Dining in Port St. Joe

I spent most of yesterday at our Port St. Joe location. Southern Resorts manages the new Barefoot Cottages in this coastal community and I was taking pictures and virtual tours of some new ones that became available as vacation rentals. I usually eat at the Dockside Cafe at the Port St. Joe Marina. It has wonderful fresh seafood in a casual, open air environment overlooking the boats and docks. Yesterday, however, I stopped by Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina , the Mexican restaurant on Reid Avenue, the main street through the old town of Port St. Joe. Great food at a great price. I highly recommend it! Check out those new vacation rental properties with Southern Resorts: Barefoot Cottages B19, B24, C51 and C63.

Camille's and Harbor Docks of Destin

On the music topic, check out Destin's Harbor Dock's music calendar here, showcasing their musical talents for the month. We first heard Matt Lyons, a local young man from Destin, playing outside at Camille's in Crystal Beach. Camille's is a sister restaurant of Harbor Docks and boasts the same great fresh seafood and sushi. We loved riding our bikes down to Camille's last summer and sitting outside while Matt played. We may have to drive now to hear him, but keep your eyes posted on this blog. I'll find out who is at Camille's. It is sooo convenient to many of Southern Resorts vacation rentals in Crystal Beach.

Maravilla of Destin Renovated

The Maravilla condominiums of Destin in the Beaches of South Walton underwent major renovations last year and are in beautiful shape for this Summer. Enjoy incredible deeded private beach, two beautiful pools, some Gulf views and many more amenities. Choose from one, two and three bedroom condo rentals. Great low rates highlight Complimentary Beach Chair Service in Season for one of the most popular vacation rentals in Destin. For more information visit Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals.

The Underdogs perform tonight

Enjoy listening to the Underdogs this evening at the Cypress Green at the Market Shops of Sandestin. This family oriented event will also feature face painting and balloon sculpture. The concert will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

The Market Shops of Sandestin is East of Destin, Florida just past the Silver Sands Outlet mall on the right.

Live Music in Destin

There is not much better than spending a day in the sun and relaxing into the evening listening to live music. Our area in Destin and the Beaches of South Walton boast some of the best music venues in Florida. Whether it is the Summer concert series in Gulf Place or Baytowne Wharf, Jones & Company in the Seaside Amphitheater for the Sunset Serenade Concert Series, or one of Destin's Harbor Docks' bands like local Matt Lyons, the Emerald Coast has something for every taste and style. For a look at the various musical settings visit Southern Resorts Event Calendar.

Sunny Forecast In Destin

The Emerald Coast has been blessed with incredible spring weather. Now as Memorial Day weekend arrives, it looks like Destin, Fort Walton Beach and the Beaches of South Walton will have a beautiful sunny holiday. Visitors and locals will flock to the beach this weekend. As always, be careful when swimming (in pools or the Gulf), use sunscreen, try out some favorite local restaurants, browse our unique shops and just relax, enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you are staying at a vacation rental in Crystal Beach and have access to bikes or love to walk, venture to Camilles of Crystal Beach. The coffee shop opens early and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bike paths lead the way. And, for those staying at Southern Resorts vacation rentals, thanks and we hope to see you again!

Pirates Invade the Coast

Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, voted a Top 20 Event by Southeast Tourism Society for 2007, will be held at Fort Walton Beach Landing June 1-4, 2007. Only minutes from the beaches of Destin and Fort Walton Beach on Okaloosa Island, the 52nd annual festival features food vendors, arts and crafts, fireworks, music and entertainment. The Torchlight Parade, featuring floats from local businesses along with Captain Billy and Queen and the Krewe of Bowlegs, will conclude the festival. (800) 322-3319. http://www.destin-fwb.com/. For accommodations, visit Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals.

Destined…for Broadway! ™

Head to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for unique entertainment this Sunday, May 24th at 6pm. Destined…for Broadway! ™ & The Village of Baytowne Wharf will partner with Applause ... for Kids and the Atlanta School of Performing Arts to host a special “casting call” in the Events Plaza. The event will allow children of all ages the opportunity to learn basic choreography and lyrics to well-known Broadway musicals and then perform live from the Main Stage in front of family and friends. This is a wonderful opportunity for any child interested in theater, dance or acting to get involved ... no experience necessary.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is just East of Destin, Florida just past the Silver Sands Outlet Mall.

Destin's Original Seablaster

A couple of weeks back I went on the Seablaster with a large group of friends. We had a great time. I suggest that you go on the Sunset trip, we started off with a tour of the Destin Harbor and then we headed out to the Gulf of Mexico and sped along the coastline. Towards the end of our trip we slowed down to watch the dolphins. As we started to speed up a little we had two dolphins that were riding the wake and entertaining the entire boat. The sunset from the boat was absolutely beautiful.

The Seablaster is located at Harbor Walk Marina close to the foot of the Destin Bridge, convenient for both Destin & Ft. Walton Beach guests. When you are visiting the area and staying with Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals make sure the Seablaster is on your "To Do" list.

Cantina Laredo Opens in Destin

Cantina Laredo, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, will begin serving customers on May 29. Making its debut in the Northwest Florida market, the restaurant "serves gourmet Mexican food in a sophisticated and lively atmosphere." With some shops and dining already open, Grand Boulevard is a new town center in Destin / Beaches of South Walton along the Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida. Phase II is under construction with great shops like Billabong, J.Jill, Brooks Brothers and some of my favorite dining like PF Chang's China Bistro opening soon! Guests of Southern Resorts in Destin and the Beaches of South Walton are nearby. The center will draw shoppers from all over Northwest Florida including Fort Walton Beach.

Visitor & Resident Appreciation

The Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council is hosting an appreciation this Friday, May 25th, from 11:00am to 3:00 pm at the Visitor's Center at the corner of Hwy 98 and Hwy 331. Visitors and residents will be welcomed by their visitor services team and have the opportunity to learn about new events, shopping and restaurants in the Beaches of South Walton and view the unique artwork of the "2007 Artist of the year" Bill Stephenson. If you are a guest of Southern Resorts or another vacation rental company in east Destin or beach communities in South Walton, stop to learn a little and enjoy the popcorn, drinks and giveaways provided throughout the event.

Bella Riva

Enjoy Brand New Bella Riva in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. This new property offers expansive patios and spectacular views. Take a break from the fabulous restaurants in Destin & Ft. Walton & bring out the chef in you in the Viking® equipped kitchens.
Check out Bella Riva 108 here. Give us a call at Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals and be one of the first to experience this wonderful property.

Scalloping in Port St. Joe

Have you ever been scalloping? It is one of those things everyone needs to try. The best place is in St. Joseph's Bay in Port St. Joe, just two hours east of Destin. As a matter of fact, lots of Destin locals travel over for a weekend or week to relax in this laid back "forgotten coast." Open harvest season for bay scallops along Florida’s gulf coast begins July 1 and runs through September 10. This is our family spending quality time cleaning scallops after a day in the sun. If you would like to give it a try, Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals has the new Barefoot Cottages in Port St. Joe that allow you to bring and park a boat. Or, close to St. Joe's Marina, you can rent one, too.

Billy Bowlegs Poker Run

The 14th Annual ABWA Billy Bowlegs Boat Poker Run will be held this Saturday, May 19th. The event will feature food, live entertainment, and lots of door prizes as it sends participants on a cruise to five stops along the Emerald Coast in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar, before concluding at the casino room for the poker game and party. Proceeds benefit the ABWA (American Business Woman's Association) scholarship fund for local students. For more information visit here. While you are basking on the beach or boating by Crab Island or even dining overlooking the Destin Harbor, be on the lookout for some fun loving pirates playing for a good cause. It should be a beautiful day on the water! Check out the weather here.

Wild Olives

Last Friday I decided to check out Wild Olives Market in Rosemary Beach, which is about 25 minutes East of Destin, Florida. I've never walked around and explored this area before. I enjoyed the grassy greens and the splashing fountains on my way to the market/deli. I stopped by during lunch and they were quite busy, all of the outdoor tables were full & I managed to find a little table indoors. I ordered the Veggie Sandwich, it was very good. This area is tranquil & soothing and close by to many of Southern Resorts Rental properties. I'll have to try out their Tapas menu one night when I'm out that way.

Cruise for Wildlife

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is hosting a Dolphin Cruise on the Destin Harbor Saturday, May 12. The cruise will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. aboard the Southern Star. Chuck Lawson will be providing the entertainment during the cruise. Complimentary food and open bar will be provided. Seating is limited, so call the ECWR at (850)650-1880 to get your tickets.

All proceeds from the Cruise will be put to work locally through the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. The mission of the ECWR is to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured wildlife. As a part of the Federal Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the ECWR also responds to all stranded marine life including dolphins, whales, manatees and sea turtles.

Creehan's Copper Grill Opens

The Copper Grill reopened last weekend as Creehan's Copper Grill. I was excited to learn that Tim Creehan of Beachwalk Cafe was reopening the restaurant. Beachwalk is one of my favorite restaurants in Destin & my husband and friends really enjoy Copper Grill. What a great match, the original Copper Grill Menu is to be offered along with the addition of Chef Creehan's Signature offerings from Beachwalk. I will be visiting soon, I'll let you know how it is! Copper Grill is close by to all of Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals, with Majestic Sun being the closest.

Gate To Gate Run

May is the perfect month for outdoor events here on the Coast. Celebrating Memorial Day, the Gate to Gate race brings in great runners from all over the country. Add in a day, weekend or week at the beach and you have a perfect reason to visit Destin or Fort Walton Beach. With vacation rentals in both locations, Southern Resorts can find the perfect spot to relax before and after race time. For more information on the race times and registration, visit www.active.com or call 850.882.8651.

Fishing in Destin

On the way to work this morning I listened to 98.1 Sports Radio and the talk was about the conclusion of the Destin Cobia Tournament. While the tournament may be over, the fishing continues in Destin and surrounding areas. What a great way to spend the day on the beautiful Gulf waters. I was reminded that anglers bring in and weigh their catch every afternoon on the Harbor. So, if just relaxing on the beach is your thing, stop by the docks in the afternoon and watch them weigh in their catch. It gives you a glimpse of the original industry in our beautiful little city. Kids of all ages love to see the fish! Then stop by one of Southern Resorts' favorite partners the Lucky Snapper and have a great local meal while overlooking Destin's Harbor.

Destin Beaches Are Even Bigger!

The Beach re-nourishment in Destin has resumed and will be complete soon. The difference the dredging and added sand makes is huge. Our beautiful white sand beaches are getting bigger. That makes for more room to spread your beach towel out and relax while overlooking the crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Stay with Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals directly on the beach or close by in one of their beach homes, cottages or condos. Come see the difference yourself!

Cinco de Mayo Concert

Start celebrating Cinco de Mayo a day early in Destin, Florida at the Destin Commons First Friday Concert. Stephanie Pettis & Rio will be performing tonight from 6-10pm at the Destin Commons Center Plaza. They perform upbeat latin rhythms with conga, bongo, tymballis and cabasa sounds.

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.

Destin Commons is at the corner of Mid Bay Bridge Road and U.S. Highway 98. Call (850) 337-8700, or visit www.DestinCommons.com.

Destin Specials

Looking for a great rate or special deal on vacation accommodations in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Port St. Joe or the Beaches of South Walton? Visit Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals website and see periodic promotions and special offers. With rates typically very competitive, a promotion usually equates to big savings and value on any of their vacation beach homes, cottages and condos. Introductory offers usually highlight vacation rentals new to the program and tend to be hot deals!

Great new property on Southern Resorts Rental Program

Villas at Santa Rosa Beach #301A is brand new to Southern Resorts Rental Program.
This beautiful beachfront property is located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. You will enjoy being across the street from the Gulf Place Town Center which features great shops & eateries. Your morning coffee will waiting for you at Lucilles Gossip Parlor! Even better, check out this view!

ArtsQuest in Destin

It is time for this wonderful annual event in Destin - May 6th - 13th. Through the years, this weeklong celebration has grown to become ranked as one of the top 200 fine art shows in the country. If you have not already made plans to visit Destin, the Beaches of South Walton or Fort Walton Beach during this week and especially the weekend, do so now. Call one of the reservation agents at Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals to find the perfect place to stay close to both the venue at Baytowne Wharf as well as the beautiful beach. Or, visit the website http://www.southernresorts.com/. May is such a great month to visit.