Southern Resorts Wins Silver ADDY
 Sponsored by the AAF (American Advertising Federation), the ADDY® Awards honor excellence in advertising and cultivate the highest creative standards in the industry. Southern Resorts' website, hosted and designed by CYber SYtes, of Panama City Beach, is a Silver Winner with the Gulf Coast Marketing & Media Association. Observed by visitors as an easy to use site, it also has so many advanced features that enable visitors a full experience with video tours, interactive maps, digital vacation guide, on-line reservations and so much more. If you have a moment, and are looking for beach vacation rentals along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast visit Southern Resorts.
USA Sports International Football Combine
Tomorrow kicks off the first annual USA Sports International Football Combine in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In an effort to give more young athletes a chance to be recognized for their talents and given college opportunities, players from 6th grade to high school graduates up to age 20 will be evaluated and their stats will be posted on the USA Sports International website. Recent Superbowl winner Reggie Torbor of the New York Giants, Spencer Johnson of the Minnesota Vikings, and Louis Williams from the Carolina Panthers will be attending as well. Athletes who have graduated or are soon to graduate may be invited to take part in Sport's International's football tournament this June in Cancun, Mexico. If you'd like to possibly discover some young talent or just enjoy some good football during this depressing part of the year when football is scarce, head down to the Steve Riggs Stadium at Fort Walton Beach High School and check it out! Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for students with ID and $5 for students without ID.
Old Fashion Fish Fry
 Join the Destin Fishing Museum and fish fry extraordinaire Lloyd Taylor at Bass Prop Shops for an old fashion Fish Fry this Saturday, March 1st! Feast on fried Grouper, hush puppies, Cole slaw, baked beans and a drink from 11am to 2pm under the boat tents at Bass Pro located at our wonderful Destin Commons shopping center. It is supposed to be a beautiful day with moderate temperature and sunny skies. For more information click here.After chowing down on some wonderful seafood, make your way down the street to the beach at the public beach access - James Lee Park. Relax or play in the sand. The water temp is still a bit chilly to me, but, believe it or not, there will be swimmers! Labels: Destin, Event, Fishing
Beach Bonfire
 In Walton County, FL (when the precipitation level permits) burn permits are available to purchase for bonfires on the beach. The county will provide a barrell and find out where the fire is located so they can pick the barrell up in the morning. We decided to have a bonfire this weekend right by the Frangista neighborhood and the weather was perfect! The moon was big and bright and the breeze was just chilly enough to keep everyone close around the circle and having a great time. Evening bonfires on the beach are the perfect get together for a spring vacation. Don't forget the music and marshmallows! Labels: Bonfire, Walton County
Destin & Fort Walton Beach on the Weather Channel
International Tennis Week Begins Today
 Southern Resorts is a proud sponsor of the 3rd AVT $25,000 Women's Challenger presented by First City Bank at the Tennis Center in Fort Walton Beach. The week long event starts today and lasts through next Saturday with the finals played on Sunday. Sign-in is from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a kick-off party at 6:00 p.m. with Chess exhibition and tournament, courtesy of World Class Chess player Kerry Leahy. Music performed by Ben White. For more information on the tournament, visit here.The Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center is at 45 W Audrey Dr NW, Fort Walton Bch, FL (850) 833-9588. Get Directions. Labels: Event, Fort Walton Beach, Tennis
Crazy Coconut
 The shops at Grayton have a new addition! Long time local artist Cyndi Eastburn, previous owner of the Cyndi Eastburn Gallery on County Road 395, has filled her shop with bright and tropical watercolors, acrylics, and oils. She is a self taught artist that has been in our local art community since 1986 and she also creates jewelry, portraits, and privately commissioned works. If you're staying along Highway 30-A in the beaches of South Walton, take a moment to enjoy her gallery and take home a piece of our community! Labels: Art Gallery, Beaches of South Walton, Grayton
Pier Park Grand Opening in Panama City Beach
 Last week the newest shopping addition to Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast opened in Panama City Beach. Pier Park officially opened 20 stores to the public on Valentine’s Day with strong sales and heavy foot-traffic. Even more retailers opened this past weekend. With a great mix of solid anchor stores, eclectic shops and wonderful dining options, this is a much-needed establishment in the Panama City area. The growing emphasis on families and more responsible travelers is reinforced by this new development. Southern Resorts is excited as a business in the area. With properties nearby at Splash, Emerald Beach, Grandview, Sterling Reef and Ocean Villa, our guests will have the best of all vacation experiences with our beautiful beach and now, incredible shopping experience. For more on Pier Park, including photos, click here.Labels: Panama City Beach, Shopping
Solaris Cruise
 I attended a business luncheon on board the beautiful Solaris by Sunquest Cruises. It was a wonderful setting for our committee and, I am sure for any event. Docked at The Baytowne Marina, just staying there was a treat in itself. The yacht has three decks, each positioned to offer a little something different. From the flexible floor plans and audio video hookups for business groups to the private bridal suite and ceremony location for wedding parties, the Solaris has it all. Reserve the entire evening for yourself or group or join the public for a dinner cruise with live entertainment. I felt like I could spend an eternity there. Southern Resorts is proud to have them as a favorite partner! Labels: Baytowne, Dining, Solaris
Mallard Mayhem
 Spring is fast approaching and all the ducks in the pond at Dunes of Destin are starting to really enjoy our warm, sunny days and crisp, cool water. On my way to view Bel Esprit II I noticed them all happily swimming in the large center pond occasionally dipping below the surface to munch on some moss and algae. The large pond in the middle of the neighborhood with the bridge that walks over it is a pleasantly unique feature and I find it a welcome change to the sun and the sand. I'll have to keep checking up on the ducks, there should be rows of ducklings before we know it! Labels: Bel Esprit II, Mallard Duck, Wildlife
Hilton Bridal Show
 We gathered today at the Hilton in Sandestin for the Annual Bridal Show. With many great vendors associated with the wedding industry, brides could walk about and gather information, view photographers’ portfolios, sample delicious cakes and enjoy a fashion show. It was the perfect afternoon for such an event. Brides from Destin, Fort Walton Beach and other areas in the southeast were on location. Southern Resorts took the opportunity to market our vacation rental homes, cottages and condos for guest accommodations at the beach. We are also fortunate to have two beach homes which will host beach weddings. We feature the Lupine home in Blue Mountain Beach and, now, Il Paradiso in Destin. Also garnering much attention and interest is our Green at Barefoot Cottages in Port St. Joe. Labels: Barefoot Cottages, Event, Weddings
Cook Off Success!
 The Mexico Beach Gumbo Cookoff was such fun! There was a wonderful band, delicious gumbo, and beautiful scenery. I sampled most of the gumbos and I have to say, the gourmet ones from the restaurant division looked succulent but were not as tasty as the amateur division. The 'Cajun King' had a smoked turkey and andouille sausage gumbo that, in my opinion, was the most delicious. The band was reminiscent of Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers and captivated the audience while keeping them abreast of the cook off updates. All in all, the festival was a huge success and left me wanting to cook some gumbo of my own! Labels: Festival, Mexico Beach
10th Annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cookoff
 This weekend I'm headed to Mexico Beach to attend their 10th annual Gumbo Cookoff. Each year contestants travel from all over the southeast to compete for cash prizes and raise money for the community's 4th of July firework celebration. There is a restaurant division and an amateur division. After all the reading I've done on what to expect, it sounds like these competitors are very serious about perfecting their gumbo throughout year for the Mexico Beach Cookoff. The event starts at 10AM in Sunset Park (just 5 miles from the Barefoot Cottages) and ends at 2pm - or when the gumbo runs out! There will be pictures and a flavor report soon to come! Labels: Event, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe
Lunch Break/Beach Break
 I took a look at our beach cam just before lunch time and realized it was much too beautiful of a day to not dine on the water. So Terry and I headed down to Scenic Highway 98 to find a spot with a view. We stopped at Pompano Joe's and we were pleasantly surprised to find it bustling with our winter guests. While overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, we enjoyed the Coral Reef Nachos, the Grilled Amberjack Sandwich and Soup special, and marveled at how lucky we are to live, work and play in such a beautiful setting. Labels: Beach, Dining, Pompano Joe's
Yappy Hour!
 Tonight Pets 5th Avenue in Destin, FL is throwing a 'Yappy Hour' from 6-8 pm. It will be a meet and greet for dog owners. There will be complimentary hors d' oeuvres and drink proceeds will go toward the funding of Bark Park. Bark Park is a two acre off leash dog park in Santa Rosa Beach north of Highway 98 just off of J.D. Miller Rd and has been open for about a year. Another dog park is slated to be built behind this Destin Commons this coming year. It's exciting that Destin is turning more pet friendly! Now our pet friendly properties will have many options to spend time with their furry travel partners! Labels: dog park
Black Skimmer
 From the balcony of Crescent #212 today, I saw a group of Black Skimmers dip along the surface of the beautiful Gulf water. These awkward looking birds are such an unusual contrast to the normal beach scene that I had no choice but to take notice. With their black and white bodies and the bright orange beaks, they are a magnificent sight! Just a couple at a time, they skim the surface of the water with their beaks open and the lower half of their beak cutting through the water. When they feel a fish with their lower mandible, they tuck their head and snatch it as they fly by. The Crescent Condominium is a beautiful beach front condo in the Miramar Beach community of Destin, Florida. Labels: Birds, Black Skimmers, Wildlife
Sunsets at the Beach
On a late afternoon bike ride, I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. We were biking on Scenic Hwy 98 in Crystal Beach and then into Miramar Beach where we got to witness one of Destin's beautiful sunsets. We watched as the sun slowly dipped out of sight over the Gulf. We were not alone. Many people ventured out to the beach in this gorgeous weather to play and relax. Walkers and biker riders alike slowed just long enough to take in the view. Some actually had their cameras. Imagine that! I'll try my luck tomorrow. I imagine that the views from Southern Resorts' new Ocean Villa #501 are like this. While in Panama City Beach rather than Destin, it is a west end unit with just as spectacular sunsets. Take a long weekend and visit Florida's Gulf Coast to see for yourself. Labels: Destin, Ocean Villa, Panama City Beach, Sunsets
Wild Olives
 Today after visiting Splash, Grandview, and Ocean Villa in Panama City Beach, Lisa and I stopped for lunch in Rosemary Beach at Wild Olives. It was so delightful! Wild Olives is a market/deli/bakery located in the corner of the Town Square of Rosemary Beach. It was a perfect day for outdoor dining so as we sipped our iced tea we were able to enjoy the view of the fabulous architecture, luscious landscaping, and the pedestrians strolling with their dogs and children. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. It was a lovely highlight to an already wonderful day. Labels: Dining, Rosemary Beach, Wild Olives
Take A Hike!
 February is Florida Hiking Trails Month and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Trails System Act, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has joined the Florida Trail Association to encourage Floridians to utilize our vast trail system more often. The Florida Trail, comparable to the Appalachian, is the longest in the state and extends from the edge of the panhandle all the way down to the Keys and it is just one of many, many wonderful nature trails hosted by our beautiful state. To kick off the celebration, the Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways & Trails will be supporting a number of events. Feb. 16 — Blackwater Heritage Trail Citizen Support Organization will host Children’s Mardi Gras Walk on the Blackwater Heritage State Trail in Milton. The event will feature a family walk and costume contest. Feb. 23 — The Florida Greenways and Trails foundation, Inc. will host Ride-Roll-Run relay on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Teams consisting of an equestrian, a biker and a hiker will compete in a relay competition along the Greenway. Now is the perfect opportunity (and the perfect weather) to fully appreciate everything the Florida Parks and Trails have to offer! Labels: Nature Trails
More fun than a day at the beach!
 Big Kahuna's in Destin, FL is getting ready for the summer! They will be opening the water park on the weekends starting May 10th. This year there is a new attraction called the Honolulu Half Pipe, a simulated surf experience. It looks so amazing, I can't wait to try it. You can stay right across the street at the Jade East Towers and enjoy the water park during the day and the adventure park at night! Jade East Towers is the perfect place to be if you want to enjoy all the amenities that downtown Destin has to offer while being right on the beach and avoiding long drives around town! Labels: Attractions, Big Kahuna's, Jade East, Water Park
Celebrating Fat Tuesday at Baytowne
I am heading out of the office momentarily to The Village of Baytowne in Sandestin to witness the 6th Annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade. Always hosting a wonderful show and/or attraction, Baytowne is one of my favorite places to go in Destin. Our family spends many events there and I love the traditions developing. Live music, entertainment, great dining and shopping are big draws for us. The beauty of the Village speaks for itself. It is nice to have a charming slice of New Orleans ambiance here in Destin. Look to Southern Resorts' event calendar for upcoming events this Spring and Summer. It is never too early to plan a trip to the beach! Labels: Baytowne, Event
Pensacola Ice Pilots vs. Columbia Inferno
 The Pensacola Ice Pilots are hosting an early game against Columbia Inferno today at 12:05pm for the Business Person's Special at the Pensacola Civic Center. Tickets will be $10 and there will be an autograph session following the game. Also, on February 21st from 6-8pm the Ice Pilots will be serving dinner at Beef 'O' Brady's annual Tip-A-Pilot. The players will dress as waiters and serve dinner to raise money for the Favor House, a local non-profit organization for abused women and children. All tips will go to the Favor House. Labels: Beef O Brady, Charity, Pensacola Ice Pilots, Sports
The Green at Barefoot Cottages
 Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day in Port St. Joe, Fl. We were there to photograph the new Green at Barefoot Cottages. With help from Panache tent rentals and Petals by the Bay florist, our photographer Tom Beard took some wonderful shots of the Green set up for a wedding and reception. I took this shot as a prelim. Look soon for some great photography on this lawn and community building. The Green at dusk was stunning! Port St. Joe is just east of Panama City Beach and only 2o minutes from Apalachicola. This Green at Barefoot Cottages is the perfect venue for weddings, reunions and other events. The two and three bedroom cottages offer charming new guest accommodations. Labels: Barefoot Cottages, Port St. Joe, Weddings
'and it burns, burns, burns...'
 The Ring of Fire is going to be at the Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center just north of Destin in Niceville, FL tonight! Tickets are $45 and the show starts at 7:30pm. The music of the Man in Black ignites the stage in this new Broadway musical featuring 38 songs from the legendary Johnny Cash. With excitement, humor, passion, and salvation, this show is sure to have something for everyone. Don't miss what USA Today said "...burns brighter, truer, and with more imagination than most."! Labels: Johnny Cash, Mattie Kelly, Theatre
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