By Lulu

T. J. and I make two treks a year up to Panama City Beach, Florida for the spring and autumn rallies known as Thunder Beach. The gulf front tourism mecca is a perfect locale for a motorcycle rally, offering residents of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia an easy ride for a weekend getaway at one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. This year we stayed at the waterfront Seahaven Beach Resort directly across the street from Crossroads, one of the main entertainment venues. Aside from the beach cruising, you can hop in the saddle and head north on any of the panhandles many beautiful country roads. It’s a nice change for city dwellers that want to get away from the congestion of the rally itself. The vendors and entertainment are divided into three main spots.

Frank Brown Park is full of vendors with live music all day in the center pavilion, and then nightly headliners on the big stage. At night in the VIP tent, Bourbon tasting was provided by House of Bourbon. I must admit we had a nip or two and it warmed our bones. This year T.J. and I saw some of the best music at any rally we have attended…all FREE. Thursday night the White Tie Rock Ensemble absolutely stunned us with their amazing Guitar Hero production. Friday night Jasmine Cain opened for the Fabulous Thunderbirds…another stellar night. Saturday we were looking forward to Tobacco Rd. Band opening for John Michael Montgomery and then the black clouds opened and created chaos.

By showtime, the night was salvaged but Tobacco Rd. Band had to be cancelled in order to get John Michael on stage. I was pleasantly surprised, despite the heavy rains and wet field, that the crowds came out to listen to John Michael strum his guitar and sing. At Crossroads, Geneva and Jasmine rocked the crowds, two bike shows were well attended, and the tattoo contest had men and women baring their parts to win the best ink competition. The finals for Miss Thunder Beach had to be moved last minute to Crossroads due to the heavy rains messing up the schedule at the main stage, but the crowds seemed thrilled to be up close and personal with the beautiful hard bodies.

At Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, circus performers were swallowing swords, long balloons, and fire, while live music, vendors, and shopping of all things Harley kept the peeps entertained onsite all weekend. At the end of the rally they gave away a Dream Harley Vacation worth $4600, although because of the rain we missed the drawing…obviously we didn’t win it! All the bars in town seem happy to have those of us on two and three wheels in town spending our hard-earned cash. Hammerhead Fred’s was a hot spot of activity with the band Buck Wild back again to entertain the masses nightly. Fred’s hosted the Official Kick-Start Party, the 1st and 2nd Prelim of the Official Miss Thunder Beach Pageant, as well as the Ms. Thunder Beach contest (over 35). With so much to do I am sure there are some things I missed mentioning. For 2020, the 22nd Annual Spring Rally dates are April 29th-May 3rd.

Come up and play for a fun weekend of beaches, bikes, beer, booze and babes in bikinis…the hotels and bars can still use a bump to their economy after the devastating storm of 2018. Come wet your whistle at cool joints like Wicked Wheel, Sharkey’s, Hammerhead Fred’s, The Salty Goat Saloon, Dirty Dick’s Crab House, Growler Garage, or Sandpiper Beacon. If your schedule doesn’t permit you to get away in the spring, the 20th Autumn Rally is October 21st to the 25th. Lot’s to explore up on the panhandle. Miles of sugar white sand and turquoise waters await your arrival!