New Properties for 2008

Cabin Fever?

2010-01-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

Just about this time every year our friends up north have stopped dreaming of sugar plums and started seeing sandy white beaches and skimpy bathing suites. It's time to put down the snow shovel and grab your suitecase for your Destin vacation getaway!

From Destin to Seagrove beach we are so pumped up for 2010 we can't wait to hear from you, we have definitely seen an increase in booking for this year. Despite the economy our guests have given us nothing but positive feedback regarding their vacation plans for 2010. So what are you waiting for let's go!

Crab Island Season Begins! 2009

2009-05-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Although somewhat of a locals pastime, Crab Island is well known to those who have been visiting the area long enough to have recognized that the local "hang out" when the weather is nice is not the beach, not the local shopping mall, not a favorite restaurant - but Crab Island... a large sanddune located just north of the Destin Bridge.

This sandy spot caters to the water lovers who want to hang out by the boat, in the water - all day and enjoy various activities. From dancing the day away on the boat and in the water, to a boatside barbeque - Crab Island brings out the best (and some of the questionable) in everyone.

Families, couples and friends drop anchor is a spot on the sand dune and then walk to each other's boats to gather for a friendly "back yard" hangout. Nerf footballs, watersports and lounging are all popular in the knee deep water. Pets are plentiful as well and enjoy galloping in the gulf/bay water alongside the entire family.

Spattered with commercial boats offering beverages, ice cream and sundries - Crab Island is truly an experience not to miss! Maximize your Destin Vacation - rent a pontoon boat, waverunner or make friends with a local to take advantage of this unique, natural Destin Florida landmark.

Destin's Best Beach Coffee Shop

2009-04-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Bad Ass Coffee Company was a welcome addition to the area a few years ago during the real estate boom and is an iconic experience for a Destin Florida Beach Vacation.

As the name implies, Bad Ass Coffee Company is a unique brand of gourmet coffee that appeals to everyone from java addicts to just casual customers with a sense of humor. The bold name of the company and it's colorful presence on Scenic highway 98 draw in the curious, the hungry and the thirsty!

Offering 100% Hawaiian coffee beans fresh ground and brewed all day, every day, the cafe also has tasty edibles for breakfast or a light lunch.

Discover the Bad Ass Coffee Company culture - located in Frangista Beach
1708 Scenic Gulf Drive,
Suite A
Destin (Miramar Beach), FL 32550
(850) 269-3997 - Phone

Annual Best Of Emerald Coast Celebration

2009-01-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

Annual Best Of Emerald Coast Celebration
Meet this year’s winners who were voted Best Of by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine at the 2008 Best of the Emerald Coast event on October 18, from 6 – 10:30 p.m. Winners will be on display along the main street of Destin Commons showing everything from best restaurants, to best retailers, appetizer, dessert, businesses, doctors, photographer, art gallery, band, place to be seen and many more categories.

“This is our annual reveal of the much anticipated Best Of winners,” according to Brian Rowland, publisher of Emerald Coast Magazine. “We are proud that this event enables the opportunity to give back to the community. The Destin Family YMCA is the charity beneficiary of funds raised throughout the evening.”

Though Destin Commons has been voted Best Shopping complex since its opening five years ago, that category was not included this year because the center will be rolling out the red carpet as the event venue host for the proud winners to show off their goods and services.

A record fourteen stores and businesses at Destin Commons won individual ‘Best Of’ rankings. The center’s winners are: Aldo, men’s shoes; Bass Pro Shops, sporting goods store; Bluepoint Fish Club, happy hour; Coldstone Creamery, ice cream; Dougherty & Chavez, architect; Eye Gallery, eyeglass store, Hugs and Hissyfits, children’s clothing store, Learning Express, toy store; Private Gallery, women’s accessories; Specialty Building Maintenance, janitorial service; Starbucks, coffee; The Zoo Gallery, gift shop; Victoria’s Secret, intimate apparel; and Zoe’s Kitchen for casual dining.

The Best of the Emerald Coast celebration is open to the public, includes many food samplings, beer and wine from the winning restaurants, a large silent auction, special 50/50 raffle, music and live entertainment by Miles From Cold Train. Admission is $25 per person for advance tickets and $35 day of the event. All proceeds benefit the Destin Family YMCA. Tickets can be purchased at the entry in Destin Commons on the evening of the event, or prior to from the Destin Family YMCA, and online at www.ecymca.org. For more information, contact Carolyn Folley at (850) 837-8440.

Midnight Madness

2009-01-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

Midnight Madness At Silver Sands Factory Stores
After a full day of eating, watching football and spending time with family on Thanksgiving, the race is on for the best deals in holiday shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, 66 million people shopped on the day after Thanksgiving last year, also called Black Friday and 1 in 4 were at the stores by 5 a.m. As midnight madness grows in popularity across the country, Silver Sands Factory Stores is leading the charge as the first shopping center in Northwest Florida to open at midnight on the day after Thanksgiving.

“This is the year for outlet shopping because everyone is seeking value now more than ever. We’re extending our hours so that shoppers can take full advantage of the aggressive discounts offered by our designer stores,” stated Traci Stokes, Marketing Director for Silver Sands. “Everyday, our retailers offer 20-70% off retail prices but this year, shoppers will find even more discounts on top of these reduced outlet prices. These are the deepest discounts we’ve ever seen offered by our retailers.”

Outlet centers nationwide were among the first in the retail industry to open at midnight and have seen positive customer responses. As the nation’s largest designer outlet center, Silver Sands will be on the forefront in this market as all 100 designer outlet stores and restaurants will open from midnight to 9 p.m. on the busiest shopping day of the year. According to Stokes, the desirable mix of high-end designer names exclusive to the Center such as Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH combined with the great values and discounts make Silver Sands a top shopping destination. Thousands of shoppers from across the region and nearby states travel to Silver Sands on Black Friday to power shop each year and even more are anticipated this year.

“We’re planning a true shopping event to keep the excitement going all night and day – on-site promotions, incredible blockbuster deals, special breakfasts and meals. It’s a fun time for shoppers to come early and find great deals,” stated Stokes. “With Thanksgiving falling later this year, there are five less shopping days in the official holiday season than last year. Shoppers are starting early to find the best values.”

The holiday season also means an extension of staff. Silver Sands will be hosting holiday job fairs in the next few weeks but most retailers are accepting applications now for seasonal sales staff. This is a great opportunity for high school and college students as well as senior citizens to earn some extra money this holiday season. Some retailers will hire extra staff members just for the Black Friday weekend only. Part-time and full-time job opportunities are available offering flexible hours, employee discounts and other great benefits. For a complete list of all stores, restaurants, job postings, promotions, events and sales pertaining to Black Friday, please visit www.silversandsoutlet.com or call 850-654-9771 ext. 1.

Silver Sands is the nation’s largest designer outlet center located in Destin, FL. The Center currently features more than 100 designer factory stores with 465,200 square feet of retail space, and ultimately 700,000 planned. Silver Sands is visited by over seven million shoppers each year and was recently voted “Best Outlet” by Florida Travel & Life. Silver Sands is located on Emerald Coast Parkway, one mile west of Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort.

Memorial Weekend

2008-05-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone can definitely tell there is a change in the air...Summer is upon us, FINALLY! The traffic has picked up and families are racing to the beach this weekend, Memorial weekend, to kick off the Summer season. It is nice to look around and see all the happy faces of men, women, and children who have been working hard all Winter long just to get to the beach. As we all have our own reasons for celebrating Memorial Day, lets not forget the REAL reason...the lives lost of men and women of our armed forces. It is through their selfless acts, that we all get to enjoy a weekend free of the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives and get to relax and reflect upon days gone by and the days that are ahead. As we celebrate our mini-vacations, let us all remember those whose lives were lost to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today.

For love of country they accepted death... ~James A. Garfield

Spring Time at the beach!

2008-04-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Spring time is here, break out your flip flops and shorts, and get your swim suits ready. Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach, and Seagrove Beach are all warming up nicely! Seaside, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach are all getting ready for the spring arrivals. While Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, and Destin are all covered with color and ready for guests! We are all putting up the winter clothes and donning the summer gear. Come by and visit our beautiful white beaches and enjoy the amazing sun to prepare yourself for summer time! The beach chairs and umbrellas are lining the coast while sand pails and shovels are being used by the children. Kites and parasails dot the sky like sprinkles on ice cream cones. Beach balls and frisbees are being tossed about while laughter and music are heard over the crashing waves. There are still several spots open for you to kick off your flip flops and enjoy our little piece of paradise. We will see you at the beach!

Aqua 2309

2008-02-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Relax, appreciate and enjoy the finest the area has to offer. From our spacious brand new (2007)penthouse balcony, take in a beautiful sunrise while planning your day over a cup of freshly brewed coffee. In the evening, wind down and experience our breathtaking sunsets while enjoying a glass of fine wine. Perhaps you may see the sea turtles heading back out to sea in the morning or the dolphins dancing in the gulf in the evening. The unparalleled panoramic views offer you every opportunity to marvel at the wonders of nature.
The unit has a Queen bedroom with 20" plasma tv, bath. Another Queen bedroom 20" plasma tv and shared bath. Laundry closet. Kitchen has granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances. Dining area seats 6 with additional seating for 3 at the bar. Living area has 37' plasma, dvd, pioneer sound system, sleeper sofa and patio with unlimited gulf views. King master bedroom has 20" plasma tv, bath with oversized tub, double vanities and patio with unbele-ievable views.
Simply said, there is no better place on the beach. Our luxuriously appointed and furnished penthouse offers you the best in comfort, style and convenience. Whether you choose to use it as a home base for your daily adventures, or, simply curling up with a good book and listening to the hypnotic sounds of the surf, there is no better choice. We have taken extraordinary care in providing everything you could want and need for the perfect stay.
Come and experience Aqua, the best on the beach.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Aruba

2008-02-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

Awesome home fit for a king and Queen of course, located one lot off the beach in beautiful Blue Mountain Beach. Great GULF VIEWS,COMMUNITY POOL,GAS GRILL and 3 MASTER SUITES. Upgrades Galour!
"ARUBA" Seven bedrooms, six baths, sleeps 18: three kings, three queens, two (Twin top and full lower) bunk beds, queen sofa sleeper. Located near Seagrove Beach, Destin and Sandestin. Grandeur, spaciousness, and attention to detail combine to make this beach house the perfect vacation spot.
Many special features including three master suites on top floor - each with private porch access, kid's bunk room with entertainment center including Play Station 2, 6 DVD players, and a huge great room - perfect for large family gatherings or special get-togethers. No Smoking and No PETS.
Every amenity imaginable to insure a "grand" vacation for your entire family. Open and screened porches allow a view of the Gulf only 25 yards away. Private beach access. Parking for four cars. Located in a cul-de-sac, making it safe for kids to walk freely. Stainless steel barbecue, beach chairs, and umbrella are included for your enjoyment.
There is a private community pool with restrooms. Aruba is located 1 tier back from the gulf without a road or street in-between. This beautiful beach is rated one of the best in the United States. It has white sand beaches and clear blue water. It is three minutes west of Santa Rosa Beach.
The outlets in Sandestin are 15 minutes away. Located to the east you will find Grayton Beach three minutes away and Seaside six minutes away. There are convenience stores located two blocks away, including bike, moped and kayak rental. Also a health food store and a great seafood restaurant.
New amenities include all new carpet, new great room furniture, new patio furniture, and creation of a children's African jungle room....Plus new High Definition tv and wireless internet.

Peace of Mind

2008-02-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Private pool, Amazing gulf views! 25 steps to the beach in quiet Seagrove.
The main home includes:3rd floor- *1 master bedroom (king bed) w/ spacious bath including separate tub & shower. There are 3 vanities as well as 2 sinks. Spacious walk closet. Double French doors leading to 3rd floor balcony*1 master bedroom (king bed) w/ private bath including 2 sinks & walk in closet. French door leading to 3rd floor balcony*1 bunk room w/ private bath including 2 sinks. 2 twin beds & 2 full beds can accommodate 6 children.
2nd floor-*Main living room w/ gas fireplace- double French doors leading to balcony*Dining room w/ 9 foot table (seating for 12) as well as bar area w/ seating for 6*Kitchen- 2 separate sinks, 1 dishwasher, 2 ovens, 1 full size fridge, 1 beverage fridge, 2 microwaves, 1 electric cooktop with 5 eyes, full size ice maker*Laundry room w/ full size washer & dryer*1/2 bath close to kitchen*1 master bedroom (king bed) w/ private bath including 2 sinks & walk in closet. French door leading to 2rd floor balcony
1st floor-*playroom w/ couch, entertainment system, table, mini kitchenette (microwave, full size fridge, separate ice maker, dryer for the wet towels)*bedroom w/ king bed and bunk bed (2 twin mattresses)*full bath leading from playroom and also with door leading from pool- so you can go straight from outside to the shower (or even shower outside w/ hot & cold water)*2 car garage w/ plenty of room to store your bikes & beach gear
Carriage House includes:3rd floor-*king bed & built in twin bunk w/ balcony overlooking gulf*full bath (large shower w/ rain head)
2nd floor-*living room, kitchen, and bar w/ 4 stools for dining*full bath (tub/shower combo) Futon
1st floor-*owners garage (not available)
Pool- 12x20 fronting the gulf with Jacuzzi!The carriage house is not available November, Decemeber or January. Main house sleeps 16 people. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Beach Castle

2008-02-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

Great Gulf Views with Community pool!
Spectacular Gulf views, the soothing sound of crashing surf, two master king suites, 42" and 50” HD Plasma TVs, two sets of washer/dryers, over 4000 square feet of living space and every imaginable amenity...Beach Castle has it all. Beach Castle is a 5 bedroom 5 bath home with accomodations for up to 22 located directly across the street from the Gulf in the prestigious Crystal Shores subdivision. The Castle's new owners have completed a major renovation, and you are sure to be pleased with the result.
A paved brick drive leads to Beach Castle's front door with ample parking. Bring your jet skis and park them in our garage – this is one of the few homes where you can bring your skis and not get in trouble with the association rules. In the garage is the first set of washer/dryers in the house for ease of clothes washing with large groups.

The front courtyard is the spot for hosting a boil of the regions famous shrimp, freshly caught, at one of the three nearby fish markets. We provide the pot, burner and recipe; you get the shrimp and seasonings. Good food is a way of life at the Castle, with a new Weber Charcoal grill, our 100 quart shrimp pot and burner and heavy duty stainless cookware in a kitchen well outfitted for whatever the chef in your group can dream up.
The Castle's owners are a young family who live there most of the year... if you have young children or grandchildren coming on vacation with you this is a safe, friendly place to be. Covered outlets, a high chair, a crib, a swing and a rocker are provided for guests to use. The security system even lets you know when outside doors and windows are opened. This helps make the vacation a truly relaxing one for families who stay with us.
For the Kids:The location and amenities of the Beach Castle are perfect. You can watch the dolphins frolic in the surf from our decks, or take a few steps to the white sand beaches Destin is famous for. Onsite we have a PS2, board games, books, TV, DVD, and VHS. Within walking distance are a variety of things to do: a brand new movie theater (with stadium seating), a playground on the beach, shops galore and even a bowling alley are all accessible by foot.
For the Parents:High end appointments, private places to talk and read, open decks overlooking the ocean, space to lounge and party, serious cooking equipment both inside and out, proximity to all kinds of entertainment and ample parking. Walk to everything you need for your vacation – from Williams Sonoma to Bass Pro Shops, this area has it all. Sports bars, restaurants, shopping a few blocks away – Beach Castle is perfectly located for the entire family.
The First Foor:The Castle's front foyer leads to a beautifully appointed living room with a 42" plasma TV, a library of books and the first of our three fireplaces. Beach Castle's large kitchen includes a complete suite of Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Bring your best wines – our built in wine cooler will hold 5 cases of red and white – just enough for the family! The kitchen also has a cooking island with pop-up downdraft, built in Microwave, Convection oven and Warming Drawer for a top of the line cooking experience. Appliances simply do not get any better than this. We finish the kitchen off with heavyweight stainless pots and pans, an eat-in breakfast area and a full laundry room (this is the second washer/dryer in the house). In addition, there is a wall mounted LCD TV with built in DVD player, perfect for entertaining the kids while you cook dinner for the crew. The kitchen leads to Beach Castle's formal dining room and a massive crystal chandelier, perfect for elegant entertaining with large windows overlooking the tropical courtyard. For those who don't like to climb stairs, there is a spacious beautifully decorated Queen suite with great ocean views off the Family room. This suite, like each of the Castle's bedrooms, has its own private bath. Finally, large French doors in the family room, dining room and bedroom lead to our courtyard, surrounded by tropical landscaping.
The Second Floor:Climb the turret to the second floor kid's room with three sets of bunks (Double on bottom twin on top), TV, DVD, a full private bath and great ocean views. The landing then opens into the first of Beach Castle's two large master suites. Luxurious accommodations include a fireside seating area and a sumptuous king bed. This incredibly romantic room also has a library of books, a TV, a DVD player, a separate reading area, a gigantic master bath with double vanity, and a Jacuzzi tub. Three sets of French doors open to a private deck with breathtaking views of the Gulf.
The Third Floor:Climb the tower to Beach Castle's third-floor master suite. Nicknamed “The Jungle Room”, you are sure to be one of the most popular spots in the house. You’ll be torn between watching your 50” high definition plasma TV, or looking out of this spectacular room at the best views in the house. The king bed has incredible views of the Gulf, our third fireplace, an in room wet bar and large screen home theater with surround sound. After a long day on the beach, mix drinks at the suite's wet bar and step out on the private third-floor balcony where you can relax with pleasant conversation and magnificent Gulf views. A huge sectional sofa does double duty as a gathering place and then opens to reveal a queen pullout couch for sleeping.
The Carriage HouseThe last refuge at Beach castle is located in the carriage house. Walk through "Pirate's Alley" to the carriage house private entry. On the way, the private outdoor shower is perfect for rinsing off from the beach or washing the chlorine off from our community pool located just a few steps away. The Carriage House is perfect for a family of 4, with a queen bed and a trundle bed for the kids, a kitchenette, full bath a views from your private deck.
Treat yourself like royalty at the Beach Castle...every year.
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Melting Pot has arrived!

2008-02-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

History of the Melting Pot
Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience - and for more than three decades, The Melting Pot has defined the niche across the American dining scene.
The first Melting Pot opened in April of 1975 in Maitland, Fla. - just outside of Orlando. It was a cozy, quaint location and its first menu consisted of just three items: Swiss cheese fondue, beef fondue and a chocolate fondue dessert. However, as the restaurant's popularity expanded, so did its menu and ambiance.
Mark Johnston, who was working his way through college as a waiter at The Melting Pot, noticed the popularity boost and - with the help of his brothers Mike and Bob - scraped together funding to open The Melting Pot of Tallahassee in 1979 (with the blessing of the original owners in Maitland... of course). The Tallahassee location grew enormously popular, and within one year its success paved the way for future franchise expansion.
In 1980, the Johnston brothers decided to branch out and opened their second location in Tampa. As their business grew, the brothers began to consider franchising even more stores in order to expand. Then in 1985 Mark, Mike and Bob Johnston purchased all rights to The Melting Pot brand and established The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. - the new franchise company. After a year of research and reorganization, The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. began its franchise offering.
From the start, the Johnstons were diligent in their search for energetic entrepreneurs who were as excited as they were about the concept and its potential. And their commitment to building a closeknit fondue family proved successful.
Today, with more than 129 locations across 35 states and with more than 42 locations under development, The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. is the country's premier fondue restaurant franchise. At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where patrons can dip into something different - and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.

"Watching Waves" Grayton Beach Florida

2008-02-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Sandcastle Escapes is excited to offer a new home to our program for our guest. "Watching Waves"

Watching waves is exactly what you will do at this beautiful newly constructed home located South of 30-A. With nearly 3,000 square feet, this 4 story, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom (2 powders) home comfortably sleeps 11. Covered parking for four vehicles is located on the 1st floor. The kitchen, dining and living room are located on the 2nd floor. The master bedroom (king bed), bedroom 2 (queen bed) and bedroom 3(twin over full bunk beds) all have their own bath and are located on the 3rd floor. The recreation area (daybed with trundle), wet bar with refrigerator and bedroom 4 (queen bed) with full bath are located on the 4th floor. Additional features include a full elevator, granite countertops, granite and marble vanity tops, hardwood flooring and flat screen television. Enjoy gulf views from nearly every room or one of the five balconies. Relax and unwind in the heated custom-designed community pool or take a short walk to the beach access (less than 15 yards). This beautiful home is located in the gated and private community of Caspian Estates. Watching Waves is currently being furnished and will be ready for rentals March 1. Note: interior photos and balcony shots were taken on a rainy day, and the house has not been completely furnished. We will be updating the photos regularly so please bookmark this page and come back soon for updated information.

Check out this home here: http://www.beachseekers.com/details.php5?prop=WATCHINGWAVE or call 1*888*650*2753