Beach House on the Moon, Escaping to Navarre Beach

With every mile that passed David and I began to feel the stress that had been mounting for some time slowly lift, being quickly replaced with the anticipation of spending a week on Navarre Beach. This week away from home was a double blessing in that not only was it a vacation but a gift from our youngest daughter, Katelyn as well. We are so very thankful for both and to David’s brother Tommy and his wife Pam who helped make it all possible. You see, a couple of years back, Tommy and Pam had had the good fortune to buy an amazing property on Navarre Beach. They then showed great generosity in helping Kate surprise us when she approached them with this gift idea. Since Christmas last year, David and I have been looking forward to this October vacation and praying daily that nothing would prevent us from actually seeing our second honeymoon after 28 years come to pass.

Our long overdue vacation becoming a dream come true was only hours away.   We knew we were getting closer as the temperature was getting warmer, though the hour was near midnight. The weather forecasters had predicted a week with temps in the high 70s and mid 80s, perfect weather for Florida in October. We marveled at the town house that sleeps ten, so much room for just two people but we would take advantage of it all. We are already making plans to return next year with the whole family, especially since every bedroom has a full bath and TV. We could have played Goldilocks and tried every bedroom in the house but the Master bedroom on the third floor could not be beat with its Sleep Number king size bed and Jacuzzi tub in the huge master bath. The town house also has an elevator for anyone who would rather take the lift instead of the outside stairs.

Whether looking at the Gulf of Mexico from our top deck or taking the spiral staircase down to the main deck to spend hours watching the waves there too, peace was found everywhere. Actually, one of our greatest joys was watching the dolphins catch the waves and play with each other as though no one was watching, or then again, maybe they were performing just for us! Every day they showed up, they showed out and created many laugh out loud moments for Dave and me. From where we sat on the deck it was less than a 50 yard walk to where we placed our beach chairs at the tide’s edge. The fall is a wonderful season to be in Florida as so few people are spending time on the beach. We saw less than eight people sharing the sand with us that week and we could not have been happier.

Even though we were on vacation we took advantage of the kitchen that looked like it came out of Southern Living magazine, or in my dreams. It was fun cooking a few meals there. The cabinets are stocked with every appliance, pot, pan or utensil one needs to cook a relaxing evening meal. Of course, eating out was an extra thrill for David too because he loves seafood and the local restaurants had fresh catch prepared just the way he loves it! After checking out the Food Network’s recommendations on great places to dine in our area, we drove the few miles through the Golf Island National Seashore to enter Pensacola. The white sandy beaches were beautiful! Once in Pensacola, we ate at Crab’s. Adam Richman is quoted as saying it was possibly the best beachside restaurant he’d been to. We agree. We also dined at McGuires Irish Pub in Pensacola. David had read that Robert Irvine said its Reuben Egg Rolls was one of the best things he’d ever eaten and we were not disappointed.  Needless to say, along with sea shells, great pictures and fond memories we also brought home a few extra pounds, though delightfully gained.

David and I had a wonderful week and to Katelyn, Tommy and Pam we say thank you for this blessing! We’ve also learned that in the future we will make getting away together a priority every year. We owe it to ourselves and to our marriage.  We highly recommend Beach House on the Moon at 7709 Gulf Blvd. Navarre Beach, Florida. Here is the link if anyone wants to check it out!  http://www.vrbo.com/380701

Favorite Restaurants:

All American Heroes – 8544 Navarre Pkwy

David loved the N.O.L.A. (A toasted authentic New Orleans-style Roast Beef Po-Boy, dressed in Mayo, Lettuce & Tomatoes and dripping in brown gravy. He really loved the brown gravy!)

Also very good were the Club-Sub and Reuben

East Bay Crab House (Navarre Beach) – Cajun Angels – Jumbo Shrimp stuffed with crabmeat stuffing and wrapped with bacon, seasoned with blacken spices and broiled to perfection.  

Crab’s Beachside Restaurant (Pensacola) – Flash Fried Shrimp and Fried Fish Platter, Charbroiled Chicken, Honey Buns, and to celebrate Rebekah’s birthday,  its renowned Death by Chocolate Cake with Hot Fudge Sauce.

McGuires Irish Pub (Pensacola) – Rueben Egg Rolls, Hamburger steak covered in Sweet Vidalia Onions, St. Patty Melt, and its famous bean soup.