REAL ESTATE

DOWN ON THE FARM

READY TO LEAVE THE CITY BEHIND? THIS CENTURY-OLD CLERMONT COUNTY FARMHOUSE IS AN IDYLLIC COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE. —LAUREN FISHER

IF YOU’RE LIKE THE VAST MAJORITY OF US, YOU EXPERIENCED A MOment during the pandemic where you thought, Why don’t I drop everything and move to the countryside? For those whose dreams include fleeing the city center for green grass and wide open spaces, homes like this one, set on 14 sprawling Clermont County acres, are more appealing than ever.

The current owners purchased the property, located just off U.S. Route 50, with the dream of building a rustic wedding venue. While that dream didn’t quite materialize, there are plenty of opportunities (Hint: Airbnb/bed-and-breakfast/long-term rental) to make this property into much more than just a private residence.

The home itself is fresh and airy, removed from the city without being too far away. Farmhouse chic is, as much as we hate to admit it, on its way out. But done in an actual farmhouse? Now we’re talking. Originally built in 1924, the house was recently renovated top-to-bottom to meet modern tastes and standards without sacrificing the character. Old-school ceiling medallions crown the living room and study, while spaces like the stairwell and kitchen feature accents of that white shiplap that has become synonymous with the modern farmhouse aesthetic. The owner’s suite is an oasis with its rich blue paneled accent wall and walkout veranda, which offers a postcard-worthy panorama of the property. Draped with curtains and outfitted with a ceiling fan, it’s a tempting hangout space, especially during those sticky Cincinnati summers.

But as charming as the house itself is, it’s the sprawling outdoor wonderland that’s the real selling point. Between eight fenced paddocks, a stocked fishing pond, a barn that perfectly matches the house, and a Martha Stewart–worthy garden, you might just be hard-pressed to find time to spend inside. If you do have to break from your farmyard paradise, you’ll find plenty of extra room to stretch your legs in the oversized-garage-slash-man-cave, or in the guest cottage, which is just as adorable as, well…literally everything else.

IT’S TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY TO DISCOVER Destin Fort Walton Beach

Cincinnati and the Gulf Coast have always had an unbreakable bond.

For decades, we’ve been making the trek down I-75 to escape too-long winters and find a place where the surf meets the sand. Let’s just say there’s a reason the Florida coasts are dotted with the occasional Skyline Chili. Because that bond of ours? It’s pretty special.

With more than 24 miles of white sand beaches, a booming dining scene, and natural wonders around every corner, DestinFort Walton Beach is a Gulf Coast paradise for the whole family. And thanks to new direct flights from CVG through Allegiant, the journey is easier than ever: In less than two hours, you could have your toes firmly planted in the sand. And whether your idea of vacation is relaxing on the beach or getting out to experience the unexpected, a trip to Destin-Fort Walton Beach means your family can have the best of both worlds. Spend a morning at HarborWalk Village, then hit the water on your very own pontoon boat or choose from one of dozens of kid-friendly “Little Adventures.” No matter what you do, this is a trip your family will remember for years to come.

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re loowking for a resort experience that harkens back to the Gulf Coast spirit that has kept families coming to the Panhandle for generations, there’s no need to search far and wide. Built in the 1960s, The Island Resort spent its heyday as a Ramada before a total remodel and rebranding in the 2010s that brought the classic waterfront property into the 21st century. Parents will find a nostalgic resort experience that has been modernized, while hanging on to that classic Florida feel. Younger guests, meanwhile, can expect a beachfront wonderland, full of adventure around every turn.

The suites are luxurious and stocked with amenities, but what’s the fun of staying in your room? Start the day with breakfast at Fish House, a breezy, Southern-style resort restaurant just steps away from the courtyard. Better yet, take a dip and dine in your swimsuit at The Island Grille, an outdoor restaurant serving American standards, perfectly sandwiched between the swimming pools.

On the weekends, be sure to carve out time for a visit with Misty, the resort’s resident mermaid. You heard that right—every Saturday and Sunday, Misty takes a plunge in The Grotto, one of The Island’s crystal-clear swimming pools. Younger guests can join her for a swim or stop by to hear a live reading of her very own book, The Missing Tiara. While the kiddos are occupied with their mermaid friend, parents can slip beneath the Grotto’s waterfalls to grab a drink at the swim-up bar while staying close by. The weather in the panhandle can dip a few degrees below the Florida norm in the later season, but luckily, The Island is prepared—if there’s a nip in the air, just bring the family to the heated pool, or relax in the family-friendly hot tub.

Ready to trade the pool for a little salt and sand? Thanks to The Island’s prime Gulf-front real estate, it’s a remarkably easy trip to 600 feet of sugar-white beach and emerald waters. Rent a beach chair, grab an umbrella, and park your crew in the sand to enjoy the unbeatable views and fun in the sun.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

You can’t spend all day lounging on the beach. Luckily, there are even more outdoor opportunities awaiting you a short drive from the water! With 24 miles of beaches, plus numerous protected bayous and bays just a stone’s throw from the Gulf of Mexico, you’d be doing yourself (and your family) a disservice by staying put.

With its central location on Okaloosa Island, John Beasley State Park is a popular choice for families—and for good reason. Just off the coast of this amenity-rich beach, you’ll find one of the area’s artificial reefs, built to enhance and protect the natural marine environment. The reefs

are easy to see through the turquoise water, so grab a snorkel (and a boogie board or two) and get out there! Th e expansive park is also a prime spot to put your creative skills to the test by booking a sandsculpting lesson for the whole family to enjoy! Beach Sand Sculptures will provide family lessons chock full of tips that’ll take your sand-sculpting game from ho-hum to extraordinary. Be sure to order a sandcastle tool kit, fi lled with all the forms, brushes, and buckets the experts use to create outof-this-world sculptures.

When it’s time to take a breather on dry land, head down the Miracle Strip Parkway and take a breezy walk down the Island Pier, a massive structure that extends 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. For just $2, you can snag a walking pass that’s your ticket to an aft ernoon’s worth of family fun. Grab some ice cream for the road (available at the start of the pier) and discover an atmosphere that’s bursting with life. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might just spot a dolphin leaping through the waves, or the shadow of a sea turtle in the water below. Watching the anglers at work is part of the fun. If you bring your own gear, the pier has fi shing passes available for the whole family. No gear? No problem. You can rent your own right there at the bait shop.

When you’re fi nished, take a short walk over to Th e Boardwalk, a beachfront attraction overfl owing with options for everyone, from shopping and dining to amenities for beachgoers of all ages. Take a coff ee break at Pino Gelato Cafe and relax while kids enjoy the playground on the beach.

A TASTE OF DESTIN

Sitting at the culinary intersection of Southern comfort, Louisiana Creole, and Latin fl avor does wonders for the dining scene in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. All across the shore (and on the mainland, too!), you’ll fi nd limitless options sure to satisfy every palate—even for the pickiest of diners.

Just next door to Th e Island Resort, Rockin Tacos is a beachside restaurant featuring south-of-the-border fl avors and breathtaking views of the Gulf. Snag a table on the expansive balcony and kick off the meal with the Mexican Street Corn, grilled on the cob and smothered in chipotle aioli and queso fresco. Everything here is cooked fresh and served in plus-sized portions, including the deliciously spicy house-made queso.

With its central location, unparalleled views, and killer food, Rockin Tacos had us coming back for more. Aft er indulging in the TV-famous blackened shrimp burrito (not for the faint of heart) and a Rockin Rita, we couldn’t not come back for Sunday brunch. Th e “Everything & Th e Kitchen Sink” is a delightful hodgepodge of toasty biscuits, scrambled eggs, veggies, cheese, and pico—the perfect fuel for a day of Gulf Coast adventure. And don't worry: Th ere are plenty of options for the kiddos too, including tacos, burgers, and a kid-sized bean and cheese burrito.

In the mood for some lighter fare? Located in charming downtown Fort Walton Beach, Th e Cowhead is a colorful, lively lunch stop with plenty of options to suit everybody in your squad. Build your own burger (or order off the menu), order a side of crispy tater tots, and be sure to try one of the hand-scooped milkshakes that have made this spot a local favorite. If it’s seafood you’re aft er, check out Th e Crab Trap at Th e Boardwalk! Th ere’s nothing quite like enjoying the fresh catch perched above the Gulf, so be sure to put in an order for the crab legs or award-winning gumbo, then kick back and take in the view.

INLAND ADVENTURES

Th e Gulf Coast just won’t stop showing off , will it? Explorers of all ages will marvel at the natural beauty of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, even once they’ve left the shoreline. Th e area is part of the Gulf Island National Seashore, a protected region that serves as both an invaluable haven for wildlife and a barrier that shelters the mainland. Head inland to discover a bevy of nature preserves, parks, and bayous that showcase some of the best scenery the region has to off er.

Just over the bridge from eastern Destin, you’ll discover Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, a local favorite that’s popular for everything from kayaking and jet-skiing to camping and hiking. Speaking of camping—we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Henderson Beach State Park, a gulfside paradise featuring 60 campsites and 6,000 feet of open shoreline. Best of all? Henderson is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring Fido along for a truly all-inclusive camping experience.

Looking for the perfect place to take the kids for some non-saltwater swimming? At Turkey Creek Park, you’ll fi nd a shady oasis (thanks to the towering cypress trees) and an easy-fl owing river that’s practically begging for you to jump in. Bring along a raft to make your way down the stream lazyriver style.

GET OUT ON THE WATER

Let’s be honest—you didn’t just come to Florida to stay on dry land. You came to Florida to get out on the water. And in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, you don’t have to go far to fi nd some of the best aquatic opportunities the Gulf Coast has to off er.

Th ere are plenty of boat rental companies dotting the coast, but we’d recommend Island Watersports Company, which off ers single and double-decker pontoon boats. Book your trip with a personal pontoon captain, or pilot one yourself for a day on the water with family. Be sure to secure your Florida Temporary Boating Certifi cate before you head to the water. It only takes about 15 minutes—well worth a full day cruising across the waves! Aft er an easy jaunt through the harbor, pick up the speed and zip through the bay, where emerald waters and fair breezes made for a perfectly splendid trip. Pack a cooler and plug in some tunes if you’re planning to make a day of it.

Better yet, take the family out to Spectre Island, a haven for wildlife located just a few miles away from the harbor. Kids (and parents!) will love the freedom of parking the boat just steps away from the sand to explore everything the island has to off er. Be sure to check out Island Watersports map, located on your boat, for recommendations on where to cruise—and where to go dolphin-watching!

If it’s underwater adventure you’re aft er, book a lesson with Scuba Tech or Destin Snorkel! Designed for ages 10 and up, this half-day course will teach you everything you need to know to dive beneath the surface. Not quite ready to take the full plunge? Destin boasts plenty of snorkeling options, including SNUBA, an accessible snorkel-SCUBA hybrid that uses a 20-foot air line to keep divers underwater for up to 30 minutes at a time.

Once you’re back on dry land at the end of the day, take your crew out for a night of family fun at HarborWalk Village, the beating heart of Destin’s downtown area. Th ere, you’ll fi nd entertainment day and night, from unbeatable dining options to shopping and attractions for the kids. Scale the 40-foot rock wall right in the center of the harbor, get a bird’s eye view from a zipline, or board a pirate ship for a taste of the high seas. When you’re ready to settle in for the evening, grab a cone from the ice cream bar and fi nd a spot to take in the summertime fi reworks. Th e perfect end to a perfect day in Destin-Fort Walton Beach? We certainly think so.