I'm taking my niece to Vortex and PCB diving sometime this summer as a grad gift.
Can anyone recommend safe, quiet, clean and reasonable accomodations?
TIA!
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I'm taking my niece to Vortex and PCB diving sometime this summer as a grad gift.
Can anyone recommend safe, quiet, clean and reasonable accomodations?
TIA!
Vortex has some nice rooms on site, but come summer you can kiss the quiet goodbye. I think that there is a Motel 6 (one of those chain types like that anyway) in Ponce de Leon(9 miles from Vortex.) I know a few instructors who prefer paying to stay there, despite being offered a free room at Vortex, just to be away from the summer time partying. The next best bet going toward PCB would likely be over in Bonifay, maybe a 20-30 mile drive from Vortex? Unless you are a true masochist and have already booked a room there, I would not even consider staying in PCB. If you want to get a room near the beach, then check out the Destin area, much quieter atmosphere there. Hope you enjoy your trip.
When I've been around Vortex I have normally stayed at Bonifay due to the variety of motels and restaurants. When I do my one salt water dive of the year in Panama City I will stay at the Hojos on 98-great rate,over looks the bay,and not a far drive from the dive boats.Quote:
Originally Posted by Me
I'd stay around Niceville/Destin, dive there instead of PCB, and drive up to Vortex. Its about an hour from here by car if you insist on diving there :D
If 'ya pick a day that's nice I'll almost certainly be out on the water out of Destin - friends are always welcome to tag along and blow bubbles.
This is what I'm usually driving and diving off of...
http://www.denninger.net/Gigabite-profile.jpg
(BTW I do NOT charter nor am I in any way a "professional" - just a guy with a boat who loves to get wet.... You get to see more that way, rather than the "inshore" stuff everyone goes to, if you want to bring some deco bottles or even a scooter its ok, etc.)
My wife and I haven't dived at Vortex Springs since 1991 - 1992, but we remember the swim back to the steel grating very well. There were more eels in there than you could even think of counting. That'll be something for your niece to see. :-D
there are also some ok motels along I10 in defuniak springs about 10 miles or so west of vortex. bill
Hotel Defuniak is a nice bed & breakfast in Defuniak. 850-892-4383. They have a restaurant and wireless access also.
We go there once a month doing cert dives for openwater students...Best Western Motel In Defuniak is only 11 miles WEST on I-10 ( which is the next exit past Vortex )....They love divers and cater to em pretty well.....plus breakfast is free when you stay there ( standard breakfast of bacon, eggs, grits, toast and coffee or tea )....also at that same exit you have all kinds of restaurants....McClains family Steakhouse ( Buffet with seafood, vegtables, steak...etc ).....a Sonic...Pizza Hut....McDonalds...Hardee's.....Waffle House....even a super Walmart
I have eaten at McClains, very good buffet at reasonable prices. Much better than anything to be found in Ponce de Leon. I used to live about 45 minutes away so all I know about the accomodations are what I have heard from others who drive down for the weekends. The number one recomendation is do not stay on Vortex property unless you enjoy listening to loud partying each night.Quote:
Originally Posted by CaveDivingCop
DeWayne....I figured you would like a good all night whoop it up party.
Ain't no use coming to the anti-social unles it's gonna be whoop it up fun !!!
But yeah I hear ya.....If ya stay at Vortex...it might help if you're a heavy sleeper.
I am not too old too party any more, but just don't care to be around loud, obnoxious, drunk and usually stoned teenagers. There is a huge difference between those who enjoying partying all night and those who just want to see how stupid they can become before the sun comes up.Quote:
Originally Posted by CaveDivingCop
... and you would belong to which of these two groups?Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWayne
He, he, he.
Russell
Yep DeWayne we're of the older generataion...we know how to party the smart way....party jus enough to have a good time but still leave some left to party the next day
Shhhhhhh! Don't go telling on me now :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Sludge
Definitely! I did my share of the stupid partying years ago and was somehow lucky/fortunate enough to live through it. These days I prefer to have fond memories of having fun (no more drinking shine at 3am and practicing PLF's from the roof of a two story house.) Done learned the hard way that life is just too short to waste it away 8)Quote:
Originally Posted by CaveDivingCop
Well if I can make it to the anto-social, I'll have a sip of shine with ya....not enough to get us in trouble....but jus enough to get a taste.
We'll show em how the old dogs do it.....
I'm definitely game, just keep me away from any roof tops :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by CaveDivingCop
Ground level partying only for you DeWayne.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWayne
We'll let the younger ones have the roof.