Destin & South Walton Vacation Blog

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.

Labels: boating, crab island, destin boat rentals, destin harbor, destin water sports, pontoon boat rentals

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

Labels: bad ass coffee company, destin breakfast, destin breakfast cafe, destin florida coffee house, Destin Florida Vacation Rental

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.

Labels: Destin Florida Vacation Rental

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.

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 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!

Labels: Destin Vacation Rentals

Labels: Panama City Beach Vacation Rentals