It has been a few months, actually about six, since the hubby and I went on a day trip. We chose our hometown to do a daytime date this time. Our entire Saturday (almost), was spent off the beaten path checking out new and improved places. Since it was Saturday we wanted to sleep in a little. Sleeping in is a luxury that always feels great! Breakfast was hash browns and killer frittatas that my husband made for us at home and after showering we left. We began proposing possible routes to take out on the town for our daytime date. Here is what we did!
First A Few Minor Stops
Once on our way we remembered a few items that we needed while in town. My husband quickly decided to stop at the hardware store to browse around and purchase them. We also walked through the furniture store next to the hardware store. Discussions ensued while we considered how different sets of furniture might look in our house. The next stop was Hobby Lobby hoping to find material that I needed to sew a specific pattern. Unfortunately, they did not have the material that I needed. However, we enjoyed looking at all the eye catching pieces Hobby Lobby is known for. By the time we were done with our “few” minor stops it was lunch time.
Maddie’s La Casita
We have driven past this quaint little Mom and Pops restaurant called Maddie’s La Casita but have never ventured in. Today my husband wanted to try it after hearing some good reviews. Maddie’s is located in the historic downtown portion of our hometown. They are known for authentic and delicious Mexican dishes such as tamales, fajitas, and chimichangas. Horchata and Tamarindo are a few of the authentic Mexican drinks on the menu to try in addition to soda, iced tea, and of course margaritas. I ordered a chicken chimichanga with rice and beans while my husband ordered up a massive steak burrito. We washed it down with iced tea. Maddie’s La Casita was very hospitable even though it was bustling at lunchtime. Prices are very reasonable for this family run restaurant. Maddie’s La Casita is a new find from our daytime date that we plan to visit again soon.
Center For The Arts
After eating a wonderfully satisfying meal at Maddie’s La Casita we decided to walk a couple of blocks to the Center For The Arts. This is a fabulous place where local artists participate and display their artwork. Exhibits are frequently changed out so that revisiting at a later date would be an entirely new experience. Basket weaving, pottery wheel throwing, drawing, painting and stained glass classes are available. Members receive a price break on all the classes and events held. While there is no entrance fee to come in and take in all the beautiful pieces of art on display donations are welcome. In addition to donations, various local artists have their art pieces out for sale. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit at the Center For The Arts.
The Little Mustard Seed
As we began our walk back toward our vehicle parked close to Maddie’s La Casita we spied a fascinating shop named The Little Mustard Seed. We had to explore this further! The Little Mustard Seed offers “an eclectic mix of old and new” home decor, furniture, jewelry, and many hand crafted items perfect for gifting. Browsing all three floors is a must. There is an ice cream parlor just off to the right of the entrance that also sells roasted nuts and homemade fudge. Can anyone say yum? Yes, please! Picking out a few pieces that we just had to have we ended our day date stops here. It was such a pleasure walking through The Little Mustard Seed. It is located in what used to be the old J C Penney store in historical downtown Panama City, Florida.
In Closing
My husband and I always have such a enjoyable time when we take a day and just make it our own. The weather was a perfect day with not a cloud or a worry about rain anywhere in sight. Strolling along rejuvenated historical downtown was memorable. I would also like to share some honorable mentions. Tom’s Hot Dogs and Elegant Endeavors Antique Emporium (an antique shop) are well liked by locals and others who frequently visit our area. The moral of today’s story is to rediscover your hometown. Make memories and add a few new places to your list to be enjoyed. Go on a daytime date with your love in your hometown!
Great ideas! Food looks yummy too!
The food was authentic and we will be back soon! Hope you get the chance to go try them out! 🙂