My husband Larry and I visited the Crab Trap here in Destin a couple of Fridays back. We sat at the beach bar and ordered appetizers and watched the sunset. After the sunset we went inside for dinner. I ordered the Blackened Grouper, it was wonderful. I usually don't care for seafood but this was really good. After the meal we went back outside to the beach bar & enjoyed the wonderful evening.

Southern Resorts has acquired more properties in Destin.

JME Vacation Rentals is closing its Destin operations with Southern Resorts resuming management. With the properties already familiar to Southern Resorts' inventory, the transition is seamless. Now, there are even more wonderful properties from which to choose when vacationing in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and the Beaches of South Walton.

The Southern Resorts Beach Blowout Basketball tournament began today at Fort Walton Beach High School. With teams visiting from all over the South and staying in Destin and on Okaloosa Island, we welcome them and wish all good luck!

Speaking of crab cakes, has anyone tried Sarah K’s Gourmet in Destin? Hers are amazing! Their food is chef crafted, ready to heat and partially-cooked so you can take with you and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Her crab cakes must be 100% crab. They are light and fluffy – just wonderful. And, they have lots more to choose from, I just have not tasted it all, yet!

My husband and I went shopping at the Destin Commons last night. After maybe an hour and no packages, we decided to stop in at The Grape wine bar for a drink and a bite to eat. It looked relaxing and we heard live music - always a plus. It was wonderful. We tasted a new wine, ate delicious crab cakes, Mediterranean quesadilla and veggie pitas while listening to Bill Garrett perform Van Morrison, Jack Johnson and more. Bill played at our wedding almost 10 years ago, so that made our evening complete! We'll be back.

Destin and Fort Walton Beach have been voted Best Beach In The South and Top Family Destination 11 years running by Southern Living Magazine readers. This is not new, but has anyone seen what Southern Living writer Annette Thompson wrote in the December issue? “We like Southern Resorts.” She actually wrote that. It was a great article showcasing the Holidays in Destin. She speaks highly of the entire area and where to go, eat and shop, too. Check it out!

Possible good news for all of the loyal travelers of Southwest airlines, they might be interested in the Okaloosa Airport as one of their stops. Southwest's team appeared particularly impressed by Okaloosa Regional's new terminal, its continuing expansion and its lower cost per passenger -- a savings realized by sharing facilities with Eglin Air Force Base according to Northwest Florida Daily News .
The Okaloosa airport director said he believes Southwest is "about a year out" from announcing plans to fly out of a Northwest Florida airport.

Click here to read the entire story.

For an evening out of the ordinary a Solaris Dinner cruise is just the answer.
My co-worker Pame gave me the details of her adventure. Soft rock & jazz was playing in the background as they watched the sunset. The food was excellent & the attentive waitstaff met your every need without being over bearing. They cruised almost to the mid bay bridge on their journey.
The Solaris Dinner cruises sails out of Baytowne Marina at the Sandestin Resort.

Another great place to visit in the Village of Baytowne is the new Graffiti & Funky Blues Shack. A larger version of the original restaurant in downtown Destin, it is such a cool place to be. The food is wonderful and the atmosphere is funky great. It is close to one of my favorite stores - Aloha Surf Company.
It is worth a visit to Sandestin's Village of Baytowne!

A visit to Marlin Grill in the Village of Baytowne Wharf is always enjoyable, even more so this time of year. The entire restaurant is decorated with festive holiday cheer, click here to see for yourself.
Whether you need a table for two or ten the experience is great either way. Try the fish medley which is a sampling of their fish entrees Pan Sautéed Grouper, Pepper Crusted Seared Tuna & Plank-Grilled Salmon.
Marlin Grill never fails to please.

Caribbean Queen Joins Southern Resorts

New to Southern Resorts’ rental program is the Caribbean Queen, almost a landmark in the Crystal Beach community in Destin. It is a beautiful, colorful and spacious home with private pool and even Gulf Views. With a great low rate for sleeping up to 18 guests, this is a wonderful value for vacationing families!

I encourage everyone to stop by the Landing Park on Brooks Street in Downtown Fort Walton Beach some evening before Christmas. The thousands of twinkling lights, our own outdoor ice skating rink, beautifully lit tree and all the displays really feel magical. Overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound, kids of all ages, will love it.

Destin Beach Restoration

The Destin Beach Restoration is underway again.
Look at all of the new beach that is being created!
Click here for continually updated information.

Destin in December

One of the nicest things about Destin is that you are able to enjoy a walk on the beach after a long day at work.
Nothing but the sound of waves quickly washes away the stresses of the day.

Pictures with Santa

Tonight I am going to take the twins for their first Holiday pictures with Santa at Santa Rosa Mall in Fort Walton Beach. I hope they smile and do not get scared. As soon as I get the pictures back I will post them so everyone can see how they turn out. I hope to see all of your Holiday photos too.

Ft. Walton Christmas Parade

Tonight is the Ft. Walton Beach Christmas Parade.
This years theme is "Holiday Treasures-Unlock the Magic". The parade will be held on Eglin Parkway at 6:30. Musical entertainment will be provided by area school bands and other various participants. All of the festive floats and Santa Claus himself are a must see.
The parade is sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach.