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With summer approaching, let this serve as a reminder that adventures can come in all sizes! If you have been following us for awhile you know that we try our best to find fun, new things to do wherever we live. And you can too!
This afternoon we had Matt home and the weather was too nice not to enjoy the great outdoors so I proposed heading 10 miles west to a sandbar that I drove past once. Everyone was a good sport although I know they didn’t think it was going to be anything special. And guess what? To some it probably isn’t. I reckon that if you grew up in south east Alabama you’ve probably found yourself spending times on the bank of the Choctawhatchee River though!
The word Choctawhatchee may sound familiar because it’s the name of the bay down near Destin. Head 100 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico it’s you’ll find the Choctawhatchee River in Clayhatchee, Alabama. I will include some tips and information on the area below for my friends in and around the Dothan, Alabama or Enterprise, Alabama area.
But, the reason I wanted to share this adventure is because chances are you have a special place like this near your house just waiting for you to discover! Can I challenge you to go outside of your comfort zone and find somewhere new. It’s as simple as a new park or a local lake. The best part about outings like this is that if you find somewhere you love you can do back often!
Anyway, we had a wonderful afternoon. The kids dug out little homes for tadpoles and we found some cool critters! Shortly after we arrived we saw a couple pull up with an airboat and we all watched it launch and take off upstream. Matt and I enjoyed some quiet conversation and the kids actually fought us when it was time to leave. But we told them we would be back soon!
And on the way home we saw a produce stand that we might have otherwise never driven past. We picked up boiled peanuts, watermelon, blueberries, peppers and potatoes too!
How to get to this Choctawhatchee River Sandbar Park
This map will show you where access to the sandbar is. It’s basically in Clayhatchee, Alabama where Main Street crosses the Choctawhatchee River. You don’t want to park on the western side of the bridge because that is the boat ramp. Instead park on the eastern side. Look for a small road and pull off, drive down the hill, park and walk.
TIPS
Bring water shoes! The sand is soft but you will be able to walk in the water much easier with a pair. The water is shallow near the sandbar and you can tell where it gets deeper. The current isn’t super strong but there is a current. Be safe and bring life jackets for your weaker swimmers. We didn’t let the kids go past their waists. Brings snacks and sunscreen. And have a wonderful visit!
Abby’s swimsuit is from Target and I love it! I also wore my new Teva Hurricane Drift sandals and I am in love! They are like Crocs material and so comfy! They come in all sizes (kids and adults) and most around $30. You can view them at Amazon here.
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Loved your article and agree that sometimes the little places we go to are the best!
I totally agree with you!
Some great pictures. What a fun family time.
Thank you so so much!
Thank you so much Louise!
It looks like you guys had some family fun in the sun! I’ve never visited the Choctawhatchee River but your post has inspired me to go out and seek little hidden gems in my own backyard so that’s definitely something on my summer to-do list, thanks!
Thanks so much! It’s crazy how many special places there are in our own backyard!