Just wondering if there are any members from @ those areas, getting to drive a big yellow bus with 15 senior high schoolers and 3 other teachers beside myself Leaving Friday at 6o am for TN, whitewater rafting the next morning somewhere east of Clevland, then heading straight on down to FL that day then spend 3 days on the beach then turn around and towards home! Any way back to what I really wanted to know....any major highway contstruction to worry about, suggestions for some site seeing and good places to eat. I know I will have a little free time from the kids because I am not wanting to get baked on the beach for 3 days. Thanks for any info or tips.

 

My grandparents live in Santa Rosa Beach (next door to Destin) and I've been there many times. My route is I-65 to US 331 to US 98 then to their road. Dunno how you are gonna go but 331 is not very populated, some areas are but it's not like being on the interstate. I always fill up just before I reach montgomery AL becasue where 65 and 331 "meet" is a bad area.

Some good placed to get food in the area are The Lucky Snapper (Destin), Pompano Joes (Destin), The Crab Trap (Destin or FT Walton), Buddy's Seafood Market (PCB, I've been there before and they will cook the shrimp and potatoes for you to-go, can't remember if there is any dining area.) Ate at all the previous resturants and loved the food, I've heard Bayou Bills in PCB is good, theres also one in Santa Rosa Beach. From what I've experienced, most local places are pretty good to eat at, especially if you like seafood.

 

Im from Niota, Tn. Its about 20 mins north of Cleveland. I assume you guys are going rafting on the Ocoee river. It is a very fun time. As for the road construction. If you are driving I-75 south, you will hit heavy construction in Chattanooga. From there on down to Atlanta, there will be intermitent construction but nothing major. I hope you guys have a good time.

Marshall

 

Thanks for the info guys.

 

We'll be right behind you!!!

We're leaving from Knoxville, TN (just north of Cleveland), and going down to Destin. Planning on heading out about 2 a.m. this Saturday, so we can make it to Destin by 11 or so and do some jet skiing in the gulf.

My sister's graduating from Pensacola Christian College, in Pensacola obviously. If you go through that area, look up Joe Patti's. They have a restuarant/diner, but it's also a huge fish market. They sell extremely fresh, high quality seafood at good prices. There's plenty of parks in the area (our favorite is Shoreline in Gulf Breeze area?) with grills. Joe Patti's will pack the fish in ice for you, and give you pointers on how to grill. We usually end up stuffing ourselves on 1.5 pounds of fish each, and get a lot more food than you could in a restuarant for alot less money!

Also, we always go down through Birmingham instead of through Atlanta...it's just a few miles longer, but saves a lot of time not dealing with Atlanta traffic.

If you happen to see us, we'll be in a black 2006 Dodge 4x4 quad cab pulling a couple bright yellow sea doo jet skis...

Have fun and be careful!!!

--Eric

 

We shouldn't be too hard to spot, Bright yellow bus from Missouri. I hopes it a good trip, just hate all of the windshield time in a bus! I offered to follow them down in my Dodge to help haul all of the luggage....they didn't go for that Wish everyone else on the road this weekend a safe and good trip.

 

if your heading south on 75, just south of atlanta the farmer market exit 326 I believe near the airport.Has the best home cooked meals i have ever had. there is a resturant right in the market area, an its cheap an real good.

 

Make sure you have a CB with you....If not grab a cheap one an a Magnetic mount ant.

 

Well just got home from the trip...I have seen enough school bus windshield time for awhile! Been from MO,IL,KY,TN,GA,FL,AL,MS,ARK and I have to say the worst roads I have ever driven on as far as condition was in TN epescially around Nashville! Saw some new parts of the country that I hadn't ever been to and I have to admit..it was pretty nice laying around on the beach in Destin for 3 days and getting paid for it! I do not recommend ever getting talked into driving a school bus for 6 days for a bunch of rowdy seniors in high school. But it was good,safe trip and I am glad to be home. Thanks for all the info guys.