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.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Heri'tij Road Show at Vin'tij
Vin'tij Wine Boutique in Destin, Florida, is hosting the Heri'tij Road Show on August 21, 2008, benefiting the care of Vintage HMNF Collections. Open to the public at $20 per person, the program begins at 6:30 pm with a wine tasting and dinner. After dinner, a panel of antique experts will review and appraise your artifacts. A short question/answer discussion will follow. With limited seating, it is best to reserve early. (850) 678-2615. Knowing the cuisine at Vin'tij, it will surely be a wonderful tasting experience and what a unique twist with the road show.
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (HMNF) opened its doors in 1971 with the mission to "collect and preserve material culture pertaining to the region's history; to interpret its economic and social history, including the relationship between the region's human population and its natural resources, through research, exhibits, and educational programs; and to provide public access to its collections for research purposes."
Last Saturday, Southern Resorts participated in a Bridal Show in Miramar Beach. We were there promoting two great venues (the Green at Barefoot Cottages and Il Paradiso Beachfront home) for weddings and receptions as well as our over 500 vacation rentals for guest accommodations. One of Southern Resorts' favorite partners the SunQuest Cruises was there, too. Their Solaris yacht is an incredible setting for wedding or party of any kind. It is also a perfect place to gather for a family reunion. Stay in one of Southern Resorts' many each homes large enough for several families or coordinate renting several condominiums or cottages near each other. Then, plan a day trip on the Solaris. They love to work with groups and can plan something special for you. Visit them here. Or, if you just want a special evening, remember them as a dining option. How beautiful it is to dines and dance on the water, under a beautiful Destin sky!
The Emerald Grande property stands tall at the end of the Destin Bridge. Its colors and structure dominate that area of the Harbor. You cannot miss it from the street. What you do miss from that vantage point are the charming shops, dining and activities seen from the Destin Harbor side. We rode in my brother's boat and toured the Harbor area. The Emerald Grande has some wonderful things going on there! Both casual and upscale restaurants savor incredible views of Destin's Harbor and East Pass. Shops and markets line the boardwalk with plein air artists sprinkled among them. The pool is just barely visible as it is a little higher up garnishing an elevated view.
What a fun place to stay or at least visit. With water sport rentals on the Harbor, more fun is just steps away.
Southern Resorts is proud to offer vacation rentals at Emerald Grande and throughout Destin and Fort Walton Beach, both within minutes to this harbor walk area. Check out the Summerfest on the harbor through August 23rd with live music, fireworks and art displays.
Today is Tuesday and if you have not planned anything for tonight, I highly recommend going to Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, just east of Destin, Florida. Every Tuesday night they have kids activities starting at 7PM with jumping "playgrounds and slides", boat riding, music activities and a very nice playground. Lexi, my 4 year old just loved it last week. We will definitely be back there. The end of a great evening is their fireworks. Unfortunately, we did not experience it since that was the ONLY thing my Lexi did not like. Hopefully that will change soon.
Last night my husband and I celebrated our 18th year anniversary. We wanted it to be special and when I saw that Commander's Palace had just opened, we made reservations to dine there. We were greeted with open arms and were very impressed. The decor is absolutely outstanding, as well as the view. They could not have picked a better location. Now the food.... it was absolutely DELICIOUS. Words alone cannot describe it; You need to experience it. I will definitely return to Commanders Palace.
Florida's Emerald Coast has quite a few state parks preserving the natural beauty of our many beach communities. In Destin, I often frequent our Henderson Beach State Park. Starting in downtown Destin and ending in the Crystal Beach community of Destin, this park is a great way to get away from crowded beaches and buildings. Being centrally located in Destin is wonderful because it allows the area to still have a touch of pristine untouched nature amidst development. My husband and I biked there today before the showers began. Today was apparently "state park" day because it was free to get into all state parks throughout Florida today. The park was busy with beach goers. The gazebos had visitors seeking refuge from the sun and the beach and crystal waters were had lots of families enjoying their day at the beach. I was surprised, however, at how much empty and open space there still was. The state was even building more boardwalks and gazebos and parking for future park goers.
It was all very nicely done. The facilities look and operate great and there was even Dunes Dogs hot dog vendor busy supplying lunch.
Southern Resortsvacation rentals has some last minute July specials that are hard to resist. Take advantage of some exceptionally great values including this at Il Paradiso, an incredible beach front vacation home in Destin for only $4,995 the week beginning July 19, 2008! Not many homes on the beach in Destin boast the kind of beach frontage Il Paradiso does - 72 feet of beachfront. The beach home also sleeps up to 20 and has spectacular panoramic views of our Gulf of Mexico. If you cannot getaway to the beach for this opportunity, take a look at this beach home for future Destin vacations. It is also one of the few beach front homes for rent in Destin that allow beach weddings.
Head to the Village of Baytowne in Destin tonight and/or tomorrow night to witness the spectacular night time weigh-ins held at the Baytowne Marina for this annual bilfish tournament. The Emerald Coast Classic is a "modified release" tournament and led the Gulf Coast tournament circuit in setting high minimum lengths for blue marlin. Release points are awarded for blue marlin, in addition to white marlin, sailfish and spearfish. The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards, as are the top three teams entered in the All Release Division, and the top three Crews entered in the Crew Division. Seeing these magnificent fish big and small is always a lot of fun. The atmosphere surrounding the docks is exciting and the evening life at the Village presents something for everyone.
Looking for a Last Minute Vacation Deal in Destin?
Look no further. Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals has a few last minute vacation specials available this summer. Just posted today is the beach front home Bel Esprit IIin the Dunes of Destin neighborhood in downtown Destin, Florida. Stay in the week of July 12-19, 2008 and save with a reduced weekly rate of $5,500. This beach front home sleeps up to 21 guests and has incredible views at each level. It is a steal at this price.
Even more last minute is the Villas of Santa Rosa4 bedroom condo right on the beach, too! Stay in this charming area of the Beaches of South Walton, just east of Destin for only $2,995 for this popular week.
Today is International Surf Day and to celebrate the Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundationis hosting a family-friendly event on the beach behind Pompano Joe's in Miramar Beach, Destin, Florida from 6 pm-till. The event will include a paddle out, raffle prizes, silent auction, live music, food and a bonfire. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages. We will ride our bikes there tonight and check it out. If you are in the vicinity of Crystal Beach and Miramar beach stop by. There are not many bonfires on the beach anymore and they are so much fun!
I guess they have been celebrating the entire month of June with Paddle Board Races and Beach Clean-ups throughout Destin and the Beaches of South Walton. Check out the Panhandle Chapter's blog for images from both.
If you are interested in taking surfing lessons, visit Ride On Surf School, Destin's first and only surf school. It is located next to Pompano Joe's. People of all ages can learn. It is great fun and what an experience to take home and share! Our beautiful Gulf of Mexico is a wonderful place to learn.
One of Southern Resorts' favorite partners Destin Dockside, now offers parasail rides with Hang em High Parasail, LLC. Conveniently located on the Destin Harbor, this local business has been a great source of water fun with pontoon boat and wave runner rentals. Their store also carries drinks, snacks, coolers and crab island supplies making your day on the water complete. The rates are great and even have an early bird special at 8 am. Visit their site http://www.parasailindestin.com/ for more information. In downtown Destin, it is very accessible.
I have never been parasailing. My fear of heights keeps me from trying, but I have heard great stories of the views and the experience. Isn't this a great shot of this father/daughter duo?
This weekend I read in the Northwest Florida Daily Newsthat some people have spotted manatees swimming along the Emerald Coast. These particular ones were in hip-deep water near Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, just north of Destin. There were apparently two of them. The spotter called the FWC wildlife hotline after her manatee sighting and was told that there were five breeding manatees near Destin. I am particularly interested because several weeks ago my daughter told me she saw two at the beach in Crystal Beach at James Lee Parkwhere she and some friends were longboarding. At first she could not identify what they were , but as she drew closer, from shore this time, she excitedly decided them to be manatees. Now I have been in this area for years and have contemplated many times traveling to central Florida to view these gentle creatures, but never have. I would love to see some for myself.
According to Andy Garrett, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission, Manatees do visit local waters infrequently during the summer. Read the article by Wendy Victora in The Daily News on-line.
Also this weekend, the Destin Harbor will be busy with the new series: Summerfest on the Harbor. This series of events is hosted by the Destin Harbor Association (DHA) and Harbor businesses to showcase the uniqueness of the Destin Harbor. The festival is planned for Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and will feature live entertainment, fabulous dining, exciting art, and spectacular fireworks all in a family-friendly atmosphere. Most events are free to the public. For more details on specific events, visit Southern Resorts'Event Calendar or read more... here. For a list of participating restaurants, including some of Southern Resorts'favorite partners, click here.
The Destin Harbor Association is dedicated to the mission of increasing the public awareness of and preserving the heritage of the Destin and the Destin Fishing Fleet. Let's all support them in this endeavor by stopping by to enjoy the festivites.
If you are visiting, it takes place just over the Destin Bridge on the west end of Destin and only a few miles from Fort Walton Beach vacation rentals on Okaloosa Island.
This was an absolutely beautiful weekend at the beach in Destin, Florida. We watched a friend get married at James Lee Park at sunset and what a perfect setting. James Lee Park is located at the Crab Traprestaurant with boardwalk and several pavilions on the Gulf. As with all public beaches in June in Destin, the beach still had many beach goers present to witness the ceremony. It just adds to the laid back, beach going atmosphere. The sky was clear and the water was blue green, creating the perfect backdrop. As the couple finished exchanging vows, as if on cue, the Sea Blaster passed by in the water and honked its notable horn. After picture taking on the beautiful beach, the party moved over to a home in Destiny for dinner and dancing. While I do not recommend a July wedding on the beach because of the heat and even more beach crowds, I certainly recommend a beach wedding during this time of year. I even specially love October for marriages at the beach, too.
If you need any help, Southern Resorts has some beautiful beach homes to provide the venue for either wedding and / or reception. If interested, take a peek at Il Paradiso one of those wedding options directly on the beach and uniquely designed to host such events.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Presented by the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce's Forward group, the Pilot House at the Destin Fishing Museum will host its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30th from 3pm-5pm. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 3:15 p.m., followed by fun activities for children, refreshments, photos and more. The event will last until 5 p.m. Please call (850) 837-6241 for more information. The Destin Fishing Museum is dedicated to preserving and honoring the History of Destin.
HarborWalk Village will showcase the region’s local produce farmers, specialty products, seafood, charter fishing fleet, and other community organizations during the new Fish & Farmers Market which begins Saturday, May 3 and runs each Saturday until May 24 from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. The Market will be set up near the charter fishing fleet docks at HarborWalk Village, within walking distance to Southern Resorts'beautiful Emerald Grande accommodations. Located on Destin's Harbor, the views and amenities are spectacular. What better way to explore and celebrate Destin’s Harbor than stroll the docks during the HarborWalk Village Fish & Farmers Market!
Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals promotes the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and encourages other area businesses to do the same. This Saturday the Great Strides Walk will take place in Destin at the Village Baptist Church. Southern Resorts will have a team walking. It should be a wonderful day! If you are visiting, staying in Destin at a beach home or condo, this location is in the Crystal Beach area of Destin on Matthew Boulevard. Come by and support all of the walkers.
Last Saturday the Great Strides Walk was held in Panama City Beach. For more information on upcoming events and how to help CFF, visit their site http://www.cff.org/
The highly anticipated Sandestin Wine Festival begins this week in Destin, Florida. More than 600 domestic and international wines, hand-selected by Chan Cox of Chan’s Wine Worldand some of the Southeast’s most knowledgeable judges, will be available for tasting. And, it is in one of the most beautiful settings- the Village of Baytowne.
The weekend begins on Thursday the 10th and continues to Sunday with something each day. Apparently, this is the only event in the Southeast where you can sample and purchase this many quality wines from across the globe at once. My husband and I went last year and enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately the dates this year coincide with the Atlanta Vacation Home Expoand I'll be heading to Georgia for that. So, make your plans now staying in a Southern Resorts'property in Destin or nearby Beaches of South Walton and have a wonderful time for me.
By the way, Chan's has locations throughout our Northwest Florida coast in Destin, Miramar, Sandestin and Panama City Beach.
The outlook is sunny for Destin and surrounding areas staring tomorrow and spilling into the weekend. This is great news as the beach is busy with our Spring Break visitors, and this weekend brings a new group of families celebrating the Easter week at the beach. For those of you staying in Destin, bring your children ages 12 and under to the BIGGEST Easter Egg Hunt EVER with more than 25,000 eggs at the Destin Elementary School Athletic Fields. This is sure to be a special family event. There will even be a special egg hunting zone for crawlers and toddlers. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. sharp, so don't be late! Sponsored by City of Destin'sRecreation Department and the Destin Assembly of God Church, it includes prizes, food, drinks, and inflatable jumping toys. For more information call the Destin Community Center at 654-5148 or the Morgan Sports Complex at 650-1241. The fields are centrally located in Destin to many Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals. MAP IT!
What a great day it was to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Destin Commons. Beautiful sunny weather, Irish Bagpipes playing and the very familiar fountain fun. For those locals with smaller children, we all know the fun the kids have at the playground area and fountains. Many times we have had to bring a change of clothes because the squirting water proves too difficult to resist. Today was no different. The playground area was full of children and parents taking a break from the great shopping the Commons has to offer. Into the evening, it was still busy with new shoppers coming off the beach after a perfect Spring Break afternoon at the beach in Destin. If you are visiting here now, or plan to in any of the surrounding areas like Fort Walton Beach or the Beaches of South Walton, plan some time for the family to visit this mall. Everyone, even Dads, have fun with the shopping, dining, live music and playtime!
Save the date - March 22nd from 11am - 5pm to celebrate On the Coast magazine's 5th anniversary in Destin, Florida. Plan for a fun filled day for the whole family at our Destin Commons. Enjoy non-stop entertainment on two stages. Free crafts and activities, rock walls, bungee jumps, bounce houses and more. Indulge in our huge birthday cake and sign your baby up to participate in the Emerald Coast's first Diaper Derby. Great prizes given all day. Visits from the Easter Bunny and Bearemy the Bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop!! The Destin Commons is conveniently located close to the Crystal Beach and Miramar Beach communities just a few miles from downtown Destin. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to come join the fun.
Yesterday evening I dined at The Back Porch in Destin, FL. Conveniently located on the beach and just across the street from The Trackamusement park, The Back Porch is an ideal location for families to enjoy a delicious meal in a casual setting with an amazing view. There is indoor and outdoor dining available along with a playground and a gift shop in case you have to wait for seating. We enjoyed several helpings of fresh oysters on the half shell while waiting for our Blackjack Tuna, Amberjack, Grouper, and Shrimp - all fresh and caught locally. We had the ultimate seafood feast while enjoying the company of friends, family, and our delightfully helpful server, Erin. Just another reason why I love to live, play, and dine on the Gulf Coast!
Spring Break has officially begun on Florida's Northwest Gulf Coast. Today was a beautiful day at the coast and families flocked to the beach. A bicycle ride through Crystal Beach in Destin showed kids of all ages coming and going to the beach for hours of relaxation and even a little beach volleyball or football. The water still felt a little cool, but some were even testing that a bit. As our snowbirds begin heading back up north, it is nice to see the spring visitors arriving. We hope to have a lot of sunshine and warmer weather for them. If you have not made your spring break plans and are over 25 years old, visit Southern Resorts' website. With wonderful promotions and a few hot deals, you can catch a rate break, too.
Yesterday evening we had the opportunity to tour one of Southern Resorts' newest additions to the vacation rental program in Destin, FL. This lovely home is right on the beach and boasts some of the most beautiful panoramic views on the Gulf Coast. With a very unique floor plan and more beach frontage than you can imagine, Il Paradiso is an absolute wonderful vacation destination. I could only imagine my family vacationing here with our cousins and having plenty of room for all of us. Sleeping 16 - 20, it is the perfect place for families or friends vacationing together at the beach. Take a video tour on-line to see for yourself.
Join the Destin Fishing Museumand 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!
This is a great peek at our beautiful Destin & Fort Walton Beach area and what it has to offer. From the incredible white sand beaches to the outdoor activities like golf and tennis to the indoor activities like shopping and dining, the Emerald Coast has it all! This video is compliments of the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council /Emerald Coast Convention & Visitor Bureau, Inc. and the Weather Channel. Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals has beach homes, cottages and condos along Okaloosa County in both Destin and Ft Walton 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.
One of Southern Resorts' Favorite partners, Royal B Restaurant, in Destin, is throwing one of the best Marti Gras parties around the Emerald Coast. The festivities are Friday, January 25th and begin at 8:30 PM. Celebrate the New Orleans way with live entertainment, dancing, costumes and the amazing New Orleans style cuisine of Royal B. Make your reservations now!850.269.1741 or sales@royalbrestaurants.com.
We went today with my favorite photographer - Marla Carter - to Eden State Park to photograph my three daughters. I have been to the park for art festivals and weddings and am always surprised each time with the beauty of the setting. Marla, knowing the best locations, showed me spots I had never noticed. It is a beautiful location to shoot. If you are visiting the Destin and Beaches of South Walton areas, take a little tour. (It is an easy drive from one of Southern Resorts many properties.) The trees and view on the dock are magnificent. If you do want a photographer while you are here, contact Marla in advance. If you want to see samples of her work, visit her site http://www.marlacarter.com/. Sometimes I just go and look for new photos. She captures an incredible view of people. Her husband Shane is also a great photographer and specializes in beach portraits - a must if you are visiting Destin's beaches!
It is that time of year, again; in the January 2008 issue of Southern Living Magazine, the Readers' Choice Awards are published. For the 13th year in a row, Destin, Florida (including adjacent beach community Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island) has been voted the #1 Beach Town / Resort. For the complete article, click here. Destin was also voted, yet again, as the #3 Family Vacation Spot. So, while we may boast of our beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear Gulf water, trendy dining and great shopping, you do not just have to take our word for it. Southern Living is a huge publication featuring some of the best destinations in the world. Take their word for it and visit Destin in 2008. For wonderful accommodations, stay with us at Southern Resorts. Also mentioned through the years as a favorite among Southern Living writers, our beautiful beach home, cottages and condos, partnered with unbeatable service, are sure to make us a favorite of your, too. Visit our site to begin planning your stay at the #1 Beach Town!
Get engaged over Christmas? Looking for an enchanting place to have the ceremony and/or reception? Southern Resorts has the perfect place, with vacation rentals in many beach communities along the Emerald Coast including Ft Walton Beach, Destin, Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach and Port St. Joe. Get married on the beautiful white sand beaches of our area and have a small reception at our Lupine Home overlooking the Gulf. Or, visit the new Green at Barefoot Cottages for a romantic garden setting with beach access. It can accommodate a small or large party of 200-300 in its 13,200 SqFt of lawn. Southern Resorts also have an incredible assortment of vacation beach homes, cottages and condos for guest accommodations!
Southern Resorts'Christmas party was fun as usual. It was great relaxing with co-workers and enjoying wonderful company, gifts and, of course, food. We were especially fortunate this year to have local Destin favorite Sarah K's Gourmetcater the event. If you have not tried her World Famous Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, you have no idea what you are missing. I think I even blogged about them last year. Sara Ks has been voted Best of the Emerald Coast 2 years in a row. You can enjoy a chef-crafted meal in the comfort of your home without having to fight traffic or wait in long Destin restaurant lines. Everything cooks in the containers in which it comes - when you're done you throw it out - making clean-up a breeze! Did I mention that the desserts were wonderful, too?
With only two days of shopping before Christmas, the Destin Commons was filled with shoppers. The music, the lights and all the decorations were wonderful. We went both last evening and tonight to finish up our shopping. Last night we even hung around for some great pizza at Tony's. The atmosphe
