Florida Panhandle 2023-24

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin

Irish pub grub delivered with ales brewed in copper kettles, plus live music most nights.

33 US-98 E, Destin, FL 32541

Phone: (850) 650-0000 | Web: mcguiresirishpub.com

The Oar House

Tiki-roofed setting for American fare paired with views of Bahia Mar Marina & occasional live tunes.

1000 S Pace Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32502

Phone: (850) 549-4444 | Web: oarhousepensacola.com

Bayou Joes Marina & Grill

Unpretentious waterfront restaurant offering Southern-style breakfast & fried seafood platters.

112A E 3rd Ct, Panama City, FL 32401

Phone: (850) 763-6442 | Web: bayoujoes.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Los Antojitos Mexican Restaurant

Long-running cantina serving Mexican favorites like tacos, fajitas & margaritas with a festive vibe.

1236 Beck Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

Bonelli’s

Warm, family-owned Italian locale known for hearty homestyle entrees & desserts.

1217 N 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32501

Thai Tanic Restaurant

Snug, unfussy Thai restaurant dishing up spicy curries, noodles & other traditional fare.

107 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Chow Time Grill & Buffet

Spacious, no-frills restaurant featuring a huge selection of allyou-can-eat Asian fare.

2343 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Panama City, FL 32405

Jackson’s Steakhouse

Refined venue offering premium steaks, chops & wine in a highceilinged room dating to the 1860s.

400 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502

Crackings

Longtime family-owned restaurant specializing in homestyle breakfast, brunch & lunch dishes. 979 US-98, Destin, FL 32541

The Place Downtown American staples, sports on TV & a jukebox offered in easygoing surrounds with a full bar. 429 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32401

V Paul’s Italian Ristorante

Casual bistro offering traditional Italian mains such as chicken piccata & lasagne, plus a full bar.

29 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502

AUG 26

Tallahassee Beer Festival

Now in our fifth year, the Tallahassee Beer Festival continues to grow in its influence and size. This past year, we hosted 2,500+ patrons and 100+ home brewers & breweries pouring 200+ fermentations of all kinds. This event gives you unlimited sampling, food and entertainment options. Learn more at tlhbeerfest.com.

SEP 30

Fall Pensacola Bay Music Fest

The Fall Pensacola Bay Fest on September 30th 2023 will be at the Community Maritime Park’s amphitheater. Tickets sold at the door and in advance. Kids 12 and under are Free. Parking is free in main parking lot. Food trucks and adult beverages for sale on site. Learn more at visitpensacola.com.

OCT 6

Destin Seafood Festival

The Destin Seafood Festival is one of the best free events in 30A! If you love fresh seafood, live entertainment, and meeting new people, then this event is perfect for you. This festival features high-quality food vendors, arts and crafts, plenty of exciting performances, and is located on the beautiful Destin Harbor Boardwalk. It’s the ideal weekend activity! Learn more at destinseafoodfest.com.

NOV 7

The 29th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival

The Seeing Red Wine Festival at Seaside is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events. Decades of southern tradition in this charming beach town are complimented by a wonderful afternoon event sure to satisfy your taste for wine…and the beach! The event spans over four days, and tickets sell out fast, so make sure you get yours on time! Learn more at visitsouthwalton.com.

DEC 2 Holday Market

Come get your Holiday Shopping done early. Numerous Tent/Craft vendors, food trucks, bounce house, and raffle table. DJ playing Holiday music. $5 Entry and kids 12 and under are free. Learn more at visitpensacola.com.

JAN 12 30A Songwriters Music Festival

The 30A Songwriters Music Festival is known nationwide for its prestigious lineup. More than 200 performances are held in several locations each year. Whether you’re a fan of country music or prefer alternative tunes, you’ll have a blast at this music festival. Learn more at 30asongwritersfestival.com.

FEB 23

Sandestin Gumbo Festival

Do you want to sample seafood gumbo from the best of the best chefs? You need to check out the Sandestin Gumbo Festival! For over 30 years, this event has been one of the most popular Sandestin events and includes delicious seafood, live music, and fun-filled, family-friendly activities. Learn more at sandestingumbofestival.com.

APR 5

The Springtime Tallahassee Festival

The festival includes a lot of fun for families and friends, such as: Springtime Tallahassee Music Festival on Kleman Plaza featuring national entertainment, the Grand Parade, Jubilee in the Park, Children’s Park, and the entertainment stages throughout the Jubilee with local entertainment. Be sure to check out our fantastic group of arts, crafts and food vendors that offer a variety of items. Learn more at springtimetallahassee.com.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

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SILVERSEA OCEANIA REGENT SEVEN SEAS

MAY 23

Pensacola Beach Memorial Day Weekend Gay Party

Every memorial day weekend in Pensacola Beach, Florida the beach opens it doors to upwards of 200,000 LGBT party goers. It is a tradition to try and outdo the other beach tents along the seafront with elaborate decorations, or music or free drinks. Learn more at gaytravel4u.com.

JUN 28

Panhandle Watermelon Festival

Northwest Florida tradition, the 68th Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival will feature live entertainment with loads of arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, free watermelon slices, an antique car show, a watermelon auction, beauty queens as well as a live gospel & bluegrass performances. Learn more at panhandlewatermelon.com.

JUL 4

Celebrate America

Don your red, white and blue and head to Tom Brown Park this Fourth of July for the City of Tallahassee’s Celebrate America event. You and your family can enjoy live music and a spectacular, patriotic fireworks display. There will be food trucks and activities for children at the event. Attendees are also welcome to pack a picnic. Beer will be available for sale to those 21 and older with a valid ID. Learn more at talgov.com

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control

weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

Influences -

Cultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors.

However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when

suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating. Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

THE CENTER

The mission of the Gulf Coast LGBTQ+ Center is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, asexual, intersex, queer, non-binary, and questioning population of the Gulf Coast by providing activities, programs and services that create community; empower community members; provide essential resources; advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support LGBTQ+ cultural diversity.

GULFCOASTLGBTQCENTER.ORG | 850-640-0196

PFLAG NICEVILLE

PFLAG Niceville serves the LGBTQ+ community in our region. We have people join us from Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Pensacola and beyond! Our core program is a monthly support meeting which is open to all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies of the community (friends and family members are welcome to join!). Each meeting covers a range of topics provided by attendees and facilitators. We welcome you to join us! PFLAGNICEVILLE.COM

SPLASH BAR FLORIDA

DJs spin hot club music at this gay-friendly nightspot with dancing, drink specials & drag shows. Come check us out!

SPLASHBARFLORIDA.COM