Saturday, September 24, 2011

Ironman Florida - tips from a local

So as most of you know, I live in Panama City Beach.  Literally less then a mile from Ironman Florida 'head quarters'.  Anyway - I wanted to throw out a few tips for good places to eat, grocery stores, bike stores, etc. 
(Note that a majority of these places are close to the IMFL start)

FOOD (So Important):
Right by the Boardwalk is Walmart.  Ok - so you know the website People of Walmart?  Well, I think a majority of those photos are from the Panama City Beach one.  Seriously.  Unless you want to go for a good giggle:

I would strongly suggest going to Publix.  It's a great grocery store with fresh produce and pretty much anything you need.  The closest one to IMFL is:
2419 Thomas Dr (thank goodness for Garmins) 
and it's about a five minute drive.  There is also a Win-Dixie right next to it - but I don't think the produce selection is as good. 

Now, if you want to go out to eat - in my suggestion, these are the best places:
The Boatyard
Great food, awesome atmosphere, and amazing view!
Flamingo Joe's
Not the best view - but if you are itching for a killer burger - this is the place!
Pier Park
Chain restaurants (Olive Garden, 5 Guys Burgers, etc) along with great shopping (including a Target) along with a few other great places to eat with killer gulf views
Mellow Mushroom
(located right at the turn around for the 2nd loop of the run)
Great food (including gluten free options) and a killer patio!
Frankie D's Pizza
Best deep dish pizza on the beach
Finns
Beach version of a food truck - yummmy healthy, fresh tacos etc

Tri/Bike Stores
They do have a pretty killer expo - but if you want to check out the local shops here are a few:
Freedom Sports
Owned by a great local family (ok - good friends of mine as well) -and they also have a tent in the Spinnaker Parking Lot. Need something?  They have it!
Steve's Bike Shop
Have a bike issue?  They will take care of it!  Need a place to ship your bike?  They'll put it together for you!

So - if you have any questions - let me know!!

Next post - other things to do / places to see post race or pre-race relaxation! 





7 comments:

Unknown said...

great info!
soooo...can I stay with YOU when I do IMFL (some year) ???

:)

Come to Maine in Aug 2012 and do the Rev 3 Half and you got a place to stay here!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

Hey,
I told you not to use a pic of my wife from last years race...

Shelby said...

LOL geez they caught me at WalMart AGAIN!

This post is a greatttt idea!

Anonymous said...

OMG, I could have done without that pictur this early in the morning! And I have zero interest in coming for IM, but now I want to come just to eat at all those spots.

Patty said...

Awesome suggestions. Thanks for sharing! I look forward to the next post to learn some more about what to do on our visit for the IM. Woot woot!

Katie said...

wow. can you move to idaho and do the same thing for cda? this is awesome!

Heidi Austin, PT, DPT said...

the even funnIER thing is...the guy who created the "people of walmart" went to high school with me lol...