May+June 2019
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May+June 2019
contents
10 8 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
FAMILY BUILDERS
5
The Problem with Teens No Longer Working Part-time Jobs: W hat Parents Can Do
8
How to Enjoy the Beauty of Nature During a Family Road Trip: Making the most of a family road trip
20
Family Chatter......................................................................20 That’s Good to Know!........................................................24 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care........ 25-26 Teach Your Kids Something New!............................... 28 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers................30 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids............................34
RESOURCE GUIDE
10
38
13 37
FAMILY FUN GUIDE
How to Rock Family Fun Night with Tweens & Teens: Goodbye Chutes and Ladders . . . 6 Reasons to Make Family Dinner a Priority: ( Almost) Every Night! Teen Talk Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another
45
Get to know the people, places, and things that make the Emerald Coast special! Seasonal | The Arts............................................................45 Runs, Walks, & More | Sounds Fun.............................. 46 Reoccurring Local............................................................... 47
YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
18
Looking for fun, adventure, and great food? Experience life to the fullest by discovering new tastes and fun-filled experiences—the Emerald Coast has it all. Enjoy!
Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit, and safe.
Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.
20 FamilyChatter
parent Emerald Coast
Editorial Director Tasha Williams info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Editorial Snacks & Crafts Coordinator Carol Eide info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Snacks and Crafts Contributing Authors Sandi Schwartz Lisa Beach Sarah Lyons Calendar of Events and Resource Guide Suzanne Bratton info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Calendar Proofreader Jennifer Cullis
In everything we do, we believe in inspiring families to live, laugh, love and enjoy life—TOGETHER! Publisher Nathan Wilson nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720 Social Media Manager Lexy Cruz lexycruz@itsyourmagazine.com Creative Director Rob Williams robwilliams@itsyourmagazine.com
Would you like to write for Emerald Coast Parent? Please contact our editorial director with your request. A submission does not guarantee publication. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. © 2019 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved. Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, publisher and designers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.
4 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine
THE PROBLEM WITH TEENS NO LONGER WORKING PART-TIME JOBS
By Sandi Schwartz
How many jobs did you have growing up? I started babysitting neighborhood kids at age 11 (which sounds so incredibly young now that I am a mother), and I continued to babysit through to the summer after my freshman year of college. I also worked in the snack bar at the local swim club for several summers and at a book store during my senior year of high school. Have you noticed that nowadays teenagers rarely have jobs? Recently, I was shocked to find out that a few of the high school students in my community had absolutely no interest or time to babysit my kids on an occasional Saturday night. Their mothers gave excuses such as being too busy with sports tournaments and studying. The reluctance of teens holding part-time and/or summer jobs is now a national trend that has caused a fair amount of concern from experts in the marketplace. Why is it happening and how does it impact a child’s future in the long run? According to Pew Research, in the 1970s and ’80s, most teens worked at least part of their summer vacation, but the share of teens working summer jobs has decreased since the early 1990s. Now only about 20 percent of teens hold a job, which is an all-time low since the United States started keeping track in 1948.
Three main reasons can be linked to this trend: job market changes, education, and college resume-building priorities mainly pushed by parents. First, a shift in the job market has made it difficult for teens to find jobs. An article in Bloomberg explains that when the recessions hit in the early 1990s, early 2000s, and from 2007 to 2009, teen labor rates fell. As the economy recovered, teen labor never rebounded. Also, employers are less willing to hire teens because there is more competition with older Americans staying in the workforce and new Americans moving to the country looking for work. Continued on page 6 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 5
Continued from page 5
Next, education has become the priority for most teens in the past several decades, so getting a part-time job isn’t even on their radar. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows how millions of teenagers aren't working because they are studying instead. Education is taking up more time as school districts have extended both the school day and the academic year, increased the homework load, and put pressure on students to attend summer classes. Most students aren’t going to summer school because they failed a class; they are going purely for enrichment to get ahead and look impressive to colleges. The percent of 16- to 19-year-olds enrolled in summer school has tripled in the last 20 years. Also, kids are taking harder classes overall. According to Bloomberg, attendance in calculus classes is up threefold since the early 1980s, while attendance in precalculus is up fivefold, and attendance in statistics courses has increased tenfold. The number of students taking advanced placement (AP) classes has also been steadily rising. Finally, many teenagers are choosing not to get jobs because they want to focus on other activities that they think will impress college admissions officers, such as sports, music, student council, volunteering, and other extracurricular activities. Millions of children in the United States feel overwhelmed and pressured because of their over-scheduled lives. Parents feel like they aren’t doing a good job if they don’t sign their children up for a laundry list of activities. But these kids end up feeling like they are under so much pressure that they don’t even have time to babysit once in a while or have a fun summer job that can actually teach them more about life than any book, class, or organized activity ever will. Many students now enter college without ever holding a part-time job in high school, and this can have a big impact on their future success. I recently watched a hilarious video spoofing a millennial job interview. The candidate had no clue what it meant to get to work on time, respect a supervisor, or actually get any real work done besides scrolling through social media. She was the stereotypical millennial who had been coddled her whole life and expected the world to revolve around her. As you can imagine, she did not get the job. 6 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine
If our kids never spend time working at a real job, how will they ever understand what it means to succeed at work after they graduate from college or graduate school with all of their hard-earned degrees? They still need to have some basic life skills that can only be learned in the field, such as:
LEARN TIME MANAGEMENT DEVELOP SELF-DISCIPLINE FOLLOW COMPANY RULES TAKE ON AND UNDERSTAND RESPONSIBILITIES LEARN TO COLLABORATE WITH A DIVERSE GROUP OF PEOPLE LEARN CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING DEVELOP CONFLICT-RESOLUTION SKILLS RESPECT COLLEAGUES AT ALL LEVELS OVERCOME CHALLENGES AND FAILURES BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT CLIENTS AND CO-WORKERS ACCEPT CRITICISM Working part-time while going to school also helps teens grow in so many ways. First, jobs help teens experience something new, expanding their perspective beyond school and home by interacting with different people, learning new information, hearing stories from co-workers and customers, and seeing how the world operates outside of their comfort zone. Next, they quickly mature when they learn about responsibility, such as not being able to check Instagram and Snapchat because they need to focus on a cash register, stocking shelves, or helping customers. Jobs also teach teens how to manage money. Teens who earn their own
money have more of an appreciation of its value and tend to be more responsible with their purchases. Teens can also get a selfesteem boost from working, as they achieve goals and get rewarded for their hard work. This will also teach them independence and self-reliance. Finally, one of the most important benefits of a teen job is that it teaches them how to multi-task and balance their responsibilities. It is critical for all individuals’ life-long health and happiness to know how to find balance in their lives. By managing homework, extracurricular activities, social and family commitments, and a job, teens will learn how to do this with success.
WhatParentsCanDo A huge part of this teen job problem is us—or potentially us in a few years if we have young kids now. Parents are not letting their kids grow up. Instead, we are coddling them because of guilt, fear, and other issues we are holding onto. This is only hurting a whole generation of kids who are staying kids for way too long. It’s really up to us to shift the story by taking the following actions when we have a teenager in the house:
Start slow. Help your teen figure out a small job that they can do during the summer. If they attend camp, see if they can start as a camp counselor in training. Or maybe they can attend an educational program for half of the summer and do some baby-sitting during the rest of the break. Help your teen learn how to find a job. Without doing all the work for them, guide them on how to write a resume, how to email local companies about part-time jobs, how to network with friends and neighbors about opportunities, etc. I have a neighbor whose son is particularly successful at math, so he created a flyer highlighting his tutoring services and placed them in mailboxes around our community. He landed one great client and was thrilled to make some extra money while helping a younger child at his school excel in math.
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As your teenager gets older and has more experiences, work with them to find out what their strengths and passions are so they can find a job that they will be excited about. Prepare your teen for job interviews. Get books out of the library, watch interviewtips videos, and do mock interviews with them to help them prepare. Talk to them about professionalism issues, such as appropriate dress, interacting with bosses and co-workers, reporting to work on time, cell phone use, etc. Always be available to your child by providing encouragement and to be a sounding board in case they face difficult or challenging situations at their job. v Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 7
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HOW TO ENJOY THE
BEAUTY OF
NATURE DURING A FAMILY ROAD TRIP
Traveling with our family gives us the opportunity to see new places and enjoy our surroundings. We can also utilize that dull time while traveling to our destination by seeking ways to connect to nature. Whether you are driving in your family car or taking public transportation options like a bus or train, your children can take in the beauty of nature from the back seat. (Warning: drivers may not be able to take in the scenery as much as the passengers—safety first!)
Benefits of Experiencing Nature Giving our children the chance to soak in nature’s beauty during a road trip is especially important these days as children suffer from nature-deficit disorder. This term was coined by Richard Louv, author of the book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, and co-founder of the Children & Nature Network (C&NN). It refers to children having less experience with and connection to nature over the last couple of decades. Unfortunately, children spending less time outdoors has been linked to decreased appreciation of our environment; health problems, including childhood obesity and vitamin D deficiency; diminished use of the senses; attention difficulties; and higher rates of emotional illnesses, such as anxiety and depression.
On the other hand, a growing number of studies from around the world show that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our mood and behavior, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and to increase our attention, creativity, and ability to connect with others. In an article on the Greater Good Science Center’s website, researcher David Strayer of the University of Utah explains that “Now we are seeing changes in the brain and changes in the body that suggest we are physically and mentally more healthy when we are interacting with nature.” One study indicated that hospital patients can reap the benefits of nature even just by observing natural scenes from their hospital window. This idea can be translated to when you’re on the road; therefore, we can also feel better by enjoying nature from a car, bus, or train window.
Ways Children Can Enjoy Nature During a Road Trip We have so many fun ways to expose our children to the beauty of nature while we are traveling from place to place either in our car or when using public transportation options like a bus or train.
Take a Scenic Trip Look for local spots to drive to, or plan vacations around areas you would like to explore. Some ideas include farms, drive-through zoos Continued on page 12
8 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
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How to Rock Family Fun Night with Tweens & Teens By Lisa Beach
When your kids were younger, family fun took center stage, whether that meant a riveting game of Chutes and Ladders or a backyard lightsaber duel. But now that the kids are older, how do you get your tweens and teens to want to hang out with “the folks”? Besides creating great memories, family fun nights with tweens and teens also means parents worry less about where the kids are going, who they’re with, and what they’re doing. To make hanging with the family something tweens and teens look forward to, try these ideas to jumpstart your family fun night.
PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE CLASSES FOR AGES 4 THROUGH ADULT ,
ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE ARE WELCOME BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS BUILD SELF -CONFIDENCE HAVE FUN
Family Dinner A fun family dinner can be as simple as ordering a pizza or take-out barbecue and eating out on the back porch for a change of scenery. But to up the fun factor, try these mouthwatering ideas:
• Declare a “kids in the kitchen” night where your tweens
and teens get to be in charge from start to finish. Let them create the menu, shop for the ingredients, and cook the meal—with parents on clean-up duty. • Try to re-create a dish from your favorite restaurant at home, either by trial-and-error cooking or some culinary sleuthing online for copycat recipes • Pick a different ethnic food to cook together, such as Mexican or Greek cuisine, as a fun way to explore other cultures. • Engage in a friendly competition, with each family member making a different course (e.g., entrée, dessert, etc.). Afterward, discuss which creation wins top honors. • Take your kids to farmers’ markets, food festivals, or similar events to help them select some never-triedbefore produce. It will give them a hands-on experience and will encourage them to try new foods.
Movie Night Everyone loves to watch a great flick. But what can take the moviewatching experience from good to great? Consider upgrading your home theater environment to create a space where kids want to stay
home. Depending on your budget, you could hang fun movie posters, build a new DVD case, install dimmable lighting or surround-sound, get a larger TV, or even buy custom leather seats. You want to feel like you’re front and center, explains David Pidgeon, CEO of Starpower, the largest seller of projectors in the U.S. “With a 120-inch screen, you actually feel like you’re at the movies, giving you the complete theater experience but without the crowds and sticky floors,” says Pidgeon. The key is to create a media room that brings everyone together. “Don’t make it the parents’ room that the kids get to use,” Pidgeon says. “Make it fun for the whole family.” Continued on page 17 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 11
Continued from page 8
or safaris, tree-lined paths, and coastal roads. This country is packed with so many gorgeous places to explore from the road to Hana in Hawaii to the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Mount St. Helens and the surrounding snow-covered mountains in Washington State. For more ideas, check out America’s most scenic roads to view exquisite nature put together by Travel and Leisure magazine. Another great resource is www.myscenicdrives.com, which offers a free Road Trip Planner and Scenic Drive Finder. You can look up nature-filled drives to take in each state that you can use to plan day trips, weekend getaways, or cross-country adventures. Each pre-planned scenic drive features an overview, interactive map, and GPS directions. It also highlights recreational activities and places of historic and cultural interest to visit in the area.
Play the Cloud Imagination Game I always find it so fascinating to stare at fluffy white clouds and observe the amazing images that appear in the sky. Ask your children what they see in the clouds, such as animals, shapes, people, or other objects. Take it one step further and challenge them to create a story about the cloud images.
Watch for Wildlife Have your children keep an eye out for wildlife. If you are traveling in a rural area, you can spot cows, horses, and sheep. If you are in a coastal area, look for birds such as seagulls. In wooded areas you can find squirrels, deer, skunks, and raccoons. You can even look for animals in your local neighborhood, such as squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of birds.
Find Flowers and Trees Ask your children to watch for different kinds of flowers and trees that they see during the drive. Colorful gardens can be a real source of peace and can be found in all types of communities. You can make a game out of searching for flowers and trees by asking questions such as the following: Who can find the tallest tree? Who sees the most colorful garden? Can you name that flower or tree? Feel free to bring a nature guidebook on the drive to look up what they discover.
Soak in a Sunset What is more inspiring than a golden sunset? Time your drive for when the sun is setting and point it out to your children. Have your children describe the colors and how the sky is changing as the day slowly ends. Add excitement with a countdown or contest to see who
can guess how long it will take for the sun to disappear. Capture the moment by taking a photograph and then see if your children can re-create the sunset by drawing or painting it. I highly recommend catching a sunset as you drive along the coast.
Gaze at the Evening Sky I remember driving home at night from my grandmother’s house many times as a child and being awestruck as I looked up at the moon and stars in the sky. The night sky provides us with a sense of awe and makes us think about the infinite possibilities of our universe. See if your children can spot any planets or name the constellations. A really simple game is to have your young children count the stars and see who can find the most.
Play Car Nature Bingo The National Wildlife Federation created a do-it-yourself nature bingo game to encourage children to be observant of nature during a car drive. You can print out the bingo cards, which include pictures of animals and scenery that you are likely to see out the car window. Your kids will have a blast looking for butterflies, trees, dogs, flowers, ponds, and parks. v Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues.
By Sarah Lyons
6 reasons to make family dinner a priority Families have changed a lot in the last fifty years. More women have entered the workforce, giving families the benefit of two incomes; single-parent families are also more common; and kids are involved in more after-school activities than previous generations. All of these lead to both positive and negative changes in family dynamics and ultimately leave us with busier lives and fuller schedules. While there are benefits to our current lifestyle, we cannot deny the fact that designated family dinner time has suffered. Before you brush family dinner aside as a thing of the past, consider the benefits of making it a priority.
Picky Eaters When families eat dinner at home, they are more likely to be exposed to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. The foods we eat are usually made from fresh ingredients as well. Families who eat on the go often turn to fast-food or quick meals because of convenience. These options are typically higher in fat and calories, and are loaded
with sodium. Picky eaters who are exposed to more fruits and vegetables at home are more likely to try new foods over time.
Portion Control Families who eat at home control the portion size. This helps teach kids healthy eating habits. “Over the past few years portions have grown significantly in restaurants as
has the frequency of Americans eating out. Bigger portions can mean that you’re getting more food than your body can stomach to maintain a healthy weight” (www.heart.org). Eating proper portions along with a variety of healthy foods will teach kids how to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they become adults.
Opens Communication Dinner time is a great opportunity to catch up with what is going on with each family member. Go around the table and have each family member state their high and low of the day. This gives every member of the family a time to share the best and worst of their day and allows for further discussion. Giving the family a designated time to talk helps connect family members to each other and opens the lines of communication between them.
Saves Money In 2009, the average American spent $2,619 on eating out (www.yahoo.com). For a family of four that total comes to $10,476 and Continued on page 16
ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 13
in
HOW TO MAKE TIME FOR FAMILY DINNER Make it a priority. Schedule a consistent time for dinner. Plan meals ahead to save prep time. Serve simple meals, such as leftovers or cold sandwiches, on busy weeknights. Don’t over-schedule. Unplug—keep family dinner free from electronics.
Continued from page 13
that number continues to rise each year as we enjoy the convenience of dining out. It is obvious from these numbers that families can save a lot of money by eating at home.
Long-term Positive Benefits for Kids
It can be difficult to make time for family dinner, but given these great benefits it’s easy to see why it should be a priority. If your family schedule is complicated, start with one family dinner per week and slowly increase the frequency. It will not take long to see the benefits for every family member involved. v
According to www.thefamilydinnerproject. org kids who share dinners with their family several times a week are more likely to have higher self-esteem, have a lower risk of depression, and are less likely to develop eating disorders. Kids are also more likely to have better grades and to graduate high school.
Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to six children, including two-year-old triplets. Her family makes an effort to sit down for family dinner almost every night.
Continued from page 11
Creating a fun media room yields a great side benefit, too. “I want our home to be the place that our kids want to hang out with us and their friends,” says Pidgeon, a father of three teenagers. “When you provide a fun atmosphere at home, the kids gather there and you worry less about where they’re going.”
Game Night Get your game on! Goodbye Chutes and Ladders and hello strategy games, cooperative games, and party games good for a crowd. Play something fun that engages kids and stimulates their minds. Need a few ideas? Take your cue from these moms:
From Suzan Dees (two kids aged 13 and 21): I brought out an old favorite game, Scattergories, and my kids loved it! It was so much fun to see what they came up with. Here are some other family games perfect for tweens and teens: Apples to Apples, Reverse Charades, Clue, Spontuneous and Settlers of Catan. Whether you’re whipping up tamales in the kitchen, watching your favorite thriller on the big screen, or playing a board game, you can bring your family together—even the tweens and teens—for a night of fun. v
From Betsy McMenamin (three kids aged 14-22) Pandemic is awesome! You don't play in teams—all players work together collectively. You either all win or you all lose.
Lisa Beach is a freelance journalist and copywriter. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, USA Today Back to School, Parents, Edible Orlando, and more. Check out her writer’s website at www.LisaBeachWrites.com.
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Plantar Fasciitis—A Pain in the Heel If your first few steps out of bed in the morning cause a stabbing pain in the heel of your foot, it’s very likely you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis involves the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. The pain is typically worse first thing in the morning or after other long periods of physical inactivity. Plantar fasciitis is quite common, with an estimated 10 percent of Americans experiencing the condition at some point in their lifetime. It is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Risk factors that increase your likelihood of a plantar fasciitis diagnosis are:
• Being female • Running, as a sport or hobby • Being overweight • Having a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces
The condition typically starts gradually, with the sensation of mild pain at the heel bone, often referred to as a stone bruise. The patient is more likely to feel the pain after, as opposed to during, physical exercise. Plantar fasciitis is a fairly common and treatable overuse injury. But left untreated, it can become a chronic condition that prevents you from maintaining your activity level. It can also cause knee, hip and back problems, because plantar fasciitis can change the way you walk. 18 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts as a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. Repetitive or chronic tension and stress on that bowstring can create small tears in the fascia and a resulting inflammation, though in many cases the cause of plantar fasciitis isn’t clear. Footwear with proper arch and heel support is the best way to try to prevent foot pain and injuries, but if you find yourself with a diagnosis or suspected case of plantar fasciitis, there are some steps you can take at home. First, consider keeping weight off your foot until the initial inflammation subsides, applying ice to the painful area in 20 minute intervals throughout the day. Finally, stretching exercises for your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia are by far the best treatments to address the injury and prevent reoccurrence. A qualified orthopedist or physical therapist can help you with a definitive diagnosis and to develop a program you can follow at home. They can also advise you on how and when to return to your desired level of activity, to ensure you don’t hinder your recovery. Most important, don’t write off foot pain as something you just have to live with. Talk with your primary care physician about any issues that send you to the medicine cabinet regularly for managing pain or that restrict your level of movement and quality of life. v
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Our FamilyChatter Challenge is simple— just do your best. Here are some easy questions that will hopefully inspire your family to engage in great conversations whenever, however, you can. Enjoy!
Live, Laugh, Love, and TALK TOGETHER!
What are you looking forward to the most about summer vacation? Why?
What are some things you can do around the house for your mother (without being asked) that will make your mother really happy?
Do you like to read? Summer is great for getting in some good reading. What are some books you’d really like to tackle this summer?
Can you think of any volunteer work you can do during the summer that would help your community?
Moms: What are you looking forward to the most about Mother’s Day? What makes you the happiest about being a mom?
What would be worse during the summer? • Having to take summer school • Having to babysit often • Working a summer job
Dad: What are you looking forward to the most about Father’s Day? What makes you the happiest about being a dad?
What are some things you look forward to doing with your dad this summer?
How often do you say “I love you” to your family members? How do you show your love?
What are some home improvement projects you’d like to see happen this summer? How can you help with these projects?
Keep the Conversation Going with Follow-up Questions: Interesting. What else can you tell me about that? o Now what are you going to do? o No way! Can you tell me more? o Seriously? Then what happened? o How do you feel about what happened? o How does this make you feel? oW hat’s your next step? o
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Enroll in Florida’s FREE VoluntaryCWhei lpdr Co vairdee Qf rueees trieosnosu? r c e a n d r e f e r r a l s e r v i c e s t o l o c a l f a m i l i e s regarding childcare. Prekindergarten Parent Line: (850) 833-9333 Edu ation Progra Ear ly L ear n in g Co aliti on of the Eme r al d Coa 113 0 N Eglin Par kway, Shal i mar , FL 32579 (8 5 0 ) 8 3 3 -3 6 2 7 www.el c-ec.o rg
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This sturdy lift-a-flap board book has bright and colorful illustrations that you can explore with your infant. the
R e se ar ch sh o ws that c hildren who parti ciAs pate i n hyour i gh -qu al i ty and the little yellow bee follow the silvery trail, you will find the little blue snail. From you, infant, pr e kin de rgarten pr ograms ar e be tte r pr e pare d fo r sch oo l and bright illustrations to the cute simple rhymes, this book invites you to get out in nature and explore. de ve l o p l i fe l o ng soci al an d e mo ti on al ski l l s.
ACTIVITY: Spend some time outside with your infant. Go into your backyard or venture to a park with a blanket to sit on and your book ready to read. Play a version of peek-a-boo while reading. Before you lift the flap, e Early Le arn“Where in g Co alitio n of the Eme r alwill d Coast's ssi on i s to work on the understanding that even though they askThyour infant, is the_____?” This help mi your infant su pposee rt than e su cce ss oitf is e ve ry chi l d and i r fami thryour oughinfant, name the object you see, such as the grass. Point cannot object, still there. Asthe you readl y to e arly e du catio n an d car e . to qu theality actual grass and let your infant touch the grass, then name it and explain how it feels (rough, soft, wet, etc.). You will build your infant’s vocabulary while using multiple senses. Child Care Questions?
W e p r o v i d e f r e e r e s oBUGS urce and referral services to local families BACKYARD
egarding childcare. By rJill McDonald, ISBN-13: 978-0-553-52105-4
oll in Florida’s EE Voluntary ekindergarten
ation Progra
P a r e n t Llove i n e : (to 8 5 0be ) 8 adventurous. 33-9333 Toddlers They are little explorers and learn best through hands-on activities. This sturdy book is all about different bugs that surround us when we step outside. What makes this book stand out is that it extends past naming the bug and gives some specific information about each bug. Did you know that a ladybug can to Coal fivei tithousand bugs its lifetime? If you have a toddler who likes bugs, Earlyeat Le arup ni ng on of the Eme r al dinCoast this book is a must! 113 0 N Egl i n P ar kway, S hal i mar , FL 32579 (8 5 0 ) 833-3627
www.el c-ec.o rg warmer and our world outside is coming back to life and is ready to ACTIVITY: The days are getting
explore. Create a bug exploration kit with your toddler. Gather together a clear cup with a lid, a magnifying glass, tweezers, and paper and crayons in order to draw what you find. Spend time outside with your toddler finding bugs and talking about the color, wings or lack of, what they think they eat, using open-ended questions to expand their thoughts. Go into your backyard or a park, or even take a walk around your neighborhood, to see what your explorer can find. The key is to be actively involved with your little explorer and ask those questions to help them think deeper and understand further.
THE VERY IMPATIENT CATERPILLAR
By Ross Burach, ISBN-13: 978-1-33828941-1
Being patient can be hard to do and it takes a lot of practice. The little caterpillar in this book has an extremely hard time being patient. This comical book not only brings you through the stages of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly but it also shows how hard it is for this caterpillar to be patient through his process of change.
ACTIVITY: Read this book with drama and the words and understanding will stick with your preschooler as you giggle your way through the pages. Take a walk outside and look for caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies. Create an exploration kit that has binoculars, a journal, and crayons so your child can draw what they see. Go to a local butterfly house and explore all the different types of butterflies and caterpillars there. Talk about the process and the vocabulary of becoming a butterfly and what it means to migrate. When your child is having a problem being patient, reflect on what the impatient caterpillar did in order to be patient so that he could change into a butterfly, and how hard it was but that he did it anyway. 1130 N EGLIN PARKWAY, SHALIMAR, FL 32579, (805) 833-3627 | WWW.ELC-EC.ORG
ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 21
Welcome to
Let's go
bowling!
Or throw darts, or play pool, or have a great salad, or share your singing skills with the Karaoke bunch, or catch the big game. You get my point? Cordova Lanes is a Bowling Center... as in Community Center. We have plenty of activities, but more importantly; we have the perfect vehicle to assist you in meeting your goals, personally, professionally and as a family! Bowling leads to health, happiness and self-esteem. Let me explain. Bowling turns flabby, uncoordinated bodies into buff rocks with OMG motor skills. Bowling turns a group of strangers into life-long friends sharing a common hobby. Bowling, when combined with a fundraising event or league, turns introverted, inexperienced newbs into sharp, confident members of a greater community. Bowling turns a group of strangers who happen to share a house into a family, as they struggle against a common enemy (those darn pins!). Opportunities abound for families and kids to get involved in this sport that will last a lifetime. Check out some of the different Family options: 22 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
MAY 27TH-AUGUST 9TH Mondays through Fridays, 10 am – 1 pm; Ages 5 to 18.
Pins & Pals Summer Camp runs Monday through Friday, 10 am – 1 pm; Ages 5 to 18. You’ll begin with bowling basics and end with a greater appreciation for bowling and a comfort level that’ll let you enjoy bowling more; all with your very own bowling ball to keep forever (included with camp). Coaches are available to help you develop a perfect shot, or to just show you enough to allow you to enjoy the sport. Lunch is provided each day. Reserve a seat early, as they go quickly. Once you’ve reserved
your seat and paid in full, you’ll be sent to the Pro Shop to pick out the color of your ball and have it fitted just for you! Contact Us for more details. Remember, Nobody ever gets cut from Bowling!! Family Fun League meets each Tuesday night. The idea is for the entire family to bowl together, in a relaxed and fun league environment. C’mon kids, show Mom & Dad how to bowl! Parents, grandparents, sons, nieces… even weird Uncle Harold… all bowling together. The fun lasts for 10 weeks, wrapping up in mid-August with a big pizza bash. Cost is usually around $10 or less per person, per week. Youth Bowling Leagues provide the easiest way to jump into bowling. They meet on Saturdays. School field trips provide a great way to display school spirit. Cheer on your classmates as you enjoy the fun and excitement! Now here’s something we’re proudly famous for! We can host well over 100 students, or as few as four! We provide a safe, kid-friendly environment where students can learn to display sportsmanship as they cheer on their classmates. The bowlers will always remember the excitement of bowling under the black lights with their friends. The cost is ridiculously low, and a snack or lunch can be catered as well. Consider this a great end-of-year party choice. Contact Us for more details!
Top
5 Reasons
to go bowling
Bowling is good, light aerobic exercise, its like hiking 1.5 miles. As with any exercise, it’s most effective when done regularly. And your fellow bowlers will be there to help when you just can’t get motivated. Bowling is good fellowship! And just like exercise, socializing is most effective when done regularly. Humans are social animals—exercise your mind and spirit along with your body. Join a league, they aren’t just groups of strangers; they’re friends you haven’t met yet. Joining a league means you’ve been adopted by a group of folks with the same interests as you! Need a reliable professional for your home or business? Bet there’s someone in your league who can refer one for you. Are you a reliable professional? Want more business? Let your bowling partners become your business partners.
By Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.
Flying and Your Child’s Ears How Does Flying Affect Ears?
Many of us have felt that weird ear-popping sensation when we fly. For kids (especially babies and young children), it can feel especially odd and even be scary at first. But it’s a common, normal part of flying. This sometimes-uncomfortable sensation is related to pressure changes in the air space behind the eardrum (the middle ear). Normally, the Eustachian tube, a passageway that leads from the middle ear to the back of the throat behind the nose, equalizes the air pressure in the middle ear to the outside air pressure by opening and letting air reach the middle ear. When our ears “pop” while yawning or swallowing, the Eustachian tubes are adjusting the air pressure in the middle ears. In kids, however, the relatively narrow Eustachian tubes might not do this as well, especially if they’re clogged with mucus from an ear infection or cold, or blocked by enlarged or swollen adenoids. Whether you’re flying, scuba diving, climbing a mountain, or even riding in an elevator, air pressure decreases as you go higher and increases as you go lower. If the pressure isn’t equalized, the higher air pressure pushes on one side of the eardrum and causes pain. That’s why so many babies cry during those last few minutes
of the flight, as the air pressure in the cabin increases as the plane prepares to land. But the pain is only temporary; it won’t cause any lasting problems for kids and usually will ease within a few minutes as the Eustachian tubes open to let the air pressure equalize on both sides of the eardrums. If your child has an ear infection, your doctor may recommend delaying flying, if possible, until the infection is gone. This will help your child avoid increased pain and a possible rupture, or tear, of the eardrum. In kids who have had ear tube surgery, the tubes will help the air pressure equalize more easily.
What Can Help Ease Ear Pain?
These tips can help equalize the air pressure in your child’s ears and prevent or decrease ear pain during air travel. Have your child:
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids (water is best)
throughout the flight. Drinking a lot is very important. It encourages swallowing, which opens the Eustachian tubes. Also, airplane air is dry, which thickens nasal mucus, making it more likely for the Eustachian tubes to Continued on page 27
24 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Cut out this page. Then cut it down the middle. He takes his half, she takes hers. Keep it simple. Don’t keep score. Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!
Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say, “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!
10 WAYS to sh w
R E H y u care Offer to take the children out while she takes a bath. Wake up early and help her get the children ready for the day. Tell her you appreciate all that she does to make the family run smoothly. Be specific. Suggest that she and a friend get manicures and/or pedicures. Surprise her with a spontaneous date (arrange for childcare ahead of time if necessary). Bring home flowers for her or pick some from your own garden. Send her a love note in the mail.
Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!
Arrange to take a portrait together. Listen next time you’re talking together. Look into her eyes and just listen—focus on her every word. Try something new together.
ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 25
Cut out this page. Then cut it down the middle. He takes his half, she takes hers. Keep it simple. Don’t keep score. Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!
Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say, “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!
10 WAYS to sh w
M I H y u care Play a board game together. Treat him to a back rub after he completes a hard project. Take him to dinner—someplace new; go on an adventure together. Initiate time together. Be spontaneous. Encourage him to spend time with his friends and/or on his hobbies. Fix him his favorite meal and watch a movie (of his choice) together. Create a holiday in his honor (other than Father’s Day). Record the date. Give him a big kiss (a real kiss, not a peck) as he’s leaving for work.
Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!
Secretly buy him tickets to an event he’d like to go to. Make a list of 10 things you love about him and hide it in one of his pockets before he leaves for work.
26 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine
Continued from page 24
become clogged.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen about a half hour before takeoffs or landings if you know your child has ear pain when flying. • Chew gum or suck on hard candy (only if your child is over 3 years old). • Take a bottle or pacifier or breastfeed. If you bottle-feed, make sure your baby is sitting upright while drinking. • Yawn frequently. • Stay awake for takeoff and landing. During sleep, we don’t swallow as often, so it’s harder to keep the air pressure in the middle ear equalized. • Practice a breathing exercise. Older kids and teens can practice this exercise during a flight’s ascent and descent: Breathe in slowly, then gently pinch the tip of the nose and exhale through the nose
while closing the mouth. Repeat as necessary.
If your child takes medicines that contain antihistamines or decongestants, talk to your doctor about whether to continue them during the flight. In some cases, a child may continue to have ear pain for longer periods (up to several hours) if the ears don’t “pop.” You can continue to give your child pain relievers according to the package directions until the pain eases. If it continues for more than several hours, call your doctor for advice. With a little patience and some simple precautions, though, you can make your next family flight less stressful and more comfortable for both you and your child. v
© 1995- 2014 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. | Reviewed by: Julio E. Pajaro, MD | Date reviewed: January 2019
Creating a Reader-Friendly Home A home filled with reading material is a good way to help kids become excited readers. What kind of books should you have? Ask your kids about their interests. If they’re too young to tell you, ask your local librarian for suggestions about age-appropriate books. Also, you can visit Reading BrightStart! to find book suggestions for children from birth to age 5. Here are some other tips:
Keep a Variety of Reading Materials Collect board books or books with mirrors and different textures for babies. Preschoolers enjoy alphabet books, rhyming books, and picture books. Elementary-age kids enjoy fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, plus dictionaries and other reference books. Kids can understand stories they might not be able to read on their own. If a more challenging book interests your child, read it together. Younger kids can look at illustrations in books and ask questions as they follow along. Besides books, your kids might also enjoy:
• magazines (for kids) • audio books • postcards, emails, and text messages from relatives • photo albums or scrapbooks • newspapers • comic books
• the Internet • beginning reading and alphabet games on a computer/tablet
• magnetized alphabet letters • e-readers or e-books
Keep Reading Materials Handy Keep sturdy books with other toys for easy exploration. Books near the changing table and high chair can be helpful distractions for younger kids. Plastic books can even go in the bathtub. Keep books next to comfy chairs and sofas where you cuddle up so you can read after feedings and before naps.
Create a Special Reading Place As your kids grow:
• Keep books and magazines on shelves they can
reach in their favorite hangouts around the home. Make these shelves inviting and keep them organized. • Place some of the books with the covers facing out so they’re easy to spot. • Put a basket full of books and magazines next to their favorite places to sit. • Create a cozy reading corner, and encourage your kids to use it by setting up “reading corner time” each day. Continued on page 31
28 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Enroll in Florida's FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program!
The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast's mission is to support the success of every child and their family through quality early education and care. Research shows that children who participate in high-quality prekindergarten programs are better prepared for school and develop lifelong social and emotional skills. Florida offers free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Children must live in Florida and be 4-years-old on, or before, September 1 of the current year to be eligible. If their birthday falls from February 2 through September 1, you may wait to enroll your child the following year, at the age of 5.
Apply online by visiting: www.familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com 1130 N. Eglin Pkwy · Shalimar, FL · 850.833.3627 · elc-ec.org
Cookie Dough Heart YOU NEED Packaged sugar cookie dough 8 ounces strawberry flavored cream cheese spread Rolling pin
• • •
• 8 cups assorted fresh fruit, washed and sliced
• Baking stone or cookie sheet
DIRECTIONS Using a rolling pin, roll the cookie dough into a thin sheet on your baking stone or cookie sheet, about ¼-½ in. We used a large heart cookie cutter to shape the heart. You can also just shape it into a heart. Bake according to the directions on the package. Spread the cream cheese in a thin layer over the surface of the cookie. Layer the fresh fruit over the frosting in whatever pattern you desire. If desired, cover the fruit with a light coat of ¼ cup apricot jelly mixed with 1 Tbsp water using a pastry brush. Combine the jelly and water, and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until the jelly is smooth. Use a pastry brush to glaze the top of your fruit. This prevents the cut fruit from looking wilted.
•
• • • •
Cookie Dough-Stuffed PB Fudge COOKIE DOUGH INGREDIENTS 1 Stick butter, softened ¾ Cup dark brown sugar 1 Tsp. vanilla 1 Cup flour
• • • •
• ½ Tsp. salt • 2 Tbsp. milk • ½ c. Mini chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS Cream butter and sugar; add vanilla and mix together. Add flour and salt and mix thoroughly. (Dough will be crumbly.) Stir in 2 Tbsp. milk and mini chocolate chips.
• • •
FUDGE INGREDIENTS 1 Can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk, divided in half ¼ Cup mini chocolate chips
•
• 16 oz. vanilla Candiquik,
•
•
divided in half ½ Cup peanut butter, divided in half
DIRECTIONS Pour ½ can of sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan and heat slightly over low heat. Add 8 oz. vanilla Candiquik and ¼ c. peanut butter and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour into 8 x 8 inch pan that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Refrigerate until firm. Once firm, spread cookie dough on top of fudge layer and press down completely. Repeat fudge steps with remaining fudge ingredients; pour melted mixture over cookie dough layer. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate. Cut into pieces. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into pieces.
• • • • • • •
30 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com Compliments of Cathy Trochelman, www.lemontreedwelling.com
Continued from page 28
Make It Inviting Make sure reading areas have good lighting. Change the materials often—add seasonal books, rotate different magazines, and include books that are about topics your kids are interested in or learning about in school. Decorate the corner with your child’s artwork or writing. Keep a CD or other music player nearby for audio books.
Encourage Creativity Set up a writing and art center and encourage your kids to make books, posters, or collages that they decorate with their own pictures and writing. Kids love to read things they’ve written themselves or to share their creations with family and friends. Ask your kids to act out the story.
Think About the Reading Environment Other ways to encourage your kids to read:
• Limit your kids’ screen time (including TV, computer, smartphones, tablets, and video games) to make sure they have time for reading. • Keep reading activities family-centered, and guide your child in reading activities and media. Even with today’s high use of technology, you can decide how much print and how much media to allow into
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story time. Reading e-books doesn’t have to mean giving up lap-time. Make sure to snuggle up with a story often, in whatever format. • Read together. Read a book aloud or ask your child to read to you from a favorite magazine or book. Make a habit of sitting together while you each read your own books, sharing quiet time together. © 1995- 2014 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. | Reviewed by: Kandia N. Lewis, PhD | Date reviewed: September 2018
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Rainbow Popsicles INGREDIENTS (ALL FRUIT SHOULD BE FROZEN) Red—1 banana, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 cup raspberries, 1/2 cup strawberries, water or liquid for blending Orange—1 banana, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 cup peaches, 1 small orange, 1/4 cup mango, water or liquid for blending Yellow—2 bananas, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 cup pineapple, water or liquid for blending Green—2 bananas, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 handful (or more) spinach, 1 cup pineapple, water or liquid for blending Blue—pineapple, a small amount of blue food coloring, water or liquid for blending Purple—1 banana, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 cup mixed berries, water or liquid for blending Magenta—1 banana, 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 cup sliced beets, 1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries
• • • • • • •
DIRECTIONS
(STEP TWO)
POPSICLE
• Using a spoon, layer each color smoothie into popsicle molds
in rainbow order. (It’s natural for the layers to blend a bit, but I have noticed that spooning the smoothies into the mold versus pouring the smoothie in from a glass leaves better results.) Once the molds are filled, add the sticks and freeze the popsicles overnight. To get the popsicles to release from the mold, fill your kitchen sink with room temperature water. Place the mold in the water, making sure the water does not go above the top of the mold. Allow the mold to sit in the water for a few seconds. Begin to wiggle a popsicle free. If it feels tough, allow them to sit in the water a few more seconds. Once all of the popsicles are removed from the mold, enjoy or wrap the extras in plastic wrap and return to the freezer.
• •
Compliments of thefirstyearblog.com
• • •
Tie Up Your Father’s Day Gift INGREDIENTS Tall clear vase White cardstock (8.5” x 11”) Scissors
• • •
• Double-sided sticky tape • Chex mix • Template for the tie & collar
DIRECTIONS Download our template for the tie and collar (under photo) from our website and print it out on white cardstock. Cut out the tie and collar and extra extension piece. Fold collar on dotted lines. Wrap the collar all the way around the vase and attach with double-sided sticky tape. Fill with Dad’s favorite snack.
• • • • •
32 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Download template https://www.dropbox.com /s/k2w3hd3pmdodp4c/fathersday
3005 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola, FL 32504 805.733.9983 | facebook.com/spyrosagrb
TA S H A
NEW PRODUCTS, USEFUL TIPS & MUCH MORE!
CLICK HERE
WILLIA
MS
Mother’s Day Flower MATERIALS Large paint stick Green paint Fun Foam
• • •
• Double-sided sticky tape • Scissors • Sharpie Markers® – black, gold & silver
INSTRUCTIONS Use green paint to turn the large paint stick into a stem. When dry, write “I Love My Mom Because…” on stem with a Sharpie marker. Cut green fun foam into two leaf-shaped pieces. Write “Mother’s Day” and “2019” on the leaves. Attach leaves to the stem using double-sided sticky tape. Trace your child’s hand onto one sheet of fun foam using a marker. Cut this hand out; this will be your stencil. Use this hand stencil to trace all 8 of the “hand petals” in various colors. Discard template when finished. Cut each petal out. Turn petals over so you can’t see any residual marker. Write nice things about Mom on each of the petals using Sharpie markers. Cut the yellow fun foam into a 6“ circle. Attach it to the stem with sticky tape. Cut a nice picture into a circle and attach it to the larger yellow circle. Attach hand petals to yellow circle using sticky tape to create a flower-like effect.
• • • • • • • •
Decorative Candle Jars MATERIALS A candle jar Floral stickers Scrapbooking flowers
• • •
• Washi tape, paper ribbon, or fabric ribbon
• Hot glue
INSTRUCTIONS Remove any exterior labels from the candle. Apply flower stickers decoratively around the candle and on the lid. Apply washi tape, paper ribbon, or fabric ribbon in a circle around the jar. Using hot glue, glue the Scrapbooking flowers onto the jar. This can cover up the overlapping edges of the ribbon. Add flowers to the lid as well.
• • • • •
Tip: You can pick out anything to decorate these candles that you think Mom would like. It’s really up to you and what you think would make this candle special.
34 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Paperweights MATERIALS Large metal lids Pre-mixed grout A variety of decorations including letters
• • •
• Sponge • Spatula • Spray paint
INSTRUCTIONS Spray paint the lid of your can. Scoop grout out of the tub with a spatula and push it securely into the lid. Use a wet sponge to smooth out the grout. Carefully push letters, stones, marbles and glass pieces into paperweight. Use sponge again to remove any excess grout and clean off decorations.
• • • • •
Tip: These are great gift ideas for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Just change the words as needed!
“Handmade” Hammer MATERIALS Wooden hammer Sandpaper Spray primer Spray paint for the base color Spray clear coat
• • • • •
• Acrylic paint in various colors of your choice Plastic wrap Painter’s tape Foam brush
• • •
INSTRUCTIONS Remove any labels or price tags from the hammer. Use a product such as Goo-gone to remove any leftover residue. Rub sandpaper lightly over the entire wooden handle so that the primer adheres well. Cover the metallic head of the hammer with plastic wrap and painter’s tape so it will not be covered in paint. Spray primer over the entire wooden handle and allow to dry. Spray the wooden handle with a base color and allow to dry. Find several willing children (we had 3) and paint their hand with their favorite color of acrylic paint. Have the child carefully grasp the handle so they leave their fingerprints and palm print. You can do this at different times if you’d like it to dry in between. Once the acrylic paint has dried, spray the entire wooden handle with Clearcoat. Remove plastic wrap and painter’s tape.
• • • • • • • •
Tip–If you balance the hammer on its head, you can spray paint the entire thing without having to turn it over. 36 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
TEEN TALK dvice from Helpful A er! to Anoth One Teen
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN As we approach the end of the school year, graduation and adulthood are ever-present in the minds of seniors. For my friends and me, it is almost unbelievable that in just a few months, we will be leaving high school for good. Though we are still worrying about our final exams and resenting having to wake up as early as we do, the majority of seniors are sad to see high school go. The last four years have presented an opportunity for all of us to grow not only as individual people but also as friends and as students. We have grown together, sharing similar experiences and emotions. We have bonded with our teachers, learned new ways of looking at the world, and encouraged one another to always do our best. High school has shaped us, as these years have given us insight into the people we are becoming and a set of friends who have made our time so much better. I am forever grateful for the things I was able to accomplish and the people I was able to meet. My advice to the incoming freshmen, or any high school student, is to be involved, to focus on academics, and to be patient. Get involved
in clubs or sports, even if you’re just watching them. Friday night football games with my friends were always something I looked forward to. Don’t blow off assignments and think that your grades don’t matter, because they do. There is so much to learn. Although high school felt like an eternity, in retrospect, the years feel as though they have flown past. It is okay to be a freshman, a sophomore, a junior, a senior. Whatever stage of your life you are in, live in it, because there is only one moment in time in which you will be where you are now. In a couple of months my friends and I will be saying goodbye to high school, to a special part of our lives. Though the years weren’t always pretty, and there were plenty of times when we joked about never coming back, high school is definitely something I appreciate as I venture into a new stage of my life. v
Nia
S ENIOR, AGE 17
Resource Guide
Looking for fun, adventure, and great food? Experience life to the fullest by discovering new tastes and fun-filled experiences—the Emerald Coast has it all. Enjoy! Crestview | Destin | FWB | Gulf Breeze | Navarre | Niceville/Valparaiso | Pensacola GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 243-9046 Delight in watching dolphins leap and sea lions play during spectacular shows! Enjoy educational exhibits and beautiful gulf views.
THE TRACK
Local Attractions Tickets BIG KAHUNA’S WATER PARK 1007 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 837-4061 With more than 40 water attractions and an adventure park, Big Kahuna’s offers something for everyone. Big Kahuna’s has been Destin’s one and only water park for more than 25 years!
GATOR BEACH AT FUDPUCKER’S 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 654-4200 Gator Beach gives you the chance to see more than 80 live alligators in an up-close and personal environment. You’ll not only be able to see the gators but feed them as well!
1125 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 654-4668 The Track Family Fun Park features the southeast’s premier go-carting and family fun centers including The Track Family Fun Parks in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Destin, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as Fat Daddy’s Arcades in Destin, Florida; FWB, Florida; and Orange Beach, Alabama. Each of our five parks features The Track’s signature three-and-a-half-story elevated go-cart ride along with a vibrant lineup of family attractions ranging from family go-cart tracks, Fat Daddy’s Arcades, and thrill rides to miniature golf courses, kids’ country rides, and more.
Five Flags Speedway 7451 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, 944-8400 Five Flags Speedway is a paved half-mile (0.8 km) auto-racing oval. It opened in 1953 and is located on Pine Forest Road. It is christened after Pensacola’s
38 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
nickname, “City of Five Flags.” The speedway runs several local classes during the regular racing season (March–October). These classes include Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Super Stocks, Sportsman, and Bombers. The races are usually held on Friday nights bi-weekly. The track also hosts many regional touring series.
Gulf Breeze Zoo 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-2229 The Gulf Coast area’s awardwinning Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 900 native and exotic animals. The zoo offers many hands-on animal encounters and kids activities perfect for field trips, family day trips, and exciting birthday parties.
Maximum Magic Dinner Show 1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 424-5125 Illusionist of the year Noah Wells presents Maximum Magic, Destin’s only magic show, with mind-blowing illusions, hilarious comedy, special effects, unbelievable mentalism, and more!
National Naval Aviation Museum 1750 Radford Blvd, Ste C, Pensacola, 452-3604 The National Naval Aviation Museum, formerly known as the National Museum of Naval
Aviation and the Naval Aviation Museum, is a military and aerospace museum located at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. The museum was established December 14, 1962, with the initial facility located in a cramped 8,500-square-foot building on the air station that had been erected during World War II, and it was dedicated in June 1963.
Pensacola Ice Flyers 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 466-3111 The Pensacola Ice Flyers are a professional ice-hockey team of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The team played their first season in 2009–2010. Home games are played at the Pensacola Bay Center, previously home to the ECHL’s Pensacola Ice Pilots from 1996 until their folding in 2008.
Pensacola Lighthouse 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, 393-1561 Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola lighthouse for one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is located onboard the NAS Pensacola. The top of the tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Pass (where Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico), three historic forts, the Pensacola skyline, and the
E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S historic Navy Yard. The fully restored Keepers’ Quarters, built in 1869, is home to the Richard C. Callaway museum, which houses numerous exhibits on local history and the lighthouse itself.
in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Enjoy exhibits that you will find extraordinary, unusual, shocking, and possibly true to life!
Pensacola Museum of Art
6709 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, 505-0800 Sam’s Fun City is family owned and operated by Richard and Terry Sanfilippo. The park is named after the Sanfilippo’s daughter, Samantha. In 1996, after a successful career in environmental science and engineering, Richard redirected his energy toward creating a family-focused business in Pensacola, Florida. After a significant planning period, the first phase of the park opened in September 2000. The park has continued to grow over the years by adding bumper boats and mini golf in 2001, phase one of an arcade in 2003, a water park in 2005, and an expanded arcade in 2008. With more than 40 rides, slides, and attractions, Sam’s Fun City is the largest fun park on the central Gulf Coast.
407 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, 432-6247 The Pensacola Museum of Art is the only art museum in the city of P e nsacola, Florida. It was founded in 1954 by a group of women from the American Association of University Women. These determined women combined their efforts to create an art center that would exhibit traveling shows, offer art classes for both children and adults, and provide meeting space for members of the community as well as create a forum for lectures, films, and other cultural presentations. They joined forces with others in the community who shared this same vision and formed the Pensacola Art Association.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 9907 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 230-6113 Explore the odd and unusual at this family friendly attraction
Sam’s Fun City
SKYZONE 5007 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 500-1663 We’re always working to invent epic new ways to play, gather, and compete. Even though we’re the originators of wall-to-wall aerial action, we never stand still. We’ve been voted the number one “out of the box” workout and the “best party ever.” We’re dedicated to providing you with the pure joy that comes from flying. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers, and people who believe that jumping is freedom. We believe fitness can be fun and play can be smart. We are healthy and bursting with energy. We fly high and keep it safe. We are Sky Zone.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Park
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1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 400-3300 Wild Willy’s has a number of different attractions sure to make everyone’s day!
WonderWorks 9910 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 249-7000 WonderWorks is an amazing attraction where scientific principles and fun come together to provide an unrivaled educational experience!
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L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T
Outdoors Adventures Unlimited 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, 623-6197 Discover the fun of outdoor adventure at Northwest Florida’s premier recreation center! Situated along the secluded Coldwater Creek, experience nature’s beauty. Relax with us— you’ll be glad you did!
Coldwater Gardens Glamping Experience 7009 Creek Stone Rd, Milton, 426-1300 Situated on a gentle slope overlooking a pine savanna, our tents are outfitted with amenities that make your experience relaxing. Each tent is equipped with top glamping amenities including a queen-size bed, minifridge, coffee maker, outdoor shower, and charcoal grill.
DESTIN HELICOPTER BEACH TOURS 34859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 424-5125 View the beautiful Emerald Coast from above on a thrilling helicopter tour!
Horseback Trail Rides 613 S County Hwy 393, Destin, 208-3114 Located close to the Destin beaches, this stable offers trail rides and RV space. With 13,800 acres of state forest, there is plenty of riding to fill up your day.
Panama City Beach Helicopter Tours 15726 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 230-2080 View the beautiful Panama City Beach coastline from above on an amazing helicopter tour!
Pensacola Aerial Beach Tour
Deep Sea Fishing Party Boat
4145 Jerry Maygarden Rd, Pensacola, 346-4230 Our Piper Saratoga has six seats— plenty of room for the entire family! Choose from a romantic Sunset Champagne Beach Tour or an adventurous Shark Patrol, and make some wonderful memories.
102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7095 Come fish with one of the oldest and largest fishing fleets on the Emerald Coast, and fish the beautiful unspoiled waters of the Gulf of Mexico!
Zipline Canopy Tour
7 Calhoun Ave, Destin, 978-3060 Your adventure starts out at the Destin Marina as an experienced guide takes you to the dolphin “hangout.” After exploring, the guide will allow you to adventure out on your own as well!
8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, 889-2180 Fly through the air on a series of up to 14 ziplines topped off by a flyover of Coldwater Creek on a 900-foot stretch of cables!
Watersports Big Kahuna’s Water Park Aquatic Adventures Pontoon Rental 5915 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Captain your own boat from the still waters of Grand Lagoon just minutes from Shell Island, where you can pull up on the beach!
Blackwater River Tubing Trip 6974 Deaton Bridge Rd, Milton, 623-0235 Enjoy one of the last true wilderness getaways in Florida while tubing the Blackwater River! One of the purest sandbottom rivers in the nation, this river boasts clear, spring-fed water with a walking-speed current that is safe and fun for all ages!
Blue Angels Practice Cruise 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Pensacola, 898-9002 Watch true American heroes blaze across the skies with their amazing maneuvers and fearless speed. Enjoy the air-show maneuvers from the comfort of a 63-foot catamaran at the center of the show!
Destin Crab Island Waverunner Dolphin Tour
Destin Sailing Cruise Aboard the Daniel Webster Clements 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-2222 The Daniel Webster Clements is great for a day or evening sailing cruise and is equipped with two bathrooms and a deck that holds 37 guests. See dolphins and beautiful sights along the East Pass and Destin Harbor. Each cruise offers complimentary beer, wine, and sodas.
Destin X Jet Ski & Waverunner Rentals 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Customers are launched from the harbor, and all the equipment is in great condition!
DESTIN X PARASAILING 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Parasailing is one of Destin’s top activities and offers family fun for all ages. Daily departures are available during the spring and summer, weather permitting.
Destin X Pontoon Boat Rental 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Our pontoon rentals offer great prices and include fuel!
Discover Scuba Diving in Panama City Beach, 106 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 230-8006 The class includes classroom instruction followed by a fun beach dive!
Dolphin and Snorkel Excursion Aboard the Sea Screamer 2 3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 235-3000 This is one of the best ways to see beautiful Shell Island under and over water! Snorkel gear
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and instruction are included in your trip.
Dolphin Cruise Aboard the Original Sea Blaster 34 Harbor Blvd, Kiosk 60G, Destin, 654-6888 Join the fun, and come search the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico along the sugar-white sand beaches of De stin, Florida, for playful dolphins!
Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran 3901 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 769-3866 Listen to tropical music as you enjoy a complimentary wine, sangria, cold beer, or non-alcoholic beverage onboard Panama City Beach’s best sunset cruise!
Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise Aboard the Original Sea Screamer 3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 235-3000 The Sea Screamer offers exciting day cruises and breathtaking sunset cruises to enjoy. Journey by beautiful Shell Island and the State Park jetties, then go for a refreshing ride alongside the world’s most beautiful beaches and resorts.
Dolphin Watch and Destin History Cruise 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7095 Family owned and operated, the Dolphin Watch and Destin History Cruise is an ideal way to enjoy a relaxing one-anda-half-hour narrated cruise watching dolphins play in their natural habitat. The boat features a glass-bottom viewing area, snack bar, restrooms, and an airconditioned/heated cabin.
Fine Dining Dinner and Dancing Cruise 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-2519 The Solaris is the area’s only fine dining entertainment yacht. The yacht features fresh gulf seafood, prime beef, and much more, all prepared in a full-service galley. Live entertainment and a full bar are available to enhance the experience.
The Hydrojet—the World’s Largest Jet Ski! 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 865-3557 Known as the worlds largest jet ski, the Hydrojet can really move!
E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S Come get wet and have a blast with your friends and family!
Pontoon Boat Rental with Luther’s Watersports
INSHORE FISHING WITH 30A GUIDE SERVICE
200 & 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-8733 Pontoon boats are an easy way to enjoy the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin. All the boats are in great shape, reliable, and clean. Cruise around the bay, or just relax at crab island—it’s up to you!
105 Hogtown Bayou Ln, Destin, 699-1694 No trip to Santa Rosa Beach is complete without an inshore fishing trip. The Choctawhatchee Bay hosts a number of different species of fish. Trips in the bay are great for everyone from children and first-timers to the avid fisherman.
Offshore Fishing with Fish Now Charters 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Enjoy the scenic beauty of Panama City Beach as you and your group travel out to open water. Feel the heart-pounding thrill and awesome power of pulling a gigantic catch up from the depths.
Panama City Beach Pirate Cruise Aboard the Sea Dragon 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-7400 Come aboard Panama City Beach’s only pirate adventure cruise. Cruise away into the fantasy world of friendly swashbucklers and spirited pirates aboard an 85-foot pirate ship.
Pensacola Beach Dolphin Cruise 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, #16, Pensacola, 898-9002 Cruise aboard the 63-foot openair covered catamaran Portofino I, and spy dolphins, birds, and the other marine life playing in their natural habitat along the protected Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Private Six-Pack Deep-Sea Fishing with Reel Deal Charters 210 E Highway 98, Destin, 424-5125 Come aboard a charter that offers more than 15 years of experience fishing off the Florida Coast.
SeaQuest Dolphin Sightseeing Tour 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-2222 Climb aboard AJ’s SeaQuest, and experience affordable family fun as you cruise the emerald waters along the sugar-white sand beaches of Destin. The 53-foot boat carries up to 89 passengers and offers an array of excitement and fun for the entire family. Also receive complimentary drinks!
SHELL ISLAND DOLPHIN TOUR ON WAVERUNNERS 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 A popular way to see the dolphins and enjoy two hours of wave-runner riding on a guided tour to nearby Shell Island.
Shell Island Eco Sea-fari Tour and Dolphin Encounter 5550 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-3435 We begin the journey in the historic Grand Lagoon, then collect sea shells at Shell Island! The boat will remain at the dock while you explore the island. You will have an hour at your leisure to swim, go shelling, explore, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful and pristine uninhabited island!
Small-Group Dolphin and Snorkel Tour
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5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Take a cruise around Shell Island in search of wild bottlenose dolphins. This is a guided twohour cruise and a fun trip for the entire family. Not only do you get an exciting dolphin-tour experience, but free snorkel gear is included in case you want to park the boat and cool off.
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R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T
CHARLIE’S BURGER BAR
Snorkel and Dolphin Excursion on Destin’s Original Sea Blaster
2 Harbor Blvd, #100, Destin, 424-7695
34 Harbor Blvd, Kiosk 60G, Destin, 654-6888 Jump in and have some fun snorkeling! Then take a cruise and look for dolphins and other marine life along the coast. Snorkeling equipment is included.
A one-of-a-kind full-service burger bar. Choose from one of 18 different burgers, or get creative and build your own. Pick the bun, type of meat, cheese, and sides.
Sunset Dolphin Encounter Aboard Captain Anderson III
Multiple locations throughout area
5550 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-3435 Travel through the historic Grand Lagoon into St. Andrews Bay, then move up through the channel known as “the Pass” out to the edge of the gulf to watch dolphins play.
Swimming with Dolphins at Shell Island 5709 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 238-0909 Spend the day with a professional team of instructors who will teach the proper way to interact with dolphins. The tour is capped off with several live swim-ins at Shell Island for potential dolphin encounters.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
Restaurants American BONEHEADS FIRE GRILLED 10015 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-4002 We like to say adventure is the spice of life. We also like to say if you’ve perfected the spice of life, why fry it? At Boneheads, we serve freshly grilled food for a healthy dining experience that everyone can enjoy. We also offer full-service event catering. We can prepare and deliver food that tastes great to business meetings, training events, and more.
Hungry? We specialize in hot subs and submarine sandwiches made with premium meats and cheeses, steamed to perfection, then piled high on a toasted private-recipe sub roll. Our menu will surely satisfy your appetite! Founded by firemen. Catering available.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
Multiple locations throughout area Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made to order from the freshest ingredients. We find that superior, simple ingredients, including real fruit and veggies, set our smoothies apart from others.
Uncle Bill’s Family Restaurant 252 N Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 689-0099
ASIAGO’S SKILLET 300 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-4160
The Breakfast Table Cafe 385 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 460-7322
99 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 301-9464, buffalowildwings.com
Corner Cafe 692 Bob Sikes Blvd, FWB, 803-0263
KC’s Sandbar and Grille 190 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 244-1087
Props Craft Brewery and Grill 255 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 586-7117
Slick Mick’s Deli and Grille 19 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 864-5577
All American Heroes 8544 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9797
TC’s Front Porch 8552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-1601
Ye Olde Brothers Brewery 4458 Hwy 87, Navarre, 684-1495
Hurricane Grill and Wings 4597 Hwy 20 E, Niceville, 932-1075
One20, a Modern Bistro 120 Partin Dr, Niceville, 729-2120
Toast Wine Bar & Small Plate 4550 Hwy 20 E, Niceville, 279-6665
Carmelina’s Cafe 9400 University Pkwy, Pensacola, 208-6211
Cheddar’s
Chicken Salad Chick
7173 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 484-5203
36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy, #111, Destin, 460-2888
CJ’s Kitchen and Grille
Donut Hole Bakery & Café
2100 W Garden St, Pensacola, 435-9543
635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-8824
Flora-Bama Lounge
Johnny Rockets
17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, 492-0611
4348 Legendary Dr, Destin, 837-0005
Grover’s Fingers and Wings
LANDSHARK’S PIZZA
9418 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-7172
300 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-6743
Jackson’s Steakhouse
The Pancakery 960 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 269-0791
Shakes Frozen Custard
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Buffalo Wild Wings
400 S Palafox St, Pensacola, 469-9898
Magnolia
1065 Hwy 98, Destin, 269-1111
2907 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, 912-6196
Smashburger
O’Briens Bistro
4283 Legendary Dr, Destin, 424-7600
4350 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, 477-9120
Wingstop
Saltgrass Steak House
16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Ste 111, Destin, 837-5333
905 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 434-3600
E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E
Asian Bamboo Sushi Bar and Hibachi 2511 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 689-1391
THAI SIAM CUISINE 396 E Cedar Ave, Crestview, 423-4510
Yumi Buffet
Barbecue/Southern
Creole
Buck’s Smoke House
790 on the Gulf
303 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-3600
2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 650-4853
Smoke on the Water
4260 Legendary Dr, Destin, 424-5795
Mary’s Kitchen
314 Bayshore Dr, Niceville, 678-2233
Mellow Mushroom
99 Eglin Pkwy, #42, FWB, 863-1141
Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ
French Quarter Grill
2680 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 683-8886
The Tipsy Pig Bar and Grill
Jackacudas
138 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 301-0515
Louisiana Lunchbox
34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1288
Dirt Road Cookers 6900 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 384-8839
Rib Shack of Navarre
821 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-3945
9532 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4244
Lotus Thai
Five Sisters Blues Cafe
Thai Delights Restaurant
550 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 243-3744
421 W Belmont St, Pensacola, 912-4856
Siam Garden Café
KC JOHN’S BBQ
334 N Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 862-7426
Thaiger Thai Restaurant 99 Eglin Pkwy, #34, FWB, 581-7600
11117 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 417-2965
Sonny’s Bar-B-Q
364 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-6882
6702 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 476-7618 630 N Navy Blvd, Pensacola, 456-2000
Makong Thai Restaurant
Voodoo BBQ and Grill
Shang Hai Restaurant
1935 Ortega St, Navarre, 939-6950
Peking House 8224 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9898
Philippine Market and Café 144 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 729-0811
Thai International Restaurant 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2146
Bangkok Garden 1708 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola, 432-5511
Sake Cafe 4795 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 494-9999
Shanghai Buffet 1741 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 857-8891
Tu-Do Vietnamese Restaurant 7130 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-8877
La Famiglia Ristorante Italiano and Pizza
Café Bienville
714 Howell Rd, Niceville, 678-2604
New Dragon Mongolian Grill and Buffet
104 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 460-2990
302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 797-8252
925 Beal Pkwy, FWB, 314-0717
56 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-3507
Crust Pizzeria
1741 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 912-8111
Cajun Tonie’s Gumbo House 8600 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 428-3864
Bayou Cajun Seafood, Po’boys and Pho 6705 Pine Forest Rd, #500, Pensacola, 435-4200
CUBS CRAWFISH 11125 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 456-7551
Rodizio Grill 605 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 466-2113
The Ruby Slipper Cafe (Brazilian) 509 S Palafox Ave, Pensacola, 792-4834
Caribbean
7000 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, 361-1130
French Zesty Baguette Bistro 4418 Commons Dr, Ste C, Destin, 460-8797
Bay Café 233 Alconese Ave SE, FWB, 244-3550
Bon Appétit Bakery and Café 420 Mary Esther Cut-Off NW, FWB, 244-2848
Heavenly Croissant 722 N Beal Pkwy, FWB, 862-6790
German Schnitzel Brew House 98 Eglin Pkwy, Ste 8, FWB, 226-4796
The Schnitzel Lodge 4504 E Hwy 20, Niceville, 279-4485
Indian
960 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 650-6420
Mimmo’s 979 Hwy 98, #5, Destin, 460-7353
Vinny McGuire’s Pizza 29 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-0116
Ali’s Bistro 171 Brooks St SE, FWB, 226-4708
Clemenza’s 75 Eglin Pkwy Ste 126, FWB, 243-0707
Niki’s Pizza 2843 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-4228
Papa’s Pizza 37551 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-3334
NEW YORK PIZZA DEPOT 8207 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-6973
Sal’s Pizzeria and Grill 6903 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-8240
CIAO BELLA PIZZA 4400 E Hwy 20E, Niceville, 729-0066
Fazoli’s 7210 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-9585
Passage to India
Franco’s Italian Restaurant
3102 E Cervantes, Pensacola, 433-8887
523 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 433-9200
Taste of India
Georgio’s Pizza
810 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 439-3005
3000 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, 432-5996
Irish Beef O’Brady’s 2509 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-9588
Santino’s Pizza and Grinders 4771 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, 474-0400
TUSCAN OVEN
Johnny O’Quigley’s
4801 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 484-6836
1025 Industrial Dr, Crestview, 306-1012
Dominic’s Pizzeria
McGuire’s Irish Pub 33 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-0000
Italian
177 John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2131
Jamaican
Yum’s Chinese
The Caribbean Pot
Mia’s Italian Restaurant
Bamboo’s Jamaican Restaurant
1620 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, 477-2999
481 S John Sims Pkwy, Ste B, Valparaiso, 389-2270
2203 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-8333
236 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE, FWB, 226-6464
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Lana’s Jamaican House Cafe
La Paz Restaurante and Cantina
Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant
THE FISH HOUSE
7700 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola, 453-2144
950 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, 837-2247
530 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 650-4400
600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, 470-0003
Mediterranean
Ricon Boriqua
LULU’S DESTIN
538 Eglin Pkwy NE, FWB, 863-3323
4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, 710-5858 (LULU)
Zoe’s Kitchen
Sabor A Mexico
4357 Legendary Dr, Destin, 650-6525
El Paso Navarre
Aegean Breeze Deli 913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, #20, Gulf Breeze, 916-0430
YIOTA’S GREEK DELI 130 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Mary Esther, 302-0691
Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Cafe 236 W Garden St, Pensacola, 438-5650
13 Eglin Pkwy SE, FWB, 243-3331 9500 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4994
El Patron Mexican Grill 8137 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-0950
Old Mexico Restaurant 1177 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 729-1127
Taco Town
Hummus
113 Partin Dr, Niceville, 729-8646
3012 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 332-6709
Miguel’s Mexican Food
Jordan Valley Cafe
2 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 607-7121
201 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, 607-2780 4550 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 466-5901 201 S New Warrington, Pensacola, 466-2342
The Aegean Restaurant 1259 Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, 613-6120
Mexican/Cuban/ Puerto Rican CRAB ISLAND CANTINA 2 Harborwalk Blvd #100, Destin, 424-7417 We offer a large selection of seafood, Latin-inspired cuisine, award-winning fusion, and Black Angus steaks all served in a casual waterfront-dining atmosphere.
Rio Bravo 596 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 466-2468
Cafe Amapola 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 678-6767
East Gate Cafe 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2271
Seafood Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-7406
Tailfins Seafood, Alehouse and Oyster Bar 172 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-1200
524 South B St, Pensacola, 4323313
L & L Fresh Seafood 1611 N Pace Blvd, Pensacola, 432-0234
AJ’s on the Bayou
THE OAR HOUSE
200 Eglin Pkwy, NE, FWB, 864-4694
1000 S Pace Blvd, Pensacola, 549-4444
Anglers Beachside Grill 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 796-0260
Sam’s Seafood and Steaks
Old Bay Steamer
The Fishing Hole
102 Santa Rosa Blvd, FWB, 664-2795
15 Brent Ln, Pensacola, 912-6664
Rick’s Crab Trap
303 Glen Ave, Valparaiso, 7290406
178 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 664-0110
Stewby’s Seafood Shanty 427 Racetrack Rd NW, FWB, 586-7001
Dave’s Oyster Bar 4584 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-1789
420 S A St, Pensacola, 432-6626
Doc’s Oyster Bar
VEGAN End of the Line Cafe 610 E Wright St, Pensacola, 429-0336
EAST BAY CRAB HOUSE 9250 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 939-5543
The Gulf 1284 Marler Ave, Okaloosa Island, 387-1300
Dockside Oyster Bar & Café 821 Bayshore Dr, Niceville, 678-1241
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
L J Schooner’s Dockside Restaurant and Oyster Bar
14059 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1881
290 Yacht Club Dr, Niceville, 8975400
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Dewey Destin
Atlas Oyster House
789 N Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-8206
9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, 837-7575 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7525
600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, 437-1961
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Joe Patti’s
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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Making the Most of Life on the Coast! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!
with live entertainment, and a complementary glass of sparkling wine and apple cider upon arrival. For more information, visit www.hendersonbeachresort.com.
Sweet Sunday: A Mother’s Day Market Sun, May 12 – Destin (1:00p.m.)
Head to The Henderson for their second-ever Sweet Sunday event titled “A Mother’s Day Market.” This elevated farmers’ market will feature fresh flowers, local artists, jewelry, unique gifts, and more! Guests and their moms will enjoy live music, a mimosa bar, and a silent auction benefiting The Sonder Project. For more information, visit www.hendersonbeachresort.com.
all-ages show is one you don’t want to miss! For tickets and more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
ANIMANIACS in Concert
Fri, May 17 – Fort Walton Beach (7:00p.m.) ANIMANIACS LIVE in Concert is coming to Sinfonia Gulf Coast and is sure to be an evening full of music, fun, and laughter. Emmy winners Randy Rogel and Rob Paulsen team up with Sinfonia’s orchestra as they perform songs from the hit show. For tickets and more information, visit www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
Sat, May 25–Mon, May 27 – Baytowne Wharf
Seasonal Cinco de Mayo Piñata Party
Sun, May 5 – HarborWalk Village (2:00p.m.) Get ready to fiesta at HarborWalk Village, and help break the harbor’s largest piñata filled with candy and delicious treats! Bring the family and enjoy kids’ crafts, face painting, and more! For information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com/events.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sun, May 12 – HarborWalk Village (10:00a.m.) Show some motherly love this Mother’s Day at HarborWalk Village in Destin! Bring Mom to a delicious brunch at the Grande Vista Bar or Harborview Room for a Mother’s Day she won’t forget! For information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com.
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Henderson Sun, May 12 – Destin (12:00p.m.)
The Henderson is hosting a lovely Mother’s Day brunch where guests can enjoy a grand buffet
Start your summer at Baytowne Wharf with their annual Memorial Day celebration. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and fireworks all weekend long. On Monday at 5:00p.m., the Sandestin Veterans will present a Memorial Day program in honor of veterans. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Memorial Day Celebration
Sat, May 25 – HarborWalk Village Grab your flip-flops and sunscreen, and head to HarborWalk Village to kick off summer! Enjoy live music on the main stage all weekend long, and fireworks over the Destin Harbor on Sunday. For information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com.
Invasion
The Arts
Fri, May 17 – Fort Walton Beach (7:00p.m.)
Sound Waves Music Series at The Gulf presents Eli Young Band Fri, May 10 – Okaloosa Island
The Sound Waves Music Series at The Gulf continues on May 10 with Eli Young Band. This
The Fort Walton Community Chorus is bringing music to your ears with their presentation of Invasion, featuring songs from the UK, Europe and Australia. This is an evening of music that is sure to please! For tickets and more information, visit www.fwbcc.org.
ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 45
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munity in Santa Rosa Beach. All proceeds from this event will support programs at Children’s Volunteer Health Network, which aims to help local children in need. For more information or to register, visit cvhnkids.org.
Food for Thought Crawfish Boil
Sun, May 5 – Santa Rosa Beach (12:00p.m.) Go crazy for crawfish at the Food for Thought Crawfish Boil, featuring the culinary talents of Michael McIntosh and David Cunningham. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Proceeds benefit Food for Thought’s summer program. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Memorial Day Concert
31st Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
Sat, May 25 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater (6:30p.m.) In honor of America’s veterans and first responders, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Northwest Florida State College present an amazing concert of patriotic tunes for the whole family to enjoy. Pack a picnic and enjoy an evening under the stars! For more information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.
Runs, Walks & More for Small Fry Fishing Rodeo
Sat, May 4 – Okaloosa Island (7:45a.m.) Wayside Park on Okaloosa Island is hosting the annual Small Fry Fishing Rodeo! This event is open to all South Okaloosa County elementary students in grades K through 5. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to those who have caught the most fish and the biggest fish! For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
2nd Annual Sheriffs Challenge East Sat, May 4 – Miramar Beach (8:00a.m.)
Register now for the 2nd annual Sheriffs Challenge East 4-person scramble, mulligans, and tee busters! Prizes will be awarded for the overall team gross score. Registration is at 8:00a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:00a.m. Proceeds benefit the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
Walk the Talk for Epilepsy
Sat, May 4 – Pensacola (9:00a.m.) Start at the scenic Seville Square and walk for something that matters! Walk the Talk for Epilepsy was created to raise awareness for those who are affected by the challenges associated with having seizures. For more information or to register, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.
3rd Annual Smile Mile and 5K Sat, May 11 – Santa Rosa Beach
Children’s Volunteer Health Network is excited to announce the 3rd annual Smile Mile and 5K race, presented by St. Joe Community Foundation. This year, the 5K course will take place through the beautiful WaterColor com-
prizes, fun, parties, and classic cars. All Burning Up the Beaches net funds go to The Arc of the Emerald Coast, serving those with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and other developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.burningupthebeaches.com.
Sat, May 11–Sun, May 12 – Grand Boulevard (10:00a.m.)
16th Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic Fri, May 17 – Niceville
The Emerald Coast’s premier golf event is here and taking place at Eglin Golf Course to benefit the Air Force Enlisted Village. Enjoy two days of golf, boxed lunches and an awards lunch, continental breakfast, use of the range, refreshments, goody bags, and a commemorative coin. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
34th Annual Memorial Day Gate to Gate Run Mon, May 27 – Eglin Air Force Base
Head to Eglin Air Force Base on Memorial Day for a 4.4-mile run/walk. As one of Northwest Florida’s oldest Memorial Day traditions, the competitive race is open to runners of all ages and skill levels. There will be a post-race party held at Unity Park with live music and free refreshments for runners, walkers, and teams to enjoy. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
The 31st annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is back and better than ever! Taking place in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 150 artists. Visitors will also enjoy live music, activities for children, student exhibits, food, drinks, and more. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Bubbly Baytowne
Thurs, May 16 – Baytowne Wharf (5:00p.m.) Sip and shop through the Village streets and enjoy an evening of champagne, live music, and shopping during the Bubbly Baytowne event. Stop in the stores throughout Baytowne as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes. This event is free and for ages 21 and up only. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Bud Light Fishing Rodeo
Fri, June 21–Mon, June 24 – Pensacola (5:00p.m.) This year’s Bud Light Fishing Rodeo is back and ready for you to reel in the big one! Cash awards and prizes await the angler who weighs in the top three fish in 20 different species. In addition to the rodeo, there will be the Vince Whibbs King Mackerel Challenge, to see who can bring in the biggest king mackerel, the Synovus In-Shore Challenge, and the Academy Sports and Outdoors Junior Rodeo. For information or to register, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.
Sip & Science: ’90s Edition
Sounds Fun Burning Up the Beaches 2019 Thurs, May 2–Sat, May 4 – Destin
If you love the beach, cars, and good times, then Burning Up the Beaches is for you! Head to the Destin Commons for live music,
46 • May+June 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Sat, May 18 – Fort Walton Beach (6:00p.m.) Bring your friends, grab a drink, and unleash your inner scientist at the Emerald Coast Science Center! Dress in your ’90s best and get a chance to win a prize for raddest costume. This evening of fun and science is sure to please the whole crew! For tickets and more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
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Stand-Up Paddle Board Demo Day Sun, May 19 – Destin (12:00p.m.)
a movie! This event is free. For information and movie listings, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Hydroflight Mondays
Every Monday – Baytowne Wharf Enjoy shows from fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell over the lagoon. Watch as he soars to the sky and makes waves at Baytowne Wharf. For more information and show times, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Poetry and Music Jam
Second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.) Head to the Crestview Public Library where poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form, open-mic poetry reading and jam session. For more information, visit www.crestviewchamber.org.
Wet Destin is hosting a Stand-Up Paddle Board Demo Day at Norreigo Point in Destin, and all ages and skill levels are welcome. Attendees can try out the different types and models of paddle boards to find the perfect match. This event is free. For information, visit www.wetdestin.com.
Mon, June 3 – Fort Walton Beach (7:00p.m.)
Get ready to catch some beads and have a great evening at the 64th annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade! Bring the little ones for a family-friendly pirate-themed parade. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
Reoccurring Local Sunday Cinema
Every Sunday – Baytowne Wharf (8:00p.m.) Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and head to the Events Plaza Lawn at Baytowne Wharf to enjoy
Every Thursday at Harborwalk Village enjoy some of Destin’s favorite tribute bands as they rock the main stage starting at 7:00p.m. After the concert, be sure to stick around for the spectacular fireworks show over the Destin Harbor, followed by fire spinning on the main stage. For information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com.
Concerts at the Landing
Every Friday – Fort Walton Beach (6:00p.m.)
Farmers’ Market at Grand Boulevard
Tues, May 28–Thurs, May 30 – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.)
64th Annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade
Every Thursday – HarborWalk Village (7:00p.m.)
You never know what you’ll find at the Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market! Stroll down the streets of downtown Fort Walton Beach and check out the local flavor and southern hospitality. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
Baytowne LIVE
Head to the Emerald Coast Princess Ball at Northwest Florida State College for a magical night for daughters and their father figures. Princesses between the ages of 3 and 17 are welcome to bring their Prince escorts for an evening of laughter and dance. Reservations are required to attend. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Throwback Thursday
Second and Fourth Saturday of each month – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.)
It’s never too cheesy at the Destin Commons when they host their Mac & Cheese Festival! Guests will enjoy $1 samples of macaroni and cheese and vote for their favorites. This event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. For tickets and more information, visit www.850tix.com.
Fri, May 31 – Niceville (6:00p.m.)
Watch as featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows on stage. For show times and more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market
Sun, May 19 – Destin (1:00p.m.)
Emerald Coast Princess Ball
Every Thursday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.)
Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and head to the Landing in Fort Walton Beach for their annual Concerts at the Landing. This concert series is family friendly, and takes place every Friday throughout the summer. For the musical line-up or more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
Mac & Cheese Festival
Enjoy the musical stylings of local artists on the beautiful Baytowne LIVE stage. Concerts are free and open to the public. For more information and a musical line-up, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Magical Thursday
Every Saturday – Miramar Beach (9:00a.m.)
Boomin’ Tuesday
Every Tuesday – Baytowne Wharf (6:00p.m.) Enjoy lawn games and inflatables in the Events Plaza, and then watch as Baytowne lights up the sky with a breathtaking fireworks show over the Lagoon at 8:30p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Fat Tuesday Parade
Every Tuesday – HarborWalk Village (6:30p.m.) Beads, beads, and more beads! Head to HarborWalk Village every Tuesday and watch it transform into the Big Easy with colorful floats, dazzling costumes, street performers, and more! For more information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com.
BOTE Wednesday Paddle
Every Wednesday – Destin (5:00p.m.) Every Wednesday, paddle out with the BOTE team for a fun and relaxing paddle at Norreigo Point. Enjoy the sunshine, beautiful weather, salt air, and great company! For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Wednesday Night Concert Series
Every Wednesday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.) The Wednesday Night Concert Series is back at Baytowne. Enjoy the great weather and live entertainment! The concert series features local and regional talent on the Events Plaza Stage. For information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Start your Saturday at Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market. There will be fresh-from-thefarm produce, local seafood, homemade dips and salsas, organic juices, homemade soaps, and more! There will even be organic pet treats for your furry friends. For information, visit www.destinchamber.com..
Volunteer Opportunity Place
Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.
Socks
Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.
PAWS
Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.
Salvation Army
Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.
Habitat for Humanity
Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.
Florosa Fire Department
Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.
VFW
Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.
Goodwill
Contact John at 850-837-8516.
ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2019 • 47
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