Depending on which shores you love best, you could define the ultimate Southern beach as wide, flat, and hard enough to bike on, or rolling, tumbling, and soft as sugar; cinnamon or gleaming-white sands; big waves or flat water in shades of turquoise, emerald, blue-grey, and what might best be described as “strong tea.”
We asked our Facebook friends to tell us what defines a true Southern beach experience—bet you could add to the list. Ready? Here we go.
1. Your beach umbrella, beach totes, and your toddler’s bathing suit bottoms are all monogrammed.
2. Snowbirds do not have feathers—but they do flock to early bird specials.
3. Beach tents are SEC-themed, bearing the logos and mascots of the Crimson Tide, Tigers, Dawgs, Vols, Gators . . .
4. You just got invited to a mullet toss.
5. Couples spontaneously shag dance whenever “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” comes on the radio.
6. Someone opens a cooler for lunch, and the bologna sandwiches come out. Or maybe it’s homemade pimiento cheese. Who wants a Mountain Dew and some cheese puffs?
7. Jimmy Buffett tunes are EVERYWHERE.
8. We’d sooner miss a Nashville marathon than a sunset.
9. Hey, let’s go buy airbrushed T-shirts from Alvin’s Island!
10. We can’t bring ourselves to go inside, so we walk the beach after it’s too dark to spot the jellyfish—and that’s unfortunate.
11. “Daddy, can you blow up my float?”
12. We always run into a bunch of people we know because everybody from our hometown likes the same beach that we do.
13. Hitting the beach means locking down those hubs. (We’re talking to you, Outer Banks.)
14. You see a guy wearing a NASCAR swimsuit, with a brew in one hand and a boogie board in the other, running toward the water and shouting to his friends, “Hey, y’all—watch this!!”
15. Beach attire runs the gamut from the bikini-and-tee crowd to Southern girls in designer swimsuits, full makeup, and serious coifs.
16. The aroma of shrimp, oysters, and gumbo can actually overpower the Hawaiian Tropic.
17. You passed boiled peanut stands on the way down.
18. From your beach-chair view, you realize that the water is the perfect color for that bathroom redo you’re planning back home.
19. Surfers interpret hurricane evacuation orders as, “Let’s catch some waves before the water calms down.”
20. You remember the Miracle Strip Amusement Park.
21. You know where to find a water tower shaped like a beach ball.
22. You never saw a lighthouse you couldn’t climb.
23. Women save their “nice flip flops” for dinner.
24. A guy with a parrot on his shoulder just walked up to you and asked, “Are you Conch?”
25. You know you can set up your beach gear early in the morning, go for a long walk, head to the Donut Hole (or Henry’s or the Funky Pelican) for breakfast, return to the beach, spend the day in the water, clean up, go to dinner, come back to the beach—and all your stuff will still be there. Because Southerners respect the sanctity of the beach chair.
Want to know how truly Southern you are? Well, then “Hey, y’all—watch this!”
We might add that you are likely a native Southerner if you know anyone named Memaw, Papaw, Junior, BoBo, Catfish, Mertis, Aurelia, or Sissy.
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2018-08-07 13:58:242018-08-07 13:58:2425 Signs You're On a Southern Beach
BY LEYLA KAZIM @ http://www.thecutlerychronicles.com/2018/04/10-best-restaurants-floridas-emerald-coast/
When it comes to beaches and seafood, the Emerald Coast has some of the best in Florida
The Emerald Coast is the thin slice of paradise you’ll find stretching along the Florida Panhandle between Pensacola and Panama City, on the Gulf of Mexico in northwest Florida.
tap
It’s one of the Sunshine State’s best kept secrets, a world away from Miami’s blazing nightlife or Orlando’s hectic theme parks. Here you’ll find quiet stretches of powder white beaches; hidden state parks home to a number of ecosystems; and turquoise waters full of dolphins and the region’s famous seafood.
It’s an area that has always been popular with spring breakers and local tourists, but when it comes to the rest of the world, I don’t think the Emerald Coast is on our radar. And that’s something that needs to change.
Head to the Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island and Destin restaurants for the area’s best eating
If you like the sound of spacious beaches, plenty of nature, tin-roofed picnic shelters and boardwalks stretching across sweeping sand dunes, the Emerald Coast should be at the very top your ‘best in Florida’ list. And very high up on your USA list.
And that’s before we even get on to the year round gorgeous climate, southern charm and fantastic Gulf-to-table eating.
I spent a few days exploring and scouting the best of the Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island and Destin restaurants. I’ve come up with my list of top 10 restaurants on Florida’s Emerald Coast, some of the best in Florida.
But first, check out my YouTube video above covering all 10 restaurants that made the list.
In it I also show you other great activities you can do including dolphin cruises, state parks and the best beaches on the Emerald Coast.
Have a watch to get a feel for the places we visited. Then you can read on below for more information about each restaurant stop and what we ate.
1) Seafood spread at nautical-style tavern AJ’s Oyster Shanty, Fort Walton Beach
Destin is a city that also goes by the name of the “world’s the luckiest fishing village”. It’s a hot spot for all things fishing related: jetty fishing, deep sea fishing, charter fishing and of course, eating the tasty catches.
There are a lot of great places to sample all this seafood and AJ’s is a terrific example of one. This is the place to order some cocktails along with your crab claws, pitch up at an outdoor table and tuck into your spread to the backdrop of a live band.
Don’t miss the fried pickles, peel-and-eat boiled shrimp or the smoked tuna dip. And the sweet and tender Snow Crab legs served with melted butter, new potatoes and corn.
Patience is a virtue in the crab-cracking game – persevere with the effort it takes to get the meat out, it’s worth it. And say yes to the bib!
2) Breakfast and brunch favourites at Asiago Skillet, Destin & Fort Walton Beach
Florida and hearty southern breakfasts go hand in hand and the two Asiago Skillet branches are great places to kick-start your day. Locally owned and operated, these guys clearly love what they do and have a lot of loyal customers to prove it.
The menu showcases an array of skillet (like a hefty frying pan) prepared dishes that read like a dream. We went for the Steak Skillet with potatoes, sirloin, peppers, onions, mushrooms, asiago cheese and two eggs.
Expect fluffy frisbee-sized buttermilk pancakes, filling omelettes, American staples and plenty of classic southern breakfast options too, including biscuits with gravy, ham, sausage, bacon and eggs.
The service is really lovely with a welcoming atmosphere. And they even have a self serve Bloody Mary bar too.
3) Southern and Asian-inspired sushi & seafood at Jackacuda’s, Destin
Another way to sample the local seafood on the Emerald Coast is through the medium of sushi and one of the best Destin restaurants for this is Jackacuda’s.
Right in the heart of Harborwalk Village, it’s their colourful and vibrant speciality sushi rolls you want to make a beeline for. The Backdown is their signature, with shrimp tempura, spicy lobster, jalapeno cream cheese, avocado, baked spicy crab and eel sauce, and it’s a beauty.
Other seafood featured on their sushi menu include salmon, tuna, snow crab, yellowtail and albacore.
They’ve also got a healthy helping of seafood mains including blackened snapper, mahi mahi and the very southern shrimp and grits.
Take a table outside in the sun or shade overlooking the boardwalk and enjoy your meal with a locally brewed ale.
4) Mexican flavours at seaside bar and grill Rockin’ Tacos, Fort Walton Beach
I bet this place is absolutely bumping during spring break! Situated right on the waterfront of Okaloosa Island, the view over the powder white beach is worth a visit in itself.
This is the place to come for Mexican-inspired flavours and tequila cocktails whilst sitting out on the deck in the sunshine.
From burritos and fajitas to burgers and quesadillas, the flavours at this Fort Walton Beach restaurant are fresh and tasty. To start, don’t miss their avocado fries with chipotle aioli and a coriander dip.
Then head to their specialities section for the best of the seafood offerings.
Think tacos with blackened or grilled fish with spicy pineapple and mango habanero salsa. Shrimp tacos with a sweet and spicy sauce, roasted red peppers and green onions. And Baja fish tacos with beer battered white fish, pico de gallo and guacamole.
In the evening the place keeps on rocking with a late night taco menu and a house DJ. A great place to take you from daytime to evening.
5) Bayside weekend brunching at The Gulf, Okaloosa Island
This vast two-story and mostly al fresco waterfront drinking and dining spot is a bit of a showstopper when you first walk in. Made from recycled and salvaged shipping containers, the space has an expansive and flexible floor plan.
There’s plenty of outdoor furniture dotted across the grass and sand to prevent you from ever wanting to leave. And the dock even allows people to arrive by boat.
Along with ping pong on the lawn, two bars and an eclectic gift shop, their seasonal menu boasts locally sourced ingredients. Don’t be surprised to spot indecisive groups loitering by the full sized menu; everything reads so well it’s hard to make a decision.
The crab cake eggs benedict was totally terrific and the blackened tuna reuben with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut with Russian dressing on rye bread was great too.
Get there early to snag a prime spot if you’re visiting for their weekend brunch; this Okaloosa Island restaurant gets completely full by lunch time.
6) Southern breakfasts at waterfront hangout Harbor Docks, Destin
Hi y’all, my name’s Leyla and I’m addicted to southern breakfasts. I’m talking cheesy grits, biscuits with gravy, corned beef hash, over easy eggs, too much butter and endless coffee.
But especially the biscuits and gravy. Biscuits being like English scones and gravy being a white meat gravy, made from the drippings of cooked pork sausage which gets poured over everything.
I had such a great spread at Harbor Docks in Destin and started with a similar breakfast to this every day of the trip. These guys are also well known for their sushi, so a place to check out for lunch or dinner too.
With a closing time of 3pm, The Local Market in Destin (from the same owners as Harbor Docks above) focuses on fresh and delicious breakfasts and lunches. Expect the likes of avocado toast alongside corned beef hash with eggs if you get there before 11am.
For lunch, you’ll have a hard time making a decision on which gourmet sandwich to go for, all served with chips and a side. To round it off, don’t miss their homemade ice creams and juice bar, made and bottled in house.
8) Creole seafood with a sunset at Louisiana Lagniappe, Destin
If you’re after an upmarket venue and a little bit of romance, you won’t go wrong with Lousiana Lagniappe in Destin. Choose a spot out on the terrace and time your visit for sunset – you won’t be disappointed.
With white table linen and impeccable service, these guys have been serving Gulf seafood with Creole flair for over 30 years.
Along with a whole section of the menu devoted to crawfish, expect favourites like lobster rangoons (fried wontons stuffed with lobster and cream cheese) and eggplant Orleans, deep-fried with jumbo lump crabmeat and hollandaise sauce.
For mains try the Gulf grouper with lobster and hollandaise. Or their grouper almondine topped with toasted almonds and lemon butter.
Oh, and most of it comes with homemade hushpuppies, house salad and a twice-baked potato.
Another great place for all your southern breakfast needs, Donut Hole in Destin also specialises in – you guessed it – donuts. One of the longest standing Destin restaurants and a huge part of the community, Donut Hole has been a local hit since 1978.
Try not to forget there’s a full menu on offer when you find yourself slack-jawed by the baked goods. Donuts are made throughout the day in a whole host of flavours, as well as homemade cakes, pastries and breads. And their key lime pie is famed in these parts, although I didn’t get to try it.
They even make the buns for their burgers which feature on the evening menu. That’s right, an evening menu! Which many people are surprised to find out they do.
A homely and bustling spot that hasn’t changed much since the 70s, don’t miss this place when in Destin.
With panoramic views over Destin Harbor, BoShamps is the place to kick back and relax over a great menu. They combine fresh and local catches of the day, Florida Apalachicola Bay oysters any way you like, beautiful sunsets and wonderful southern hospitality.
In the kitchen you’ll find Chef Andi Bell, named by the James Beard Foundation as a Rising Star of American Cuisine.
And on his menu the likes of local baby spinach and artichoke hearts smothered in melted cheese like a fondue. As well as lobster mac ‘n cheese, Gulf coast duck confit cassoulet and plenty of local seafood.
Be sure to glance over the specials of the day too. You might find more temptation like with my pasta dish with shrimp, cured egg yolk and truffle oil.
Have you ever visited Florida’s Emerald Coast? If so, what are your favourite Destin restaurants? Have you ever been to Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island on the Emerald Coast? The beaches here are considered the best in Florida and even the best in the USA; are you a fan of beaches? What meal did you like the sound of most from those listed? Would you add any other Destin restaurants that can’t be missed? Let me know in the comments below!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA. The opinions and text are all mine.A big thanks to Hertz for the car hire and great service. It turns out driving on the other side of the road isn’t as daunting as I thought it would be! All views remain my own, as always.
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2018-05-15 13:28:352018-05-15 13:28:35The 10 Best Restaurants On Florida’s Emerald Coast
Marie Di Giovine officiated as the Goodes exchanged vows reaffirming their love and commitment. The couple wrote their own renewal vows, declaring their ongoing devotion to each other after a decade of marriage and to their children.
It’s no secret that Emerald Coast beaches are coveted destinations for tying the knot, with lovely brides barefoot in the sand, joining with their betrotheds beneath an arch made of driftwood.
For many, the timeless beauty of the shore and the immensity of the Gulf of Mexico also are ideal settings for formally telling your spouse you would do it all over again.
Whether you’re celebrating your wooden anniversary or your golden, vow renewal ceremonies are a way to strengthen the love you share with your spouse and reaffirm the promises you made, with sea and sun as your witness.
Marie Di Giovine has been officiating vow renewals, along with traditional weddings, for more than eight years. She has presided over everything from a surprise vow renewal on a beach condo balcony to a shorefront service planned a year in advance.
“When a couple comes to me wanting to renew their vows, the first thing I do is make sure I’m the right fit for them,” Di Giovine explains. “Whether it’s their first official wedding or they’re renewing vows, it’s still a very important day in their lives.”
Di Giovine determines if it’s a match by interviewing the couple to understand what they’re looking for. Personalization is a must when Di Giovine writes her scripts, so she must have a deep understanding of your marriage to formulate the most meaningful exchange.
“A lot of my vow renewal couples never got to have a real wedding,” Di Giovine says. “A lot of them are military and did it before deployment, or finances restricted a big ceremony so they just went to a Justice of the Peace back home. Now they want to come to our beautiful beaches and finally have that extravagant blowout.”
Those couples are referred to a vetted wedding planner and vendors by Di Giovine to craft a memorable reception. Other couples want events in the category of sweet and simple, electing a small ceremony with only the closest friends and family, or no guests at all.
Di Giovine says Henderson Beach State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Eden Gardens State Park and John Beasley Park are her go-to suggestions for a picturesque, exclusive experience that also makes for fantastic photos.
Meanwhile, Navarre Marine Park and lettered inlets along Pensacola Beach (particularly lot H and G near the Portofino Resort) are the preferred venues of Cheri Pope, officiant and co-owner of Forever I Do Weddings.
“You don’t have commercial buildings or other people on the beach in the background, so the white sand acts as a blank canvas for us to customize our vow renewal ceremonies,” says Pope. “Brides who show up from out of state or different countries are overwhelmed with what’s available to them, and for us it can’t get any better.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VERA HOGENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Thirty years of being in the wedding business have taught Pope that people have various motives for renewing their vows.
“There’s only one reason to have a wedding, but there’s a hundred to renew your vows,” Pope states. “I’ll have some couples that say, OK, it’s been 10 years, let’s renew our vows. Or, they’re celebrating other anniversary milestones. But then others seek us out while they’re going through tough times. When life gets in the way, vow renewals are a perfect way to put the focus back on each other, rekindle your bond and remember your love.”
On the other hand, some of Di Giovine’s clients make the decision that because their lives have changed so much since their wedding day, it’s time to take on new roles of commitment. They know they’re here for better or for worse, but the things in between matter, too.
“Personally, my vow renewals follow the same format as a wedding, only when it’s time to say the vows, they’re written and expressed in such a way that they reflect the couple’s continued promise of love to each other,” she describes. “You would think that those kinds of ceremonies would make the petite, dainty wife break down and cry, but nope … it’s always the big, burly husband!”
It’s not just older couples who renew their vows. Marilyn and Cody Poindexter from Springfield, Missouri, had only been married for less than three years when they enlisted Pope and Forever I Do Weddings to create their second union.
“Originally, we eloped to Costa Rica for a quick getaway,” Marilyn Poindexter recalls. “We knew that one day we wanted to have a proper ceremony and have always loved vacationing in Florida, so we decided to take the trip down to the Destin/Navarre area to do it.”
After getting to know the couple, Pope decided the private atmosphere of Navarre Beach would best suit their exchange. As the sun began to set, the Poindexters recited their fresh, handwritten vows and Cody slipped a new ring on to Marilyn’s finger. According to the bride, the promises cemented in the sand that day brought them even closer.
Both Pope and Di Giovine find that children are one of the biggest inspirations behind other young couples that come to them. It’s not uncommon for the betrothed to pledge oaths to always support their kids and parent to the best of their abilities.
Family, after all, is what it’s all about. “We like to say that people call as clients, but they leave as friends and family,” Pope says. “To take someone’s idea or dream for a wedding or vow renewal and make it a reality is very satisfying. It’s special. They’re letting me into a private part of their life.”
It’s an honor and a learning experience for Di Giovine.
“I knew I wanted to do something where I could create happiness for somebody, but I didn’t know what that would be,” Di Giovine laughs. “Unbeknownst to me, not only would I go on to do that, but I would also get something in return. Every day, I’m learning about love and what it looks like at different stages of life. It’s helped me in my relationships, my friendships and has taught me to be a better person.”
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2018-02-20 13:26:362018-02-20 13:26:36There Is Never a Wrong Time to Have a Beach Vow Renewal
Just thinking about planning a holiday gathering away from home is enough to make my blood pressure rise. The stress and anxiety is so common that entire movies are based upon this premise (we left Kevin at home, again!?).
However, it is possible to plan and execute Thanksgiving on foreign turf and avoid many of the last minute nightmares that often occur. This is most easily done by following my primary rule: accept that fact that things rarely go as planned, and that the real reason is to spend time with each other and not obsess about the lack of a table cloth. You may think it is about the things, but it is always about the people. Give thanks for that.
That said, here is a rundown of some early planning that can make your Thanksgiving away from home problem-free (well, at least without a major problem, like forgetting Kevin. Again.)
The Rental
Make sure you choose a rental unit large enough for your entire group. Sometimes guest counts grow and shrink, but it is better to have an extra bed than the opposite. Legacy Vacations offers wide variety of beachfront condo rentals, that are perfect for holiday gatherings. That said, you can plan ahead by printing out your rental confirmation and highlighting key information about check-in, cleaning rules and services, and contact information at the rental agency.
The Kitchen
You need to decide right now what you’d rather do. Pack more kitchen items than you might need, or brave Thanksgiving week crowds at Wal-Mart picking up a bottle-opener and 2 extra serving spoons? I don’t know about you, but I choose the former. Your rental kitchen will have basic kitchen items like plates, flatware, glasses and perhaps a couple pots or pans. Will it have enough to make your traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the sides? Maybe not. Consider packing a disposable roasting pan, some extra serving utensils, a corkscrew and can-opener, and perhaps an extra baking dish or two. Be prepared.
The Food
Are you bringing a turkey or buying one here? I guess that depends on your distance and method of travel, but if you plan on buying a turkey here, call local markets to order one in advance so you don’t show up to find out none are left. Additionally, if you’d like to cut down on the time spent in the grocery store, consider bringing some of the non-perishable things that you will need should you be travelling by car. Flour, sugar, canned goods and breads can be packed in the trunk or backseat and unloaded upon arrival. To simplify your grocery shopping, you can even order your turkey, ham and side dishes from the Honey Baked Ham website, and pick it up when you arrive in town.
The Decor
If grandma’s table cloth is a family tradition, be sure that is packed early. Sometimes the small table pieces and decorations are the most meaningful aspects of the dinner because they are tied to memories and events with family and friends. Don’t let the quest for the bird take up so much mental space that you forget your child’s handprint turkey that has always been displayed each November.
If this brief list has started stressing you out about everything you need to do, remember, things rarely go as planned, and the real reason for this trip is to spend quality time with family and friends. Or you can always go out to eat. Check this link for a list of local restaurants serving Thanksgiving Dinner.
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2017-11-01 16:01:502017-11-01 16:01:50Thanksgiving Dinner in Your Vacation Condo
Fall is one of the most brilliant times to vacation in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. October is an especially wonderful time to visit the shores of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. The temperatures are milder than you find in the summer, but still warm enough to warrant long days on the sugar white sand. And, when you aren’t splashing in the emerald waves, you will find plenty going on around town, too.
October kicks off with two of the most highly anticipated Emerald Coast events of the year; the Destin Seafood Festival and the month-long fishing rodeo. Destin boasts the state’s largest charter fishing fleet and October is their Super Bowl. And, it can be yours, too.
Now in its 69th year, the Destin Fishing Rodeo embodies everything the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” was founded on and starts on October 1. It’s easy to get in on the action, too. No entrance fees, no fancy boat of your own required. To participate in this tournament all you need to do is contact a local captain and charter a boat for a day of fun on the water. Once you’ve got your catch, head in to AJ’s and Bruce Cheves, official weighmaster since 1991, where he will string up your fish and “make you famous”, as he says, if you’ve brought in ‘the big one’.
Speaking of the weigh station, we recommend putting in an afternoon on the docks, even if you have no plans to fish while here. Every afternoon of the month the charter boats make their way in to meet up with Bruce and Miss Destin, who greets the fisherman as they disembark. The air is electric as they hoist up each fish competing for a spot on the board. The atmosphere is one of excitement and fun! The cold beverages and scrumptious seafood from the restaurant doesn’t hurt either.
To enjoy an extra delicious addition to your trip, make sure you plan your October vacation for the first weekend of the month. Not only will you be able to take in the start of the rodeo, but also delight in three days of culinary offerings at the Destin Seafood Festival! The event takes place at HarborWalk Village, just steps from the rodeo weigh station. Sample the Gulf to Table creations of local chefs here as you enjoy live music from three stages, which feature everything from rock to reggae, before heading off to the weigh-ins.
Planning to travel later in the month? Good idea! While the entire month is a budget-friendly time to hit the beach, later in October can be especially easy on the wallet. And, don’t worry; the rodeo will still be in full swing and you can capitalize on even more events.
One such event is the Mattie Kelly Arts Festival, which takes place October 28and 29th. Ideal for those traveling with kids, friends or on a couple’s vacation in Destin, this festival showcases the works of over 100 juried artists. You will also find delicious eats, continuous live music and plenty for kids to do at their designated art station!
While there is no bad time to hit the beach in the fall – or, ever really – we especially recommend visiting the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast in October. Fantastic weather, great rates on places to stay and hot events will be waiting for you. Book your trip to Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island now!
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2017-09-27 10:50:482017-09-27 10:50:48Fair Winds and Following Seas: October Events on the Emerald Coast
Swimming in the emerald waters of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island is without a doubt one of the top things to do on the Emerald Coast when on vacation. But, you may also have some concerns about interacting with our marine life, namely sharks.
Scrolling through your newsfeed on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen videos of sharks swimming along the edge of the beach. And, they do. They are a natural occurrence in our waters and this is their home. But, contrary to what the internet would have you believe, their interactions with humans are very rare.
When we say rare, we mean it. There have only ever been three shark attacks in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island since 1882, according to the University of Florida. And, there has never been a fatally resulting from a shark attack in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast.
So, will you see a shark? Maybe. But, there is no reason to panic. In fact, remaining calm and exiting the water without a lot of splashing will make you less likely to attract the shark’s attention. Simply leave the water as quickly as you can and never attempt to touch a shark. Want to capture the encounter on video to tweet to us later? Great! Keep your distance and let your camera’s zoom do all the work.
While it is unlikely you will encounter a shark on your vacation in Destin, Fort Walton Beach or Okaloosa Island, that doesn’t mean you won’t see some fantastic sea life during your stay. Be on the lookout for playful dolphins, hermit crabs, protected sea turtles and numerous fish.
Pack plenty of sunscreen and don’t forget the sand toys, but leave your concerns at home. Sharks might add an element of excitement to your vacation, but with vigilance and our safety tips, a scary encounter won’t be anything you need to worry about here on the Emerald Coast!
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2017-07-25 14:46:032017-07-25 14:46:03Are There Sharks in Destin, Fort Walton Beach & Okaloosa Island?
Smoke on the Coast – July 3, 2017 – 9:00 pm – Start your Independence Day early at Destin Commons with great BBQ, live music, street performers, and kids activities. This 6th annual event benefits local charities. There will be 16 area restaurants and BBQ teams competing in the BBQ competition fighting for the People’s choice award of best BBQ on the Emerald Coast. BBQ tastings and live music starts at 5:00 pm and samples are $1 each. Fireworks are at 9:00 pm.
Red, White, and Baytowne – July 4, 2017 – 9:15 pm – The fireworks show at Baytowne Wharf starts at 9:15 pm, but the fun and celebration begins at 6:00 pm with kids activities, live music, and more!
4th of July at the Fort Walton Beach Landing – July 4, 2017 – 8:45 – Beginning at 4pm, there will be live music, entertainment, food, merchandise vendors, kids activities, and more. Fireworks launch at 8:15PM, followed by live music by Continuum!
Navarre Beach
4th of July Fireworks on Navarre Beach– July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM (or dark) – Fireworks will launch from Navarre Beach Marine Parkand will be visible from both the beach and the sound side east and west of the Navarre Beach Causeway bridge.
Niceville – Valparaiso
Twin Cities Fireworks Show over Boggy Bayou – July 4, 2017 – DUSK – The fireworks will be launched over Boggy Bayou at Dusk. There will be plenty of kids activities such a train ride, bounce house, and a water slide. Bring the whole family and spend the day celebrating Independence Day! The most popular places for public viewing of the annual fireworks show are Lincoln Park, Lions Park, and the Turkey Creek area in Niceville. Parking is limited.
Rosemary Beach
Fourth of July Celebration – Start bright and early with our Bike Decorating Contest & Breakfast. (7:30 AM) followed by the Bike Parade throughout the Town Center (8:30 AM). Enjoy an old-fashioned family field day on Western Green with sack races, water balloon toss, games prizes and more (9:00 AM). Rock to the sounds of the different decades with our band the “Like Totally” Hep Cats on Western Green (6:00 PM). Enjoy a star spangled fireworks display from the beach courtesy of the Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association (8:45 PM). Blankets and Lawn Chairs are welcome.
Seaside
Seaside 4th of July Celebration – July 4, 2017 – 8:30 PM – The annual Seaside Independence Day parade starts at 8:00 AM and goes from Seagrove to the Seaside Amphitheater. Kick back and enjoy live music by the Victory Belles at 7PM, followed by the fireworks show at 8:30 PM.
Alys Beach
4th of July Concert & Fireworks – July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM – Starting at 6:00 PM, there will be live music by The Bucktown All-Stars with the fireworks show around 9PM. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Memorial Day is your chance to honor people who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Don’t do alone. Join the community as it honors those who died and celebrate the safety and freedoms for which they fought.
Kick off the unofficial first day of summer with these events:
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
What: Memorial Day Concert Celebration
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 10 Harbor Boulevard, Destin
Cost: Free admission
Info: emeraldgrande.com/events
Celebrate Memorial Day with live music and fireworks on the Destin Harbor. The Good Lookings will perform 7-9 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, Flash Flood will perform 4:30-6:30 p.m., Departure: The Journey Tribute Band will perform 7-9 p.m. and Just Add Fire, a fire-spinning group, will perform at 9 p.m.
Gulf Cemetery
What: Memorial Day ceremony
When: 10 a.m. Monday
Where: 1466 S. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach
Info: gulfcemetery.org
Gulf Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony, in which it will honor the 125 veterans interred in the cemetery with a service that will include a keynote speech by Major Scott C. Willis, a Special Operations officer on active duty with the United States Air Force. The Girl Scouts of South Walton will post the colors for the event. Cloud 9 Orchestra, a local big band, will play music during the ceremony. The Destin Warbirds will perform a “missing man” flyover formation with a World War II aircraft. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the children present will be provided American flags to place on each of the veterans’ grave sites.
Hunter Amphitheater Pensacola
What: Memorial Day Concert
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: S. Devilliers St., Pensacola
Cost: Free admission
Info: pensacolacivicband.org
The 2nd annual Pensacola Memorial Day Concert features uplifting musical performances from the Pensacola Civic Band, guest appearances and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all men and women in uniform, their families at home and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Several Pearl Harbor survivors will join in this event. In addition, MANNA will be on-site to collect any canned food donations. These donations go to help support the mission of MANNA. To learn more, visit mannahelps.org.
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
What: Concert Under the Stars
When: 6 p.m. gates open, 7 p.m starts Saturday
Where: Northwest Florida State College amphitheater, 100 College Boulevard, Niceville
Cost: $15 tickets
Info: mattiekellyartscenter.org
The Cornell Gunter Coasters will bring its mix of comedy, Doo Wop and blues to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center outdoor amphitheater for a concert under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site. Seating is available in fixed seats at the amphitheater or guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets to set up on the lawn. Coolers are permitted. Free parking is available in the Mattie Kelly Arts Center main parking lot.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
What: Memorial Day Celebration
When: Saturday-Monday
Where: 9100 Baytowne Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Cost: Free admission
Info: baytownewharf.com
Start your summer with a Memorial Day weekend celebration at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. It features live music from 3HG from 7-9 p.m. Saturday. Sunday will featuring a variety of events such as face-painting, balloon animals, a stilt walker and lawn games 6-9 p.m.; live music 7-9 p.m.; and a patriotic fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. At 7 p.m. Monday, Sandestin veterans will present a Memorial Day program in honor of the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
Bring your family for a poolside seafood boil with sides on Saturday and a traditional poolside barbecue Sunday.
Unity Park, Eglin Air Force Base
What: Gate to Gate Memorial Run
When: 6:30 a.m. in place, 7 a.m. race starts Saturday
Where: Unity Park, 188-312 Chinquapin Drive, Eglin Air Force Base
Cost: $40
Info: runsignup.com
Run or walk in the 32nd annual Gate to Gate Run, a 4.4-mile race at Eglin Air Force Base. The event is open to the public. It includes a free children’s run at 9 a.m., free food, free massages, live music and an awards presentation.
Here are some of the can’t-miss events, festivals and activities taking place along the Emerald Coast in North Florida this spring.
If you’re thinking about hitting the beach for spring break, you might just have the chance to make it a seasonal fete. As you plan which attractions and restaurants to check out during your next stay along Northwest Florida, take a look at some of the best spring festivals and events in Northwest Florida Beaches:
Emerald Coast Cruizin Festival
Thousands of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars and trucks make way to Panama City Beach for this week-long festival from March 8-11, 2017.
Pensacola Blue Wahoos
The Blue Wahoos, a Minor League baseball team in Pensacola, have its season opener on April 6, 2017.
World War II 75th Anniversary Remembrance Banquet
This military appreciation banquet to observe the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II takes place on April 7, 2017 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.
34th Annual Helen Drake Invitational
Recognized as one of the largest United States Tennis Association (USTA) adult tennis events across the country, this tournament returns to TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort in Miramar Beach from April 12-16, 2017.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival
A week of smooth jazz on the Emerald Coast takes place April 19-23, 2017, next to Pier Park in Panama City Beach.
Billy Bowlegs Charity Golf Tournament
Kicking off “Pirate Season” on the Emerald Coast with activities such as golfing and boating, one of the best pirate festivals in the area takes place April 20-22, 2017.
Emerald Coast Volleyball Week
Volleyball teams throughout the country compete in this tournament taking place at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach from April 26-30, 2017.
South Walton Wine Festival
Dozens of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers come together to wine, dine, educate and entertain guests at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach from April 27-30, 2017.
Emerald Coast Bike Fest
A motorcycle rally featuring free concerts, charity poker runs and bike shows takes place at Emerald Coast Harley Davidson in Fort Walton Beach from May 4-7, 2017.
Jeep Beach Jam
Thousands of Jeep owners, enthusiasts and club members will gather in Panama City Beach from May 17 – 21, 2017 for the second annual Jeep Beach Jam.
Interested in one of these festivals? Find a rental home nearby.
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2017-03-28 09:16:382017-03-28 09:16:38Spring Festivals in Northwest Florida
“The beaches here and on nearby Okaloosa Island are every bit as breathtaking as the ones in Destin and Panama City, with a fraction of the people,” the Thrillist article said.
By Jennie McKeon | 315-4434 | @jenniemnwfdn | jmckeon@nwfdailynews.com
FORT WALTON BEACH — Living in paradise isn’t just for the rich and famous.
According to a recent article on Thrillist, there are 13 beach towns that are not only beautiful, but relatively cheap to live in. With a median house price at $159,600, Fort Walton Beach ranked No. 7 on the most affordable beach towns in the U.S.
“The beaches here and on nearby Okaloosa Island are every bit as breathtaking as the ones in Destin and Panama City, with a fraction of the people,” the article reads.
MOST AFFORDABLE BEACH TOWNS
These are the 13 most affordable beach towns in the U.S., according to thrillist.com.
1. Gulfport, Mississippi
2. Pensacola, Florida
3. Biloxi, Mississippi
4. Port Arthur, Texas
5. Freeport, Texas
6. Fort Pierce, Florida 7. Fort Walton Beach, Florida
8. Ocean Springs, Mississippi
9. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
10. Daytona Beach, Florida
11. Melbourne, Florida
12. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
13. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Other nearby beach towns named in the article were Pensacola at No. 2 and Gulf Shores, Alabama, at No. 13.
Realtor Dawn David of Team Dawn David with Coldwell Banker has been selling properties in the Fort Walton Beach area for about 20 years. Working primarily with investment properties, David said the lower price points for homes are attractive to potential buyers.
“The views sure don’t hurt either,” she said. “We see numerous articles ranking Fort Walton Beach in the top among the most beautiful beaches.”
David said the area is also not crowded compared to beach towns in South Florida, which the Thrillest article also points out.
“It makes for a more laid-back vacation experience,” she said. “Not to mention the golf courses, shopping, restaurants — it’s the whole package.”
Ted Corcoran, president of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, said he’s never surprised to see the city receive accolades.
“Others are beginning to evaluate the Happiest City in Florida,” he said referring to a different list that the city ranked in. “This is the beginning of the spring break season when people spend a year’s worth of savings to vacation for one week. How lucky we are to live here. It’s like we’re on vacation everyday.”
/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.png00Ron Webber/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/logo-blue-border-new-compressed.pngRon Webber2017-03-09 10:23:322017-03-09 10:23:32Fort Walton Beach On List of Most Affordable Beach Towns
Make sure you choose a rental unit large enough for your entire group. Sometimes guest counts grow and shrink, but it is better to have an extra bed than the opposite. Legacy Vacations offers wide variety of 
You need to decide right now what you’d rather do. Pack more kitchen items than you might need, or brave Thanksgiving week crowds at Wal-Mart picking up a bottle-opener and 2 extra serving spoons? I don’t know about you, but I choose the former. Your rental kitchen will have basic kitchen items like plates, flatware, glasses and perhaps a couple pots or pans. Will it have enough to make your traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the sides? Maybe not. Consider packing a disposable roasting pan, some extra serving utensils, a corkscrew and can-opener, and perhaps an extra baking dish or two. Be prepared.
Are you bringing a turkey or buying one here? I guess that depends on your distance and method of travel, but if you plan on buying a turkey here, call local markets to order one in advance so you don’t show up to find out none are left. Additionally, if you’d like to cut down on the time spent in the grocery store, consider bringing some of the non-perishable things that you will need should you be travelling by car. Flour, sugar, canned goods and breads can be packed in the trunk or backseat and unloaded upon arrival. To simplify your grocery shopping, you can even order your turkey, ham and side dishes from the 
If grandma’s table cloth is a family tradition, be sure that is packed early. Sometimes the small table pieces and decorations are the most meaningful aspects of the dinner because they are tied to memories and events with family and friends. Don’t let the quest for the bird take up so much mental space that you forget your child’s handprint turkey that has always been displayed each November.
