Grease is showing at Friday Night Flicks

Grease will be playing this evening at the Market Shops of Sandestin's Cypress Green. Enjoy going back in time & an evening under the stars. The movie will begin at 8pm. The Market Shops of Sandestin is located just East of Destin past the Silver Sands Outlet Mall. Maybe I will see you there!

Kilwin's Chocolate, Fudge & Ice Cream Opens in Destin

Kilwin's Chocolate, Fudge & Ice Cream Opens soon in Destin at the new town center at Grand Boulevard. "Kilwin’s offers an entertaining and interactive approach to making their sweets. " Destin visitors and locals never tire of great candy and ice cream. This is a wonderful addition to an already incredible group of shops and dining at Grand Boulevard. Always a family destination, young children shorter than the company mascot “Kilwin the Moose” get a scoop of ice cream for free. For more information on this confectionery shoppe, visit here.

Cadillac Willy at the Village

One of Destin's favorite bands Cadillac Willy, will be performing tonight at the events plaza at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. This experienced and lively band is influenced by The Funky Meters, Widespread Panic, Galactic, The Grateful Dead and Gov Mule. Listen to them here. The concert will be from 7 - 9 pm. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a great evening.

Weddings in Destin

Do you want to get married at the beach? Many brides and grooms find saying their vows on the beautiful white sand beaches of our Gulf to be an incredible experience. Driving on Scenic Hwy 98 or Scenic Gulf Drive in Destin during June thru October, it is hard to pass up the chance to take a peek at a beach wedding, slowing down to see such a wonderful site. With incredible restaurants along the way, our coastal community has so much to offer a wedding party. Most public beaches in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and the beaches of South Walton allow beach weddings as do a few private homes and condominiums. For more information, contact a local wedding planner or call Southern Resorts vacation rentals, we'd be glad to assist you!

Fireworks over the Destin Harbor

Enjoy a fireworks display every Thursday until Labor Day at the Destin Harbor.
At 8:30 p.m. the sky will sparkle with multi-colors just south of the mouth of the harbor.

New Dining in Destin

Silver Sands Factory Stores in Destin, the nation’s largest designer outlet center, consistently top ranked in the country, offers shoppers new dining and entertainment options with Cheeseburger in Paradise and Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Both restaurants will be opening their first location in the Destin area this summer year. Island favorites include the Coral Reefer Crab Cakes, Son of a Son of Sailor salad and Black Beards Shrimp at Jimmy Buffet's inspired restaurant. Carrabbas' signature dishes include crispy Calamari, Chicken Bryan, Sirloin Marsala, and fresh fish cooked over a wood-fired grill. These restaurants add to a wonderful list of dining choices in Destin, the Beaches of South Walton!

Bella Blue

I visited the Bella Blue home yesterday.. This home really has a tranquil feel. The majority of the bedrooms are decorated in rich colors & the dining room area is suitable for a large dinner with friends. I really liked the 3rd floor "Captain's Room" with the wetbar. This room has a partial view of the water and opens up to a balcony. The Bella Blue home is located just past the Silver Sands Outlet mall in Destin.

We currently have a special for this home for the week of July 13 - 21, Two free rounds of golf at Indian Bayou. View Bella Blue here.

FREE Golf in Destin

Stay at select properties with Southern Resorts this Summer and receive two FREE rounds of Golf in Destin and the Beaches of South Walton. If visiting Destin, choose from these homes; Bella Blue, Rendezvous Villa, and Frangista Jewel and play at Indian Bayou Golf Club. Or choose Bella Vita in Blue Mountain Beach, one of the quaint coastal communities in the Beaches of South Walton. At Bella Vita, stay in #206B or #302B and play at Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club. Visit these Southern Resorts vacation rentals soon as some date restrictions do apply and they are subject to availability.

The Grape at Destin Commons

Lisa & I went to one of our favorite places last night - The Grape at Destin Commons. It is a great wine bar where you can try many different wines and enjoy some good food.

On Wednesday, June 27th, they will be celebrating their 1st Anniversary from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm with Complimentary Appetizers, Wine Specials, Live Music, Prizes & Giveaways. The Grape is located behind Panera Bread. We will definitely be there - hope to see you there too!

Harbor Docks Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip

Today I found this treasure that I had to share. It's Harbor Docks Tuna Dip recipe, by far the best in the area. It's made daily from their own seafood market in Destin which is located right next to the restaurant. Now that I have the recipe I'll have to test my hand to see how close I can get to the original!

Harbor Docks Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip

5 lbs Smoked Yellowfin tuna loin, chopped
2 cups Seafood Seasoning
1 cup Black Pepper
5 cups Hellman’s mayonnaise

Mix together thoroughly and store refrigerated for up to five days.

Learn How To Scallop

Do you want to learn how to scallop? Southern Resorts vacation rentals is excited to host a seminar on where to find, how to catch and how to clean them. Learn helpful hints from self proclaimed expert, Mike Shoults right here in Destin at the Southern Resorts' Destin office at 4608 Opa-Locka Lane. The class will be held on Tuesday, June 26th from 4-6pm, promoting scallop season in the Port St. Joe area, just 2 hours east of Destin. Space is limited so if you are interested, let us know by e-mailing us at Stay@southernresorts.com.

Destin Voted #1 with Southern Living

Destin has done it again! The luckiest little fishing village was voted #1 in the Southern Living 2006 Reader's Choice Awards for Beach Town/Resort. Destin was also voted #3 in Family Vacations in the same poll. With the beautiful beaches, charming coastal communities, incredible shopping and award winning dining, it is not hard to see why visitors love to take their beach vacation in Destin and surrounding areas like Fort Walton Beach and the Beaches of South Walton. To read more about Southern Living's Best of the South Reader Choice Awards click here.

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

The 5th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Destin, a world-class sportfishing tournament headquartered in northwestern Florida’s Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is June 19-24, 2007. The annual billfish tournament is held each June during the Gulf of Mexico’s peak season for blue marlin. Teams entered in the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic compete for a variety of awards, including cash prizes for the heaviest blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo. There is still time to enter, and what a great time to bring the family to the beach. Stay with Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals in Destin, the Beaches of South Walton or Fort Walton Beach and compete or at least watch the excitement!

Ballet at the Village of Baytowne Wharf

For unique outdoor entertainment this Sunday evening go to the Village of Baytowne Wharf. The Northwest Florida Ballet will be providing an evening of classical and contemporary ballet under the stars. This event will be held at the event plaza at 7:30. For a special evening, dine at Marlin Grill first & then enjoy the performance. Marlin Grill is one of Destin's best restaurants.

Celebrate Flag Day at Uptown Station

The Flag Day Freedom Festival will be held tomorrow June 14th at Uptown Station’s Central Park in Ft. Walton Beach. Music, food, train rides and patriotism are all in store for you from 4 to 8 p.m. American flags will be offered to all & you will also be able to sign a banner that will be shipped to the service members in Iraq.

Donations received will go to Eglin’s Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, which offers families of service men and women being treated at Eglin Regional Hospital a place to stay at minimal cost.

Uptown station is located at 99 Eglin Parkway. If you are coming from Destin or the Beaches of South Walton area you will go over the Destin bridge & then over the Brooks Bridge in Ft. Walton. Once you are over the Brooks Bridge take a slight right on to FL-85 N, this is Eglin Parkway.

"Anything Goes" at OWC Arts Center

The Okaloosa Walton College performing arts department is putting on a musical comedy this Summer titled "Anything Goes". The story is a comedy wrapped around a collection of Cole Porter's songs. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is in Niceville at the OWC campus just across the Midbay Bridge from Destin near several of Southern Resorts vacation rentals. Tickets are on sale now for $20 each and $15 for anyone 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at OWC or online at www.owc.edu/arts they may also be purchased by phone at 850.729.6000 The shows will be held nightly at 7.30Pm starting Thur. July 18-Sat. July 21

So grab an early dinner at one of the great restaurants available at the Destin Commons and skip over the Midbay Bridge and enjoy an evening of fine cultural entertainment, this will be a great family night out.

Blue Wave Designation

When on the beaches in Destin on the Walton County (East) side, visitors should notice the flags flying at the public accesses. While the top one denotes surf and water conditions which should be heeded, the lower flag represents the Blue Wave Certification designation. The Beaches of South Walton represents the nation's best beaches with its miles of unspoiled shoreline and natural habitat. In order to be Blue Wave certified, applicants must meet the program’s criteria for water quality, beach and intertidal conditions, services, habitat conservation, erosion management, public information and education. Beaches that meet these criteria receive the Blue Wave flag, which is prominently displayed beachside. With Southern Resorts vacation rentals in the Beaches of South Walton and Destin being on or having access to those beaches, we are extremely proud. So, next time you observe the conditions, also take note of these beaches that earned this award. Click here to learn how to keep our beaches clean and healthy.

Crawfish Boil

Destin Ice & Seafood Market is now doing a weekly crawfish boil on Fridays. They are selling the boiled crawfish for $3.50 per pound and supplies are limited. Destin Ice is located centrally in Destin near many Southern Resorts vacation properties on the corner of Highway 98 and Main Street. Their phone number is 850.837.8333 and it would be a good idea to call in the morning to find out what time the crawfish will be available for pick-up as times vary from week to week. For those who have not tried this Cajun delicacy, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity. Local fisherman are raving about this secret little treat, and word is spreading quickly!

New Sea Oats rental

Sea Oats 406 has recently been added to Southern Resorts rental program. This unit has a wonderful wide angle view & boasts designer touches.

While staying at Sea Oats you will be directly across the street from a favorite restaurant, Old Bay Steamer. Here you will find wonderful steamed seafood.

Sea Oats is located in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida just moments away from Destin, Florida.

Free Kids Movies in Destin

Sponsored by the Destin Commons, free summer movies for kids in June and July are back at RAVE Motion Pictures on Wednesdays and Thursdays with 10 am showings. Destin Commons, located at the corner of the Mid Bay Bridge Road and US Hwy 98 (Emerald Coast Pkwy), is a wonderful open air mall with great shops and dining. It is convenient to all Southern Resorts vacation rentals in Destin and the Beaches of South Walton and only 20 minutes from our Fort Walton Beach vacation accommodations on Okaloosa Island. For more information, including shows planned, visit http://www.destincommons.com/.

Fleming's Steakhouse

I headed out to Grand Boulevard this evening to try out another of their new restaurants, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. When you first walk in to the restaurant you immediately notice the red overhead lighting, very nice atmosphere. We had a group of 7 so we were seated at a large table by the wine reserve. The tapenade & brie starters were very tasty. I was pleased to find out that they had wine flights, it is always fun to try out new flavors. The majority of our table ordered steak since it is of course a steakhouse, they were all very pleased with their steak. A few people had the crab cakes appetizer as their meal & I had the Salmon with a side of Flemings potatoes which I shared. The taste of my food was very rich & filling. We will definitely be back, the steak restaurant that we USED to go to in Destin doesn't even compare. Between the very attentive service, great food and atmosphere it will be a new favorite. The next time we go we swore we would try to eat lighter! The evening lived up to the slogan on the take out bag "Where evenings out become memorable times".

Grand Boulevard is located just across the street from Topsail State Preserve and a short walk from Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Grand Boulevard is designed as a natural town center and destination for all of Northwest Florida.

Boathouse Oyster Bar on Destin Harbor

Last weekend my husband and I stopped by the Boathouse Oyster Bar on the harbor in Destin for a quick bowl of gumbo. It was a last minute decision and we had a list of errands to run, so waiting in line at some of the popular tourist spots was not considered. It had been a while since either of us had been to the Boathouse, but it came to mind after a recent article in our local Destin paper mentioned it. We were so pleased with our decision. Going down to the Destin Harbor is always fun, especially on a Friday night. Sitting there with a great bowl of gumbo overlooking the water and listening to live music was just what we needed. I checked and they have live music every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it begins at 7:30pm. It is not a fancy place; it is one of those places that stays the same forever, even as development builds around them. It is on the list of musts when visiting Destin.

Cantina Laredo

Since this brand new restaurant has opened in Grand Boulevard on May 29th
I have been a total of 3 times, It’s that good. The Top Shelf guacamole is prepared tableside & therefore is very fresh. The food has very interesting & unique flavors. I suggest that you try to get a table on the patio facing the coming soon Tommy Bahama café. The ceiling fans give you a nice breeze & the fountain in Grand Park is very relaxing to watch. Check the menu out here.
This out of the ordinary Mexican restaurant is just east of Destin, Florida close by to Southern Resorts Beaches of South Walton properties.

Boomin Tuesdays Back at Baytowne

Have a blast each week at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, in east Destin. Every Tuesday night at 9:30, fireworks will light up the sky. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this summer celebration. Before the festivities, meander through the shops and dine at an eclectic mix of restaurants, including a Southern Resorts' favorite the Marlin Grill. A personal favorite shop of mine is the Aloha Surf Company, featuring upscale surf culture apparel for all ages. It has something for everyone! You should not leave Destin without a t-shirt or at least something from this classic locally owned shop.

Crab Catching and Frog Hunting in Destin

Visiting Destin this Summer and looking for something to do with kids in addition to miniature golf or amusement parks? We had family visiting and staying with Southern Resorts down the street at the Beach Villas at Destiny, just across the street from the Crab Trap restaurant and beach. We got our nets and flashlights and headed to the beach with a nine year old, two eights and a seven year old. Some looked on the beach at the many holes left by fiddler crabs while a few looked at the edge of the water for blue crabs. Perhaps thankfully, we caught nothing, but had a blast looking. Another night, we thought it would be fun to swim at the pool into the evening and when it got dark catch some frogs. That was much more successful. These kids had their moms squealing and laughing at the threat of handling one of those precious :) tree frogs. My little niece and nephew will hopefully remember Destin with a little more adventure and a lot of laughter.

Fireworks Tonight

The 52nd Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival opens today at the Fort Walton Beach Landing at 3pm. Live entertainment, arts, and crafts show and local foods will be available until 10pm. A clash between the infamous Pirate Captain and the Fort Walton Beach Mayor will take place at 7pm with fireworks over the Sound at 8:30pm. For more information, visit http://www.fwbchamber.org/. While our Southern Resorts vacation rentals are directly on the beach, it should be easy to spot the fireworks to the north. Visitors and locals alike can experience a little Fort Walton Beach history and a lot of fun as the festivities continue with the actual landing on Saturday, June 2nd a parade Monday, June 4th at 8pm.