It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

[gallery link="file"] I'd like to take some time to address an issue here on the Emerald Coast, or should I say a non-issue.   Since you are not here (and you should be) you wouldn't know the beaches are unaffected by the oil spill.     You wouldn't know that the beaches are just as pristine and clean as they have always been.   You wouldn't know that the fishing is open and the fish are still biting and are as tasty as ever (we had cobia fish tacos last night, delish!).   And you wouldn't know that Destin is still the top rated vacation destination in the world and for good reason.   I had the opportunity to spend the day at the beach yesterday.   It was packed with locals and tourist alike enjoying the white sands and the cool Gulf waters.   Sandcastles were being constructed up and down the shoreline and kids were boogie boarding, seashell gathering, and burying their parents in the sand.   Hands down, one of the best beach days of the season.   "The beaches of Northwest Florida are just as beautiful as ever and we are excited to see our returning guests and welcome new vacationers as well.   We are seeing families check-in with big smiles and checking out with a week full of beach memories, " said Justin Shelton, owner of Sandcastle Escapes Vacation Rentals.   If you haven't booked your Destin Vacation Rental for Memorial Weekend, there are amazing last-minute deals going on here on the Emerald Coast.   Here are a few pictures of the beach that were taken this weekend.   Hope to see you and your family on the beach next weekend. Wish you were here! -The Hometown Tourist

Published on Sunday, May 23, 2010