We just spent 5 days chilling out on a Florida barrier island on the Gulf coast. It was our first visit to St. George Island .  After 2 days there it became evident to me that this laid back environment is well suited for the millionaire next door types I have known.  It is quiet, reasonable [$8.50/dozen Apalachicola oysters] and unpretentious.  Plus I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is the most “dog friendly” vacation spot I have encountered. Every listed rental property that allowed dogs had a paw print next to each description. 

There are no gourmet restaurants on the island, and if you are looking for a Jimmy Buffett ambiance, you’ll find it everywhere!  Seating at most restaurants consisted of picnic tables for inside, patio and deck dining.  Most welcome dogs.  I stopped at one spot for lunch where a woman asked if she could “pet my dog.”  She immediately asked one of the waiters to bring out a bowl of fresh water for the dog.  Yes, this woman was the owner who had started a successful business 23 years ago. 

You will not find the glitz that is prevalent at many vacation spots today.  St. George Island has no outlet stores, no putt-putts and no high rises.  Nor does it have the traffic congestion of many island retreats. 

In all the time I was there, I only saw a handful of prestige makes of motor vehicles- a couple of Audis and BMWs and only one Jaguar!  Conversely, there were many Toyotas and Hondas in the form of mini van and crossover variety.  Full size GM and Ford SUVs and pick-up trucks were also well represented. 

If you enjoy outstanding seafood, relaxing on a beautiful beach, and interacting with pleasant, unassuming people, this may be the place for you.  Special thanks to the wait staff and cooks at BJs, the Blue Parrott, and Eddy Teach’s.