Panacea

Panacea is the ideal town for experiencing the historical, authentic "Old Florida" that is hard to find these days. This is a completely different type of Florida, unlike the high rises, swish golf courses, and goofy surf shops in the rest of the state. This is a town shaped by its maritime history, where you can go shrimping, crabbing, and fishing just as many generations have here before. Head to the Gulf Specimen Aquarium to learn more about the aquatic species here, or discover the history of mullet seineyards or the art of boat-building at the Big Bend Maritime Center. Make sure to sample some of the delicious local seafood, or time your visit in order to attend the Blue Crab Festival, which is held the first Saturday each May, and well worth experiencing.