Page 42 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2022

Where City Meets Sand PANAMA CITY
BY MADELAINE LAFRAMBOISE
L ocated along Florida’s panhandle on
LOVE THE FARMERS MARKET
the northern shores of St. Andrews
A foodie’s favourite is none other than the Bay and just east of Panama City
Panama City Farmers Market. Revered as Beach, you’ll find Panama City. With a
“America’s favourite market,” this local unique cultural mix of art, music, salty air,
fixture is in the historic district by and uninterrupted nature, there’s something
McKenzie Park. It’s your chance to mingle magical in this place where city meets sand.
with local purveyors like donut baker, Opal’s So before digging your toes into the
O’s and so many other indie food producers.
white sand, step away from the beach strip
On Saturday mornings, vendors from across for these local gems.
the Panhandle gather to showcase the finest in local produce. This park happens to be
LOVE THE ARTS
Discover an eclectic mix of new and old in the pedestrian-friendly historic district of downtown Panama City. With designations on the National Historic Register, be sure to pop into some popular places for history buffs. See the Robert L. McKenzie House, which was built by a woman, and was the private residence of the city’s first mayor. Later, explore an array of art galleries and studios that can be found through The Cultural Hub of Northwest Florida, a free community service that provides a centralized location to find local galleries and events in the arts, music, and theatre. A community favourite is Panama City Center for the Arts, a local artist incubator that offers a myriad of classes including free admission to visit the centre.
where the city began back in 1887.
LOVE THE MARINE LIFE
The deep-blue waters here have been attracting sun vacationers since the beginning when Panama City was a fishing village. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, that legacy still runs deep as the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico today.
Over at Shell Island, an uninhabited barrier island with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, discover a hefty activity list of adventures. Snorkel for shells and sand dollars, spot dolphins and sea turtles, or just relax on the pristine beaches. Whether you take a kayak tour with an outdoor aficionado or an excursion with a local family charter to
PHOTOS: DESTINATION PANAMA CITY
find that great catch—you’ll hear the colourful and authentic stories preserved in this historic Florida town.
Come this fall and winter, there’s a multitude of adventures waiting to be had in Panama City by land and by sea. DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more travel information about Panama City, please visit destinationpanamacity.com
42 DREAMSCAPES FALL/WINTER 2022