Happy Halloween

I hope that everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. It's fun to dress up every now and again. I decided to try out the new P.F. Chang's restaurant in Destin, FL this evening, to be exact the restaurant is located in Sandestin at Grand Boulevard.
We started off with the Crab Won tons, Chicken Lettuce wraps and the spring rolls. All were very good. If you haven't been to a P.F Chang's before all items are served family style so you can share. For our entrees we had Chang's Spicy Chicken, Orange Peel Chicken & Spicy Beef. I can only say the Orange Peel Chicken was very flavorful since there wasn't much sharing going on at this point and time. We all had leftovers from our entrees to take home with us. We did manage to share the Banana Spring rolls, the main star seemed to be the coconut ice cream that accompanied the strawberries & blueberries with the rolls. You can view more of their restaurant items here, be warned though, the calorie content is shown also!

We can't wait to go back, the food was really good & the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Lunch on Friday anyone?

Fall Festivals on Florida's Coasts

With Halloween tomorrow, many beach communities have adopted Fall Festivals for children and adults, alike, to enjoy. A few we have enjoyed in the past.

Dress up to go trick-or-treat in the safety of downtown Port St. Joe with down-home entertainment. Enjoy storytelling, costume contest and treats! 850.227.1223.

Trick or Treat Street & Spooky Fireworks at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Destin. Let your children “spook” the Village merchants as they go door-to-door collecting candy to feed their sugary appetites. Then stick around for a frightening-ly good time with one last scary secret, a special fireworks display over the Lagoon, the perfect way to end a horrifying holiday! 850.267.8117

Last Chance for the Jaycees Haunted House. The Fort Walton Beach Jaycees 2007 Haunted House is at 214 Government St. in Niceville. Tickets are $8 at the door. It is recommended for children at least 10 years old.

Wetland Wade

The Beach Villas At Destiny have acquired quite a population of local wildlife recently! I have noticed an increasing number of Great Blue Herons wading in the shallows of the lake directly behind the Villas. It is fantastic to watch them pose and wait while spearfishing with their bills for fish, frogs, snakes, and small mammals. This growing population reminds me that our migratory birds and snowbirds will soon be here in Destin, Florida for another great season! It's going to get harder and harder to pull myself away from the balconies and windows!

Perfect Weather in Destin

This weekend saw some beautiful weather in Destin. The Beaches of South Walton hosted the Autumn Tides "Vettes in the Village" at Baytowne Wharf. We spent yesterday afternoon, there looking at the collection of Corvettes from all over the Southeast. I took particular pride in the fact that the 2nd place winner was my father-in-law with his 1961 red corvette, a true beauty. The playground was of more interest to my 8 year old and her friends. If you visit Destin or Fort Walton Beach, it really makes for a wonderful time to visit Baytowne Wharf. I write about it frequently because it offers so much for visitors and locals alike. Great dining, shopping, music and events are hosted here. Just as I recommended several days ago, we ate at Jim N' Nicks. They had something for everyone in our crew to love. While I could not make the Destin Art festival the weather was perfect for that, too. I'd love to see someones blog about that event and how it went. Anyone?
Fall is a great time at the beach. The temperature is in the high 60s and low 70s, perfect for these events or just a stroll on the beach.

12th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts

This weekend October 27th & 28th the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will host the 12th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts. This fine arts festival will feature over 100 artists, ArtStop-a children’s interactive art area, live music & bistro food court. This event is being held at the Henderson Henderson Beach State Park in Destin which overlooks Destin's beautiful beaches. The weather will be perfect for the festival, Sunny & in the low 70's most of the day. The festival will be taking place from 9-5 tomorrow & 10-6 on Sunday. Shuttle service will be provided at Emerald Coast Centre which is adjacent to the park. Admission is free for children under 12 and $3 donation per adult. Plan to make this festival a part of your weekend.

Stingray Shuffle

While viewing properties I took a moment to admire the view from Southern Resorts' gulf front home, Tropical Illusions. As I stood on the balcony taking in the scenery, I noticed two Atlantic Stingrays darting in and out of the waves. The water was so clear and close to the house that I could see their details perfectly. As an avid Destin, Florida beachgoer, I've found that it's not common to have such a wonderful view of these magnificent animals even though the Atlantic Stingray is lucky to be one of our residents that is not considered endangered or threatened. I wish I could stay and watch them all day but it's time to go back to work and see what other critters I can find!

Rocktober in Destin

The Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this event at the Hard Rock Cafe in Destin this Friday, October 26th. Benefiting the Baptist Health Care Foundation to help pay for mammograms for those women who cannot afford them, the event begins at 2 pm with a Blood Drive followed by the Band at 8pm. Who can resist great music and food at this popular dining spot at the Destin Commons Shopping Center. Spend a weekend of it and stay at Crystal Villages nearby, managed by Southern Resorts vacation rentals.

Autumn Tides - Vettes at the Village

The American love affair with the Corvette is legendary…Baytowne Wharf’s is permanent. Every year Vettes at the Village rolls into The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Destin for an annual meeting. This Beaches of South Walton event is one of the largest gatherings of Corvettes in the Southeastern United States, drawing thousands of enthusiasts – and over 200 Vettes – to the Emerald Coast. The event is designed to show off “America’s Sports Car” and to create awareness of and raise money for the charities that each participating Vette chapter benefits. If you are in the Destin area, spend the afternoon at the Village. Stay into the evening and eat at Jim N' Nicks or Marlin Grill, some of Southern Resorts' favorite dining partners.

Green Space at Barefoot Cottages

Looking for the perfect wedding location? Or, how about a reunion or festival? The Barefoot Cottages in Port St. Joe will showcase a new Green Space for just those types of events. Beautiful landscaping will surround a charming community building. Equipped to host a number of different activities, it will surely be a popular venue in the quaint historic town of Port St. Joe, Florida. With two and three bedroom cottages adorning this coastal neighborhood, attendees can stay on-site, too. For more information on this new development, contact groupsales@southernresorts.com.

Wine Festival Near Destin

This weekend the Southern Breeze Wine Festival is happening near Destin in Rosemary Beach. As part of the Beaches of South Walton Autumn Tides Events, this festival and wine tasting features culinary masterpieces, premier wines and entertainment. The weather forecast this weekend is to be sunny and cooler so make a beautiful day of it.

Southern Resorts Announces New Seascape Property

Southern Resorts adds a new vacation rental to its inventory of properties in Destin and along the Emerald Coast. Seascape Condominium #230 joins the program boasting many amenities and access to 2000' of beautiful beach. Enjoy swimming pools, 8 tennis courts, dry sauna, championship golf, Whale's Tail Restaurant across the street, high speed wireless internet and more. Visit Destin's beach and stay at Seascape with us!

Art & Wine Festival in Mexico Beach

This Saturday, October 20th, Mexico Beach hosts its 9th Annual Mexico Beach Art & Wine Festival. Held at the Driftwood Inn, it combines a myriad of music background, tasting of fine wines, wonderful art from local talent and great food from local restaurants. Art entered in the showing will be available for purchase through direct sales from the artists as well as a live auction. Tickets for this event will be available for sale at the door. Mexico Beach is the beach community adjacent to charming Port St. Joe and the Barefoot Cottages along Florida's Forgotten Coast. Make a long weekend of it and stay with Southern Resorts. For more information on happenings in Port S Joe and surrounding communities visit the Gulf County website.

31st Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival

This annual event will be held Friday October 19-21. It will be a great weekend for the entire family with entertainment, with artists such as Blake Shelton, Keith Anderson, Gary Allan & Kenny Rodgers to name just a few. There will arts & crafts vendors and a wide range of food booths as well. Sunday will be family day with many things for the children to do such as rides, clown show & meeting several the rangers creatures. The Mullet Festival will be held in Niceville Florida. For complete details of the Festival weekend click here.
Stay with Southern Resorts this weekend in Destin, Ft. Walton or the Beaches of South Walton.

Indian Summer Festival this weekend.

The Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, Florida will be the host of the Indian Summer Festival that begins this evening. It will be a fun filled weekend of music, fresh local seafood, children's rides and plenty of games and exhibitors. The children will enjoy a host of activities such as Midway Rides, Animal Shows, Slides, Karaoke, Rock Wall, Bungee Jump & much more. Many great musical groups will be performing such as headliner John Michael Montgomery, Little Texas & the original singers of Rare Earth, Sugar Loaf, Iron Butterfly & Blues Image as well as many others. For complete details & schedule check the Indian Summer Festival website. For your visit to Panama City Beach check out Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals newly acquired Splash 301W beachfront condo.

Dikki Du & The Zydeco Krewe tonight!

Sounds of Zydeco will fill the Village of Baytowne Wharf this evening. Dikki Du & The Zydeco crew have an original funky hypnotic style that is great to dance to as well as to listen to. Their songs are derived from classic Zydeco and transformed with fresh and funky renditions driving it to the next level. The krewes innovations revitalize zydeco charging it for years to come. Listen to their music here. Enjoy their lively concert from 6 - 8 pm this evening.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is located on the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on the Bayside just East of Destin.

Autumn Tides - Flutterby Festival

This weekend, visit Santa Rosa Beach, Florida for the Autumn Tides - Flutterby Festival. This unique family festival celebrates the colorful migration of the Monarch butterfly through the region, focusing on children’s art as well asdisplaying arts and crafts booths, children’s interactive art projects and other activities. For information visit http://www.culturalartsassociation.org/ or call 850.622.5970. Stay close at the beachfront Villas of Santa Rosa Beach. This beautiful property is just across the street from the Gulf Place Town Center, where the festival is held, boasting charming shops and dining. Santa Rosa Beach is just east of Destin in the Beaches of South Walton still close to the city of Destin and all of its shopping, dining and attractions. Visit Southern Resorts for other vacation rentals nearby.

Back to Nature Festival

South Walton Community Council's 6th Annual Festival celebrating the outdoors in South Walton is October 19th-21st. The Emerald Coast of Florida is considered the sixth most biologically diverse area in North America! From our white beaches to our blue bay and bayous,
state parks, coastal dune lakes, rivers and swamps, the South Walton Community Council will take you to the places you have only dreamed about. So plan now for your trip to the coast to Destin and the Beaches of South Walton. Stay close in one of Southern Resorts vacation rentals along Scenic 30A in Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen, Seacrest, Seagrove Beach and surrounding communities. Learn more about the Festival and events here.

The Best Beach Time

According to Alec Harvey of The Birmingham News, fall may be the best time to visit the beach. In his September 30th article, he highlights great fall activities and quotes locals who agree that the beach in the panhandle of Florida is wonderful during the fall. From Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island, to Destin, to the Beaches of South Walton and Panama City Beach, the blazing heat and crowds are gone, but the beautiful beach remains. He even lists, in a separate article Five Reasons to go to the beach in the Fall. For a sneak peak, here they are: 1. The Weather. Still warm, but not blazing heat. 2. The Crowds. (Or Lack of them) 3. The Cost. Great low rates. 4. Fishing. Take the Destin Fishing Rodeo for instance. 5 Things to do. Fall is full of festivals including arts, wine and more, like the Destin Seafood Festival that came to a close today. Read the complete article on-line here. For the best accommodations, visit Southern Resorts vacation rentals.

Weekend of Events & Festivals

It's a great weekend of activities & events. This weekend you will have your choice of activities all through out the Gulf Coast. For Saturday the 29th Annual Destin Seafood Festival will be taking place where local seafood restaurants offer a true taste of Destin. Fine artisans and crafters, children's activities, and live entertainment including nationally renowned headliners round out the event. It will be held at Morgan Sports Complex, an outdoor park venue in the heart of Destin.

Canines on the Catwalk at the Market Shops Cypress Green will give your precious pups a chance to strut their stuff on The Catwalk. Prizes will be presented for Best Costume, Best Talent, Best Personality and of course, Best in Show. The entry fee is $10 per dog. Visit with vendors and their variety of pet products. Proceeds to benefit the Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.).

St George Island will be the host of the second annual Oyster Spat Festival. It will be a fun event full of music, exhibits & of course great food. The major music concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. For complete details of the event please visit www.oysterspat.com.

Rounding out the day will be the second annual Pops concert at 8 p.m. in the hip hotspot of Sandestin’s Village of Baytowne Wharf. Celebrate under the stars with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast and renowned guest artists as they entertain you with the best live music around. This event is produced through the assistance from the Baytowne Wharf Neighborhood Association, the Cultural Arts Association and the Beaches of South Walton's Autumn Tides program.

Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo is Underway

The first day of this year’s Destin Fishing Rodeo paid tribute to one of its founders. Monday, The Destin History and Fishing Museum, the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the city of Destin honored 94-year-old Reddin Brunson, affectionately known around the community as Captain Salty. This event marked the beginning of the 59th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo which takes place the entire month of October. For tournament information, photo gallery, Rodeo results and more, click here. Weigh-ins EverydayA.J.'s Seafood & Oyster House10 AM - 1PM & 2PM - 7PM

Enjoy Florida Greenways and Trails Month

Emphasizing a commitment to a healthier lifestyle for all Floridians, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is recognizing October as Florida Greenways and Trails Month.

With more than 5,000 miles of trails and 80,000 acres of greenway, Florida provides residents and visitors of all ages and abilities with year-round access to a wide variety of free health and fitness activities. Greenways and trails provide recreational opportunities, protect Florida’s natural resources, preserve historical and cultural sites and connect communities. Coming up this Saturday October 6th is the St. Joesph Bay Buffer and Aquatic Preserves Day. This event will offer tours throughout the day & in to the evening. All events will be complementary except for the shrimp boil, boating trips and off site birding trips. Bring your sunscreen, bug repellant & water and enjoy a day of nature at the St. Joesph Bay Buffer Preserve. If you are staying in our Barefoot Cottages in Port St. Joe be sure to check this event out. For field trip schedule click here.

Tickled Pink Poker Run

Thunder Angels of Panama City will host it's 3rd Annual Tickled Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Poker Run this Saturday Oct. 6. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Sims State Veterans' Nursing Home. Last bike out at 10:30 a.m. and last bike in at 3 p.m. at Club Flashback near Bayou George on Highway 231. Proceeds benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. There will also be food, music and prizes. For more information e-mail Ncas7@aol.com. Make a splash with the run by staying with Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals at Splash in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Blue Wave Certification

The Beaches of South Walton has received its seventh blue wave certificate. The Clean Beaches Council recently released its annual list of beaches officially certified as clean, healthy and environmentally well managed. For the 7th year in a row, Beaches of South Walton has been awarded the Blue Wave Certification with all 14 of its beach communities and 3 state parks. In Destin and surrounding areas, these beaches are not only beautiful, but also healthy and safe. The certification requires meeting stringent criteria for water quality, beach and inter-tidal conditions, hazards, services, habitat conservation, public information / education and erosion management. For more information, click here. So, for your next visit to the coast, stay in Destin and the Beaches of South Walton in one of Southern Resorts many beach homes, cottages and condos along the Blue Wave beaches.