Cheap Movies Hit The Theaters!

Once again, it's time for the summer movies to hit the theaters. Kids love these movies and it feels like an expensive splurge! They don't have to know they are at a fraction of the price.
Here are the links to the theaters in town and the movies they will be offering:


The Grand Theater 16 Pier Park- Click here to see movies available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Only $3.50 and includes a kids popcorn and drink for each customer.


Carmike 10 Panama City- 10am $4 includes ticket, drink, popcon
         

• July 2nd & 3rd - Despicable Me 2

• July 9th & 10th - The Nut Job

• July 16th & 17th - The Lego Movie

• July 23rd & 24th - Rio

• July 30th - 31st - Mr. Peabody & Sherman

• August 6th & 7th - Rio 2

Regal Regency Stadium 11 Panama City- 10am $1 includes movie ticket only

Week 1 Hotel Transylvania
The Smurfs 2

Week 2
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
The Pirates: Band of Misfits

Week 3
Arthur Christmas
Despicable Me 2

Week 4 (July 1&2)
The Lego Movie
Free Birds

Week 5 (July 8&9)
The Adventures of Tintin
Rise of the Guardians

Week 6 (July 15 &16)
Kung Fu Panda 2
Madagascar 3

Week 7 (July22 &23)
The Croods
Epic

Week 8 (July 29&30)
Turbo
Walking with Dinosaurs

Week 9 (Aug 5&6)
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Rio

Pier Park is GROWING!

The last few months at Pier Park have been amazing. The growth that we are experiencing is so exciting. We no longer HAVE to drive far for spectacular shopping choices.


Miracle Strip Amusement Park is growing by leaps and bounds, adding new rides each week! The admission to the park is free to walk around. I suggest heading out and taking a walk around to see what all they have to offer. I have heard that their funnel cakes are amazing!


Dave and Buster's just opened yesterday across from Miracle Strip Amusement Park and they offer tons of fun and great food! I have been to one in Nashville, TN once, so I hope to try out our new one asap and post a review.


Pier Park North looks to be an exciting array of restaurants and shopping, as well as a dental clinic and a nails spa. Here is the list of confirmed businesses in the new Pier Park North:
Dick's Sporting Goods (already open)
Rooms to Go (already open)
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Texas Roadhouse
Joe's Crab Shack
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt-not confirmed (but reported by several papers)
Michael's
Ross
Men's Warehouse
Shoe Carnival
Bed Bath and Beyond
Pier 1
Kirkland's
Sweet Frog's Frozen Yogurt
Mattress Firm
Petsmart
Verizon Wireless
Lee Nails Spa
Aspen Dental Clinic


Just across the street, In the Walmart parking lot, a new Panda Express and McDonald's have been built. This adds even MORE new restaurants to our menu options at great prices. I am not a fan of McDonalds...but for drinks and ice cream, I respect their prices.


In the regular Pier Park area, new stores have opened recently as well. The Pita Pit, Chicken Salad Chick, French Fry Heaven (coming soon), Pink Narcissus, and Pompano Joe's.


What more could you ask for in a shopping heaven? Add all of these to the already awesome shopping and dining available and we have it ALL! Hope you plan your trip to PCB soon and of course, hit Pier Park while you are here!

Printable Coupons!

Be sure to check out our printable coupons tab. There are tons of coupons to be found on there and sure to save you lots of $$$....Most of the larger restaurants and attractions have some sort of coupon that you can use on your vacation. Also, your condo or hotel should have coupon booklets around the lobby area to use. I keep a book or two in my car at all times so that I am always prepared with a coupon if we decide to stop somewhere. Happy vacation couponing!

Got some deals for you!

I know it's no where near beach season, but I was asked to update the page recently. Seems not much has been going on since Nov., but I scrounged up a few deals for you! Two of our local radio stations are offering up half-price deals that stay on a regular rotation. Click the links here to see what they have to offer. From half price meals, to Ripley's Believe It or Not, you will surely find something that "tickles your fancy"...Here's to hoping that the ice melts soon!


Island 106 Half Price Deals: Click Here


Hot 107.9 Half Price Deals: Click Here

Free Meals at Spinnaker Beach Club

The awesome coupons are up on the website....2 new deals just like last year. MOM eat free on Mondays (with coupon) and Kids eat free on Wed (with coupon).....Here is the link to print your coupons!! Enjoy!

Deep Sea Fishing on a Dime

So you've done lots of activities on the beach. Looking for something new? How about giving deep sea fishing a try? I know you are thinking that deep sea fishing is expensive! and yes, sometimes it is, but we have found several ways to deep sea fish and not break the bank. Private charters can cost you $500-$800 a day, which is ok if you have lots of people to help share the cost, but if you are here with a small group, how can you justify that much to go fishing? I am not knocking private charters....because sometimes that is what we use (when we have a large cost-sharing group), but it just isn't affordable for everyone.
When we first moved here, I wanted my husband to experience everything on the beach. Fishing included. I started looking through all of the companies to find a great deal that fit in our very tight budget. Here is what I found: Large boats offer great deals on deep sea fishing for a fraction of the cost. They also throw in food sometimes or sell food on board. They also include your fishing gear, bait, license, etc.

Capt Anderson's
5hr morning trip- $60 fishermen $25 watchers/riders
5hr evening trip- $55 fishermen $25 watchers/riders
6hr day trip-$65 fishermen $25 watchers/riders
10hr trip- $80 fishermen $30 watchers/riders
12hr trip-$100 fishermen $40 watchers/riders

Jubilee
4 & 5 Hour Trips: per person
7:00AM - NOON - $60
12:30PM - 4:30PM - $55
6 Hour Trips: $65.00 per person
9:00AM - 3:00PM
8 Hour Trips: $70.00 per person
8:00AM - 4:00PMRiders: $20.00 per person
$5.00 off with US Military ID and CLICK HERE for a coupon for free hot dog and drink

Treasure Island
6 Hour Trips: $65.00 per person
9:00AM - 3:00PM
8 Hour Trips: $70.00 per person
8:00AM - 4:00PMRiders: $20.00 per person
$5.00 off with US Military ID

Southwest Airlines 72 hour Sale Means Cheap Flights to PCB!

Today starts Southwest's 72-hour sale. Hope on over and get your tickets now. If you live with 500 miles, your ticket is as low as $49 each way!!! Hurry, it's not gonna last for long!!!
www.southwest.com

Explore Panama City Beach the Natural Way!

Fishing, hiking, biking, nature photography, swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, boating and bird-watching are just some of the opportunities for eco-tourists to explore Florida nature in Panama City Beach, Fla.

St. Andrew’s State Park has been named the #2 beach in the nation, according to Trip Advisor. Over one-and-a-half miles of open beach at this Florida state park, to lounge in the sun or water lovers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty {the greatest beach ever for families}, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities, and two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities providing an excellent opportunity for bird-watching at St. Andrews State Park Florida in Panama City Beach.
You can also take a boat tour to Shell Island, the 700-acre island is densely populated with bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as a number of different wild bird species, including pelicans, sandpipers, gulls and piping and snowy plovers. Colorful fish, sea turtles and other aquatic life also call the area around Shell Island home. Shuttles are available to take visitors back and forth from St. Andrew's State Park. If you feel really adventurous, you can rent kayaks and make the voyage across the pass on your own.

Camp Helen State Park is a hidden gem for those looking to get away. It’s bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell – one of the largest coastal dune lakes in the state of Florida. Natural areas for public enjoyment in the park range from coastal dunes and salt marshes along the Gulf to freshwater wetlands and sand pine scrub along the lake. Fishing areas are available for both freshwater and saltwater enthusiasts at this Florida state park. Other activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study and hiking. My family really enjoyed walking the park and studying all the wildlife. The old buildings are very interesting too.

Conservation Park is made up of 12 trails ranging from 0.6 to 11 miles for walking, biking, wildlife & birdwatching. The Conservation Park integrates two fundamental principles which remain a continuing focus for local government and community. The desire to protect and balance our natural resources while providing outdoor recreational opportunities is the driving force in establishing the Panama City Beach Conservation Park. The 2,900 acres of the West Bay Ecosystem is being protected by the management and utilization of the City’s reclaimed water to rehydrate wetlands. The natural water balance in these wetlands was altered many years ago as tree “farming” became predominant in the area. My family was amazed at how large conservation park was! We loved it and we still have never seen the entire park....great Natural Florida.

So Panama City Beach doesn't just have to be about the strip, shopping, and swimming. Panama City Beach has several hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Bring the family and come on down!

Menchie's Happy Hour

Today is Friday and not only does that mean that the weekend is here, it also means that today is 10% OFF between 4pm-6pm at MENCHIE'S. One of the beaches newest eateries is a wonderful little yogurt bar. Fill up your cup and top it off at the toppings bar. All yogurt is priced per oz..so get as much or as little as you want. Click here for their FB page and head over this evening for some yummy yogurt. I might just see you there! P.s.- Tell them at check out that you want to give them your phone number so you can get rewards. {no card required} They will take your phone number each time and give you points per dollar that you can redeem for free yogurt, etc.

Kids Eat Free!

If you haven't read this post before...be sure to check out our "kids eat free" schedule. Everyday of the week has somewhere that you can take the kids to dine for free! Enjoy!

Click Here



Kids Eat Free FRIDAY at Spinnaker's

Yep...not only do Mom's eat free on Monday nights, Kids now can eat free on Friday nights...Click here to print the coupon out and be sure to take it with you! One Free Kids meal per adult entree' purchased.

Restaurant.com Certificates on Sale...only $4

It has been a while since Restaurant.com has offered us a really good deal. Right now they are offering $25 certificates for only $4 with code TASTE at checkout.

Grab your vouchers if you need them as the code is only valid through tomorrow (10/19). Remember the sale ends tomorrow but Restaurant Certificates and Gift Cards never expire
I usually save an average of 35% – 40% on our meal with these. Just make sure to read the specifics – restaurants may have different requirements.

Groupon Deal for Miracle Strip Amusement Rides

Today there is a Groupon deal for Miracle Strip Rides at Pier Park. You can buy an armband for 2 people for only $20..or for 4 for only $39...Hurry and get yours today!!! The offer won't be there for long.....It's worth it to save 56% off!

CLICK HERE TO HEAD TO GROUPON

WEEKEND FUN!

If you are here for Labor Day weekend, here are a few things you can enjoy other than the usual stuff:
This weekend is the Grand Master Lee's Battle on the Beach, Edgewater Beach Resort's Conference Center~Check out this amazing display of martial arts! The will be a variety of martial arts including traditional sparing, weapons display and a combat weapons competition!

Public admission is $4.00 with ages 4 and under being free.
Not into martial arts? How about some free saltwater fishing? This weekend the FREE SALTWATER FISHING DAY! You do not have to have a saltwater fishing license tomorrow. Grab a pole and see if the fist are biting.
Also, don't forget the St. Andrew Farmer's Market {sat 8am-1pm} or the PCB Farmer's Market in the Tacky Jack's parking lot Sunday {1pm-6pm}. Check out our printable section for coupons for shell island shuttle tickets, putt-putt and more! Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Labor Day!

Get a Deal Before School Starts Back!

BeachGuide.com has lots of deals for late summer on their site. I was looking around today and found they have some deals for most of the BIG condo names and some smaller hotels too. If you haven't booked your trip to PCB yet, I would definately check them out. Click HERE to zoom to their site!

Mom's Eat Free Every Monday at Spinnaker Paradise Grill

Now until November 1st, MOMS EAT FREE at Spinnaker's! Yay....awesome deal. You just gotta head over and print out the coupon from their site! Here's the link
While you are there...check out their menu. They are one of the most favorite beachside restaurants, but for families...I reccommend lunch at Spinnaker...night time is a little more adult (bar) atmosphere. Lunch is family friendly and really laid back. Feel free to come in off the beach in your swimsuit (and cover up please). They offer gulf front dining and great food. ENJOY!!!

Gas Prices~Alabama/Florida~Know What To Expect

Before you head out in the wagon family truckster, heading for the beach, stop by these 3 sites to brush up on your knowledge of what to expect in gas prices. We always like to set a budget for vacation, and knowing what we will spend on fuel is always included in that. Currently, gas prices here on the beach are at or near $3.29 on average. Gas here is usually about .10 higher than on the mainland. Use these sites to figure what you will pay on your trip.
Georgia
Florida-PCB
Alabama

#1-Figure (or look on your car if it tells you) how many miles you get per gallon...if you don't know how to do this...then here you go:

Here's how to figure out your own personal MPG: First, fill your gas tank and then reset the trip odometer. Drive until your car's gas tank is nearly empty, or close enough to it that you need more gas immediately. Look at how many gallons of gas it took to fill up the tank completely. Now take the reading on the odometer -- the number of miles you've driven since your last fill up -- and divide it by the number of gallons used.
In other words, if you have an empty tank and put 10 gallons of gas in it, then see that you traveled 350 miles, you're getting 35 miles per gallon. Over time, this will give you an accurate measurement of how efficiently you drive your car in real-world situations.

#2- Figure out how many miles your trip will be. Use Mapquest or Google Maps

#3- Divide your total number of miles in #2 by your MPG in #1 this will equal the # of gallons required for the trip.

#4- Multiply the answer in #3 (total gallons needed) x the average cost of gas along your route (I like to combine the cost of gas where I live, with the cost about halfway, and with the cost of gas at my destination and average the 3)

Now you know your total cost for the trip!

Here is an example: #1-my car gets about 40mpg on the hwy
#2- Its 486 miles to Middle Tennessee (where we are from)
#3- If I divide 486 by 40 mpg...that means I will need 12.15 gallons of gas
#4-Cost of gas is about $3.34 if I average the cost of Panama City Beach, Montgomery AL, and McMinnville, TN.    Multiply 12.15 x $3.34= $40.58
$40.58 is how much I will spend one way to McMinnville, TN from Panama City Beach!

Urban Spoon's Cheapest Restaurants

Urban Spoon has rated most of PCB's restaurants, and these made the cut as the "cheapest" places to eat. Check it out and try one of them today. Nothing better than saving some dough.
Here is the top 5:

• 1
  Liza's Kitchen

  I like itI don'tClear vote

  Panama City Beach-Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches/Subs, Vegetarian7328 Thomas Dr
 
• 2
  Dee's Hangout

  I like itI don'tClear vote

  Panama City Beach-Seafood, Southern/Soul, Cajun/Creole10440 Front Beach Rd
 
• 3
  Dusty's Oyster Bar

  I like itI don'tClear vote

  Panama City Beach-Seafood16450 Front Beach Rd
 
• 4
  Andy's Flour Power Bakery

  I like itI don'tClear vote

  Panama City Beach-Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches/Subs3123 Thomas Dr
 
• 5
  Thomas Donut & Snack Shop

  I like itI don'tClear vote

  Panama City Beach- Burgers, Donuts, Seafood19208 Front Beach Rd

 

See the rest that made the list and reviews at URBAN SPOON

Boardwalk Beach Bash ~FREE~July 6-8th

If you are planning to be in PCB on July 6th-8th, The Boardwalk Beach Bash begins! Featuring lots of fun and fireworks for the whole family – and it’s free!
  Check out some of the offerings:

• Festival food
• Fireworks
• Sandcastle competitions
• Sunset Cinema beach movie
• Games and attractions
• Beach inflatables
• Kids’ activities

Click here for more information. or here for a schedule of events.

If you don't already have a place to stay...Boardwalk has some awesome new condos that are really beautiful!

Southwest Has Some New Deals

Southwest is offering some good deals right now to PCB! I was browsing and did a Nashville to PCB flight and came up with some dates that flights are only $86-$100 each way. Most seem to be from Tues-Thursdays. The best way is to put in tomorrows date in the search, enter your number of people, and airport and click search. The results will be very expensive, but hang on....at the top of the results, there will be a section that says, "Try our low-fare finder"....you need to click this and it will show you the fares everyday for the next 2 months. Here's where the deals are hidden! If you are single or have a small family...these are really great prices. If your family is large, maybe not so much. If you are not a fan of driving or not sure the old family wagon will make it, this might be a great option for you!! You can always snag a rental on priceline from $10-$20 a day! GOOD LUCK!