By Renuka Christoph
Ready for a beach getaway? Cruise eight hours and find beach paradise in Panama City. It is guaranteed fun for the entire family with endless ocean discovery along the white sands. Whether the desire is relaxation and watching ocean waves, building a sandcastle or water sports, all ages will be entertained.
And the place where it can be found is Laketown Wharf, part of Sterling Resorts.
Sterling Resorts’ Laketown Wharf property has been honored with TripAdvisor’s 2013 Certificate of Excellence. This esteemed award recognizes hospitality superiority and is bestowed to TripAdvisor establishments that consistently receive outstanding customer
reviews.
“We owe this award to our amazing staff,” notes General Manager, Gene Murphy. “I’m incredibly proud of the unified effort by all to serve our guests at the highest level – I believe it’s what sets us apart. It’s amazing to be recognized for our hard work and commitment.”
The resort has offers guests a one stop shop of convenience. One-bedroom condominiums feature a full kitchen, two baths and bunks to accommodate up to a family of four. For those requiring additional space for friends and extended family, Laketown offers two- and three-bedroom units that sleep up to eight guests. Nightly rates starting from $195.00 (Rates do not include taxes and fees. Minimum two-night stay required, weekends excluded. Offer valid May 24 – August 7, 2013)
Managed by Sterling Resorts, the landmark Laketown Wharf is located in the heart of Panama City Beach just steps from the sand. Laketown’s spacious, one- to three-bedroom units are chock-full of amenities and feature full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, washer/dryer and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Five sprawling resort pools and a children’s aquatic playground make a splash with families. Other on site amenities include the state-of-the-art fitness center and 52,000-square-foot boardwalk surrounding an immense freshwater lake with theatrical fountain displays nightly.
For reservations please visit www.LaketownWharf.com or call 855-238-6946.
Where to Eat
A must stop is at Spinnakers, which offers fresh and amazing seafood along the beachside. Recommended is the Grouper Creole which consists of a hearty fresh catch Blackened Grouper over cilantro saffron yellow rice and topped with a red pepper and red onion medley and sautéed in a white wine garlic Creole reduction. Each bite offers a harmony of spicy flavor within the creamy sauce.
Another great choice are the Grouper Tacos, served with an amazing cilantro sour cream. And top it off with the classic Key Lime pie.
Conveniently located across the street from Laketown Wharf, Pineapple Willies is the place to find a lively atmosphere with frozen favorites to take on the beach. Among their specialities are the Mahi Mahi BLT which is a fish steak, juicy and succulent. If seafood is not an option, go for the “World Famous” BBQ Ribs, served, yes, in a souvenir sand bucket. It is a fall of the bone experience. Willies boasts in serving 1,000 lbs. a day.
What to do
Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not, within walking distance of Laketown Wharf. The attraction tugs at emotions with its recently opened Titanic exhibit, where visitors can put their hand in water which was the exact temperature of the waters that tragically took the lives of the trapped passengers. Artifacts and photos capture the excitement and thrill and then the sudden tragedy of the passengers. Ripley’s Odditorium consists of what it sounds like, oddities around the globe, from rare finds to extreme human capabilities. The 4-D theater promises viewers a virtual thrill ride with the 3-D glasses.
For the perfect spa experience, drive to the Serenity Spa at Wyndham Bay Point Resort. Relieve stress and tension with a massage or body treatment. Recommended is the Signature Facial, offering a pampering experience as well as deep facial cleansing. Skilled experts cater to the needs of each guest based on skin type. Call 850.236.6028 or visit www.wyndham.com/hotels/florida/panama-city-beach to make reservations.
Make plans for the perfect getaway at Sterling Resorts. For more information on Laketown Wharf, other Sterling Resorts properties or to make reservations, visit www.SterlingResorts.com, or call toll-free 1-866-695-8734.