Travel & Tourism

Art, wolves and ghosts. Here are 4 must-stop spots on the way to Destin, Panama City Beach

The unofficial start of summer is almost here.

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner and the beach is calling.

Before you play your road trip music mix or stock up on Twizzlers, plan on stopping at several must-see spots on the way.

If you’re road tripping to Destin or Panama City Beach, here are some unique attractions to pull over and see, according to the Roadtrippers app:

Experience visionary art at Pasaquan in Buena Vista, Georgia.

A visionary art experience awaits.
A visionary art experience awaits. courtesy of Roadtrippers app

This seven-acre compound is full of eccentric art from folk artist Eddie Owens Martin (1908-1986). Six large structures have intricately painted concrete walls, resembling a temple and walkways.

Stretch your legs and hike around a canyon.

Make a pit stop and see the beautiful canyon views.
Make a pit stop and see the beautiful canyon views. courtesy of Roadtrippers app

The Providence Canyon has beautiful views of land and sky> Be sure to visit the nearby abandoned church and a few vintage abandoned cars for photo ops.

Hang out with wolves at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve.

Play, pet and hang out with the wolves at this beautiful wolf preserve.
Play, pet and hang out with the wolves at this beautiful wolf preserve. courtesy of Yelp

At this preserve, you can actually get up close and personal with wolves, pet them and watch them play. Visitors must call ahead and book.

Say hello to the ghosts at a haunted bridge.

courtesy of Reoadtrippers app

Bellamy Bridge in Florida is one of the state’s most famous places for ghost stories and paranormal activity. It is an abandoned spot now, but legend says that a ghost roams the swamps and bridge on foggy nights. See for yourself.

Know of any other unique stops? Email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 5:00 PM.

Chelsea Madden
The Telegraph
Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.
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