Gulf Coast Blog

Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival

Monday, November 7th, 2011

The 27th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival kicks off on November 10, 2011 and you can enjoy the events all along the Gulf Coast from Pensacola Beach, Florida to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Get ready to enjoy the musical stylings of up and coming artist as well as Grammy award winning songwriter’s who have written for some of the biggest names in the business.

This 11 day festival, ending November 20, 2011, has reached performance capacity making it a great year to stay with us in a Pensacola Beach vacation rental or Perdido Key condo and catch all the action. Each act will perform at a variety of venues along the beaches, many being some of your favorite local haunts including the Flora-Bama Lounge and The Hangout. While the majority of the artists featured are known for their country music, you’ll hear a wide range of music and even a comedy act from Bill Whyte who has performed with favorites Jeff Dunham and Larry the Cable Guy. Plenty of returning favorites will be on hand, as well.

Make your reservations with us and don’t miss out on what has been named as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast and a “not to be missed” Gulf Coast event!

Sweet Southern Layaway Program!

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

We’ve got one sweet announcement to make! For the entire month of November, when you book 7 or more nights in June, July, or August you now have the option to make payments toward your slice of paradise with our new Southern Layaway Program!

That’s right, no matter if you want to stay in a Port St. Joe vacation rental, Perdido Key condo or anywhere in between, you can now make 4 easy payments and avoid the upfront expense of planning a beach getaway! Just ask about our layaway program this November and you’ll put only 8% of your reservation total down as a deposit. We know the holidays can be a stressful time all on their own so we won’t charge your credit card for your next deposit amount until January 15, 2012! The payments will be automatically charged to you, in the same amount as you paid at the time of booking, on the credit card provided to us on the 15th of January, February & March with the remaining deposit charged on April 15, 2012. The full balance of your entire reservation will be due 30 days prior to your arrival with us, per our normal booking policy.

View more about our layaway program and call us today to reserve your summer getaway to the beautiful Gulf Coast!

Emerald Coast Cruizin’

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Emerald Coast Cruizin'One of Panama City Beach’s biggest events is rolling into town and classic car lovers won’t want to miss it! Emerald Coast Cruizin’, a hot rod and classic car show, pulls into town on November 7, 2011.

No matter where your Panama City Beach vacation rental is located, you won’t be able to miss these amazing cars driving up and down the beaches but take a few moments to stop by Sharky’s in Pier Park, this year’s Cruise Central, to check out the official show. Various events will take place all week long with the main event and auction happening at Frank Brown Park, located near Pier Park, on November 11 & 12. In addition to the auction and amazing souped up cars, listen to the King of the Oldies, grab a great meal and much more during this event.

If you won’t be able to make it to Frank Brown Park then be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you make your way up and down the beaches during your stay with us. The cars will be venturing out on beach runs from Sharky’s to Sandpiper Beacon, Pineapple Willy’s and more!

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Monday, October 31st, 2011

If you’re looking for a good excuse to head down to the Destin Harbor, we’ve found it! Join the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association at HarborWalk Village as they present Blues, Brews & BBQ on Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Blues, Brews and BBQ is everything the name promises. Local restaurants will compete in this fun barbeque contest and will be offering up samples for everyone to try. Be careful, however, as it may not always be the traditional pork, beef or ribs! In the afternoon, head to the tasting stations to sample signature coastal food as well as a few frosty beverages. Live entertainment will be on-hand throughout the event but you certainly don’t want to miss Sauce Boss! He’ll be back with his signature saucey blues music along with his signature gumbo.

Blues, Brews and BBQ proceeds will benefit the FRLA who supports the next generation of hospitality professionals. Reserve your Destin vacation rental and come out from 12PM-4PM to have a great time for a great cause!

Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

For those who love arts, crafts, music, dance and all that goes along with these cherished arts, youGreater Gulf Coast Arts Festival do not want to miss the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival. This festival is regarded as one of the best orchestrated and most beloved festivals in the United States and it takes place just minutes from the beaches in downtown Pensacola’s historic Seville Square.

The festival will take place from November 4-6, 2011. This juried art show draws more than 200 acclaimed artists in a wide range of mediums including paint, pottery, sculpture, graphics, carpentry and more. In addition to drawing local and national artist, international artists will also be showcased. Heritage arts, such as blacksmithing, weaving and engraving, will also be on display. Music and dance will also be on full display with many live musicians performing as well as local dance troups. While this show is serious about its art, kids will also have a wonderful time with many activities and artist catering to their need for indulgence and entertainment at the Children’s Art Festival.

Don’t miss one of the best-regarded art festivals in the country. Reserve your Pensacola Beach vacation rental for the first weekend in November today!

The Bay House

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

How would you like to have that sunset as your background when you walk down the aisle on your wedding day? Or, perhaps even gather and mingle with your coworkers at your next company party as you watch the sun dip behind the horizon? Well, this sunset can certainly be yours at your next event when you book The Bay House in Destin, Florida.

The Bay House is one of the newest event venues in Destin and is ideal for outdoor weddings. Here you can capture the feeling of a beach wedding as well as hold your reception on-site. The bride will also love the bridal cottage provided for her and her bridesmaids to use prior to the ceremony, keeping her hidden from the groom and guests until her big entrance. For ease of planning and coordinating your ceremony and reception at one location, The Bay House also provides a list of tried and true vendors and planners to help make your big day all you’ve envisioned.

The Bay House is also ideal for company parties, reunions, corporate meetings and many other events. With plenty of room to move around inside and out, as well as great audio visual equipment available, The Bay House is sure to meet the needs of most any group. Visit the Destin Bay House website for additional information and start planning your event today!

Taste of the Beach

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Wine, dine and donate to some great causes when you join South Walton for their annual Taste of the Beach event. Benefitting local children’s charities, this event is a great time you can feel good about!

Join us in varying beach communities along the shores of South Walton November 4-6, 2011 for each event, or select events as you choose. Start your weekend out in Ruskin Place in the charming community of Seaside for the Al Fresco Reserve Tasting where you can sip on a range of reserve wines and dine upon sushi and other delicious hor d’oeuvres. If you’re staying in one of our Panama City Beach vacation rentals, get your tickets for the UNwineD event at Pier Park, taking place on the 4th & the 5th with special guest Alton Brown from The Food Network. Back in Seaside, don’t miss the Seeing Red Wine Festival on Saturday, the 5th of November. Offering domestic and internation red wines, you’ll love this picnic-style event. In the evening, don’t miss the Progressive Vintner Dinner at Seagar’s at 6PM or the evening pool party at Finz Beachside Grille in Sandestin. A silent auction to benefit the charities will take place on Sunday evening.

Don’t miss this whirlwind weekend of events. We have South Walton vacation rentals starting at just $55 per night this fall and winter. Make your reservations today!

Home of the Week: Crystal Palace

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

While the temps are falling and summer 2011 is regrettably behind us, it’s never too early to start planning for summer 2012! Brace yourself against the chill with warm thoughts of relaxing by this beachfront, private pool in the Florida sunshine next summer. Sounds nice, right?

This gorgeous private pool belongs to Crystal Palace, a Destin vacation rental and it’s our featured Home of the Week. Crystal Palace is located directly on the beach allowing for breathtaking views of the emerald water and white sand beaches from the balconies. It features seven lovely bedrooms; six bedrooms are located in the main house with the seventh available in the carriage house. You might be thinking seven bedrooms sounds a little excessive for your family getaway next year, but what about bringing the whole family? Crystal Palace is ideal for that family or friend reunion you’ve been thinking about planning.

In addition to comfortably sleeping everyone in your party, Crystal Palace boasts beautiful amenities, such as your private pool, grill, stainless steel appliances, multiple balconies for catching that view, and much more. You will also be just moments from the best of Destin including restaurants, shopping, the harbor and attractions. So, do we have you dreaming about that family get-together for next summer yet? Call us today and make that dream reality!

Pumpkinpalooza in Destin

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

The Gulf Coast is in a spooky spirit with festive Halloween events taking place all along our beaches. If you will be staying with us in one of our Destin vacation rentals, don’t miss Pumpkinpalooza at HarborWalk Village on October 29, 2011.

Pumpkinpalooza is a Halloween party both kids and adults will enjoy. Bring the kids down to the harbor from 12PM-4PM for free pumpkin decorating as well as face painting and a costume contest at 2PM. They can also trick-or-treat throughout the shops of HarborWalk Village during the afternoon. Grab your spot on the sidelines of the Howl O’ween Parade to watch as the four-legged and festive friends of Alaqua Animal Rescue put on a great show for an even better cause.

The adults in your vacation party will want to remember to pack their costumes as well. As the sun goes down, the spirits will rise and it’s your turn to haunt the harbor! Entertainment will take place throughout the evening with the adult costume contest taking place at 9PM. Reserve a stay for your little ghouls and goblins and we’ll see you on the harbor!

Boo at the Zoo

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Boo at the ZooWhen traveling to Perdido Key, Florida in October there is one event you definitely don’t want to miss – Boo at the Zoo! Fall is filled with a ton of events but they are usually geared toward adults or children, but Boo at the Zoo is something the whole family is sure to enjoy. Make sure you pack your costume and get ready for an adorable time!

Boo at the Zoo takes place just a few minutes away from your Perdido Key vacation condo at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, Alabama and provides a fun, safe atmosphere for all to enjoy the Halloween Spirit. With a carnival-like atmosphere, games, costume contests, face painting and more, everyone is sure to enjoy themselves and make a few new (furry) friends. Animals take center stage during this event and plenty will be on-hand for a cute, cuddly visit.

Join the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo every day in October for a fun, festive time and make arrangements to join them on October 27, 2011 for the official Boo at the Zoo event from 4PM-6PM, with children’s tickets just $2 and adults $1. Make your plans today to enjoy ghouls, goblins and…monkeys!