Have a very vegan Spring Break vacation

Beach weather has finally approached us and timing couldn't be any better. Spring break plans are booked, bathing suit shopping has commenced and bags are all packed.

Excited?

Just because you are vacationing for a week doesn't mean you have to give up your new vegetarian/vegan lifestyle! I  researched restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options near the most popular hotels in the hot-spot spring break areas.

First stop is Panama Beach. Several hotels, including the Holiday Inn Resort, are located on Front Beach Road. Luckily, there are restaurants around that cater to your diet.

If you're in the mood for a familiar cuisine, located on Front Beach Road is Back Yard Burgers. BYB offers a garden veggie burger. The bun is made with dairy products so don't forget to ask for it on a bed of lettuce, instead. They also cook their fries and meat products in separate oils so you're in the clear.

Thanks to a vegetarian owner, David's New Orleans Style Sno-Balls on East Back Beach Road, offers Morningstar burgers for New Orleans style po'boys, vegan chick'n patties, vegan "sno balls" and veggie dogs.

If you're still taking baby steps, located on Front Beach Road is Sweet Basils Bistro. It offers veggie pizzas, vegetarian soups, eggplant and vegetarian pasta options.

The Lotus Café, located on R. Jackson Boulevard, serves veggie burgers, beans and rice and a hot or cold veggie pita sandwich along with smoothies. If you're recovering from last night, call for delivery from 5 to 8 p.m.

Second stop, Freeport, Bahamas. If you are staying at the Grand Lucaya you will probably end up doing most of your dining at or near The Square. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get there.

If you're skeptical about trying anything new, try Subway. Order the Veggie Delite salad or the sandwich on Italian bread.

Final stop, Key West. Chances are you will do just about everything on or around Duval Street.  Keep in mind this convenient list of local restaurants and dishes to order.

La Creperie is a vegan-friendly restaurant. You can create a number of vegan options as long as you order it on a buckwheat crepe without butter.

Salsa Loca is festive and affordable. It offers more than 12 veggie dinners, including the Veggie Sincronizada, a grilled tortilla sandwich with veggies and jalapenos.

Another veggie-friendly place is The Café at 509 Southard St. The menu offers vegetarian favorites such as tofu parmigiana with pasta. They also serve a range of stir-fry dishes.

Just because you're vegan doesn't mean you can't go out to eat. Next week I'll tell you what to order at the chain restaurants you can find anywhere.