Welcome to the Southern Resorts Blog. We want to share our experiences and upcoming activities on Florida's Panhandle along the Coast in Destin, Beaches of South Walton, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe, Florida. Let us know what you think by commenting and sharing your experiences, too.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Port St Joe Develops
Yesterday I spent some time in Port St Joe, Florida at the Barefoot Cottagesand Windmark Beach. Both these developments offer so much for visitors to this Forgotten Coast on Florida's panhandle. The Barefoot Cottages offer a laid back lifestyle with all the amenities. Ride the bikes there just for your use. Play in one of two pools or work out in a fitness center when not relaxing at the beach. Or, stroll over to Windmark Beach, only a short distance to the west. Southern Resorts is managing some wonderful loft units there in the Town Center of this incredible little town of its own. With the beach as the main focus of the area, both coastal communities offer a unique experience for your vacation to the beach.
This weekend, Fort Walton Beach's local theatre group, Stage Crafters, presents one of the most popular romantic comedies of the century, "Same Time Next Year." Remember this story of a love affair between two people who rendezvous once a year? Well come out to the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium and watch as they portray 25 years of manners, morals, and attitudes hilariously mirrored by the lovers. The stage at Fort Walton Beach is on the main road, Miracle Strip Parkway, close to Okaloosa Island here in Fort Walton Beach so guests staying at one of the beautiful beach condos are close by and can make a great evening of it. For information visit http://www.stagecrafters.com/ or contact 850.243.1101.
TheMattie Kelly Arts Foundation has begun its Summer Concert Series on the Event Lawn, Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive W., Destin. A favorite event for both locals and visitors to Destin, the venue is centrally located with easy access from surrounding beach communities. Bring your favorite lawn chair and picnic, relaxing to wonderful music and the natural beauty of the area on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm. (admission is $5 for adults/kids under 12 are free). Tomorrow night join locals Clark & Company. Bring your dancing shoes as Clark & Company return with music to please all ages, all your favorites from fiddle tunes to Jimmy Buffet, the Drifters, ABBA & more. Ice cream available for purchase from Marble Slab Creamerywith a portion of each week's sales donated to Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals in downtown Destin and the Crystal Beach community are especially close to this location. Spend a day at the beach and end the evening under the stars listening to great music. For other summer concert series and events along the beach, visit our event calendar.
Boaters off the Destin coast this weekend were delighted to see a Humpback Whalebreaching the surface of the water on her way through our our neck of the Gulf. FWC reported her presence early Saturday morning and as the coastline filled with boats, surfers, and beach goers, onlookers were treated to grand show near Crystal Beach. She was estimated to be 35-40 feet long which is just under the maximum range of 40-50 feet and 79,000 pounds.
It is a somewhat rare occurrence to see a Humpback Whale that close to the shore but they aren't such a rarity in the Gulf of Mexico. Encompassing 600,000 square miles of Louisiana swamp and wetlands, the coral reefs off the Florida Keys, the Texas coast and hosting a variety of species ranging from Orcas to oysters, the Gulf of Mexico is regarded as one of the most bio diverse bodies of water. Spending time near our shore always proves to offer exciting and unpredictable scenery. What a memory for a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals is proud to include The Barn at Windmark Beachas a vacation rental property. This brand new property is located in the Town Center of Windmark Beach, an inspired town between Port St Joe and Mexico Beach, Florida. This charming community is an great example of the New Urbanism movement with mixed use and mixed housing within a walkable environment. Southern Resorts' Barn unit is a beautiful combination of metropolitan and coastal influences for a perfect vacation retreat at the beach. While it's name may sound primitive or rough, the accommodations are anything but that. Take a video tour on-line here and reserve your stay at this incredible town that St. Joe built. Southern Resorts is excited to be a part of this emerging community!
What a beautiful weekend for vacationers to Florida's panhandle and Northwest Gulf Coast. All of our beach communities including Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach and Port St Joe have witnessed perfect weather. We had a little rain shower yesterday and may get some today, but that is just proof that Summer is here. The light afternoon showers are common, yet brief, giving us plenty of pool and beach time. Did anyone head out to Baytowne Wharf in SanDestin for the fireworks last night? It was a great way to end the day and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who fought for our wonderful nation and the freedoms we cherish and may even take for granted a little.
If you did not get a chance to get a way this weekend, there is plenty of summertime ahead of us. Let Southern Resorts help you find the ideal vacation beach home, cottage or condo for you. With the most competitive rates and kind service, you cannot go wrong! Visit the site http://www.southernresorts.com/ for specials and some great deals on already low rates.
Today marked the start of the Summer season for businesses in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and all surrounding beach communities. People were flocking to the beach from all over the Southeast. The air was warm and the beach beautiful. The water was a little misleading. Its crystal clear blue/green water was very inviting, but double red flags flew. For visitors to the Northwest Panhandle, please heed the flag system warnings. While the water may be gorgeous, it can be tricky. The rip current is strong sometimes. When red flags fly, only experienced surfers with boards leased can actually go in the water. This was one of those days. It still was a great beach day and people could get their feet wet, play by the shore and even watch some long boarders catch some waves. Enjoy the incredible views, the relaxing sound of waves hitting the shore, the salt air and the sunshine. We are glad you are here!
Eglin Air Force Base's 23rd Annual Gate to Gate Run/Walk is set for this Monday, May 26th, starting at 7:30 a.m. The race is a premier event for race enthusiasts. In year's past, they have had jets fly over and sometimes even paratroopers drop in prior to the race. Every year flowers are given to each runner to drop at the Veterans' Memorial to honor fallen service members. The Memorial is along the course and bagpipes play as you run by. It is really a neat experience. The course is a hot 4.4 miles from one gate to the other, but all along the way are water stations and even a fire hose at one point showering runners with welcome relief. There will be a separate children's fun run after the Gate to Gate. Local bands and great food follow the races. It is a wonderful way to spend the Memorial Day morning. Registration information: 850.882.1482 or http://www.eglin.af.mil/
Come join the fun, bringing your blankets and lawn chairs to the Aaron Bessant Amphitheater, at Pier Park, in Panama City Beach. Their Summer Concert Series begins Thursday evenings, May 29- September 11, from 7-9 p.m. It is a FREE event for locals and visitors alike. So, come stay with Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals in Panama City Beach and enjoy an evening out at the newest, most exciting venue in Panama City Beach. Southern Resorts has many properties located on the west end of the beach so very close to Pier Park. Our newest, Aqua, is even within walking distance. Search other Panama City Beach condos here.
The Destin Harbor Accociation is hosting Summerfest on the Harbor beginning June 1 and run for 12 weeks through August 23. Thursday nights will be the "Red, White and Blue Celebration on the Harbor" and will honor one local military hero with a key to the city. The night will culminate in fireworks. Saturday nights will "Rock the Docks" with live music at harbor businesses and a chance to win a trip for two to the Budweiser Brewery in St. Louis. Sundays "Art on the Harbor" begins at 11:00 a.m. featuring watercolors, oil paintings, and much more, including an area featuring art projects for kids. See individual days from June 1-August 23 for more details. Information: www.destinharbor.org or 800.426.9670. This is an exciting series for locals and visitors to our beautiful Destin, Florida. The Harbor is developing as a focal point for everyone. Our local fishermen have always known of its beauty and significance. As the area grows, more can take advantage of the incredible views, dining, shopping and now events that will call it home. With properties all over Destin and just across the Destin bridge into Fort Walton and Okaloosa Island, Southern Resorts encourages tourists to explore the Harbor.
Looking for an artsy, soulful place to dine and enjoy good wine? Look to Vin'tij Wine Boutiquein Destin, Florida. Located across the street from the Silver Sands Factory Stores, Vin'tij offers a "delectably coastal, always fresh" menu. The wine list is extensive. The decor is an eclectic mix of local art and mosaics. The atmosphere is just wonderful. So, for all you visitors to Destin and even you locals, step out for lunch or dinner and try one of my favorite places that just makes you feel good - Vin'tij.
Join Royal Bs, one of Southern Resorts' favorite partners, for a new Ladies' Brunch series beginning Sunday, May 18th from 12:30pm - 2:00pm. Each month they will have a different theme, different door prizes from local area businesses and party favors to boot! This month's theme will be "In the cookies of life, friends are the chocolate chips." So join Royal Bs for wonderful New Orleans cuisine, endless mimosas and great gifts. Share a touching story of friendship when you RSVP to ladieswhobrunch@gmail.com for a chance to win the Grand Prize. You can't find a brunch like this anywhere else in Destin and space is limited to 30 so hurry! The brunches are presented by the American Laser Center and Clark and Blake Brennan's Royal B restaurant, both of Destin, Florida.
Start this afternoon watching masterpieces being created on the Mexico Beach Pier and end it at Prickly Pears with a gourmet food and wine tasting with the artists and a "Plein Air" glass flame working demonstration by Russell Scaturro. Here's the schedule: Breathtaking Beach Vistas - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. central time (at the end of 37th Street) Gather on Mexico Beach City Pier to watch Plein Air Artists paint. Meet the Artists, Glass Flame Working Demonstration and Wine Tasting 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. central time at Prickly Pears (corner of Hwy 98 and 36th Street) Prickly Pears is hosting a one of a kind afternoon. See the beautiful works of art created that day by Plein Air artists Gene Constanza,Lori Putnam and Martin Figlinski. You can also watch Russell Scaturro create a glass masterpiece all while enjoying a gourmet food and wine tasting and a drawing for 2 gift certificates for $50 each good towards the purchase of any of the Plein Air works on sale at this years wet room. No purchase necessary, just come by Prickly Pears today to enter. Drawing will be held at 7:00 p.m.
You can also view some of last years Plein Air paintings at The Grove (corner of Hwy 98 and 27th Street) and at Killer Seafood (802 Hwy 98). Check Out Mexico Beach's own Micheal Scoggins in plein air. These paintings will be on display through Sunday so make sure you stop by.
Prickly Pears also hosts painting workshops complete with instruction, materials, a glass of win and appetizers for $40. I will find out more about them, including a schedule if I can and share here. I think it sounds like a wonderful evening for would-be painters, like myself and a few girlfriends.
According to Travel Industry studies, shopping is still one of the number one things that visitors like to do when on vacation. That suits us just fine. Even though the Beach is the number one draw to our area of Florida's Northwest Gulf Coast, we are so fortunate to also have the best shopping options. Destin favorites have been the Silver Sands Factory Stores and Destin Commons, but the Grand Boulevardis definitely growing as the newest kid on the block. While located in Destin, these retailers attract shoppers from surrounding beach communities like Fort Walton Beach and the Beaches of South Walton. I’ve also mentioned Pier Parkin Panama City before. It is growing leaps and bounds. Joining the existing anchors including Margaritaville, Ron Jon Surf Shop and The Grand 16 Theatres, is Borders. With approximately 35 new specialty shops opened, the 900,000-square-foot retail and entertainment lifestyle center will soon be home to a mix of nearly 90 retailers and restaurants. The beauty of all this shopping is that there is not a lot of overlap. Each center offers a unique experience and days worth of shopping. So when you visit one of Destin or Panama City Beach rentals, or any beach community, rest assured that if the sun is hidden for a while behind some rain clouds or after witnessing a beautiful sunset at the beach, there is still plenty to do and see.
I could not resist adding this photo. It was taken at the playground at the Destin Commons. That is another beauty of all these establishments, there is something for every age shopper, even a playground for this one!
Take advantage of great accommodations at the beach at low summer rates AND with added value. Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals offers nearly 500 vacation beach homes, cottages and condos on the beautiful beaches of Northwest Florida. With the beach rental, you receive additional amenities and discounts in all areas. Take advantage of Complimentary beach chair service in season at many of our beach front properties, discount Big Kahuna's tickets, discount golf, discount fishing and more! Some of our resorts have their own fun things to do at the property, too. Our Splash Resort in Panama City Beach, for instance, has "Dive-In" Movie night at one of their pools every Friday and Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day. No need to even leave the resort. Entertaining yourself and the family does not have to be expensive. Our beach communities, including Destin, Beaches of South Walton, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach and Port St Joe offer so much. Visit our event calendar for area information. We'll try to keep you posted and ways to save at the beach.
I spent all morning and into the afternoon in Panama City Beach, Florida, just 45 minutes from Destin watching the Gulf Coast Triathlon. It was incredible. My brother was competing in his first half Ironman. He traveled down last night from Georgia and stayed on Panama City Beach overlooking the rather tumultuous Gulf of Mexico. We got there at 7 :00 am as he entered the Gulf along with nearly 1,800 other competitors. It was a breathtaking sight seeing all the swimmers in the water. For those of you not familiar with a half Ironman, they swim 1.2 miles first, then bike 56 miles and finish with a 13.1 mile run. These athletes are really something to behold. All in all, they travel 70.3 miles. Panama City Beach is also host to the IRONMAN Florida race on November 1, 2008. If you are coming to participate or would just like to watch, visit Southern Resorts' website. With many properties on Panama City Beach and a few adjacent to the start and finish like Ocean Villa and Grandview at Long Beachyou'll find the perfect accommodations for you!
The First Fridays Art & Music Series began last Friday and continues June 6, July 4, and August 1! Join Gulf Alliance for Local Artsin a four month Art & Music Celebration hosted by the Thirsty Goat in Port St. Joe. The public is invited to an artist reception from 6-7 PM, followed by Music on the Porch at 7 PM. The 2008 series is generously sponsored by: EcoSeascape, Construction Services, Inc & Bayside Savings Bank and Coast2Coast Printing & Promotions. A special thanks to Beach Bartenders For donating their services to each First Fridays! Advertising and printed materials used to promote the First Fridays Series are funded by a grant from The Gulf County Tourist Development Council. The mission of the Arts Alliance is to coordinate, encourage and promote the arts, as well as arts education in Franklin, Gulf and east Bay counties.
Just down the street from the Barefoot Cottagesin Port St. Joe and Starline in Mexico Beach, this series is a lot of fun. Southern Resorts is working on its own Summer Concert Series at the Green at Barefoot Cottages, the perfect venue for outdoor events. We'll keep you posted!
Yesterday our company, Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals, had the privilege of riding on Destin's Original Sea Blaster! Starting off at the Lucky Snapper, enjoying fresh fish and appetizers, we boarded the boat at 5:30 to have an evening dolphin cruise. I brought along my husband and 9 year old daughter. While loving the water, it has been a while since being on it, so we were thrilled at the opportunity. It proved to be a beautiful day, as the sun went down and we meandered through the Destin Harbor, headed out the Pass and raced through the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, we waved at a lot of fellow boaters and did see many dolphins. The images I saved were few and a little shaky because my concentration was on watching them play. They came right up to the boat, frolicked in the wake and jumped out of the water. Living in Destin for such a long time, I have seen many dolphin, yet I never tire of seeing them again. People of all ages on board were excited and would move starboard or aft as Captain Larry or his crew spotted them. If you are a local or a visitor to Destin or neighboring beach community, taking a ride on the Sea Blaster is a must. As a favorite partner, the Sea Blaster offers guests of Southern Resorts special incentives. PS. I know Maritza got better pics, so I challenge her to post them soon.
At 11AM on May 16th, 17th, and 18th the traditional Panama City Shrimp and Oyster Festival will take place along the bay in the historic St. Andrews area at Carl Gray Park. You can even take your boat to the festival! The boat ramp will remain open to the public during all festival times. There will be children's entertainment and activities, Midway and Amusement rides for the young and old, arts and crafts from across the nation, and entertainment around the clock. The Entertainment schedule is:
Carl Gray Park is located at the east side of the Hathaway Bridge, corner of Hwy 98 and Moody Dr., adjacent to Gulf Coast Community College. There is a donation of $4.00 per adult and children 6 and under are free and there is no charge for parking.
Looking a bit forward to June and Summer, I ran across this neat opportunity in Panama City Beach. In June 2008, Florida's newest seasonal attraction will spring to life at Frank Brown Park, bringing a dazzling three-ring aerial and stage production to residents and visitors alike. Circus by the Sea will showcase the renowned Florida State University Flying High Circus, celebrating 60 years of spellbinding entertainment. Circus by the Sea will also debut the area's first circus camp, which include lessons in a wide variety of thrilling circus performance skills such as trapeze, juggling, acrobatics and balance. So if you are looking for something different and fun to do at the beach, try this unique experience. With fantastic properties along Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Southern Resorts has the perfect vacation condo or resorts for you. Frank Brown Park is so close to all of these properties and near the newest shopping attraction on the coast, Pier Park. For more information, visit the Panama City Beach TDC's site here.
66 years after their historic training at Eglin Field, the Doolittle Raiders return to the Emerald Coast and are the honored guests at a series of events from May 28 - May 31st. Meet the men who helped change the course of WWII with their heroic journey to Japan. The schedule of events is: Friday, May 30 11:00am-1:00pm Lunch with the Raiders at the Emerald Coast Conference Center w/panel discussion, $40 per person . Saturday, May 31 8:00am Gates open - admission via Gala Dinner Ticket only 9:00am-11:00am Re-Enactment Ceremony 6:00pm-10:00pm Gala Dinner at the Emerald Coast Conference Center with “Post-Launch Gala” (Business/Service Dress Attire) Tickets are available at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and Beach Community Bank - $100 per person (includes re-enactment ticket). To learn more about the Doolittle Raiders and their historic mission, visit http://www.doolittleraider.com/ Southern Resorts invites you to meet the Doolittle Raider while staying in our beautiful beach condos in Fort Walton Beach, close to the Conference Center and activities. This is a perfect time to getaway with welcoming rates and no weekly restrictions.
May is truly a great month for the arts on Florida's Northwest Coast! From May 8 to May 18, 2008, all along the Forgotten Coast, nationally recognized plein air artists will capture the allure of the Forgotten Coast with paint and canvas. Artists will be painting on the beach, across the marsh, beside the lakes and throughout the streets of waterfront towns from Carrabelle, Apalachicola, Indian Pass, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, and Mexico Beach. You are cordially invited to join us at this premier art exhibition and sale featuring on-location artists. Experience beauty through the eyes of America's finest plein air artists! For more information on the schedule of events, please visit their site http://www.pleinairfl.com/. For more information on other area cultural events visit the Gulf Alliance for the Arts. To experience for yourself, stay at the Barefoot Cottages in Port St. Joe, within a short bike ride to Windmark Beach, where the Artsfest will be held on May 10th. We are hoping an artist may stop by and paint the cottages or the new event venue, the Green at Barefoot Cottages.
The 20th anniversary of ArtsQuest will be a week-long celebration beginning this Sunday, May 4th at the Good News United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with the inspirational voices of the New Gulf Coast Choir. Under the direction of Michael Grady, these forty young people, aged seven and up, are fine examples of how the art of music touches the heart and changes lives. With various events all week including a Sunset Toast to Twenty Years of Creativity, The Fine Art of Looking Good Fashion Show & Luncheon, Student Art Exhibit and more, the cultural event ends the weekend of Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 with the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Show presented at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. It is always one of my favorite events in the Beaches of South Walton in the Spring. Great artists, both local and from around the country display their creations. As usual, I am sure The Village will host it beautifully! While I remember and loved the days when it was downtown Grayton Beach, many years ago, you cannot go wrong with a venue like this. For and event schedule, please visit the Cultural Arts Association.
