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."

Family Reunions aboard the Solaris

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!

School of Fish Open 7 Days a Week!

Clark and Blake Brennan's School of Fish restaurant in Windmark Beach, Port St. Joe, Florida, is now open 7 days a week. They are now serving their wonderful dishes Monday - Saturday, 11am - 9pm with Sunday brunch 11am - 2pm. I looked at their menu and loved all of it. I cannot wait to head back over to the Forgotten Coast and sample the menu and experience what they refer to as elegantly relaxed, gulfside dining.
If it is as good as their Destin counterpart Royal B, a Southern Resorts' favorite partner, I am sure it is fantastic!
Stay there at Windmark Beach at the new vacation lofts managed by Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals. Experience Morning Glory encompassing two and three bedroom vacation rentals and Turtle Glass featuring one bedrooms. Explore the possibilities!

Save your Appetite for Commander's Palace

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.

Commander's Palace is located at Emerald Grande in Destin, directly overlooking the Destin Harbor. Make it a weekend experience and stay with Southern Resorts at Emerald Grande.

Delta Sky Magazine Profiling the Emerald Coast

Yesterday evening I attended a presentation of the Delta Sky Magazine. Created by the Destination Publishing Group, this in-flight magazine regularly features a destination with in depth editorial on that area. The Emerald Coast will be the feature of the September issue. Focusing on what to do in the Fort Walton Beach / Destin beach communities, this profile will surely bring some attention to our beautiful beaches, accommodations, dining, retail, attractions and hopefully history. Not only about tourism, the piece will also promote our Emerald Coast as one of the nation's most promising places to work and prosper, too.
They'll sure have a lot to cover. We have incredible options in dining from mom-and-pop casual beach restaurants to exquisite upscale dining.
If you are visiting Fort Walton Beach, or Destin for that matter, stop by the High Tide on Okaloosa Island. We are headed that way after work. Having a long history on the Island, it has some of the best fried shrimp and steamed oysters on the coast.

Vin'tij in Destin

Looking for an artsy, soulful place to dine and enjoy good wine? Look to Vin'tij Wine Boutique in 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.

Royal Bs Ladies Who Brunch

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.

Sunday Brunch At Anglers Beachside Grill

With the weather as beautiful as it has been, there is no better place to enjoy a late Sunday brunch than the outside deck of Anglers Beachside Grill on Okaloosa Island, just a short drive from Destin. I went this past weekend and enjoyed the scenery while eating delicious Eggs Benedict. For a small fee, bottomless mimosas can be added to your meal as well. What a wonderful way to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon with family and friends!

The Back Porch

Yesterday evening I dined at The Back Porch in Destin, FL. Conveniently located on the beach and just across the street from The Track amusement 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!

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!

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.

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.

Mardi Gras Celebration Benefit for the Arts

Royal B in Destin, FL is holding a benefit dinner tonight from 6pm to 10pm featuring traditional New Orleans cuisine and the live music of Michael J. Thomas & Sean Dietrich Jazz Trio. There will be an open bar and a silent auction. There will also be a prize for the best Mardi Gras cocktail attire.

Royal B Mardi Gras

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.

Sarah Ks Gourmet

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 Gourmet cater 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?