Northwest Florida Backroads Travel

Book excerpt: NORTHWEST FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL takes you off the Interstate Highways and onto the quieter roads that defined this region in earlier years. Millions of people visit Northwest Florida every year and never really see it. Everything looks pretty much the same from Interstate 10. The same old billboards, gas stations, chain restaurants and tacky tourist traps call out to you as you speed along. This guide will rescue you from interstate monotony and take you off the beaten path to what is called Old Florida. This part of our fast growing state is still a place of serenity, natural wonders and historic places. The guide is organized into several different sections so you can browse what you'd like at your convenience. Several historic Northwest Florida towns are profiled including Apalachicola, Bristol, DeFuniak Springs, Milton, Marianna, Panama City and Pensacola. Newer communities and quaint smaller places are also visited such as Seaside, Sopchoppy, Two Egg and Vernon. The history of each town is discussed and photos are shown along with an antique postcard now and then. If a town has a good restaurant, the guide will mention it along with some favorite lodging choices. Northwest Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches. This guide will show you where the best ones are. You will also learn about several Florida State Parks. These parks are quiet treasures that will make your visit even more interesting. The guide doesn't focus on popular tourist attractions. The towns and places are the best attractions. It does take you, however, to the outstanding Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.