathy Armato Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello!

Welcome to Sadie & Co!

We’re Sadie & Co. (her and her dogs plus the cat). Would you like to share your rescue story or tell us about an amazing service or product? We’d love to hear from you! Thank you for visiting, we hope you’ll stop by often. Better yet, subscribe and don’t miss out on the latest and greatest tips, tricks and treats!

Connect With Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

The Knit Show

Categories

Recent Posts

DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT

SPOT CLEAN A JUTE RUG IN 6 EASY STEPS!

EASY DIY SWEET POTATO TREATS FOR DOGS

I made the pledge!

Search

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Aca Baranton
    Twitter: caluvsdogs
    on NINE MINUS ONE LIFE, AND COUNTING HIS BLESSINGS
  • Cathy Armato
    Twitter: caluvsdogs
    on DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT
  • Beth
    Twitter: caluvsdogs
    on DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT

Connect with us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT

SPOT CLEAN A JUTE RUG IN 6 EASY STEPS!

EASY DIY SWEET POTATO TREATS FOR DOGS

I'm An Artist Helping Animals
Don't Shop Til They Stop!
I Support Rescue Dogs
The Puppy Mill Project

Copyright © 2023 · Elissa Wordpress Theme by Dinosaur Stew

Copyright © 2023 · Elissa Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in