Finding Decorating Treasure In Panama City Beach

Today I have a fun post to share with you. One where I get to share a recent coastal decorating trip I took, but also a treasure I found while on the trip.

What I found is something for my home that I have been searching for, for years. Who knew I would have to travel to Panama City Beach, Florida to find it.

When most people think of Florida they think of the east and west coast of the state. You know the long part that gives the United States its unique shape. They tend to forget that there is another region of the state called the “Panhandle” that is tucked up under Georgia and Alabama.

See that big Gulf of Mexico.… The Panhandle of Florida sits on the northern most edge of it and Panama City Beach is right in the middle.

I visited in early November and it was gorgeous.  The temperature was in the high 70’s during the day and around mid 50’s at night.  Since the area does get colder than the rest of the state in the winter, it was becoming the off-season. But that brings less crowds. For me, the perfect time to visit…

…crystal clear turquoise water, big pristine sandy beaches, spectacular views, and a wide variety of things to do other than enjoying the 27-miles of beaches, two state parks, miles of hiking and biking trails, and 100 public beach access points.

I would have enjoyed exploring all these parts of Panama City Beach, but I was there to SHOP!

And shop we did!

I was invited along with 4 other home decorating bloggers by Panama City Beach Tourism to take the shopping tour of what has become known in the area as the “Coastal Decor Emporium Trail”. It runs along Thomas Drive and Panama City Beach Parkway.

Since I flew down to PCB, I was traveling with only a carry-on bag, I figured I didn’t need to take anything larger as I was going to look and not buy anything… well that plan went south on the second day of the tour when I found something I have been looking for… for years!!

It was heavy and shipping was not an option so I had to get creative in how I was going to get it home.  I figured out a way to empty my backpack contents into my carry-on suitcase so I could semi-fit my purchase in my backpack and take it on the plane. I am happy to tell you, it made it home with me in one piece. :-)

I am not going to tell you what it is yet. I want to see if you can guess from reading this post and seeing something that says “That is so Diane” in the photos below that I took while visiting the shops on our tour.

When we were not shopping we stayed at the Sunrise Beach Condominium. It is one of many and…

…literally thousands of rooms that are available along Panama City Beach from residential homes to high rise condos.

We hung out here and did our own exploring until everyone arrived.  I hung out on the beach and waded by the waters edge. On the following day the shopping began, but first we had to eat and headed to…

… Andy’s Flour Power.  It is only open for breakfast and lunch.

I had Eggs Benedict and the best coffee I have ever had in my life. Wish I could make it taste as good at home.

After we had our fill, we headed out to shop.  It was fun to browse.  All the shops had a coastal or farmhouse vibe. Fellow blogger, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality spotted and bought this mirror at one of our first stops. That’s me and Janet from Shabby Fu Fu in the mirror’s reflection.

The shops along the “Coastal Decor Emporium Trail” range from coastal, farmhouse, antique, crafty, flea market to high end decor, furniture, gifts and accessories.

I enjoyed seeing the creativity behind some of the more crafty decor, like these oyster shell Christmas trees.

Since the shops were in a beach town where coastal decor is popular, pretty shells to buy were in every store. Shells of all kinds…

and starfish…

…and driftwood, too.

I have been looking for driftwood to use in our landscaping when Ed and I are out on the lake on our boat. It can be found on the many islands and shorelines around the lake we live on. I haven’t found any pieces as nice as this shop, called Pieces, carried. I would have loved to take a few of the pieces home with me, but they were way too big and heavy to get home.

Even with coastal being the main style of decor in most of the stores, there was plenty of other styles to make any one who loves to decorate their home, happy.

Like antique and vintage?  There was plenty of it. Isn’t this a fun clock made by repurposing vintage kitchen tools?

Have extra fabric scraps laying around?  How clever is this fish wall art made using fabric, ribbon scraps and pillow batting to make it 3D.

This Christmas tree canvas was made using vintage jewelry.  All these items had quite affordable price tags.

All of the shops were filled with merchandise and ready for the holiday gift buying season.

Each store was completely different.  Some were shops filled with vendor booths…

…while a few others were single owner shops.

Two of the shops hold workshops and paint nights for local residents or vacationers.

With all the shopping we were doing we did need to refuel often and ate at quite a few delicious PCB restaurants. We started Day 2 at Thomas’, an old-time place along the west end beach to enjoy their famous…

…donuts for breakfast.

Lunch was also outside at the colorful Barefoot Hideaway Grill. It was so nice to be able to eat outside in November. :-)

The last shop of the tour was newly opened, 13 Hub Lane.  It was a furniture store that offers design and decorating services.

I loved the light and bright vibe.

As with all trips, they do have to end and this one went by way too fast. It was time to pack up my stuff and newly found treasure and head home.

So, did you guess what decorating treasure I found and brought home with me?

If you know me, you know it was the white-faced Roman numeral table clock from the shop, The Beach House.  I have been looking for a table top one just like this… for years!!!  It is not an antique, but a reproduction that I love just the same. It is made by Old Town 1881 Clocks. I tried to find a website to link it to, but could not find one.

I am still playing around with my Christmas decor, but am not quite finished as I have another project that is taking my time. If I step back from this sideboard you will see…

…the contents of my pantry on the folding table and floor. I am giving my pantry closet a makeover and the contents had to go somewhere while I am working on it.

So you can see I am right back to my reality…

…but it was nice getting to go on a 2-day getaway.  Thanks Panama City Beach for inviting me to visit and get a personally guided tour through your decorating shops and find just what I have been looking for.

If you would like to visit any of the shops along the “Coastal Decor Emporium Trail” here are links to the shop websites or their Facebook pages.

The Shadow Box | Pieces On The Beach | Beach Bums Decor | Dinah’s Coastal | Coastal Cottage | Beach House Market | 13 Hub Lane

Have you ever been to PCB? What are your favorite shops, places to stay and eat?

To find out more about taking a Panama City Beach trip or vacation, check it out here: One Fun Beach

Disclosure: This trip was paid for and our flights, lodging and meals were comped for us to share this shopping experience.