Peggy Adams wants you taking a “Lady's Day Out”

This article first ran July 14, 2004.

Destin resident Peggy Adams says she likes to know more about where she shops than what’s on sale.

“We don’t know any more who runs the stores we shop in,” Adams said in an interview. “What makes it unique ...

Why they have their business, how they started their business, is it third-generation?”

Adams said that’s one reason she was pleased to co-write “A Lady’s Day Out on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast,” a guide to shops, restaurants, golf and other activities in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, Panama City Beach and everywhere in between.

“Local ladies spent a year-and-a-half writing about the area from Perdido Key to Apalachicola,” Adams said. “History, culture, people of note, the history of the bathing suit, how to cook shrimp.”

The “Lady’s Day Out” guidebook series began by covering Texas, where publisher Jennifer Ramsey is based, then added books about Tulsa and Mississippi. Adams said she learned about the series while shopping in Mississippi; when she asked a cashier for a restaurant recommendation, the woman handed her the book as a guide.

“I fell in love with it, called the author, and asked to do one in our town,” Adams said. “It’s a real feather in our cap they chose our area.”

Adams said Ramsey’s method is to have local women, such as Adams herself, recommend the places they shop, eat and go for fun. Adams said that when she and the other local writers didn’t know what to recommend in a particular community, they spoke to locals and asked for their recommendations.

“(Business) people know if they’re in ‘Lady’s Day Out,’ they’re a local favorite,” Adams said.

Adams said once the favorites were picked, the owners were asked to provide the information, which the writers then incorporated into a short entry, rewriting it their work if it didn’t convey what the owners wanted. Adams said giving owners the final say eased their concerns they’d be misquoted or the facts distorted.

Adams said she’s already done several book signings, and is planning one in Destin for August.

“I’ve done a lot of community service,” Adams said, “but I think this is the best and most lasting thing I’ve done.”