What is The 30A Life? Glad you asked. As many of you know, The Nomads have decided to settle in the Florida Panhandle. This stretches from around Tallahassee to Pensacola. In that area there is a section where County Road 30A runs along the coast line from just outside of Panama City Beach to the Western Edge of Santa Rosa Beach, about 30 miles or so.
Since this stretch is along County Road 30A, it is more affectionately referred to by the locals as simply 30A. From this simple county road name, many companies have been founded with 30A in the name. One well-known one is actually called the 30A Company. Although there are others.
Since we have located here, I have noticed a few things about the lifestyle in this area. We are in between Panama City Beach and Destin. Both are very popular vacation destinations with a lot of tourists. When I say “a lot” I am referring to a few million coming to the area each year. So, by in large, both areas cater to tourism related activities. And they should since a significant amount of their annual revenue is derived from tourism.
However, in the stretch along County Road 30A, we do experience tourists. You can’t drive down 30A, in Santa Rosa Beach, without seeing a plethora of vacation rental signs. However, the area simply does not seem “touristy”, to borrow a word from Mama Nomad. Yes we have tourists. Yes there are vacation rentals. However, much of the area is still relatively undeveloped. There are many neighborhoods and developments. But, there are very few tourist related activities along 30A.
It seems to me, and this is just my opinion, that the general reason that people come to 30A as a destination is not to party or go out to water slides and mini golf. But, rather, they come here to be able to unwind and relax. The 30A Life is real laid back. No one gets in a big hurry. Cars are respectful of pedestrians crossing the road because they have time to let them cross. It is, what I perceive to be, what a vacation is supposed to be, a time to relax and recoup from every day responsibilities.
And my family and I are actually blessed enough to live this every day. 3 to 4 times a week I actually walk down to the beach to do nothing more than sit, relax, look out over the horizon and listen to the waves. In the evening, the sunsets are absolutely wonderful. Within 30 minutes to an hour, I have been able to achieve a completely relaxed state of mind.
A state of mind that says, just take things one step at a time. Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax and rejuvenate. It is like hitting a home run in baseball, bowling the perfect game or laying down a royal straight flush to finish a winner take call game. It cannot be adequately explained. It has to be felt to be known and appreciated.
I write this post as a conflicted person. I want to share my joy about the area while at the same time not wanting people to flood the area and slowly change it over to a typical beach party scene. It has endured thus far and anticipate it will continue to maintain the 30A Life. All I ask is that if you visit the area, that you respect and support the 30A Life.
If you want wild partying or even sport fishing, there are a ton of other places that will happily accommodate you. However, if you want to kick off your shoes, put on some shorts and flip flops and relax, the 30A Life is the way to go. I am grateful for this place. Safe Travels.
