OTL / TRAVEL
Paradise is closer than you think STORY BY NATALIE KALBAS
Destin, Florida could easily be mistaken for nearly any island paradise in the Caribbean. Crossing over the Destin Bridge, you’re instantly met with a gorgeous view of sparkly multi-hued blue water contrasted by sugar white sand. You’ll see beach-goers soaking up the views and the sun, people hanging out in the ample shallow water as well as various types of boats that come and go just like the tide. The harbor is as accommodating as she is proud while she welcomes you to her home. All of this will have you wondering if you’re driving on Highway 1 in the Florida Keys instead of Highway 98 in the Florida Panhandle. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be fooled into think-
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ing that you’re on island time; your body adjusts and relaxes and a smile spreads across your face. Let’s see what all the fuss is about. Welcome to Destin. Destin’s roots date back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the seventh century A.D. It was basically settled somewhere around 1850-1852 by a fisherman named Captain Leonard Destin who hailed all the way from New London, Connecticut. According to local history, he was fishing the Gulf for several years prior and through series of mishaps, Destin decided to stay—can’t blame him. Captain Destin is credited to have pioneered the fishing industry and Destin has maintained this heritage to the present.
