A sensory and dietary friendly place on the way to Panama City Beach by Aaron Tanner

I regularly drive down to Florida to see my Grandma. Many people coming from the north take U.S. 231 south to Panama City Beach, Florida for sun and sand.

One of my favorite places to stop on the way to my Grandma’s house is Sweet Creek Farm Market, south of Montgomery, Alabama. The location is part farmer’s market, part restaurant. One can find produce, jams, soap, and other locally sourced products.

The restaurant features farm to table menu items including some of the best barbeque I have ever eaten as it's cooked on site using pecan wood, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. I also recommend their Cuban sandwich with their homemade Camp Stew, which is similar to Brunswick Stew. For dessert, Sweet Creek serves homemade ice cream, including dairy-free ice cream, and homemade pies and cobbler.

The best part of this business is the porch swings and the rockers on the porch where one can relax after a long road trip. For the children, Sweet Creek features a playground and a field where one can view chickens, turkeys, and goats as a sight for sore eyes. During the fall, well-crafted scarecrows are placed in the area next to the property. For those with sensory issues, such as myself, there are no fluorescent lights used inside the restaurant or the farmer’s market.

Sweet Creek Farm Market is my new favorite place to stop on the way to Florida. For those headed towards Panama City Beach for summer break or other times of the year, Sweet Creek Farm Market is, in my opinion, an Autism-friendly place as well as for other people with sensory or dietary restrictions. Stopping at Sweet Creek gives me an opportunity to calm my nerves during my long road trip to grandma’s house.

To visit their Facebook page, click here. Also, Alabama Living did an excellent write-up last summer of Sweet Creek Farm Market.

If you have ever stopped by Sweet Creek Farm Market headed to and from Panama City Beach, I would like to hear your thoughts about the place. Comment in the section below.