Destin Blog Posts

Celebrate Craft Beer at the Bayytowne Wharf Beer Fest

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin â Fish, Fun, Food, Beverages, Prizes, Music & Firewor

Friday, April 26, 2024

Easter Happenings Will Soon Be Hopping on the Gulf Coast!

All along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts, communities are getting ready to celebrate Easter with live music, egg hunts, bunny visits, and more â and visitors of all ages are welcome to join in! Following is a list of several Gulf Coast Easter events!

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Sandestin Golfers Trade Toys & Gift Cards for Tee Times

Santa holds donated toys he will give to kids in need.   Tee Off for Toys Making Christmas Merrier for Kids & Families in Need   Golfers can make Christmas merrier for kids in need when they take part in Tee Off for Toys, Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th, at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Participants who bring a new,

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival Spotlights Composers

The Flora-Bama Lounge, on the Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida line, is one of many venues where songwriters perform in the Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival.   Photo by Beth Childs   International Songwriters' Festival's 39th Year   The Gulf of Mexico and its white-sand beaches are the backdrop every fall

Monday, November 13, 2023

Destin's Best Waterfront Restaurants

Dining with Breathtaking Views       Vacationers bound for Destin arrive seeking sunshine, smiles, sand, seafood and more.   Destin delivers all of the above and then some!   This bustling Gulf-side town also serves up amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico, Destin Harbor, and Choctawhatchee Bay. Combine one--or a combination of

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

These Dog-Friendly Beaches Welcome You AND Your Furry Friends

He or she may be your family’s best friend, but when it comes to including Piper or Penny in your next beach excursion, knowing where your pooch will be welcome takes some extra planning. While it’s true that many Florida and Alabama beaches don’t allow dogs, there are still plenty of dog-friendly beaches, including the following.

Friday, September 22, 2023

Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Destin

Aerial view of the East Pass, Destin Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico.   If you’re looking for the top fun things to do in Destin, you landed in the right place.   Vacationers travel from across the globe to enjoy all that Destin has to offer, including world-class fishing, golfing, seafood, shopping, watersports, theme parks, and more

Sunday, August 6, 2023

The 2023 Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

Celebrating Delectable Craft Beers by Some of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches!   SaIf you’re a fan of the resort life, the beach, and great beer you’ll definitely want to check out the 15th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, happening this October right in the heart of  Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort  near beautiful 

Friday, August 4, 2023

Destin Fishing Rodeo Rounds Up & Celebrates Seafood Every October!

                      The Ultimate Fishing Tournament Described as “the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages,” the Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place every day during the month of October, features more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, and attracts more than

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Emerald Coast Poker Run: Playing Cards for a Cause

Annual Event Making a Difference for a Quarter Century You don’t have to own a boat to have plenty of fun during the Emerald Coast Poker Run. Participants and party-goers alike are sure to have a blast at the annual boating and fundraising event, presented by the Emerald Coast Foundation as part of Boat Week. History shows this event -- which

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Crab Island: Submerged Sandbar Is Destin Hot Spot

Have you visited Crab Island yet? If so, you know it's the hot spot locals go to when craving a breezy, fun day on the water. Not really an island at all, this popular Destin gathering spot is actually a submerged sandbar. Located on the bay side of Marler Bridge, the sand bar is covered in shallow water that ranges in depth from 2 to 10 feet. It&rsquo

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Elevate Your Beach Trip

Experience the ultimate in luxury aboard a private yacht such as Holloway Yachts in Destin, FL. photo credit: Destin City Lifestyle Magazine   Infuse your beach trip with luxury indulgences for incredible memories, less hassle and more time spent with family and friends.   We can all agree a vacation to the Gulf Coast is a luxury in and of

Friday, March 10, 2023

Find the Best Beer at the Beach at these Gulf Coast Breweries

  If you’re a fan of great craft beer and beautiful beaches you’re definitely in luck when deciding to hit this strip of white sand and emerald waters, looking for either.  In addition to the remarkable views, hot summer nights, and great food and fun, this immensely popular destination is also home to an array of Gulf Coast

Monday, October 31, 2022

Plan now for the 45th Annual Destin Seafood Festival!

  A long-time Emerald Coast tradition, the Destin Seafood Festival returns to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk this fall for three days jam-packed with food, artwork, fireworks, kids’ activities, and live entertainment. More than 60,000 locals and visitors are expected to attend. And admission is free! Dates and hours for the 2023 festival are

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Fast Boats, Food & Fun Await at Billy Bowlegs Poker Run

  If you’re anywhere near Destin , Fort Walton Beach , or the beaches of 30A this Saturday, May 21st it’s a great time to check out some fast boats and fun, during the annual Billy Bowlegs Poker Run. Legendary Marine hosts this speedboat spectacular each year, bringing in both locals, and boaters from around the country. This poker run

Monday, May 16, 2022

Lionfish & Libations: HarborWalk Village Brings Another First to Destin

  If you’re a fan of fish, beer and fun, along a beautiful coastal backdrop, you’ll love being a part of Destin ’s first annual Lionfish & Libations Festival.   This one-of-a-kind new festival for 2022 takes place Saturday May 14th from 12:00 – 4:00 at Destin’s HarborWalk Village, situated outside Emerald Grande Resort

Monday, May 9, 2022

Fishing is King in Destin!

[caption id="attachment_2530" align="alignleft" width="1024"] Destin fishing boat going out through the East Pass to the Gulf of Mexico[/caption] Destin is not known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for nothing! The fishing action in Destin can be hot and heavy inshore, offshore, and from beach piers and jetties. All of you

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Discover Endless Fun at Destin Harbor

[caption id="attachment_1116" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Aerial view of Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico.[/caption] It’s home to the biggest, best-equipped fishing fleet in Florida and is the heart of Destin ,  “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” And, with completion of the new boardwalk and the

Sunday, June 6, 2021

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin – Fish, Fun, Prizes!

Excitement is growing for the 19th annual 2021 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin. One of the top big-game fishing tournaments in the world, this year’s competition casts off June 23 to 27 in Destin, Florida. The fabulous Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort  is hosting the popular sporting event with a $2 million-plus purse.  

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Summer Events at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Add Sizzle to Your Summer

  Florida sunshine isn’t the only thing to brighten up your stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort this summer. The vacation hot spot features fun events all season along its gorgeous emerald coastline and Village of Baytowne Wharf – Sandestin Resort's go-to for shopping, dining, art galleries, and play. Looking for a new cover-up

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Sandestin Wine Festival Promises Wine, Food, and Fun in the Sun

It’s almost time again to “Uncork Some Fun in the Sun” at the Sandestin Wine Festival, which celebrates its 34th anniversary in 2021. Named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin magazine, the popular festival offers wine lovers the opportunity to sample more than 500 wines from around the world. Guests also have opportunities

Monday, February 22, 2021

Thrilling Yet Relaxing, a Destin Dolphin Cruise Delivers on Family Fun!

[caption id="attachment_5031" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Boats of all sizes leave Destin Harbor year-round for dolphin tours in the Gulf, harbor, and bay.[/caption] On your next trip to Destin, why restrict all your fun to the beach? The Gulf of Mexico is home to thousands of marine creatures, and they offer plenty to explore beyond the water&rsquo

Monday, June 15, 2020

Parasailing in Destin – Gravity-Defying Thrills and Bird's-Eye Views

While Destin, Florida might be well known for the spectacular Gulf views from its sugar-white beaches, there’s another vantage point that provides even better views – and way more thrills as well. That’s the one from above via parasailing. A Unique Perspective Seeing this popular beach destination from 400 feet in the air provides

Monday, December 2, 2019

Parasailing in Destin â Gravity-Defying Thrills and Bird’s-Eye Views

While Destin, Florida might be well known for the spectacular Gulf views from its sugar-white beaches, thereâs another vantage point that provides even better views â and way more thrills as well. Thatâs the one from above via parasailing. A Unique Perspective Seeing this popular beach destination from 400 feet in the air provides

Monday, December 2, 2019

Gulf Coast Fishing in Northwest Florida and Alabama â A Year-Round Affair

Itâs a fact that the sugar-white sands and blue-green waters of the Northwest Florida and Alabama Gulf coasts attract millions of visitors each year. But did you know that these locations also offer some of the best fishing in the world? In fact, the fishing fun is just as bountiful as sunshine here. And you donât have to sign up for a charter and

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Gulf Coast Fishing in Northwest Florida and Alabama – A Year-Round Affair

It’s a fact that the sugar-white sands and blue-green waters of the Northwest Florida and Alabama Gulf coasts attract millions of visitors each year. But did you know that these locations also offer some of the best fishing in the world? In fact, the fishing fun is just as bountiful as sunshine here. And you don’t have to sign up for a

Thursday, August 16, 2018

10 Not-To-Miss Things To Do Along Highway 30A

[caption id="attachment_3379" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Campbell Lake, one of the area's rare dune lakes, is in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.[/caption] While most visitors are naturally drawn to the beautiful beaches when booking a stay on Highway 30A , they quickly realize that there is much more fun and adventure to be had

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Travel Insurance: Keep Your Money, Even If You Can’t Keep Your Plans

When given a choice, most of us would opt out of paying for travel insurance. Who wants to spend money to guard against something that most likely won’t happen? Most of us, though, have experienced instances when our plans have gone awry, making us feel like a member of the Griswold family from National Lampoon’s Vacation . That’s when

Monday, September 12, 2016

Beach Safety Tips for an Amazing Vacation

BE SAFE SWIMMING Make sure everyone in the family knows how to swim. Swim where there’s a lifeguard, and don’t swim alone. When swimming in the ocean, avoid getting into water that is more than waist-deep. Young and/or inexperienced swimmers should wear U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. If you're planning on going boating

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Days and Nights of Holiday Cheer in Destin and Fort Walton Beach

[caption id="attachment_4049" align="alignleft" width="636"] Holiday lights at the Village of Baytowne Wharf[/caption] With mild temperatures and a sunny disposition, winter on Florida's Emerald Coast is delightful. And if trading your shovel and snow boots for a bathing suit and flip-flops doesn’t seem festive enough, there are

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Let Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Put You in a Festive Mood

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a glass or two of bubbly? And wine lovers will have a great opportunity to sample some of the best at the upcoming Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights tasting, hosted by the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This festive weekend event is the official prelude to the popular

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Sterling Resorts Fall Break Special â Get 15 Percent Off on a Northwest Florida Vacation!

At a time when much of the country is experiencing falling temperatures, Northwest Florida is experiencing falling rates on fall getaways to the most gorgeous beaches on the planet. And while the temperatures might be very pleasant â in the 70s and 80s â the festivals and special events really begin to heat up along the Emerald Coast. Of course, youâll

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Sterling Resorts Fall Break Special – Get 15 Percent Off on a Northwest Florida Vacation!

At a time when much of the country is experiencing falling temperatures, Northwest Florida is experiencing falling rates on fall getaways to the most gorgeous beaches on the planet. And while the temperatures might be very pleasant — in the 70s and 80s — the festivals and special events really begin to heat up along the Emerald Coast. Of

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Sample the Best Brews and Spirits At Destin Beer Festival 2015

  High-end craft beers, microbrews, and small-batch premium spirits will be the stars of the show at the sixth annual Destin Beer Festival, scheduled for September 22 through 26, 2015, at different locations around town. The festival opens on Tuesday, September 22, with the Colorado Tap Takeover at World of Beer .  The Craft Bar gastropub 

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: So Much To Do, All Onsite

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a place where guests can enjoy everything that makes the Emerald Coast great, all within the same location. Whether you come to Northwest Florida to enjoy the plentiful sunshine from the world’s most beautiful beaches, to play championship golf where the pros have played, or to take part in refreshing water activities

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Summer Fun Starts â and Stays â at the Emerald Grande

View of the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village from its private beach. Just as it towers over the Destin skyline, a summer stay at the Emerald Grande elevates a Northwest Florida beach vacation to new heights. Itâs hard to miss these amazing accommodations, not only for the propertyâs stature and presence, but also for its location right within the

Friday, June 5, 2015

Summer Fun Starts – and Stays – at the Emerald Grande

[caption id="attachment_2868" align="alignleft" width="2048"] View of the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village from its private beach.[/caption] Just as it towers over the Destin skyline, a summer stay at the Emerald Grande elevates a Northwest Florida beach vacation to new heights. It’s hard to miss these amazing accommodations, not only for

Friday, June 5, 2015

Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest + Beach = Perfect Fall Getaway

Summer has yet to begin, and I’m dreaming of a fall beach trip! The Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is what started this train of thought. The festival touts 200-plus beers to sample and live music to enjoy — enough said: I’ll be there this fall for Beer Fest October 16 and 17. Can’t you just imagine

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Pelican Beach is an Oasis of Summer Fun and Savings

Summer fun soars at the Resorts of Pelican Beach , much like wind through the wings of the majestic coastal bird after which this destination is named. For a family with kids, this Destin vacation resort is the place you want to be — for value, security and activity. And if you book your stay now, you’ll be rewarded with savings ranging from

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Enjoy a free night, stunning views, and fascinating marine life at Jetty East in Destin

Sure, relaxing and soaking up the sun on shimmering sands is always near the top of the list when taking a beach vacation to Destin, Florida . But there’s a lot you’ll miss if you just keep your toes planted in the sand. Think the fun and adventure end at the water’s edge? Well, think again. From your amazing accommodations at Jetty East

Friday, May 1, 2015

Special Events Lure Visitors to Gulf Coast Year-Round

[caption id="attachment_2566" align="alignleft" width="461"] Anglers of all ages are welcome to compete in the Destin Fishing Rodeo.[/caption] Warm weather, emerald waters, and beaches so white that they dazzle the eyes are the major attractions for most visitors to the Florida and Alabama Gulf coasts. But the region also plays host to music festivals

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Trade in your snow shoes for flip flops!

With warmer temperatures just around the corner, now is the time to start getting into a Spring state-of-mind. And what better way to get into the spirit than with a spring break beach deal in Northwest Florida? Luckily, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals is currently offering hot deals like 15 percent off your vacation rentals, through April 12

Saturday, February 28, 2015

How To Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

The best way to ensure a relaxing day at the beach is to start with a little planning. Giving some thought to what to pack in a beach bag means you won’t get settled on the sand only to discover that your bottled water and sunscreen are back at your condo or hotel room. Following are some tips on how to pack the perfect beach bag, along with some

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Have Fun and Get Fit with SUP (Stand Up Paddle-boards) in Destin, FL

Have you tried stand-up paddle-boarding yet? It’s lots of fun and easy to learn, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the hottest new sports to hit the Gulf Coast. Paddle-boarding offers an exciting and different way to explore the area’s lakes, canals, harbors and bays, and — once you learn to balance — the Gulf. It&rsquo

Monday, July 14, 2014

Building Sandcastles 101

We didn’t know much about building sandcastles before our lesson with Rick Mungeam of BeachSandSculptures.com today, but had we been building sandcastles all by ourselves, I’m sure everything we would have done would have been all wrong. We started out learning that building sandcastles by the shore, as virtually everyone does, is the least

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Find Family Vacation Fun at Sterling Shores Destin

A top-rated resort, Sterling Shores is just minutes away from everything Destin has to offer, from fishing charters and golf to shopping and restaurants . Sterling Shores Destin is the ideal base for a family vacation on Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast. "It's a great place to spend quality time with your family," said one recent guest. "It's

Friday, June 13, 2014

Turn Your Sandcastle Creations Into Cash!

Enter our Sandcastle Facebook Photo Contest this summer, and you could win CASH and a FREE sandcastle-building lesson! The grand prize is $200 plus a two-hour lesson from beachsandsculptures.com , owned by professional sand sculptors Rick and Capri Mungeam. The lesson (good through the end of 2015) includes a demonstration of proper sand-sculpting tools

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Enter Our Gulf Coast Getaway Giveaway TODAY!

During the month of May, we’re offering one of our lucky Facebook fans the chance to win a three-day, two-night stay in a deluxe two-bedroom condo on the beautiful Gulf Coast, from Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach. To enter, just visit us at https://www. facebook .com/ Beachguide ‎ and click on the contest link. Be sure to ‘share

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Pelican Beach Resort in Destin, Florida announces ‘Warmer Days of Spring’ special offer

Pelican Beach Resort in Destin Florida is celebrating the arrival of spring with a ‘Warmer Days of Spring and Sizzling Summer Special Offer’ — Â  offering savings of 25% on family beach vacations. The condominium-style resort offers a variety of amenities, tasteful condominiums and an ideal location in the heart of the Destin

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Pelican Beach Resort in Destin, Florida announces 'Warmer Days of Spring' special offer

Pelican Beach Resort in Destin Florida is celebrating the arrival of spring with a 'Warmer Days of Spring and Sizzling Summer Special Offer' --   offering savings of 25% on family beach vacations. The condominium-style resort offers a variety of amenities, tasteful condominiums and an ideal location in the heart of the Destin area. To take

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Easter Happenings on the Gulf

All along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts, communities are getting ready to celebrate Easter this weekend with live music, egg hunts, bunny visits, and more — and visitors of all ages are welcome to join in! Following is a (partial) list of what’s going on. Destin and South Walton — The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin, April

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

The Gulf Coast Welcomes Spring With Food, Wine, Music, and Fun

[caption id="attachment_1922" align="alignleft" width="960" caption="The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is coming to PCB's Pier Park April 23-27."] [/caption] With a lineup of events that includes music festivals and food festivals, plus the iconic Flora-Bama’s annual Mullet Toss, folks along the Gulf Coast are gearing up to have fun this spring. Following

Monday, March 31, 2014

Sandestin Wine Festival Promises Food, Wine, and Fun in the Sun

Get ready to “Uncork Some Fun in the Sun” at this year’s Sandestin Wine Festival, scheduled for April 10-13. Now in its 28th year, the annual festival offers wine lovers the rare opportunity to sample hundreds of wines from around the world, interact with top wine makers, learn what foods and wines go best together, and buy favorite

Friday, March 7, 2014

Gulf Coast Food Festivals Warm Chilly Winter Days

Winter is prime time for food festivals along the Gulf Coast. Following are details on some of the most popular, coming up in the next few weeks. Apalachicola Oyster Cook-off — Friday, January 17, 6 - 8 p.m., and Saturday, January 18, noon - 5 p.m., Riverfront Park On Friday evening, there will be a preview of oyster-related silent auction items

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Happening in November in Destin

Saturday, November 9 Habitrot for Humanity Half Marathon and 5K Run Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 6 a.m. to noon Course features spectacular scenery ranging from beach to bay. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. www.sandestin.com/events Saturday, November 16 Sandestin Wine Festival presents Sparkling Wine and Holiday Nights Village of Baytowne

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Beer Fest This Weekend at Baytowne Wharf

More than 200 international and craft beers from 40-plus breweries are the stars at the sixth annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest in Sandestin. Known as “the Best Beer Fest on the Emerald Coast,” the celebration kicks off on Friday night, October 18, with a beer and barbecue pairing presented by Marlin Grill on the Village of Baytowne Wharf&

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

October Means Month-long Seafood Celebration in Destin

“The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” is counting down the days till the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Described as “the ultimate tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages,” the popular competition — a magnet for fishermen since 1948 — annually attracts more than 30,000 participants. The fishing is free for everyone

Monday, September 23, 2013

Any Timeâs a Good Time for Fishing in the Gulf

As home to more than 200 species of fish, the Gulf of Mexico attracts thousands of anglers every year. In fact, thereâs something biting year-round, all the way from Destin â known as âThe Worldâs Luckiest Fishing Village❠and boasting one of the largest charter fishing fleets in the U.S. â Â  to Gulf Shores â which annually hosts the popular

Monday, September 9, 2013

Any Time’s a Good Time for Fishing in the Gulf

As home to more than 200 species of fish, the Gulf of Mexico attracts thousands of anglers every year. In fact, there’s something biting year-round, all the way from Destin — known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and boasting one of the largest charter fishing fleets in the U.S. —   to Gulf Shores

Monday, September 9, 2013

Pool Parties, Picnics, Fine Art, and More for Labor Day

[caption id="attachment_1788" align="alignleft" width="1936" caption="Folk art at last year's Baytowne Art Walk"] [/caption] Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is gearing up for its annual Labor Day Weekend Celebration, August 29 through September 4. This year’s lineup of special events includes an art show, live music, pool parties, picnics, beach

Friday, August 23, 2013

A Prosperous Past Enriches the Present in Apalachicola

The spirit of Old Florida is still alive along the wide, tree-lined streets of Apalachicola. Situated between river and bay, the town has been a busy commerce center since the 1830s and was once the third largest shipping port on the Gulf Coast. Before the Civil War, cotton grown in the surrounding areas was stored in Apalachicola warehouses until it

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

What To Pack for the Beach

While you don’t need a whole lot of stuff for a trip to the beach, it still pays to put a little thought into what you’re packing. Otherwise, you’ll either end up lugging too many pairs of shoes or discovering when you arrive that you’ve forgotten something basic like suntan lotion or your bathing suit. Following are our suggestions

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

SunQuest Solaris Serves Up Dadâs Day Treat

Still looking for something to give Dad for his special day? Even if heâs one of those guys who already has it all, heâll appreciate being treated to the Fatherâs Day lunch and cruise aboard the SunQuest Cruises Solaris. Sailing from Sandestinâs Baytowne Marina, the Solaris will depart at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, for a two-hour trip that includes

Monday, June 10, 2013

SunQuest Solaris Serves Up Dad’s Day Treat

Still looking for something to give Dad for his special day? Even if he’s one of those guys who already has it all, he’ll appreciate being treated to the Father’s Day lunch and cruise aboard the SunQuest Cruises Solaris. Sailing from Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina, the Solaris will depart at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, for a two-

Monday, June 10, 2013

Get Ready to Enjoy a Great New Sport – Paddleboarding

One of the most popular new sports to hit the Gulf Coast is stand-up paddleboarding. Itâs fun, itâs safe, and itâs relatively simple to learn, so itâs a great activity the whole family can enjoy. Paddleboarding offers a whole new way to enjoy the water – lakes, canals, and other inland waterways as well as the Gulf. Similar to a surfboard but

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Get Ready to Enjoy a Great New Sport - Paddleboarding

One of the most popular new sports to hit the Gulf Coast is stand-up paddleboarding. It’s fun, it’s safe, and it’s relatively simple to learn, so it’s a great activity the whole family can enjoy. Paddleboarding offers a whole new way to enjoy the water - lakes, canals, and other inland waterways as well as the Gulf. Similar to

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Fort Walton Beach Braces for Bowlegs Invasion

Visitors and residents alike, beware! Fort Walton Beach is bracing for trouble when that infamous pirate, Captain Billy Bowlegs, and his band of merry men stage their annual invasion. The resulting skirmishes though, will be fun, not mayhem, when Billy and his crew come ashore at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park and parade through the city streets in

Friday, May 24, 2013

Summer Happenings at HarborWalk Village

Pardi Gras The good times never stop rolling at Pardi Gras. The annual HarborWalk Village celebration, billed as “a little bit of New Orleans every Tuesday night all summer long,” kicks off this year on May 28. Festivities include parades, live jazz by the Village Brass Band, jugglers, dancers, street performers, stilt walkers, floats,

Monday, May 20, 2013

Art, Music, and More in Santa Rosa Beach

The landscaped grounds of WaterColor Inn and Resort in Santa Rosa Beach are the setting for the 25th annual ArtsQuest Fine Art and Music Festival. Scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend, May 10, 11, and 12, ArtsQuest includes a juried competition showcasing 40 artists from the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, plus the work of hundreds of

Monday, April 29, 2013

Cycling for a Good Cause at Sandestin

You’ll be cycling for a good cause as well as the fun of it when you sign up for the Sandestin Beach Bicycle Tour, scheduled this year for May 17, 18, and 19. Proceeds from this popular event, which draws hundreds of bikers to Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast each spring, are donated to the Alaqua Animal Refuge, a non-profit, no-kill shelter

Monday, April 15, 2013

Contest-Winning Beach Photography Tips

If you think all shots of sand and surf have to look the same, think again. By following a few simple  beach photography tips from the pros, you’ll be able to create prize-winning photos that capture memorable moments you and your family will enjoy again and again. Following are some (nontechnical) suggestions for better beach photos: - Look...

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Learn How to Set Sail Safely

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s first boating safety class of the season will be held Saturday, March 30, at the Coast Guard Station Destin. Every year, the Auxiliary holds classes designed to qualify individuals to operate a boat legally and safely in Florida waters. Topics to be covered include a general introduction to boating, boating law

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

It's All About Wine

Tickets for the Sandestin Wine Festival are selling faster than the proverbial hot cakes, so it’s a good idea to order now. According to special events manager Lanier Motes, current ticket sales are well ahead of those for previous festivals. “The demand is a testament that there is no substitute for this longstanding Sandestin tradition

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Mardi Gras on the Harbor

The good times just keep rolling at Destin’s HarborWalk Village with the fifth annual Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration. Parade time is 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, and guests should prepare to be dazzled by the spectacle — floats with costumed riders, street performers, live music, and plenty of beads and other souvenirs. All of this

Monday, January 21, 2013

Annual Song Fest Brings Stars to Highway 30-A

Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Jeffrey Steele top an exciting line-up of more than 125 performers participating in this weekend’s Highway 30-A Songwriters Festival. Williams penned “Passionate Kisses” in the 1980s, a song later recorded and made popular by Carpenter. The title earned Williams the Grammy for Best Country

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Gulf Coast Boat Parades Light Up Local Waters

All along the Gulf Coast, ‘tis the season when captains and crews wrap their vessels in Christmas lights and take to the water for the annual holiday boat parades. Pensacola Beach will put on a dazzling spectacle of decorated vessels on Friday, December 7, with in its popular Lighted Boat Parade. The procession starts at Pensacola Beach Marina

Friday, November 30, 2012

Fall Festival Has French Accent

Unlike wines made to improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be drunk young. Bottled quickly to celebrate the end of the grape harvest, this light, fruity red debuts every year on the third Thursday in November, just in time for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. And its annual arrival makes a great excuse to throw a party. To celebrate

Monday, October 29, 2012

Sandestin Holiday Season Gets Off to Sparkling Start

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a glass or two of bubbly? That’s what the Sandestin Wine Festival is doing with its “Sparkling Wines and Holiday Lights,” a festive weekend that begins with food and drink and ends with a Christmas tree lighting and a glitzy holiday light show. Baytowne Wharf Village is the setting

Monday, October 29, 2012

Free Food for the Kids, and Fun for All!

Pompano Joe’s is teaming up with the Emerald Coast Surfriders  Foundation to bring beach-going guests treats rather than tricks this  Halloween. Ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and just plain folks are invited to the  popular Destin restaurant for its big Beach Spooktacular, scheduled for  Saturday, October 27,

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Pumpkinpalooza Serves Up Spooktacular Fun

There will be ghosts, ghouls, and goblins galore at Destin’s HarborWalk Village for this year’s Pumpkinpalooza Party Weekend, planned for October 26, 27, and 28. The fun starts Friday, October 26, with a viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. And in the best midnight movie tradition, audience participation is strongly encouraged. Show

Monday, October 22, 2012

Last Boating Safety Class for 2012

Every year, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Destin holds regular boating safety classes that meet Florida’s requirements for operating a vessel in state waters. The last of these for 2012 is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, at the Coast Guard Station Destin. Topics to be covered in the daylong class include an introduction to boating

Monday, October 8, 2012

Second Annual Serve2Cure Set for October 6

Participants in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Serve2Cure Tennis Tournament can have the satisfaction of knowing they’re having fun for a good cause. Proceeds from the annual event, held this year on Saturday, October 6, will go to patients in the breast cancer program at Sacred Heart Hospital. The hospital’s oncology department

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Races Raise Funds for Habitat Homes

Helping Habitat for Humanity provide affordable housing for families in Walton County is the goal of the second annual Habitrot for Humanity Half Marathon and 5K, hosted by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Routes for the two races, scheduled for Saturday, October 6, will wind throughout the 2,400-acre resort. That means participants will enjoy views

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Coastal Living Cover Shot at Sandestin Beach Resort

Destin gets a turn in the national spotlight when the October issue of Coastal Living hits the newsstands. October’s cover photo, staged and shot at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, features pumpkins carved in sea-inspired designs, resting on the sand with the Gulf of Mexico in the background. Inside the magazine is a two-page spread showing the

Monday, October 1, 2012

Summer’s End Doesn’t Mean End of Fun in Destin

Summer may be over, but Destin is still one of the hottest vacation destinations on the Florida Gulf Coast. In fact, fall is a great time to take a Destin vacation. The weather’s still warm and sunny, the crowds have thinned, and, best of all, the rates for lodging have dropped. Fall is also the season when the area hosts some of its biggest events

Friday, September 28, 2012

Summerâs End Doesnât Mean End of Fun in Destin

Summer may be over, but Destin is still one of the hottest vacation destinations on the Florida Gulf Coast. In fact, fall is a great time to take a Destin vacation. The weatherâs still warm and sunny, the crowds have thinned, and, best of all, the rates for lodging have dropped. Fall is also the season when the area hosts some of its biggest events.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Racing for a Good Cause

Okaloosa and Walton County students in grades K through 12 will be the real winners of the second annual Race for the Arts. Proceeds from the 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run, sponsored by Destin’s Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, will help fund the nonprofit foundation’s student educational outreach programs. Registration for the

Friday, September 21, 2012

Sandestin Sends Troops a Labor Day Salute

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort salutes the U.S. armed forces this Labor Day weekend, offering both active and retired military personnel a special rate and complimentary greens fees with its “Picture Perfect Labor Day Getaway.” This discount package, good from August 31 through September 3, includes one night’s free lodging with the

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Sandestin Announces Artful Ending to Summer Fun

Some of the South’s most gifted artists will display their work at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort this Labor Day weekend during the annual Baytowne Art Walk. A variety of different artistic styles, techniques, and media will be represented at the three-day event, which runs from August 31 through September 2. Hours for the show, to be held at

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Let the Kids Go WILD This Summer

The kids will have a ball — and you’ll get a break and some time on your own — when you enroll them in SummerWILD Children’s Camp at Destin’s HarborWalk Village, a day camp for youngsters entering grades 1 — 6. Sponsored by Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, SummerWILD is an educational program that includes informal

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sandestin Serves Up Free Fun for the Fourth

Even if you’re on a budget, you can still have a blast this Fourth of July by taking advantage of these special offers from Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort . Golfers and other active adults will appreciate LeCiel boutique hotel’s package , which includes a free night’s stay (when you book three nights), free fitness center access, and

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Get Certified to Boat in Florida

If your Florida vacation fun includes boating, here’s something you need to know. State law requires anyone born after January 1, 1988 operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more to pass a boating safety class and get a boating safety identification card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. But not to worry &mdash

Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Big Easy Comes to Destin Via Parti Gras

You don’t have to wait till next year to enjoy a little Mardi Gras madness. Not when Pardi Gras, a big New Orleans-style celebration, kicks off every Tuesday night at Destin’s HarborWalk Village. Billing itself as the spot “where Bourbon Street meets the beach,” HarborWalk puts on its party face and lets the good times roll on

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Pirates Set to Run Amok in Annual Invasion

Will Fort Walton Beach be overrun, or will Mayor Mike Anderson and his loyal pirate allies successfully defend the city from the dastardly Billy Bowlegs and his motley Krewe? That’s the question guaranteed to bring the crowds to Fort Walton Beach’s annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, to be held this year from May 31 to June 2. Started

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

HarborWalk Village Hosts Big Cinco de Mayo Bash

The fun starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, when Pepito’s Crab Island Cantina kicks off a daylong Cinco de Mayo celebration. The restaurant, at Destin’s HarborWalk Village, is headquarters for the event, which features live Latin music, contests, food, dancing, and more. Guests can vie for goodies at three piñata breakings

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Knowing the Rules Means Safer Water Fun

A little knowledge goes a long way toward making sure that fun on the water is also safe.   That’s why the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Fort Walton Beach is offering a boating safety course, to be held at the Fort Walton Yacht Club on Saturday, May 19. This is an approved boater safety course, which means that it satisfies Florida law

Friday, April 27, 2012

26th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival coming soon!

Good wine, good food, and live music take center stage again this year at the annual Sandestin Wine Festival.   Set against the backdrop of Florida’s Emerald Coast, the festival, which attracts thousands each year, is affectionately called the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals.” This year’s festival, to be held at The

Thursday, March 29, 2012

BeachGuide's Performing Arts Guide

Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College:   Broadway Series, Artist Series, and Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.   A collection of professional and student productions.   You won't believe this venue and the incredible works of art. Sinfonia Gulf Coast- Just celebrating it's 5th season, Sinfonia

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Labor{less} Days on the Emerald Coast

It's about that time again.   One last day to say adios, sayonara, and adieu to another fantastic summer.    Time to fire up the grill after a long day at the beach and watch some fireworks.   I won't be your hometown tourist this weekend as I'll be spending my holiday with my favorite people, the Chicago Cubs (oh, and

Tuesday, August 30, 2011