2019 Where You'd Rather Be Magazine by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

M AG A Z I N E

BE MAGAZINE

Serving the Destin area since 1985, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding experience. To our loyal clientele, the name Newman-Dailey is a mark of quality and the guarantee of expert care, strategic marketing and professional management.

800-225-7652

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Association Management – Property Management Vacation Rentals – Real Estate Sales – Long-term Rentals

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DestinVacation.com * DestinSales.com * DestinManagement.com * NewmanDailey.com DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AG AZINE 2019

Contents Be Magazine 2019

FEATURES

FOODIES LOVE THE EC

Gulf-to-table seafood is world renowned for its taste, whether you are eating out locally or picking some up to cook yourself.

36 HONEY

Natural local honey is all the buzz in Destin as local beekeepers and shops serve up sweet treats.

GIRLS GETAWAY

PHOTO BY MATT BURKE

A trip down to Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coast is just what is needed to complete your perfect break from the routine.

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ON DESTIN HARBOR

GULF SEAFOOD | USDA PRIME STEAKS | SUSHI Enjoy our extensive wine selection, veranda sunset dining and boat dock parking. Reservations recommended.

HAPPY HOUR 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7 PM Come by our Happy Hour for drinks, sushi and select apps half-price in the bar and waterfront cocktail deck PRIVATE DINING ROOM FOR EVENTS

850.837.7960 | 404 HARBOR BLVD. | MARINACAFE.COM DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AG AZINE 2019

Be Magazine 2019

COMMUNITY

NEWMAN-DAILEY

VISITOR’S GUIDE

FOUR DIVISIONS

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has a variety of ways to find your perfect spot.

LOCAL CUISINE

AN EVENTFUL PLACE TO BE

WESTONWOOD RANCH Area nonprofit seeks to heal, nurture and teach the developmentally disabled.

UNDER THE SEA Underwater Museum of Art features masterpieces under the waves and raises awareness for the undersea habitat.

TOTALLY GNARLY Harley Van Hyning turns to an ancient Japanese technique to help visitors capture a lifelong fishing memory.

2 Birds Coffee + Cafe serves up the brew, but it might be the delectable food concoctions that keep you coming back.

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A NOTE FROM THE CEO

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COVER ARTIST

HOMES AWAY FROM HOME A diverse collection of wellappointed vacation and rental homes.

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS The Newman-Dailey team offers professionalism, experience and a wealth of local-market knowledge.

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REAL ESTATE TRENDS Single-family home and condo sales data provide a good reason for optimism.

eBIKES

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURED PROPERTIES Check out the Sanctuary at Redfish, Jade East Towers, Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort and Beachside Inn.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Find your “wheeee spirit” and get to know the area with a guided tour with Pedego 30-A’s electric bikes.

IN THE COMMUNITY The Newman-Dailey staff steps outside to help improve the community.

CRAFT COFFEE

This year’s must-haves for her, for him and for the kids.

PREMIUM PROPERTIES These listings are among Newman-Dailey's favorites.

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DINING GUIDE

Some of the best restaurants from Destin to Inlet Beach. Bijoux Chef Jack McGuckin offers up a serving of how he grew up in the restaurant industry and how he creates his New Orleans-inspired fare.

There’s plenty to do this time of year, so check out these great events!

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS Guaranteed, the Emerald Coast offers something for all ages and interests.

GOIN’ FOR GROCERIES

In the market for something tasty? Local stores sell everything from organic veggies to hot-and-ready meals.

SHOPPING GUIDE

You are sure to go home with bags filled with delightful finds when you venture into these stores.

GOLF GUIDE

These golf courses cater to players of all ages and skill levels.

LOCAL ARTS GUIDE

Whether you’re a fan of the fine arts or the performing arts, there’s plenty to see and experience along the Emerald Coast.

114 RAINY DAY FUN

When the rain forces you indoors, there is no need for the fun to stop!

PHOTOS BY SCOTT HOLSTEIN (WATER PARK) AND COURTESY OF EVENTURE TOUR CO. AND NEWMAN-DAILEY RESORT PROPERTIES

Contents

SHOP Altar’d State Ant hro po lo gi e Billabo ng Bluemercury (Now O p en) Hemline J. Jill J.McLaughlin The Jewel (Now O p en) Lilly Pulit zer Ophelia Swimwea r The Orvis Co mpany Peter Millar (Now O p en) Pot tery Barn To mmy Bahama Vineyard Vines Williams So no ma (Co m in g 2 0 1 9 ) Photo courtesy of J.McLaughlin

DINE Anot her Bro ken Eg g C afé The Bist ro ( Lo c a te d i n Co u r t ya rd by Mar r iott S a n d e st i n a t G ra n d B ou levard)

Black Bear Bread C o. (O p e n i n g S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 a t H yatt P lac e S a n d e st i n a t G ra n d B ou levard)

Cant ina Laredo Mo dern Mexic a n The Craf t Ba r Emeril’s Co astal Italian everkrisp Fleming’s Prime Stea k h ou se & Wine Bar Grimaldi’s Co al Bric k- O ven Pizzeria Kilwins PF Chang’s China Bistro Starbucks Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar Vin’t ij Fo o d & Win e (Now Open) Photo courtesy of Emeril Lagasse

The Wine Bar

grandboulevard.com

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeanne Dailey MANAGING EDITOR Tracy Louthain CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter EDITORIAL DESIGNER Sarah Burger ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Amanda Brummet, Lindsey Masterson COVER ARTIST Estelle Grengs CORPORATE CLIENT LIAISON Sara Goldfarb CUSTOM PUBLISHING EDITOR Jeff Price ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Dorr, Darla Harrison, Rhonda Lynn Murray, Dan Parker AD SERVICES COORDINATORS Tracy Mulligan, Lisa Sostre CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Benton, Amy Bertrand, Lauren Sage Edwards, Martha J. LaGuardia-Kotite, Tracy Louthain PHOTOGRAPHERS Matt Burke, Scott Holstein, Zhalman Harris, Tracy Louthain, Saige Roberts, Sara Tallent, Spring Run Media, Jacqueline Ward

PUBLICATION DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ROWLAND PUBLISHING, INC. PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Brian E. Rowland VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT McKenzie Burleigh Lohbeck 1932 MICCOSUKEE ROAD, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308 ROWLANDPUBLISHING.COM â&#x20AC;¢ (850) 878-0554

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A NOTE

f rom

the

CEO

GETTING LUCKY

elcome to the FIF TH EDITION of Where You’d Rather Be magazine. As a local business owner along Florida’s Emerald Coast for more than 30 years, I’ve grown with the community. And over the years, I have come to realize how lucky we are to live and work within this vibrant coastal community. One of the things that makes Destin so special is the fishing. In fact, the fishing is so good that Destin has been coined the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” With this moniker and the diversity of fishing within 30 miles, Destin is home to America’s largest fishing fleet. The great fishing and abundance of fresh Gulf-caught seafood paved the way for dozens of world-class restaurants and delicious cuisine, making Destin and South Walton a lucky find for foodies. Destin is a lucky spot for sport fishing too. The Harbor’s close proximity to the De Soto Canyon places sport fisherman in waters of 60- to 100-feet deep just 10 miles off shore. Beach lovers feel lucky to have discovered the soft, powder white sand that rests along our shores. As locals, we feel lucky to be able to live, work and play in a place that we love. Whether captaining a charter fishing boat or improving the lives of children, locals celebrate the coastal culture, and their passion for life shines through. The area’s residents are some of the most passionate, kind, caring and friendly people that I have ever met, and in this issue, we aim to introduce some of the people that make us feel lucky to be here. So whether you come to the Destin area to get lucky with a rod and reel, to get lucky in love, or just be lucky to have time with family or friends, the Emerald Coast is where you’d rather be to get lucky. We hope you enjoy this edition of Be Magazine and invite you to provide us feedback as well as connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@NewmanDailey). See you at the beach!

JEANNE DAILEY Founder and CEO, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties

DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGAZINE 2019

Southern Food Family Style Dining Southern Hospitality

Florida Locations Pier Park

Destin Commons

601 Pier Park Dr , Suite 103 Panama City Beach, FL 32413

4237 Legendary Drive, Ste. H-100 Destin, Florida 32541

850-312-5354

850-312-5353

Facebook.com/PDFKPanamaCity

Facebook.com/PDFKDestin

Learn more at www.ilovepdî&#x201A;&#x203A;.com 10

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MEET COVER ARTIST

ESTELLE GRENGS This year’s cover artist is an up and coming local artist who moved back to the area two years ago. The Emerald Coast held a place in her heart, and now she’s sharing her passion with the community. As the 2018 Festival of the Arts poster artist, Estelle Grengs is brushing up on her love of the Emerald Coast.

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Where are you originally from? I grew up in Dover, New Hampshire — the quintessential New England town. It was there I met my husband of 29 years. At the time, he was stationed at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire. How did you end up in Northwest Florida? As an Air Force family, we moved about every 3 to 4 years. Over 27 years, we were assigned

to Germany (twice), Italy, South Korea, Arizona, Florida, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota. Our military adventure allowed us to visit many places and experience many cultures. Along the way, we established lifelong friendships that today extend all over the world. Our time while assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, was amazing and left an impression on my heart. When my husband retired from the Air Force in 2016, we moved to Freeport. Northwest

COVER ARTIST |

COMMUNITY

In addition to creating her standout works, Estelle Grengs also teaches art.

Florida’s warm weather, beautiful beaches and small town, family-oriented communities made it the right choice to call home.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ESTELLE GRENGS

How did you discover your love for creating art? I believe having the passion to create has always been a part of who I am. As a little girl, I remember asking for the big box of crayons — the one with 120 colors and the built in sharpener — every Christmas. While my friends wanted a new bike or the latest toys, I simply wanted art supplies. My earliest memory of my creative passion cultivated and celebrated was at the age of 5, during my kindergarten year. We had art class every day. The classroom was set up with tempera paints, markers, crayons, easels, glue and more. Even today, the smell of tempera paint takes me right back to that time in my life. How do you describe your art style? As a self-taught artist, gut instincts and an eye for color combinations are what drive my art. I find myself using vivid colors to convey feeling and applying prominent brushstrokes to create movement in my artwork. The end results are whimsical and lively paintings — a style that many say “make them feel happy!” While my first passion is acrylic painting, I enjoy dabbling in mixed media art too. Where do you find your inspirations/ subjects? Art is everywhere! For example, I can be sitting near the dock, eating dinner with friends, and spot the magical moment of fishermen bringing their boat into the harbor that speaks to me — to capture the moment

on canvas. It’s really that simple for me. As an artist, I believe it’s important to create what moves you. For me, that might be an old house, a sailboat on the water or a family building sandcastles on the beach. How did it feel being selected as the Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts Cover Artist? On top of the world! Almost literally!! I found out the awesome news when I was at the top of the Space Needle in Seattle while visiting my daughter and her family. I was with some of the people I love the most in this world. I couldn’t have planned it any better. We heard that you teach art classes, is this true? Yes. I teach adults and youth alike both one-on-one and in large group settings. The next best thing to creating art myself is watching others realize they can create art too! Teaching others always reminds me that the process of creating is just as important as the creation itself. When my students enjoy the creative process, I find they’re inevitably happy with the end result — their masterpiece. When I teach others, I stress the importance of painting “your” painting, not mine or the person sitting next to them. It boils down to building creative confidence in people. Once my students understand that art is individualistic, they stop putting so much pressure on themselves to be perfect, uniform and rigid in the creative process. Estelle’s work is currently on display at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Learn more about Estelle Grengs online EstelleGrengsArt.com.

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| NON-PROFIT

Westonwood Ranch Turns Disability into Ability I “Our goal is to give families peace of mind and turn disability into ability and independence. Ultimately, we want to give them the tools they need to succeed in life.” — Lindy Wood, founder of Westonwood Ranch 14

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n a small town just north of Destin, there is a mom who is passionate about helping her son and others diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) achieve independence. “So many youth with autism miss irreplaceable opportunities to explore individual interests and talents and to gain life skills and job skills needed to lead an independent life. Those with autism and developmental challenges want the same thing as we do — to be fully participating members of society,” shared Lindy Wood, founder of Westonwood Ranch. “ We

developed this program to fill the transition gap for these kids by incorporating functional learning opportunities in a therapeutic farm environment.” Lindy’s story is not unique. Her son, Weston, was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 2 and is considered non-verbal. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 59 children in the United States are affected by autism. Boys are 4.5 times more likely than girls to have autism, and ASD is estimated to affect more than 3 million individuals in the U.S. These startling statistics make

PHOTOS BY TRACY LOUTHAIN

BY TRACY LOUTHAIN

COURTESY OF WESTONWOOD RANCH

NON-PROFIT |

COMMUNITY

An artist’s rendering of Westonwood Ranch’s new 12,000-square-foot main building, which will house the facility’s equestrian center and classrooms.

Lindy’s vision and mission a potentially life-altering opportunity for many families. A beautiful 40-acre tract of land located off Highway 20 in Freeport provides a scenic, natural setting for learning on a working farm. The unique learning curriculum, consistent with the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, will help participants develop life skills and vocational skills to transition from school to independent living. But what really makes Westonwood Ranch even more special is the focus on innovation and sustainable practices. Every aspect of the farm has a purpose and often two or three. A tour of the aquaponic greenhouse demonstrates the deep thought that has gone into each element of the ranch. The greenhouse’s closed ecosystem uses 90 percent less water than traditional farming and yields a higher output. The 500-gallon aquaculture tanks are stocked with freshwater catfish, which provide nutrients for the produce and help create an accelerated growing cycle compared to traditional farming. The result is a closed loop ecosystem that can produce up to 2,400 heads of lettuce each week, while participants gain hands-on experience and knowledge from seed to harvest. “Auburn University has been an incredible mentor on this part of our aquaponics project. This is a new way of farming that has incredible potential for the future,” said Lindy. “In addition to our mission for sustainability, we are focused on education. Our goal is to be able to offer industry

certifications for students for specific skill sets in aquaculture and agriculture.” Not only will the farm harvest quality produce — including lettuce, basil, tomatoes and cucumbers — to sell to local restaurants, but it will also be used in Westonwood Ranch locally produced products and sauces. Outside the greenhouse, there are many opportunities for participants to gain hands-on experience and life skills. “I am really excited about therapeutic equine activities. Horses are pack animals and are very nurturing by nature,” said Lindy. “Many children with autism have not had the opportunity to be around them. When Weston sees a horse, he wants to look into its eye and study the horse. It is a connection like no other — an unspoken love that requires no words.” Most activities will be based within the new 12,000-square-foot main building, which houses the equestrian center along with classrooms. Each classroom — including the fitness room, creative arts room, sensory room, test kitchen, technology center and the life skills room with laundry facility — is designed to create a safe learning environment for individuals with developmental disorders. “The mission at Westonwood Ranch takes a holistic approach. We learned that

60 percent of people with developmental disabilities are over weight. Health and wellness initiatives are woven into the educational model,” said Lindy. “This includes therapeutic recreational opportunities, self-care and creative fitness programming. “There are so many opportunities to incorporate green and sustainable practices. We will upcycle grains from a local brewery to make dog biscuits. We will reduce waste and reuse and recycle in any way we can. We also hope to receive a grant to add solar panels later this year.” Lindy is hopeful that Westonwood’s focus on sustainability along with a curriculum that is focused on developing life skills will create a recipe for success. “Traditional concepts are taught through hands-on learning with the ultimate goal of employment and independent living,” said Lindy. “For example, the test-kitchen will be used to develop products that can be sold to generate income and create jobs and employment for participants. By year five, we’d like to make this to be a working ranch with housing options. “Our goal is to give families peace of mind and turn disability into ability and independence. Ultimately, we want to give them the tools they need to succeed in life.”

WESTONWOOD RANCH INC. is a 501C(3) nonprofit educational program. To learn more about Westonwood Ranch, including how you can support its mission or receive an application for admission, visit westonwood.org.

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COMMUNITY

| UNDER THE SEAS

A crew submerges a work titled “Anamorphous Octopus,” created by Allison Wickey.

Living Works of Art

NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST UNDERWATER MUSEUM COMES TO SOUTH WALTON

D Kevin Reilly’s work “JYC’s Dream.”

iving below the surface of the clear, emerald-colored water off the coast of Grayton Beach, the landscape looks a lot like an underwater desert. It’s beautiful but barren, a white salt flat stretching as far as the eye can see. Travel about three-quarters of a mile off the coast, however, and all that changes. At first, the pieces are just dark shapes in the water. Then, like magic, they take form: an octopus, a skeleton, a giant diver’s head. This is the Underwater Museum of Art, the first of its kind in North America. “The moment you see the pieces underwater, you see art in an entirely different way,” said Jennifer Steele, executive director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. “On land, it’s beautiful and interesting, but underwater it becomes more meaningful.”

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Coral and barnacles attach to the sculptures and make homes there. Fish dart in, out and around. Sea turtles take shelter. “It’s a living museum,” she said. “It never remains the same.” The project is a collaboration between the arts alliance and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association. The first seven sculptures were placed last spring, and nine more are set to be installed by late summer or early fall, with more to come. One acre of the Gulf of Mexico’s sandy floor has been dedicated to the project. Since the museum launched, it has garnered a lot of attention, both from local and visiting divers and from the international press. It has been featured in National Geographic, USA Today and CNN, among others. It is not just the art that makes the project unique. The pieces themselves provide a

PHOTOS BY SPRING RUN MEDIA (OCTOPUS AND CONCRETE ROPE) AND WE CREATE LIFT (DREAM AND PINEAPPLE)

BY LAUREN SAGE EDWARDS

UNDER THE SEAS |

COMMUNITY A diver takes a submerged look at “Concrete Rope Reef Spheres,” a work by Evelyn Tickle.

“The Grayt Pineapple,” by Rachel Herring, is submerged.

protective marine habitat where none existed, all while creating opportunities for biological replenishment, academic study and more. “The museum uses art to bring awareness to underwater ecosystems and the needs there,” Steele said. “Part of the Cultural Arts Alliance’s goal going forward is to use art to find solutions to non-art related issues. This was a really great way to begin that mission.” The idea for the museum first came to Allison Wickey, president of the CAA board and an artist and diver. She was exploring one of the reef association’s nine newly placed artificial reefs, marveling at the vibrant marine life, when she had a thought: ‘Why can’t artificial reefs be art?’ The idea stuck with her. Though she was new to the alliance board at the time and the concept seemed fantastical, she felt she would always regret it if she didn’t bring it up. Armed with her photocopied research, she timidly presented her idea to the board. To her amazement, everyone was enthusiastic. “I just watched their eyes go wide, people got so excited,” she said. “I had no idea.” A year and a half later, Wickey stood on the deck of a yacht with a handful of other artists from across the country, watching her massive metal octopus, the first sculpture she had ever created, dangling off the arm of a crane on a nearby barge. The octopus and six other

sculptures were buried at sea, never to see land again. Instead they were born again, under the waves, teeming with new and ever-changing life. “It was incredible,” Wickey recalled. “I kept thinking, ‘How did we make this happen?’ Going from printing photos out at the UPS store to this — it was the best feeling of my entire year.” Other sculptures include Vince Tatum’s giant skull with eye sockets shaped like stingrays and a jaw and nasal cavities designed to be protective hiding spots for marine creatures. Virginia architect Evelyn Tickle’s piece is made using her specially designed concrete, which mimics the chemical makeup of an oyster shell. Designer Kevin Reilly worked with students from South Walton Montessori Academy to create his piece, JYC’s Dream, an homage to Jacques Cousteau’s Aqualung. For people who don’t dive, the CAA captures videos regularly, showing the pieces and how they change over time. “The response from the public standpoint and the response internationally has been really incredible and rewarding,” Steele said. “It’s great to see it grow and know it will get bigger and better.” Learn more at umaﬂ.org.

How to See It TO DIVE THE MUSEUM, you need to be a certified SCUBA diver with some advanced training because it requires live boat diving (meaning you dive away from where you anchor the boat). As of printing, two shops — PC Diving in Panama City and Emerald Coast SCUBA in Destin — are offering tours to the museum. Trips run from 8-to-10 hours. Organizers are hopeful more companies, including some operating from the nearby shore at Grayton Beach, will begin offering more guided dives soon. Find info about tours from Visit South Walton or umafl.org. If you’re not a diver, you can still view the museum. The CAA captures beautiful videos showing how the pieces are changing over time. You can find them on the museum’s Facebook page, UMA Florida.

How to Dive the Underwater Museum of Art THE MUSEUM IS FREE and open to the public, but you do have to have dive equipment — and even then it’s not the easiest place to get to. From the nearest boat launches in Destin or Panama City Beach, it’s about a twohour ride out to the museum. “Is it worth it? Yeah,” said Mark Griﬃn with Emerald Coast SCUBA. “People just need to be prepared for a bit of a ride.” He said their chartered trips to the museum take about eight hours, but it’s an incredible and unique experience. It is possible to launch a kayak from the shore at Grayton Beach, as well, though the three-quarters-ofa-mile trip may be challenging to the average diver. Organizers realize one of the biggest challenges they face now is access. “We want to make sure there are venues for people to rent gear and find a dive guide,” Steele said. “We are hoping businesses will step up to meet the demand.”

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COMMUNITY

| PROFILE

HARLEY VAN HYNING CAPTURING DESTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FISHING SPIRIT IN UNIQUE WORKS OF ART BY LAUREN SAGE REINLIE

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PROFILE |

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GNARLEY HARLEY FISH PRINTS

n a pretty day in Destin, Harley Van Hyning can be found on the docks, a freshly caught fish in one hand, a paintbrush in the other. For over five years, Van Hyning has practiced Gyotaku, the ancient Japanese art of creating prints of fish by painting their bodies then pressing the image onto paper. Destin, known as the world’s luckiest fishing village, has been the perfect place to carry on the craft. Van Hyning works mostly at Destin Harbor, painting fish coming in off the fishing boats. People returning from charter fishing trips often have him record their most-prized catches. Or, if he sees a really unique fish come in, he asks to paint it. Growing up in the area, Van Hyning has always loved the water, learning to fish and surf at a young age. Pairing that love with his work as an artist has been an incredible experience. “I've been a biology nerd and into everything from the water for as long as I can remember,” he said. “With Gyotaku, I get to learn about all the different species and feel great respect for the fish, see the beauty in each one.” Van Hyning’s style of Gyotaku is not strictly traditional. He

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developed his own approach using acrylic and linen. Some prints he leaves raw, to others he adds flourishes or details of his own. His work, under the name Gnarly Fish Prints, has gotten attention recently, including being shown at ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival and the Destin Seafood Festival. “Now instead of me going down and hunting down boats, I’m getting calls to come do commissions, which is nice,” he said. “I still go down there to paint things I’m into though.” He also has a recently expanded studio space in Destin, which has a gallery and a hang-out area open to visitors. Van Hyning said he is working to take his art to the next level this year. But he still loves helping people capture memories into a piece of artwork they can cherish for a lifetime. “ You’ ll have that kid who caught their first fish, and you get to see the gratitude and joy that the artwork brings to them,” he said. “There’s nothing better than making other people happy.” Learn more about Van Hyning’s work at gnarlyfishprints.com, on Facebook or on Instagram @gnarlyharley. DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

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PROFILE |

2 BIRDS COFFEE + CAFÉ BY SUSAN BENTON

PHOTO BY SARA TALLENT

ucked away inside Seascape’s new Town Centre is the ultimate coffee shop for bean and foodie aficionados, 2 Birds Coffee + Café. Locally owned and operated by southern Louisiana natives turned D.C. dwellers, Taylor and Jenifer Roberger were seeking a slower pace for their family when they made the move to the beach. Taylor said, “My wife and I grew up down the street from each other, and we both vacationed in Destin. I had the nickname T-bird as a kid, and ironically, she had the nickname J-bird. When her brother suggested 2 birds for our café, we thought it was the perfect fit.” As a passionate cook, Taylor knew he wanted to leave the corporate world to make his restaurant dream a reality, and Jenifer, being an avid baker, agreed. Good, honest,

approachable food with an unexpected twist is what you can expect on their menu. “I like getting people to explore new foods that aren’t too scary,” explained Taylor. Donuts, scones, muﬃns and lemon bars that use the entire lemon are all created in house each morning using Jenifer’s recipes, and the sourdough bread is perfectly crisped for the incredible tartines (artisan toasts) that are flavor packed and crave-worthy. If you are looking to spice up your day, plan on ordering the chorizo toast — a play on huevos rancheros — smeared with black beans and piled high with spicy sausage, avocado, pickled onions and a sunny-side-up egg. “All tartines are crafted on sourdough and most of our sandwiches (too),” explained Taylor. “Our regulars can’t get enough of the crispy skin salmon

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sandwich made club style and packed with lettuce, bacon, pickled onions, tomatoes and honey mustard.” For those wanting to indulge, try Taylor’s fried PB&J. “It’s peanut butter and jelly dipped in a French toast batter that’s rolled in crushed cereal before being pan fried — absolutely decadent,” explained Taylor. Gluten-free and healthy offerings are also available, and the team at 2 Birds can turn any sandwich from the menu into an arugula greens and quinoa grain bowl upon request. A rotating craft beer schedule, globally sourced wines and a curated offering of vermouths are also present, but the primary beverage of choice is coffee. Taylor said. “I use a roaster out of New Orleans called French Truck. They procure their beans from Central America. We provide classic espresso drinks, along with single-origin pour overs.” A great place to pick up a few pastries or linger over lunch with friends, 2 Birds Coffee + Café is an inviting place with a delicious menu of baked and Southern specialties. 2birdscafe.com

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Hot Products F O R B E AC H LO V E R S

Along the beaches of South Walton and Destin, Florida, every day is a day at the beach. Therefore, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve consulted our partners to uncover the best and most coveted products for beach life.

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PHOTOS BY SAIGE ROBERTS AND COURTESY OF THE JEWEL (RING), SUNSET SHOES & LIFESTYLES (SHOES) AND EVERYTHING BUT WATER (BKR BOTTLE)

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Hot Products

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FOR

Him

1. COLUMBIA SUN PASS CAMOUFLAGE DAY PACK Columbia Factory Store, Silver Sands Premium Outlets

2. PORTABLE MINIMAX BIG GREEN EGG GRILL Bay Breeze Patio

3. TOMS LENOX LOW-TOP CANVAS SNEAKERS Saks 5th Avenue OFF FIFTH, Silver Sands Premium Outlets 4. WINDPOUCH GO INFLATABLE HAMMOCK Coastal OutямБtters, Destin Commons

5. COLUMBIA CAMOUFLAGE TRI-FOLD WALLET Columbia Factory Store, Silver Sands Premium Outlets

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PHOTOS BY SAIGE ROBERTS AND COURTESY OF BAY BREEZE PATION (GRILL), COASTAL OUTFITTERS (WINDPOUCH) AND BELK (CORNHOLE)

6 7

FOR

Kids 6. HOO LITTLE BOY’S FAUX FUR TRIMMED MONSTER SLIP-ON SNEAKERS Saks 5th Avenue OFF FIFTH, Silver Sands Premium Outlets

7. MINI MELISSA LITTLE GIRL’S MINI ARANHA SANDALS Saks 5th Avenue OFF FIFTH, Silver Sands Premium Outlets 8. DISNEY PRINCESS RAINBOW SWIMSUIT FOR GIRLS Disney Outlet, Silver Sands Premium Outlets 9. DISNEY PRINCESS SANDALS Disney Outlet, Silver Sands Premium Outlets 10. SADDLEBRED® CORNHOLE GAME Belk, Destin CORN Commons 11. SPIDER-MAN SWIM TRUNKS AND RASH GUARD FOR BOYS Disney Outlet, Silver Sands Premium Outlets

DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

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| FEATURE

Fun! H ELLO

PEDEGO 30A’S EVENTURE TOURS BY TRACY LOUTHAIN

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVENTURE TOUR CO.

ave you heard of the “wheeeeee effect?” This is what the founders of Pedego 30A, Jason and Emily Medina, have noted is the result of riding a Pedego electric bicycle. “Many people are skeptical at first, and next thing you know, they are whizzing along and you’ll hear them let out a ‘wheeeeee,’ ” said Emily Medina, co-founder of Pedego 30A. “We now call it the wheeeeee effect.” An electric bicycle may seem counterintuitive since many people ride bicycles purely for exercise. But electric bicycles offer exercise along with fun. “Pedego bikes are pedal-assist, so riders can pedal as much or as little as they wish. Pedal-assist allows bikers to ride farther, faster and longer without fatigue,” said Jason Medina, co-founder of Pedego 30A and Eventure Tour Co. “We think of ebikes not as ‘electric bikes’ but as ‘equalizer bikes.’ It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, no one in the group gets left behind.” Not only does Pedego 30A rent and sell electric bikes, the company also started Eventure Tour Co. last year, providing guided electric bike tours of the area. “Eventure was created for anyone who wants to see our area in a new way,” shared Medina, a Destin native who opened Pedego 30A after retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard. “At Pedego 30A, we've been able to introduce people to e-biking with rentals, and Eventure Tour Co.

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“At Pedego 30A, we've been able to introduce people to e-biking with rentals, and Eventure Tour Co. allows us to enhance the rider’s experience with an insider’s peek at all the things that make 30A, South Walton and wDestin such an amazing place.” — Emily Medina, co-founder of Pedego 30A

allows us to enhance the rider’s experience with an insider’s peek at all the things that make 30A, South Walton and Destin such an amazing place.” Guided tours are a great way to experience a destination from a local’s point of view. Themed tours range from the history of the area to a foodie tour featuring local cuisine to an arts tour that includes a meet-and-greet with local celebrity artists. Regularly scheduled tours of Highway 30A depart Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and on Saturdays at 3 p.m. These tours take riders on a tour of 30A beach neighborhoods, revealing out-of-the-way spots that locals and visitors often miss when traveling by car. On a recent tour, Jason led a group of six aboard Pedego bicycles on a tour of the WaterColor neighborhood. Meandering down tree-lined streets past stunning lowcountry architectural-style homes and lush parks, the tour allowed participants to soak in the beauty while stopping along the way to learn fun facts and ask questions. “This is Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake. They are rare geological features only found in four other locations around the world,” Jason told the group on a stop along the 30A bike path. Leading the group to the historic town of Grayton Beach, Jason shared stories of the area’s rich history dating back 128 years. With a quick right turn off a thin, tree-shaded street, the bikers were rewarded with spectacular views of the sun setting over the dunes of Grayton Beach State Park. After refreshments at Chiringo in downtown Grayton Beach, Jason led the tour back to the paved bike path along Scenic Highway 30A, where the caravan was treated to breathtaking views of Western Lake and Grayton Beach State Park. On the return to the Pedego 30A in WaterColor Crossings, one cheerful participant even cried out “wheeeeee.”

PEDEGO 30A RENTALS AND EVENTURE TOUR CO. guided tours are available six days a week. Visit pedego30A.com to learn more.

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Gulfto Table is the Main Course at the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village BY SUSAN BENTON

MATT BURKE

IN DESTIN, known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, our lives are centered on the one food that gives a sense of place with every single serving: seafood. It’s no surprise that a large part of the area’s livelihood, tourism and any number of annual events hinge on this versatile protein. »

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A fleet of professional fishermen, chefs and restaurant owners help produce the freshest seafood imaginable from the Gulf.

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PHOTOS BY ZHALMAN HARRIS

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Though Alice Waters of the renowned Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, may have gotten the simmer going on the national “farm-to-table” movement in 1971, our coastal cuisine is thriving thanks to an emerging fraternity of fishermen, chefs and restaurants putting the “sea-to-table” experience at the forefront. Here is a sampling of some of the Emerald Coast’s people who are passionate about seafood and the fresh ingredients they procure to create mouth-watering delicacies, along with some tasty tips that you can use to bring a fresh perspective to your dining experience. Captain Trey Windes, owner of the charter boat Outta Line, offers an unsurpassed operation among the local fishing community. Captain Windes and generations of his family before him have spent their livelihoods fishing the waters of Destin, and since 2006 Windes, has specialized in tuna fishing, bottom fishing, private charters and multiday fishing trips. “I always knew this was what I was going to do, and I run my boat seven days a week, except for Christmas,” Windes explained. “My favorite fish to eat is trigger, without hesitation, and fried is my favorite way to prepare it.” Captain Windes suggests novices try a shorter excursion in order to get their feet wet, so to speak, and to plan on being comfortable on his boat, as it is equipped with top-of-the-line fishing tackle, state-ofthe-art fish finding equipment, phone and television hook-ups, and cooking amenities for an authentic line to plate tasting. If inshore and flats fishing with light tackle along the Choctawhatchee Bay sounds like your thing, then Captain Hunter Ray with Florida Boy Adventures is your man. Captain Hunter grew up on the banks of Santa Rosa Beach with a love of the outdoors. He worked as a deckhand for his family’s commercial shrimping business, which instilled in him a passion to be a good steward of the environment. Redfish, trout, sheepshead and flounder are just a few of his favorites to catch using live and artificial baits. Ray said, “We will clean, filet, bag and ice your fish so that all you have to do is head back to your home or condo, cook them on the grill and eat them right up!”

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“I always knew this was what I was going to do, and I run my boat seven days a week, except for Christmas.” — CAPTAIN TREY WINDES, owner of the charter boat Outta Line

“We will clean, filet, bag and ice your fish so that all you have to do is head back to your home or condo, cook them on the grill and eat them right up!” — CAPTAIN HUNTER RAY, Florida Boy Adventures

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| FEATURE Below: Tyler Jarvis and Chris Ruyan, co-owners of Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer

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TYLER JARVIS, co-owner of Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer

“We work hard at maintaining the highest quality product and want to keep our promise of freshness to the restaurants that we sell to, including our own”

—

CHARLES MORGAN, owner of Harbor Docks Seafood

PHOTOS BY ZHALMAN HARRIS AND COURTESY OF BROTULA'S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER (OYSTERS AND OUTDOOR DINING)

Tyler Jarvis and Chris Ruyan, elementary school friends turned co-owners of Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer, wanted to pay homage to the fishing community (the lifeblood of Destin), when they opened Brotula’s in 2015. The restaurant name is derived from the bearded brotula or cusk eel that is caught in local waters at depths of 350 feet and one of the best kept secrets among area fishermen, as well as delicious tasting. The restaurants creative menu incorporates a wide variety of flavors, with a focus on “New Southern” culinary preparations and uses Fish Trax, a tag with QR code in place that allows patrons to know by whom, where and when their seafood was caught. Jarvis said, “I was born and raised right here and ate fresh seafood directly from the boat. Our restaurant is based on the philosophy of serving fresh, local and sustainable seafood.” Owned and operated since 1979 by Charles Morgan, a former private boat captain turned successful restaurant entrepreneur, Harbor Docks Seafood emerged with humble beginnings as a place for commercial fisherman to enjoy ice-cold beer and oysters after a hard day’s work. Charles Morgan figured out early on that removing the middleman from the sale of the fish meant better accessibility to the fish and lower prices, a winning combination for expanding his Destin harbor-front seafood shack on the property that his father, a prominent civil rights attorney and activist, had purchased on a whim. Morgan also wholesales directly to over 40 area restaurants (and nationally) using a brokerage called “Gulf To Table,” a term he and his sons trademarked and take very seriously. “We have been ‘Gulf to Table’ for almost 40 years. We want to ensure that ‘Gulf to Table’ remains true to its word. We work hard at maintaining the highest quality product and want to keep our promise of freshness to the restaurants that we sell to, including our own,” said Morgan.

“Our restaurant is based on the philosophy of serving fresh, local and sustainable seafood.”

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RESOURCES: Destin Ice Seafood Market & Deli destinice.com The Gulf Okaloosa Island thegulf.com Harbor Docks harbordocks.com Brotulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood House & Steamer brotulas.com Captain Trey Windes and Outta Line charterboatouttaline.com

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Florida Trend Names South Walton Restaurants among Golden Spoon Winners Excerpt from Florida Trend (Dec. 2017): “Fifty years ago, long before Zagat, TripAdvisor or Yelp, Florida Trend embarked on a novel project to find the state’s best restaurants. In a survey to 1,000 subscribers, editors explained: “most of our readers — and all Florida Trend staff members — travel around our state a lot. The men who read our magazine like good restaurants.” Today, Florida Trend staff and editors still scour the State of Florida for the best restaurants to share with their readers. The Florida Trend Golden Spoon Awards have become a coveted recognition. In this issue of Be Magazine, we’ve highlighted the local restaurants that made the list and are “must tries” for anyone visiting the Destin area.

BUD & ALLEY’S IN SEASIDE Located in the heart of Seaside since 1987, Bud & Alley’s is a local favorite and an iconic spot for sunset. The innovative and delectable menu is casually diverse. Start with tuna dip or sweet potato fries and follow with fresh-from-the-Gulf daily specials, such as whole fish with arugula and new potatoes or shrimp and grits. 2236 E. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 231-5900, budandalleys.com FISH OUT OF WATER IN SANTA ROSA BEACH Located within WaterColor Resort with a Gulf view and Gulf seafood. Florida Trend noted “herbed grits, pork belly, succotash and other Southern accents. A handsome parade of vegetables in every course. Alabama sausage and Cajun crawfish too. Just as smart at breakfast, worth waking up early.” 34 Goldenrod Circle, (850) 534-5050, watercolorresort. com/dining/fish-out-of-water VIN’TIJ IN MIRAMAR BEACH Located in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Vin'tij is another local favorite. Florida Trend noted its “changing menu mixes the Mediterranean and the Gulf with good cheer and spice. Griddled sea scallops can be matched with spaghetti squash and field pea relish. Paired with a smart wine list.” 500 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, (850) 650-9820, vintij.com

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“If it’s not fresh, it’s not on our menu.”

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JUSTIN COMPONATION, executive chef atThe Gulf Okaloosa Island

Depending on the season, Harbor Docks offers sushi-grade tuna, grouper, swordfish, red snapper, flounder, wahoo, scamp, triggerfish and cobia to name a few. And, of course, shrimp, oysters and crab are available too. Morgan said, “I love King Mackerel. Here it’s considered an underutilized fish. It is high in omega-3’s and really delicious!” Justin Componation is the executive chef at one of the newest additions to the local food scene — The Gulf Okaloosa Island. With a chic place to relax by the water’s edge, Componation builds his menu on seasonal ingredients. Knowing that the best products come right out of your own backyard, the grouper sandwich with lemon dill sauce is a very popular item to order because the fish is local and procured directly from Harbor Docks Seafood Market. Componation explained, “If it’s not fresh, it’s not on our menu.” When shopping for the same superior ingredients that award-winning local chefs and restaurants use in their creations, look no further than Destin Ice Seafood Market & Deli. You can pick up the freshest seafood, artisan breads and vine-picked produce to create the meal of a lifetime within your home or vacation rental. Susan Benton is a food and travel writer with published articles, recipes and photography in many local, regional and national publications. Her website is 30AEATS.com, where she writes about the secrets of Gulf Coast food.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GULF OKALOOSA ISLAND

BIJOUX IN MIRAMAR BEACH Close enough to New Orleans to want beignets and Creole spice as well as a Gulf catch, Bijoux delivers. Executive Chef Jack McGuckin has elevated the culinary program since moving to the Market Shops at Sandestin. “Start with mussels, feta and curry, blackened Brie fried oyster salad. Follow with seafood and meats dolled up with charred corn, broccolini and a saucier’s full inventory. Get a big double pork chop with red pea ragout, blueberry sauce and fried okra.” 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 22, (850) 622-0760, bijouxdestin.com

REDFISH ON THE HALF SHELL GRILLED from Hunter Ray, Florida Boy Adventures

I’m often asked my favorite way to cook and serve a fresh redfish catch. If you’d like to enjoy this tasty dish, I will clean and filet your catch at the dock at the end of our trip, or you can pick one up at Destin Ice. Just follow these easy instructions and let me know what you think. This one is light, healthy and hard to beat. 1. Rinse fish and lay scale side down on metal foil. 2. Pat dry with a paper towel then rub the fish down with butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer. 3. Coat fish with a Cajun seasoning or blackening season. I like Zatarain’s but any will do. 4. Set your grill on medium high or, if using charcoal, wait until all the briquettes are white. 5. Place aluminum foil on the grill with fish on the foil, skin side down. Close the grill. 6. Cook about 6 to 9 minutes or until the fish is flaky. (You can also do this in an oven; bake at 425 for 10 minutes. When the fish is cooked to your preference, remove and place on a baking sheet.) 7. Take a spatula and run it right down the skin of the fish, and the meat will easily peel off. 8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and enjoy. I like to pair this with smoked Gouda cheese grits (see recipe at 30Aeats.com) and a cold Abita Amber Lager. Find more on Captain Hunter Ray and Florida Boy Adventures at floridaboyadventures.com.

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Making

Sweet-N-Wild

Natural Local Honey THE BUZZ ON DESTIN’S LOCAL HONEY BY MARTHA J. LAGUARDIA-KOTITE // PHOTOS BY SCOTT HOLSTEIN

In backyards, ﬁelds and gardens

from Destin to South Walton honeybees are flourishing. Buzzing in and out of hives, colonies are tended by beekeepers harvesting gallons of their honey — unprocessed local gold. When blooms, pollen and nectar are abundant from all sorts of crops and flowers, between May and October, the worker bees produce the most honey — a healthy sweet, with antibacterial and allergy relief benefits. A colony can house 50,000 to 60,000 worker bees, undeveloped females who do all the work to satisfy the queen, said Ken Holman, a Destin beekeeper. Only worker bees gather nectar and pollinate the flowers of many plants. A single bee can make 36

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around 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. “It can take up to 300,000 to 700,000 trips to make a pound of honey,” said Holman, who started beekeeping in his backyard almost a decade ago. His eight hives produce between 60 to 100 pounds a week when “things are really blooming. That means honey and money.” For hobbyists, there’s not much money making honey. “I can make enough to pay my gas money,” he said. Drawn to beekeeping after reading about colony collapse — bees dying — and learning about their importance as pollinators for our food supply, Holman decided to make honey as a hobby when he was semi-retired. Raised in DeFuniak Springs, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1962

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A colony can house 50,000 to 60,000 worker bees, undeveloped females who do all the work to satisfy the queen.

for 53 months during the Vietnam War. He married and then worked as a construction worker in the Santa Rosa Beach area until the couple moved to Destin in 1978. Holman, a member of the Florida Beekeepers Association, harvests 200 gallons of honey a year between the peak producing spring season and the fall, when production tapers off for the winter. The Department of Agriculture inspects his bottling and harvesting annually. “Bees are considered agriculture, protected and inspected just like any other livestock,” he said. Customers are locals. They stop by his home on Mountain Drive to pick up a jar. “It’s an honor system — some of my customers can’t afford it. They can take [a honey jar] because they have kids who have allergies — the honey helps keep the swelling down.” Others leave cash for the 24- or 48-ounce glass jars of wildflower honey. “I set it out at Benjamin Moore, farmer’s markets from Destin to Seaside and in Franco’s Antiques in Fort Walton.” A 24-ounce jar runs $11 and a quart, $22. Local beekeepers are fond of each other and people interested in their trade.

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The Honey Hutch (above), operated by the Wrights (Amy Wright pictured here), is one of several familyowned businesses that keep bees to make and sell homemade candles, soaps, lotions and even face scrubs in addition to locally harvested honey.

“Beekeepers are not in competition with each other,” said Peter Wright, owner of The Ships Chandler, a marine supply company in Destin. He has a bookshelf of honey for sale there. Wright, who is friends with Holman, learned about taking care of bees from his father. His daughter, Amy Wright, took over the family beekeeping hobby and turned it into a business, The Honey Hutch, in May of 2013. The Honey Hutch produces local wildflower, red clover and Gallberry honey from 50 hives in the Destin area. The Tupelo honey comes from a beekeeper in Apalachicola. In a week, Wright can harvest 25 gallons of honey and distributes to stores and restaurants. She makes honey butter too. “Bees make three times more honey than they need to survive,” said Amy Wright. “I definitely take pride in our wildflower. It’s dark and rich.” DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGAZINE 2019

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Maggie Roberts (right) sells their “gold,” harvested by Mac McFarland, under the name Mermaid Maggie’s at a few shops and restaurants, such as Dewey Destin’s on Highway 98.

Honey is medicinal and healing, explained Wright. While visiting her father during his recovery from open-heart surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, she discovered the hospital used honey for wound care. This news became the inspiration for her to take the family hobby and turn it into a business. “Honey is antibacterial, helps heal a wound or burn and has many benefits for allergies, too. There are so many cool things about honey.” The Honey Hutch offers honey for purchase online, at farmer’s markets and the Destin Seafood Festival. “Bees making honey is such a beautiful process,” said Wright. “To me it’s the cycle of life. They produce honey which allows us to feed off their honey.” In the spring, colonies tend to swarm or congregate on a tree limb or side of a building due to overcrowding. Swarming is a natural way of creating new colonies and part of the reproductive cycle. “You have to try to prevent them from swarming,” said Artie Fortner, a backyard beekeeper. “If they do, you have to hunt them down and take care of the 10,000 bees all in one wad — bigger than a basketball.” Getting the bees back into the main hive box with the queen can include delicately sucking worker bees down with a slow-speed vacuum cleaner. “The best thing to do is put a double white sheet on the ground right under them with a couple sticks dipped in honey,” said Fortner. “Cut the tree branches below them so they can make a clear fall into the bed. Put a rope around the limb and jerk 38

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on the rope. When they fall down in the hive box the ones not in the box will march right in there like soldiers in the army.” Fortner’s first encounter with bees captured his imagination. When he was a 20-year-old carpenter, he cut down an oak tree with a hollowed base. “There was a huge beehive in the bottom of it. I robbed their honey,” he said. Although covered in angry bees he was not intimidated. He was captivated. The bees were only mad with him for taking their honey. He later partnered with beekeeper Mitzi Richardson, owner of Ace Hardware on Main Street, to make honey.

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Maggie Roberts (above) sells their "gold" harvested by Mac McFarland under the name Mermaid Maggie's at a few shops and restaurants such as Dewey Destin's on Highway 98.

Beekeeper Artie Fortner tends to what he calls "a perfect society."

‘‘

They are a perfect society. That’s what impresses me most. There are no welfare recipients. They all work. They have to. Out of 10,000 bees, there will only be maybe 200 drones, males, in the hive. By the end of summer, they are booted out of town.” — ARTIE FORTNER

Along Bayou Drive — across from the Clary Estate in old Destin — Mac McFarland offers honey jars right outside his front door. Partners with his son, Jeff, they help Fortner maintain his hives and have grown their honey business, under the name Mermaid Maggie, to produce 2,000 pounds a year. “Honey is one of the few foods in the world that won’t spoil,” said Mac McFarland. “It’s fascinating the way bees do things. When they are in the process of collecting the pollen and landing with their bags of pollen you can see it glowing … almost like a couple taillights near their hind legs.” Starting up a hive is easy. Depending on the equipment and number of bees, the local price ranges from $100 to $300. “Once you get them started it’s sort of like rabbits. They multiply

rapidly,” said McFarland. “The queen may live for four years, but she’s not productive for all those years. Usually it’s best to replace a queen every year. Worker bees last about 42 days.” As far as a common fear people have about getting stung by bees, McFarland said, “Generally speaking, bees don’t sting unless they feel you are endangering their hive. Unless you are allergic to bees, a bee sting isn’t all that terrible.” Added Artie Fortner, “They are a perfect society. That’s what impresses me most. There are no welfare recipients. They all work. They have to. Out of 10,000 bees, there will only be maybe 200 drones, males, in the hive. By the end of summer, they are booted out of town.”

DESTIN’S OWN LOCAL HONEY, COLLECTED BY ARTIE FORTNER Sold at Ace Hardware of South Walton in Miramar Beach and Designer Consigners of Destin (850) 865-4191 KEN HOLMAN’S Sold at Seaside Farmer’s Market, Benjamin Moore Paint in Destin, Franco’s Antiques in Fort Walton Beach (850) 259-1561 THE HONEY HUTCH 646 East Highway 98 (850) 499-6528 MERMAID MAGGIE’S DESTIN HONEY Sold at Dewey Destin’s Bayside, Harry T’s, Champa Shop, Destin Ice and Seafood Market & Deli, Mellow Mushroom (850) 269-2049

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| FEATURE Salamander Spa at The Henderson offers personal luxury in an exclusive and relaxing beach setting.

Destin, Florida: Perfect for a

Girls Getaway BY AMY BERTRAND, FEATURES EDITOR, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH/STLTODAY.COM

amily trips help you bond as a group. Solo vacations can soothe the soul. Couples trips can rekindle a romance. But a friends trip, a girlfriend getaway, can recharge you with laughter, adventures and relaxation. I traveled with five friends in May to Destin. We are all busy, working moms of tween boys, some have older or younger kids also. Destin sits on the Gulf of Mexico, in Florida’s panhandle, in an area known for its white sand beaches and emerald green waters. Parts of it, including the Crystal Beach area where we stayed, have sort of a small beach town vibe. Other parts have a touristy feel as visitors have discovered Destin and descend on it all times of the year but especially in the summer. “St. Louis is one of the top 10 cities where 40

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our guests live, and we’re finding that more and more St. Louis residents are discovering the beaches of Destin and South Walton,” says Tracy Louthain, director of marketing and communications at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties. We started planning our trip by finding a place to stay. We wanted a house with its own pool (some of my friends are not big fans of sand). I’ve had great success on other trips booking a house or condo with a real-estate company that specializes in vacation rentals. Newman-Dailey is one of the biggest in the Destin area, so I started there, searching its website, destinvacation.com. That’s when we came across a house called Blue Starfish. It was perfect. A private pool with a spill-over spa; an outside seating area with a TV, mini kitchen and outdoor bathroom; a block or two from the beach; four bedrooms;

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Perfect for group vacations and gettogethers, Blue Starfish boasts a bevy of amenities, including four bedrooms, a private pool with spillover spa, outside patio seating and a putting green.

a huge kitchen and even a small putting green in the back. After booking it and talking to the folks at Newman-Dailey, we learned the house was owned by people from St. Louis. And when I got there, I think I would have figured it out anyway. Budweiser and Dilly Dilly signs in the liquor cabinet, wine glasses from Mount Pleasant and a fabulous coffee table made of railroad ties with the Cotton Belt (officially known as the St. Louis Southwestern Railway) name on them. Marcy and Seth Anderson of Clayton built the home in 2014. “It’s part of Seth’s future retirement plan,” Marcy says, “to own four rental properties that we can rent out.” The Andersons have three children, 11-year-old twin girls and a 12-year-old son, and when I talked to Marcy, she had just gotten back from a girls trip at Blue Starfish. “It’s a great place for a girls trip,” she says. “It’s just really chill.” She says her house is most often used for multi-generational families. She knows that because a guest book she keeps in the house tells stories of guests using the board games, cooking together and swimming in the pool. When we arrived, the house was as promised. Maybe even better than promised. It was pristine, with towels, dishes, board games, sheets and comfy beds. The only thing we needed was food — and alcohol.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALAMANDER SPA AND NEWMAN-DAILEY RESORT PROPERTIES

How we got there

Two years ago, Allegiant Airlines started offering flights from Belleville’s MidAmerica Airport to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach airport. It’s a budget airline, which means no snacks or free beverages. You have to pay for your seat, your checked bag and your carry-on. So the cheap price you see at first does add up a bit. But the bonus is you don’t have to pay exorbitant parking fees (it’s $5 a day), and you pretty much walk right from the parking lot to check-in. I had heard from many people how easy and quick it is. But we must have gotten there on a bad day. We waited in line nearly an hour to check in, then an additional 20 minutes for security, but it was a direct flight that took less than two hours. DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGAZINE 2019

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Things to do in Destin

You go to Destin for the beach, right? So plan to spend at least one day lounging around in the sand, wading in the water, possibly even catching a few waves on a boogie board or stand-up paddleboard. But it’s even more fun to get on the water. We did it in two ways. With a rental from Newman-Dailey, you get one pass to a variety of attractions (minigolf, snorkeling, water park and more). They call it the Be Free Bundle. One of the attractions is the Sea Blaster dolphin cruise, a 73-foot, 119-passenger speedboat that takes you on a tour through the harbor before you speed into open waters. It also offers beer and wine and a party atmosphere. Oh and dolphins. We saw plenty of dolphins. As beautiful as they were on that sunset cruise (which runs $28; destinseablaster.com), the mammals were even more magnificent to behold a few days later when we rented a pontoon boat from Destin Boat Rentals ($275 for half a day in the offseason at destinvacationboatrentals.com). My friend Andrea piloted us out into quiet waters, and we watched as the dolphins crested and dived back down right in front of us. We 42

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could hear the water blow like a swimmer coming up for air before we saw them. We probably could have stayed there all day, but we had a goal: Crab Island. Sitting just off Destin Harbor at the entrance to Choctawhatchee Bay, Crab Island isn’t really an island at all (though it used to be) but an underwater sandbar where the water is about waist deep and crystal clear. There are about a half-dozen, semipermanent structures: restaurants and shops and an inflatable obstacle course known as Crab Island Waterpark. In addition, several food boats (like a food truck) come by to serve margaritas, burgers and more. In the busy times, bands play on a floating stage. We anchored right in the middle of it. It was a Monday in early May, but there were still a good handful of boats with partying people around us. But there’s plenty of room to spread out if you want. We cranked up the music on our pontoon, anchored and I jumped in the water. It was chilly but gorgeous. Until a jellyfish swam by me. I scrambled up the back steps like I was being chased by sharks, not a gorgeous, translucent floating creature. Yes, jellyfish can sting, but this was a lone moon jelly, a less potent kind.

I saw it again a few times, once I eventually got back in the water. But it stayed clear of us. A girls trip wouldn’t be complete without a spa day. The Henderson Beach Resort, a relatively new and needed addition to the area, is a luxury resort next to the beach and Henderson State Park. Salamander Spa is everything you’d expect from a luxury spa: cucumber water (actually they even offer a complimentary Prosecco), lush robes, a gorgeous lounge, a steam room with an infusion of lavender, private whirlpools and more. Services range from the balancing facial I had to a Neroli Blossom Sensory Experience with meditative massage and essential oils. Each treatment room I saw had windows overlooking the park. Henderson Beach Resort also offers fitness classes (and not just for guests). We took a beach yoga class. For $15, you take a short walk to the beach, actually a patch of grass that sits just back from the beach, which is perfect (no sand!), and work through a series of floor and standing postures great for beginners or more advanced students, all while staring at the waves coming into those white sand beaches. Reservations recommended.

FEATURE |

COMMUNITY

Destin offers a wide selection of casual and fine dining options, all within a short distance of many Newman-Dailey properties.

PHOTOS BY MATT BURKE

Places to eat

You can’t go wrong heading to the HarborWalk Village for some food. Even those who would scoff at a chain such as Margaritaville shouldn’t. The food selection is great, the portions are huge and the view (and the breeze at the top) is fantastic. But head to a locally owned place for a more authentic Destin experience. We stopped in at Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer, just down the boardwalk from Margaritaville on our first night. My friends and I loved it so much we wanted to go back every night. Chef Tommy LeMaster, a young, affable guy whose bubbly sister was our server, focuses on local seafood and produce to create platters and traditional boils with a new Southern twist. The fish is so fresh it often comes with a QR code, which you can scan to see when and where it was caught. Maybe it’s because we were sitting by the water, but the snapper and the grouper really did taste like some of the freshest fish I’ve ever had. Yet there’s another reason to come back again and again: the sautéed mussels ($15.95), a bowl of them in creamy white wine sauce perfect for sopping up the crusty bread that comes with it (brotulas.com). Just down the boardwalk is Brotula’s sister restaurant, Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi. It has a little bit more of a party atmosphere, with a bar out front along the boardwalk. I especially liked the Thai Fighter sushi roll (spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, crunchies, yellowtail, jalapeño, green onion and ponzu), again offering that fresh fish taste we don’t often get in sushi at home (jackacudas.com). For brunch, we headed just down the street from our house to 790 on the Gulf, located in the Inn at Crystal Beach. The menu has a Louisiana feel with omelets, beignets and an amazing crab cakes eggs Benedict. Sit outside right next to the sand dunes and order the bottomless mimosas, but beware

the winds, which knocked an umbrella into diners on our visit (eatmoregumbo.com). Also just down the road (and perfect if you are staying in the Crystal Beach neighborhood) is a corner shop named Camille’s. It sits across the beach, so beachgoers can grab a sandwich for lunch or a daiquiri in a to-go cup for chilling in the sand. You’ll find live music there at times, too. We especially loved the avocado toast and bloody marys for breakfast (camillesatcrystalbeach.com). For a fancy night out, we headed to Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar, a recently renovated space along the Emerald Coast Highway. It also happens to be run by Tyler Jarvis, whose Savory restaurant group runs Brotula’s and Jackacudas. I was sensing a trend here for us, and Cuvee did not disappoint, with its extensive wine list and genius sommelier, craft cocktails and inventive food. But for all the fresh seafood and duck fat fries, I fell in love with the organic fried chicken ($19) served with the best macaroni and cheese I’ve had in my entire life (cuveekitchen.com).

When drinking, not eating, is on your mind, three bars shouldn’t be missed. The touristy AJ’s on the HarborWalk may be full of partygoing tourists, but the giant, elevated screen showing sports, and the live band that plays in front of it are pretty cool. The Whale’s Tale Beach Bar & Grill, a few miles down Scenic Gulf Drive, sits on the beach and has the feel (and the bathrooms) of a chill neighborhood bar. In the middle, Pompano Joe’s is more of a restaurant on the beach, but it has a large bar and a family party feel. With its balance of fresh seafood, waterside relaxation and fun outings, Destin offers a perfect excuse to grab some friends and head for the beach. This article originally appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch/STLToday.com on August 10, 2018. The reprint of this article does not infer endorsement of any product or service mentioned by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Lee Enterprise or any of its subsidiaries. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author. DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

Beach FLOR STATE ARCHIVES OF

IDA/HOLLAND, FLORIDA

MEMORY

Life at the

Rodeo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Destin, Florida of fish caught during the Destin gs strin ral seve with g hun t boa n of a party Many people stand in the ster

Catch your fill while in Destin DESTIN NOSTALGIA BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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Newman-Dailey For more than 30 years, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has been providing warm welcomes to clients and guests. Specializing in vacation rentals, rental property management, association management and real estate sales, the team’s personal relationships — along with knowledge and experience — make Newman-Dailey the trusted source. Newman-Dailey is one of the few local vacation rental and real estate companies that focuses solely on serving the South Walton and Destin area. With a passionate team, many of whom have been with the company for two decades, Newman-Dailey has a family-like connection with guests and clients. Building upon a culture of providing personalized, professional service with integrity, the Newman-Dailey team is committed to delivering on their 100 percent performance guarantee. Thirty years of putting customers ﬁrst, coupled with a passion and commitment to serving the local community, is what makes Newman-Dailey an industry leader. These traits are part of the Newman-Dailey DNA, and it’s why Newman-Dailey is “Where you’d rather be.”

Inside GET TO KNOW NEWMAN-DAILEY THE TEAM’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY PREMIUM PROPERTIES

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

| MANAGEMENT DIVISIONS

Rental Property Management

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties believes owning a vacation home should be a fun and rewarding experience. By partnering with owners, NewmanDailey’s Rental Property Management division helps owners build their vacation rental into a healthy, long-term financial investment. Newman-Dailey is committed to the Emerald Coast and only represents properties in South Walton and Destin, Florida. By understanding the market and reacting to its challenges and demands, Newman-Dailey is able to respond with pricing that achieves maximum returns while keeping units occupied. Newman-Dailey rental property managers have a long tenure with the company and are hands-on, engaged and involved. The team works closely with owners to analyze past performance, to fine-tune the property for peak performance and update annual revenue goals. Constant communication with property owners ensures they are informed and educated on happenings that impact their home and investment. Stewardship is paramount. Maintenance and care of a vacation rental is critical in protecting a rental investment. Newman-Dailey has a loyal and dedicated team of quality control inspectors who perform a rigorous 65-point inspection on every unit after each stay, ensuring each property is kept in premier condition. While every vacation rental company claims exceptional service, our statement is backed by hundreds of testimonials and user-generated rankings. Our owners’ survey revealed a 95 percent satisfaction rating among our vacation rental owners. Newman-Dailey consistently earns “Excellent” ratings on TripAdvisor and was voted “Best of the Emerald Coast” for property management and vacation rentals by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. In addition, Newman-Dailey was named among Florida Trend’s “Best Companies to Work For” and received the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. These recognitions are the result of decades of dedication to our guests, our owners and their properties. Whether you are considering buying a property or you already own a vacation home, discussing its revenue potential with Newman-Dailey is a wise decision.

Association Management

95% 95% SATISFACTION RATE

40% ‘EXTREMELY’ SATISFIED; 55% SATISFIED

94% 94% WOULD RECOMMEND NEWMAN-DAILEY TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY Other Achievement of rental goals Quality care of my investment, including cleanliness and maintenance

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33%

A friendly, helpful staff

28% 18%

Quality renters who treat my vacation rental as their own

THE TOP-RANKED SERVICES NEWMAN-DAILEY PROVIDES ITS OWNERS

As the leading association management company for the Destin, South Walton and 30A areas, Newman-Dailey’s fully staffed association management division manages 51 associations with more than 2,100 individually owned units. Whether they are beachside condominiums, gated home communities or commercial plazas, Newman-Dailey believes residential developments are as individual as the people who live, work, play and visit there. From large properties of approximately 300 units to smaller communities of eight units, what works in one place may not somewhere else, and this is why Newman-Dailey speciﬁcally tailors its management style to each community. While the style may be different from property to property, there is one constant clients of Newman-Dailey can always rely on: highly detailed and personalized service performed by a team of licensed professionals with practical experience in areas, ranging from nonproﬁt accounting to physical

4% 16%

property maintenance. The team works closely with association boards to maintain their properties and to protect the sizeable investments of their members. Newman-Dailey offers a unique approach to association management, utilizing a team of licensed CAMs, both on- and off-site. By offering all the employee benefits of a large company without incurring undue costs to its associations, Newman-Dailey is able to hire extremely qualified personnel who work as a team to provide the highest level of service. In addition, the team prides itself on consistent and frequent communication with HOA boards and association members to provide updates and community news throughout the year. In addition, Newman-Dailey excels in sound fiscal management and accurate budgeting. Working with expert attorneys who specialize in community association law and knowledgeable CPA firms, Newman-Dailey ensures all Florida Statute requirements are met.

MANAGEMENT DIVISIONS |

NEWMAN-DAILEY

Long Term Rentals

Newman-Dailey added a Long-Term Rental Division to complete the company’s offering of real estate services. With a growing demand for long-term rentals along the Emerald Coast, Newman-Dailey’s newest division offers affordable long-term rentals in the Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Santa Rosa Beach and South Walton/30A communities. From residential apartments and condominiums to townhomes and singlefamily residences, Newman-Dailey LongTe r m i s c o m m i t t e d to providing qualit y, reasonably priced rental homes. The Long-Term Division is staffed by an experienced team of rental professionals who bring the same high standards for performance and ser vice that are paramount at NewmanDailey. For homeowners, Newman-Dailey is focused on achieving optimum financial performance as well as providing caring oversight for each home. For tenants, NewmanDailey is focused on providing prompt reliable service, ensuring care and comfort for each tenant of a Newman-Dailey rental.

Real Estate Sales

The Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Real Estate Division has been providing top-notch buying and selling services along the Emerald Coast since 1985 and is honored to have won Best Real Estate Company on the Emerald Coast on multiple occasions. The team of experienced real estate agents specializes in buying, selling and researching Destin homes, condos, land sales, as well as commercial and residential property.

Licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Newman-Dailey Real Estate is listed in the top 10 percent of real estate agencies on the Emerald Coast, according to the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) Closed Sales Summary Report. Whether buying or selling a second home, investment property, or relocating to the Emerald Coast, Newman-Dailey is “where you’d rather be.”

NEWMAN-DAILEY IS A MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

| IN THE COMMUNITY

NEWMAN-DAILEY RESORT PROPERTIES TEAM

YEAR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE How can we be of service? Counting the ways … It can be said that the team at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties is highly competitive and has a big heart. Fortunately, this competitive spirit is not only directed at company and revenue goals but also with the team’s community involvement. Here’s a look at what a passionate, hard-working team can accomplish.

First Quarter FILLED BACKPACKS WITH HEALTHY FOODS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS For Newman-Dailey’s first quarter project, Newman-Dailey staffers headed to one of two pantries managed by Food for Thought, a local nonprofit dedicated to ensuring local students have access to healthy, easy-toprepare food between school meals. Food for Thought currently serves 32 schools and 3,300 students each week. The competitive team filled more backpacks than planned, preparing more than 800 backpacks in record time.

SUPPORTED COMMUNITY EVENTS: Food for Thought Golf Tournament and Rosemary Beach Foundation Cornhole Tournament beneﬁtting Special Olympics

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Second Quarter SUPPORTED DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOR CHILDREN IN N.W. FLORIDA Newman-Dailey Resort Properties is proud to be the oﬃcial lodging partner for the Destin Charity Wine Auction. The 2018 auction raised $2.7 million for children in need in Northwest Florida. By hosting celebrity chefs and vintners from around the world plus support staff, Newman-Dailey provided the warm welcomes and lodging so the experts could share their talents and raise critical funds for 15 local children’s charities. Since 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $17 million to local nonproﬁt organizations, making big impacts with children in the community.

ENTERED TEAM VACATION VIXENS IN RELAY FOR LIFE Our team raised $8,670 and took home top honors for “Most Money Raised” by a team and “Most Money Raised Online” by a team. Newman-Dailey team member Lisa Morgan took home the award for “Most Money Raised” by an individual! Overall, Relay for Life raised just over $53,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Third Quarter RALLIED TO DONATE 53,000 ITEMS FOR FOOD FOR THOUGHT’S STOCK THE PANTRY The Newman-Dailey Resort Properties team once again participated in Food For Thought’s Stock the Pantry Party, collecting food items for local students to ﬁght child hunger and help local students as they go back to school. Our team gathered more than 53,000 food items to ﬁll backpacks for students on free and reduced lunch. Team Newman-Dailey earned 2nd place in the fun-spirited community competition.

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

| IN THE COMMUNITY

Fourth Quarter ADOPTED A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS The Newman-Dailey team continued its tradition of adopting a family for the holidays through the Fresh Start Program. Our team pulled together to support a single mom, age 27, and her four boys. While she studies to get her GED, she needed help through the holidays and team members opened their hearts and their wallets to donate $1,000 toward her needs and the Fresh Start Program, which helps with transitional housing and long-term, self-suďŹ&#x192;ciency.

SUPPORTED HURRICANE MICHAEL RELIEF Among the many individual and company donations of food, supplies and cleaning products as well as volunteer hours that Newman-Dailey team members invested to help our neighbors in Panama City and other impacted communities get back on their feet after Hurricane Michael, Real Estate Agent Carolyn DeFibo closed out the year with holiday cheer. Carolyn joined Mission Love Seeds to raise and deliver smiles to more than 500 students impacted by the storm. They managed to collect/purchase more than 500 bicycles, toys and backpacks ďŹ lled with supplies so every student received a new bike and toy!

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Association Management – Property Management Vacation Rentals – Real Estate Sales – Long-term Rentals

* S O U T H WA LT O N * M I R A M A R B E A C H * D E S T I N

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D ES TIN

Seafood

FES TIVAL LIVE MUSIC

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October

2019

FAMILY FUN

FREE ADMISSION

SHUTTLE AVAILABLE

For more info on the event and music lineup

DESTINSEAFOODFESTIVAL.COM OVER 1 1/2 MILES ALONG THE DESTIN HARBOR BOARDWALK

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

| PROPERTIES

SANCTUARY AT REDFISH

SANCTUARYREDFISH.COM Sanctuary at Redfish on Highway 30A in Blue Mountain Beach is a luxury condominium resort nestled within the natural vegetation alongside one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Located on approximately 14 acres, Sanctuary at Redfish features four separate pools, two Jacuzzis, large fire pit, two outside grills and private pool cabanas. Each condo either features a balcony with breathtaking views of the lake and Gulf or a comfortable porch overlooking the pool or preserve. A pontoon boat is available seasonally to take guests on a scenic 5-minute ride through Big Redfish Lake to the Gulf of Mexico and the beach. Newman-Dailey stays come with seasonal beach service as well as a gift card good toward a bike rental, dolphin cruise free movie rentals and more. Guests will want to sit back, relax and enjoy the natural serenity of Sanctuary at Redfish.

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PROPERTIES |

NEWMAN-DAILEY

JADE EAST TOWERS JADEEASTCONDOS.COM

Jade East Towers is in the heart of Destin and is great for families. The upscale Gulf-front condominium resort features spacious two- and three-bedroom units with large balconies overlooking the beach. (If you really want to impress your crew, rent the penthouse!) Guests enjoy amenities, including a Gulf-front pool, lighted tennis court and seasonal beach service. Each NewmanDailey stay comes with a Newman-Dailey gift card good toward family activities, including snorkeling, Big Kahunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waterpark, a sunset dolphin cruise and more. Jade East is located immediately across the street from Big Kahunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waterpark and less than a mile from The Track. Other nearby attractions include the Destin Harbor, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Gator Beach at Fudpuckers.

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

| PROPERTIES

HIDDEN DUNES BEACH & TENNIS RESORT HIDDENDUNESDESTIN.COM

One of South Waltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undiscovered escapes is Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort in Miramar Beach. With winding foot paths, lush gardens and relaxing fountains, the secluded resort invites guests to get happily lost on the 27-acre, Gulf-front property. Recognized as one of the top 50 tennis resorts by Tennis Resorts Online, Hidden Dunes Tennis Center features six championship Rubico tennis courts. For those who enjoy tennis, the real hidden gem is tennis director Renee Broxson and her team, who are renowned for tennis instruction and like-level game matching. The seclusion of this resort and its quaint stretch of sugar white sand beach make Hidden Dunes feel like an oasis. The paths lead guests to neighborhood pools, hot tubs and picnic hideaways with gas grills. Lodging options include well-appointed Gulffront condos, spacious villas overlooking the lake and charming Carolina-style cottages tucked into the lush landscape. Hidden Dunes is the perfect place to relax and unwind. 56

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PROPERTIES |

NEWMAN-DAILEY

BEACHSIDE INN DESTINBEACHSIDEINN.COM

Nestled in one of Destin’s most charming communities, Beachside Inn captures the welcoming, neighborhood feel of Crystal Beach. This cozy motel is located only steps from the beach and has a great sidewalk café and coffee bar as well as a full-service restaurant on-site. Each colorful, cozy room features either a king or two queen beds along with a kitchenette, complete with a mini-fridge, microwave and daily coffee service. The property has an inviting two-tier swimming pool surrounded by plenty of space for sunbathing on the brick paver deck. Guests can enjoy the cool evening breeze with a dip in the hot tub before dinner at Camille’s restaurant. A select number of rooms are pet-friendly so families can bring the furriest member of their family, too.

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NEWMAN DAILEY

| VACATION HOMES

B E A C H VA C AT I O N

HOMES

SOMETIMES A VACATION GETAWAY requires a “true” home away from home. For those occasions, Newman-Dailey features a diverse collection of well-appointed rental homes along the pristine beaches of South Walton and Destin. Beach houses range from cozy two bedroom cottages to expansive six- and seven-bedroom houses that can sleep up to 28. These homes are ideal for family gatherings, reunions and special celebrations with family and friends.

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VACATION HOMES |

NEWMAN-DAILEY

ABSOLUTE PARADISE 4 BR, 2½ BA, Sleeps 8 Absolute Paradise features three floors with five breezy porches, a two-car garage and is only one block away from the beach. A fully stocked, open kitchen decked in granite counters — along with a bonus entertainment room with Gulf views — make this home an absolute dream.

BLUE STARFISH 4 BR, 4½ BA, Sleeps 12 A luxury vacation home featuring a sleek kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gas range with double oven; ideal for the family who loves to cook. The serene coastal blue hues make a stay in this home feel wonderfully relaxing, as does the private pool and deck with flat-screen TV. This house is a star by the sea.

COOL BREEZE COTTAGE 5 BR, 4 BA, Sleeps 13 Located in the heart of the Crystal Beach neighborhood, Cool Breeze Cottage features a main house and a carriage house. With a private pool and deck with a grill and comfortable outdoor furnishings, it is easy to be blown away by the beauty and comfort of this home, along with the coastal breezes.

OCEAN MIST COTTAGE 3 BR, 3 BA, Sleeps 12 After a day in the sun, relax with a lighthouse view from the thirdfloor balcony or kick back on the second-floor deck and enjoy the pleasant breezes. Located in the Crystal Beach neighborhood, Ocean Mist Cottage is awash in sunny yellow hues and a coastal décor. Step outside for an afternoon dip in the private splash pool complete with an outdoor shower. DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

NEWMAN DAILEY

| VACATION HOMES

DOLPHIN’S COTTAGE 4 BR, 2½ BA, Sleeps 10 Completely renovated, Dolphin’s Cottage is making a splash. The home features brand new flooring, new paint, completely upgraded kitchen, new king size beds, new furniture, new TVs and many other upgrades. A private pool with a large furnished patio and outdoor shower make this home a joy.

ESTATE OF TRANQUILITY 6 BR, 6½ BA, Sleeps 16 This beautiful home in Destiny East features many upgrades, including an open kitchen with granite counters, a large master suite with a luxury bathroom and an extra deep soaking bathtub. The backyard is a paradise with furnished pool deck and raised spa that overflows into a sundrenched pool.

GOOD TIMES AND TAN LINES 3 BR, 3 BA, Sleeps 14 This cute cottage in Crystal Beach is great for families. The oversized custom bunk room features two sets of queen-over-queen bunks, plus its own sitting/gaming area. A deck and grilling area in the backyard, along with a large front porch and a balcony on the second floor, provide plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the coastal breezes.

HEMINGWAY’S HIDEOUT 3 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 8 This beach cottage is reminiscent of a home in the Florida Keys. Surrounded by shady oaks with peaceful porches and a private pool, Hemmingway’s Hideout has a modern kitchen stocked with all you’ll need for a culinary adventure, a full laundry room and flat-screen TVs in each room. Travel to the top floor via a spiral staircase to enjoy a wonderful 360-degree balcony and gorgeous sunsets over Crystal Beach. 60

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

JEWEL IN THE SAND 7 BR, 6½ BA, Sleeps 28 With four levels of unbridled craftsmanship, this home is a treasure. The second floor living area is fit for a king with formal dining room, living room with movie screen size TV and chef-ready kitchen. The master bath features a massive walk-in shower, his and her water closets and separate vanities. With sweeping views of the Gulf and a private pool, this home is a gem.

LIFE’S A BEACH 8 BR, 5½ BA, Sleeps 28 With a large backyard, two private pools and eight bedrooms, Life’s a Beach offers luxury living both inside and out. The large master suite on the third floor is fit for royalty. Downstairs, the spacious kitchen is wellequipped for preparing familystyle meals. With parking for up to six cars, Life’s a Beach is a dream come true.

MARTINIQUE 6 BR, 5 BA, Sleeps 20 Original island artwork adds to an air of a breezy tropical island. A fully stocked kitchen with new stainless steel appliances and a dining room is great for entertaining. The master bedroom has an oversized bathroom with a garden tub and a window overlooking the ocean. There is also a two car garage as well as two balconies with views of the Gulf of Mexico.

REGROUPER 6 BR, 7 BA, Sleeps 18 This four-story beach vacation home is filled with special touches. Quartz counters, hand-painted murals and plantation-style shutters are just the beginning. Six spacious bedrooms, a well-stocked kitchen, two small libraries, an entertainment area on the 3rd floor and seating area on the 4th floor provide beauty and comfort. But it’s the large backyard with Tiki hut, private pool and spa, plush lounge furniture, grill and private outdoor shower that give this home the “wow” factor! DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGAZINE 2019

NEWMAN DAILEY

| VACATION HOMES

SEVEN PALMS 4 BR, 3½ BA, Sleeps 10 Located in the quaint Crystal Shores neighborhood, Seven Palms is open and airy and ideal for entertaining. This beautiful beach home has been completely updated with fresh paint, new furniture, new flooring, new lighting and new mattresses and bedding. Experience paradise under the palms!

SOUNDS OF SUMMER 4 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 8 This classic Florida beach house has been completely remodeled. New stainless steel appliances, granite counters, walnut-plank tile floors coupled with the shabby chic décor give this home a comfortably modern interior. A private deck with dune views is ideal for relaxing and listening to the sounds of summer.

SOLEIL LEVANT 3 BR, 3 BA, Sleeps 6 Located in the neighborhood of Caribe in South Walton, this spectacular home features a spiral staircase connecting the three levels. Special touches, such as a claw foot bathtub in the master, a fire-engine red kitchen, a private pool and two balconies on the top floor, make this home as bright as the “rising sun.”

STAIRWAY TO HAMMOCK HEAVEN 4 BR, 3 BA, Sleeps 12 Located in the heart of Crystal Beach, this home delivers on its name. With a staircase to a covered roof top deck filled with hammocks, guests can hide out and relax high above the neighborhood. Great for family gatherings, the enormous kitchen is totally remodeled and fully stocked for the gourmet chef. Beautiful décor, private pool and spacious deck with grill and Cajun boiler, this home is heavenly. 62

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

SUNNY OASIS 5 BR, 5 BA, Sleeps 17 This newly renovated home with stunning dĂŠcor is a bright spot in the Crystal Beach neighborhood. With a new gourmet kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, Sunny Oasis is illuminated with natural light from the wall of windows. Behind the home, a carriage house, private pool, gas grill and two large wrap around decks make this home the ultimate vacation oasis.

THE BOATHOUSE 3 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 12 This spacious, three-story home offers a nautical escape. With a large wrap-around porch on the first floor, a large balcony on the second floor and viewing deck on the 3rd floor, The Boathouse is a great home for enjoying the coastal setting. The large, lush backyard is ideal for lawn games, and the private pool and grill ensure The Boathouse is always sailing toward fun.

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN 5 BR, 5 BA, Sleeps 21 Reminiscent of an Italian manor, Under the Tuscan Sun features a gated courtyard with a private pool. An open kitchen, with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, extends out to designer suede couches and dining for 17. The colossal third-floor master suite with private balcony ensures this home is fit for a king.

WISH GRANTED 6 BR, 5 BA, Sleeps 23 This newly remodeled 3,900square-foot home is a block from the beach. With a private saltwater pool and big backyard, this threestory home features plenty of places to gather inside and out. The first floor features a private lockout, which has two bedrooms/two baths and its own kitchen and living area, while the main house features lots of little extras, making this rental a dream come true. DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

NEWMAN DAILEY

| VACATION HOMES

HUDSON’S BLENHEIM HOUSE 3 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 10 With two stacked patios overlooking the beach and a lush green backyard, which opens to the beach, this vacation home is a beach lover’s dream. The custom-designed home features exposed reclaimed, dark wood rafters over the family room and windows along the back of the home to provide ample views of the beach and Gulf. Three bedrooms upstairs and a fully stocked kitchen create the perfect start to memorable times with friends and family.

HIDDEN TREASURE 3 BR, 2½ BA, Sleeps 8 With enough space for the whole family to spread out, this mint-colored Destin vacation home is tucked amongst the palm trees in a private corner of the Emerald Shores community. The open floor plan allows the chef, the movie watchers, the ice tea drinkers and the card players to all spend time in the spacious downstairs together. Tile floors, a huge flat-screen TV and a sophisticated beach theme add to the peaceful ambiance of Hidden Treasure.

LEISURE LOOKOUT AT SHUNK GULLEY 3 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 8 Within walking distance to the glorious Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Place Town Center and Shunk Gulley restaurant, Leisure Lookout is in a premier location off Highway 30A. Hang out in the mid-century modern interior flanked by dozens of sunlit windows; or laze on the stretched balcony with the sound of the surf in the distance. A fully accessorized kitchen with stainless steel appliances, along with a large living and dining room with plenty of seating and flat-screen TVs throughout, make this vacation home great for entertaining.

SUNKISSED COTTAGE 3 BR, 3 BA, Sleeps 11 The beachy chic décor and private pool in the backyard make Sunkissed Cottage the perfect vacation rental to leave your cares beyond and bask in the sun. The widow’s watch, high above with a 360 degree view, is a fourth bedroom or a relaxing spot to get away. The two master suites (one with fireplace and spa tub) are ideal for two couples or families. With a short stroll to the beach and restaurants and activities nearby, a stay at Sunkissed Cottage is a great escape from the stresses of life. 64

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NEWMAN-DAILEY

BEACH RESORT 1 BR with bunk room, 2 BA, Sleeps 6 With a split-level spill over pool into the zero-entry pool with waterfall for kids and a hot tub, it may be hard to find time for the beach. Each individually decorated condo features a private balcony overlooking the pool and a bunk room with full bath. Located across the street from the beach and within walking distance to several popular local restaurants, Beach Resort is a popular destination for families and couples. (Pictured Unit 509)

COSTA DEL SOL A2 2 BR, 2Â˝ BA, Sleeps 8 Located directly on the beach, Costal Del Sol A-2 complements the beauty of the beach with sandy hues, beachy dĂŠcor and designer furnishings. An open kitchen boasts beautiful granite counters and opens to the living room with comfortable seating for eight. Three levels of beachfront porches make daydreams a reality.

CIBONEY 3012 2 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 7 With stainless steel appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen, this adorable condominium is just steps from the beach. Ciboney 3012 has all the comforts of home. The spacious dining room and living room open to a private balcony for guests to enjoy coastal breezes, and the master bedroom features a private bath with a custom walk-in shower. Community pool (heated seasonally), tennis courts and a boardwalk leading to the beach are among the many benefits of staying at this beach-front condo.

DUNES OF CRYSTAL BEACH 401 5 BR, 4 BA, Sleeps 12 Elegantly modern, Dunes of Crystal Beach 401 sits like a queen in a sea of vacation rentals. This stunningly large beachfront condo with five bedrooms boasts multiple balconies with spectacular views as well as lots of special touches. Conveniences like a huge laundry room, elevator access, covered parking, a grilling area and a sunny pool and spa deck round out the splendor of this gorgeous Destin vacation rental. DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

NEWMAN DAILEY

| VACATION HOMES

EMERALD DUNES 201 2 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 8 Emerald Dunes condominiums offer spectacular views of the beach and Gulf of Mexico. With a spacious pool and spa deck, Emerald Dunes 201 features soothing coastal dĂŠcor and themed bedrooms with comfortable furnishings and beach views. The modern kitchen is stocked with cookware for the chef and features stainless steel appliances and granite counters. A comfy living area opens to a private balcony overlooking the Gulf to relax and leave your worries in the dunes.

HIDDEN DUNES VILLA 41 4 BR, 4 BA, Sleeps 8 Located within a lush secluded Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort, the villas feature spacious rooms, open kitchen and a screened in wrap-around porch overlooking the lake or pool. With a spacious, open floor plan, Villa 41 is updated with granite counter tops, new cabinetry and renovated master bath.

HIDDEN DUNES COTTAGE 157 2 BR with Loft, 3 BA, Sleeps 8 The Carolina-style cottages are nestled within the wooded landscape of Hidden Dunes and feature private screened porches. Cottage 157 features a renovated interior with beach tones of teal and sand. The rooms have been upgraded and stainless-steel appliances added to the kitchen. The screened-in porch flows into the living room, where the spiral staircase leads to an open loft with large windows.

HIDDEN DUNES GULFSIDE CONDO 402 2 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 8 Overlooking the beach, Hidden Dunes condominiums are a scenic option. Condo 402 has been completely updated and features new dĂŠcor and furnishings, an upgraded kitchen with new appliances and wet bar with tile backsplash, and updated baths. With a soothing, blissful ambiance and gorgeous Gulf views, this condo includes flat screen televisions throughout, dining for 10 and a fully furnished balcony with views of the pool and beach below. Guests enjoy access to resort amenities, including several pool and spa decks, tennis center and rubico tennis courts (fee), basketball and horseshoe courts, lush walking trails and miles of soft white sand beaches. 66

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JADE EAST TOWERS 2-3 BR, 2-3 BA, Sleeps 6-12 This upscale Gulf-front condominium resort offers the perfect combination of amenities and accommodations to make your vacation truly memorable. Highspeed elevators carry you away to one of the spacious two or three bedroom condominiums. Recently renovated, Jade East 1030’s coastal hues, chic décor and upgraded kitchen complement the captivating views.

MIRAMAR BEACH VILLAS 4 BR, 4 BA, Sleeps 14 Miramar Beach Villas are spacious three-story townhomes with four bedrooms and upscale décor. Located in a gated community just a block from the beach, Miramar Beach Villa 112 features Vera Bradley-style décor and rare extras, including a kids’ secret bunk area off the second floor landing and spacious master bedroom and private bath and balcony on the top floor.

MARAVILLA 1204 3 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 8 With stunning Gulf views from the balcony, this lovely three-bedroom condominium has been completely upgraded. New furnishings, new paint and new appliances make Maravilla 1204 a dream come true. With stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances, the wellstocked kitchen is ready for the chef. As a bonus, guests enjoy access to the resort-style pool overlooking the Gulf. The only thing missing is you.

MEDITERRANEA 2 BR, 2½ BA, Sleeps 8 The luxurious, free-flowing condominium complex features a beautiful, tropicallylandscaped courtyard with a 3,000 square-foot, Gulf-view lagoon pool and poolside spa that are nestled against a backdrop of emerald waters and sugar-white sands. Enjoy beautifully appointed interiors and spectacular Gulf views from the private balconies encircling the pool. A fitness center and tennis courts allow guests to stay active, and Pompano Joe’s Restaurant is within walking distance, so it’s easy to be healthy or indulge. (Pictured Mediterranea 302A) DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

NEWMAN DAILEY

| VACATION HOMES

A SAMPLING OF NEWMAN-DAILEY’S TOWNHOMES, COTTAGES, CONDOS & VILLAS For a FULL list, visit DestinVacation.com.

SEAWINDS 3 4 BR, 4 BA, Sleeps 13 This spacious townhome sits right on the beach. With endless sunsets, tranquil sea breezes and the sound of waves, Seawinds 3 townhome is a refreshing option on the beach. Unwind in the comfortable living room with 10 large windows to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. With Whale’s Tail and Pompano Joe’s nearby, Seawinds 3 makes it easy to go out and enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails after a day at the beach.

SILVER SHELLS – ST. MAARTEN 705 3 BR, 3 BA, Sleeps 8 Silver Shells is a luxury resort with three towers — St. Croix, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. Large balconies overlook the resort with the beach in the distance. Each three bedroom condo is individually decorated with many personal touches. The open kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite counters and the master suite includes a Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. The resort includes fitness facilities, dining, spa, sparkling pools and a lush park overlooking the beach.

THE EMPRESS 404 3 BR, 3 BA, Sleeps 6 With glorious interior spaces that overlook the beach and Gulf of Mexico, guests are amazed at the roominess of this Gulf-view vacation condominium. A large formal living room opens to a furnished balcony overlooking the beach. The large kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counters and a large bar to accommodate guests. Comfortable bedrooms are enhanced with water views, and the master bedroom boasts a spa bathtub and oversized walk-in shower. Guests feel like royalty at The Empress 404.

VILLA BURAGO 2 5 BR, 5 BA, Sleeps 16 A brand new condominium located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. With five bedrooms on the same floor and a spacious kitchen, living and dining area overlooking the pool deck and the beach, this condo is ideal for gathering multiple generations or several families of friends. Guests delight in discovering this new villa in the sun is near outlet shopping, award-winning restaurants and The Village of Baytowne Wharf. 68

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TRENDS |

NEWMAN-DAILEY

A S U N N Y O U T LO O K F O R

DESTIN REAL ESTATE

wning a slice of paradise is still a dream for many investors. Over the past few years, buyers are flocking to the Emerald Coast in order to make this dream a reality. Destin, Miramar Beach and the 30A area are all showing signs of high demand, with new construction being built and renovations galore. In late spring of 2018, Seaside began making changes to its community by moving the historic Seaside post office to another area in its Seaside Square. The Post Office Plaza change is just the first of many steps that they will be making, which will ultimately lead to the construction of the Krier Tower. The Krier Tower, which was included in the original plans for Seaside, will be an architectural landmark that will be designed by renowned architect Léon Krier. Seaside’s downtown area will be seeing new changes to its beachwalk area as well as to its town square. These breathtaking developments are anticipated to add beauty and increase awareness and interest in Scenic Highway 30A. To the east of Seaside on Highway 30A, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach are also experiencing exciting new improvements. Alys Beach is constructing a 15,000-squarefoot fitness center that will be designed by Nequette Architecture & Design, a Birmingham, Alabama-based architecture firm. The layout of the ZUMA Fitness Center will have a strong emphasis on natural light in every room of the building while being surrounded by gorgeous courtyards. In fact, beach towns all along 30A’s 24-mile bike path, The Timpoochee Trail, are experiencing new construction. In Seagrove Beach, Thirty-One on 30A is a new exclusive condo with just 27 Gulf front residences sitting on 3.92 acres and 335 feet of beautiful, sugar sand beach. On the west side of 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Costa Blanca stands as a brand new luxurious condominium that sits

across from the Gulf Place 2018 SALES BY LOCATION CONDOS Town Center. To respond Destin/ to the demand for access to 30A Miramar Beach the beach, Walton County NUMBER OF has purchased three new 1% increase 14% increase SOLD LISTINGS from 2017 from 2017 beach accesses for nearly $27 million to provide additional AVERAGE 57% increase 4.5% increase SALES PRICE from 2017 from 2017 points for the public to reach the area’s coveted white sand DAYS ON 18.5% decrease 13% decrease MARKET beaches. from 2017 from 2017 Destin and Miramar Beach have also experienced SINGLE FAMILY 2018 SALES BY LOCATION new communities popping HOMES up along the coast. Hidden Destin/ 30A Palms is a new low-density, Miramar Beach 30 single-family residence NUMBER OF 4.5% decrease 3.5% increase community built by Boswell SOLD LISTINGS from 2017 from 2017 Builders featuring three-story AVERAGE 4% increase 10% increase white stucco beach homes. SALES PRICE from 2017 from 2017 The Retreat at Miramar DAYS ON 14.5% decrease 12.5% decrease offers 27 single-family home MARKET from 2017 from 2017 sites that range from four to seven bedrooms. Both RESIDENTIAL of these communities are 2018 SALES BY LOCATION VACANT LAND within walking distance to the beach and the beloved Destin/ 30A Pompano Joe’s Seafood Miramar Beach Restaurant. Last, Frangista NUMBER OF 19% decrease 3% decrease Beach and Crystal Beach SOLD LISTINGS from 2017 from 2017 are undergoing further AVERAGE 26% increase 15.5% increase new home construction for SALES PRICE from 2017 from 2017 those who are interested in DAYS ON 14% decrease 29.5% decrease purchasing homes designed MARKET from 2017 from 2017 with the latest trends. *Statistics reported by Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) In addition, more commercial space also has Division is recognized for investment advice been added. City Market Bayside is now and helping clients own their own slice open and has merchant space available. of paradise. Whether a primary residence, At Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, second home or investment property, Inc., the real estate division is still experiencing Newman-Dailey ’s reputable team of its best years with sales. Ranked among the experienced real estate agents help clients get top 6 percent of real estate companies by the most out of their real estate investment. the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Learn more at DestinSales.com. (ECAR), the Newman-Dailey Real Estate DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

GET TO KNOW

OUR AGENTS Newman-Dailey’s Real Estate Division brings a combined 167 years of experience in buying and selling property throughout the Southeast and along the Emerald Coast.

What is your favorite local restaurant? Pazzo Italiano Ristorante & Bar

Colin Kirkwood colinkirkwood26@gmail.com (407) 467-0668

Sushimoto Carolyn Di Febo carolyndifebo@topproducer.com (850) 685-4013

Debbie Wooley debbiewooleygm@gmail.com (205) 253-5410

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

Diane Green diane@buyourbeachlife.com (850) 699-7307 Donna Voigt dvoigt@ndrp.com (850) 699-1799 Gloria Nobles gnobles@ndrp.com (770) 313-1579

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

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Basmati’s on 30A

PHOTOS BY STUDIO PECK LLC / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (STEAK), SCOTT HOLSTEIN (TACOS AND MCGUIRE’S) AND COURTESY OF PAZZO ITALIANO, BOSHAMP’S SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE, EMERIL’S COASTAL ITALIAN AND SHUNK GULLEY

George’s at Alys Beach

AGENT SPOTLIGHT |

NEWMAN-DAILEY

Heather Green heather@buyourbeachlife.com (850) 865-5206

Camille’s at Crystal Beach

James Duren james@destin-realestate.com (850) 259-4474

Thai Onion

Shunk Gulley Burrito del Sol Keli O’Neal kelioneal13@gmail.com (850) 974-6486

Mark DeSalvo Mark@DeSalvoPA.com (850) 830-6615

Vin’tij Food & Wine

Lupe Batarao lupe.batarao@gmail.com (850) 797-0343

Robert “Bob” Sellers bsellers@ndrp.com (850) 217-5945

Grayton Seafood Company

Emeril’s Coastal Italian

Shannyn Stevenson knowthegulfcoast@gmail.com (850) 259-1874

McGuire’s Irish Pub

Tom Wooley twooley820@gmail.com (205) 937-7671

DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGAZINE 2019

PREMIUM PROPERTIES FOR SALE

THE GULF COAST housing market is on the rise, and now is a great time to buy. If you’ve been searching for that perfect vacation home or condo, or if you’re ready to make a move to the beach communities of South Walton or Destin, the real estate experts at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties can help. Here are a few of our favorite condos and homes for sale in the Destin area. Visit DESTINSALES.COM to learn more about the team, view available properties and take the next step in purchasing a coastal property of your own. Or contact us at SALES@NDRP.COM.

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43 GULF SHORE DRIVE

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY.

MLS #795845 5 BEDROOMS 5 FULL BATHS 2,924 SQ FT $1,700,000

No other beach development in the area has the unique advantage of being isolated and protected from adjacent development. Gulf Trace sits like an island on the edge of the coast, buffered on all sides by the natural world — the Gulf of Mexico and Grayton Dunes State Park to the east, north and west. Upon entering, through the screened porch on the second floor, this newly renovated home (brand new flooring, paint and furnishings) overlooks the Gulf and protected coastal dune lakes of the State Park. The second floor features panoramic views from the sunroom, kitchen and dining room. Main

level also features two bedrooms and a laundry room. The entire top floor is your master suite with private balcony. Bottom floor is equipped with a kitchenette, additional laundry, three bedrooms and living area right off the large private pool/spa - perfect for the kids! This home is immaculate. New roof and HVAC system comes with a transferable warranty. The community thrives on a laid-back, carefree quality of life enriched by the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Developed as a residential neighborhood, the community values its secluded and insulated location amidst sand dunes, scrub oaks and sea oats.

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| PREMIUM PROPERTIES

60 BALLAMORE ROAD

MLS #806171 6 BEDROOMS 7.5 BATHS 4,460 SQ FT $1,350,000

THIS HOME HAS IT ALL ... Located

at the end of a cul-de-sac, just steps from the private beach, Gulf views, open floor plan offers two large living areas for the comfort of two families, over 1,500 square feet outside with covered patio, private pool and spa. It

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just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any better than this if you are looking for a second home or rental investment. Strong rental income in 2017 was $114,000 and in 2018 was $106,973. This six-bedroom home has been recently updated with flooring, paint, furniture and so much more.

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2171 S. COUNTY HWY 83

MLS #809674 3 BEDROOMS 3 FULL BATHS 1,502 SQ FT $739,000

A RARITY FOR 30A, situated on .25 acres with a private pool, you are all surrounded by lush landscaping and 200 yards until your toes hit the sand! Covered wrap-around porches on both levels, an expansive deck with built in seating and poolside grilling. Three bed, three bath, all with access to outdoor living. Sellers have replaced major items: granite in kitchen,

painted cabinetry, stainless appliances including a convection oven. Tankless Raina gas water heater. House hooked up to sewer. HVAC replaced in 2016. In ground chlorine pool wired for heater. Aluminum privacy fencing. Plenty of room on the lot to expand the current structure or easily add a carriage house. Check out the survey in the documents!

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NEWMAN DAILEY

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778 SCENIC GULF DRIVE, UNIT A306

MLS #805583 2 BEDROOMS 2 FULL BATHS 1,210 SQ FT $429,900 76

AMALFI COAST RESORT

Fabulous unobstructed views of the pristine Gulf of Mexico in this freshly updated non-rental two bedroom condo at Amalfi Resort. Beautifully renovated with wood-look tile throughout, HVAC and compressor replaced in 2017, solid surface countertops, all new light fixtures and all new furniture in the last four years finished with

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tasteful coastal decor. Amalfi is a concrete and steel constructed complex on 8 ½ lush acres, gated and fenced with grilling areas, 360 feet of unobstructed Gulf front with gazebo and beach service. Fitness center, two pools (one heated), two lighted tennis courts and clubhouse. This condo comes with a deeded garage parking space worth $25,000 included and an interior storage cage.

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ARIEL DUNES II CONDO #1208

MLS #806109 2 BEDROOMS 2 FULL BATHS 1,175 SQ FT

SOAK IN THE STUNNING VIEWS and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico from the 12th floor of Ariel Dunes II. This two bed/two bath unit has a Gulf front master and huge balcony. Perfect to use as a rental, a home away from home or both. Enjoy all the gated community

of Seascape has to offer — golf, tennis, deeded access to over 2,000 feet of white sand beaches, two resort style pools, workout facilities, and much more. Conveniently located between U.S. 98 and Scenic Gulf Drive. Whale’s Tale Restaurant is across the street — witihin walking distance!

$349,000

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9815 W. U.S. HIGHWAY 98, UNIT 195

MLS #797983 3 BEDROOMS 3 FULL BATHS 1,479 SQ FT $330,000

HIDDEN DUNES BEACH COTTAGES

Three bedroom, three bath, Carolina-style beach cottage with a unique ‘’tree house’’ feeling! The views of the flowing fountains from the screened porch are awesome, and the water sounds are ever so relaxing. The condo’s interior is very cozy, and the floor plan is open and functional. Special features include granite counter tops in the kitchen, baths and porch, luxury plank vinyl

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flooring throughout, an open serving window from the kitchen to the porch, a seating area in the master bedroom and a loft with its own bathroom. The condo’s location offers a short walk to the beach and both pools. The 2017 rental income was $22,040 with 77 days of owner’s use. Hidden Dunes is a beach front development that offers a tennis center of six rubico clay courts that are professionally staffed, scenic walking trails and 24-hour security.

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9815 W. U.S. HIGHWAY 98, UNIT A305

DIRECTLY ON THE GULF. STUNNING VIEWS. RARE FIND. GREAT INVESTMENT. This recently renovated, fully

MLS #803483 2 BEDROOMS 2 FULL BATHS 1,292 SQ FT $530,000

furnished and rental ready condo is amazing! Rental Projections between 40k-50k in gross rental income! Best priced two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan in Gulfside on the market. Hidden Dunes Resort is flanked on both sides by single-family home neighborhoods allowing for incredible views from your living room, kitchen and master bedroom. You will see the sun rise, the dolphins playing, the sun setting and the seasonal fireworks show all from your large private balcony. The view from the guest suite allow you to see across Miramar Beach to the Bay. The home was renovated by a professional Destin designer and features light colors and pastels with “shabby chic” furniture including a sleeper sofa and new mattress in the master bedroom. The unit is on the third floor overlooking the beach side pool and hot tub. The renovations include fresh neutral paint throughout and the bright white kitchen has granite counter tops with breakfast bar. The unit has a full-sized

washer and dryer. Additional features include updated tile throughout the entire condo. This condo is rental-ready making it a great high end rental property or a luxury vacation home. Hidden Dunes is a low-density, gated, beach front resort consisting of 27 manicured acres with an abundance of manicured mature natural vegetation, walking paths, lighted fountains and pools. This beach front development offers a professional tennis facility with six rubico courts and a pro shop, in-season tram service, lighted basketball court and pickleball court, horseshoe pits, three pools, three hot tubs, grills, workout facility and 24 hour security. Hidden Dunes offers a private beach with seasonal beach service. The Gulfside I condo has its own pool, baby pool, hot tub on the beach side of the building. You will be out of the weather with the covered garage parking strictly for Gulfside 1 owners and guests. Hidden dunes is recognized as one of the most financially strong HOA’s in Northwest Florida. This unit will sell quickly, so hurry to make your lifetime memories with your family friends on the quiet sugar sand beaches of Hidden Dunes.

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NEWMAN DAILEY

| PREMIUM PROPERTIES

POINTE OF VIEW CONDO #1414

MLS #809858 2 BEDROOM 2 FULL BATHS 952 SQ FT $149,000

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CONDO

with all new stainless appliances, crown molding, freshly painted inside, new patio door with screen, new A/C unit, new washer and dryer, baseboard trim, kitchen backsplash, cabinets redone and much more! This unit is a must see as the owner has taken very good care of it. Most

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furniture comes with unit with exception of a few decorative pieces. Washer and dryer convey makes it easy to move right in! Pool has been newly resurfaced and fitness room totally redone. Come see today as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just within walking distance to The Grand shopping center, Sacred Heart Hospital and a short drive to the beach.

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SANCTUARY AT REDFISH #3109

MLS #790376 4 BEDROOMS 4 FULL BATHS 1 HALF BATH 2,443 SQ FT $759,999

THE BEST-PRICED FOUR BEDROOM

in the complex! Top floor condo with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. South of 30-A on a coastal dune lake, this gated resort boasts four pools, two hot tubs, fire pit, handicapped access, covered parking, fitness room, gated community, owner storage, etc. This unit has three bedrooms and 3.5 baths on the main level with a master suite and master bath on top floor. The main level

has another master bedroom with access to large balcony. There is also a laundry room with sink and stack washer/dryer, two HVAC systems, new LR TV, recessed lighting, crown molding and more. The pool area is huge with several areas to relax and enjoy the Gulf and lake views. Walk to the dock & take a shuttle to the beach or use your paddleboard or kayak. There is already a winter guest to start 2019 right! Call today to get this deal!

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Newman-Dailey

Sales Professionals Confidence – Integrity – Dependability Y O U R #1 C H O I C E F O R R E A L E S T A T E S E R V I C E S I N T H E GR E AT ER DEST I N A R E A!

Our team is dedicated to these values, and the numbers agree with our strong work ethic. Dynamic in all fields of real estate, Newman-Dailey is proud to consistently rank among the TOP 10% of all real estate companies on the Emerald Coast! L A N D SA L E S ~ I N V E STM EN T PROPERTI E S ~ SECON D HOM E S R E L O C AT IONS ~ PROPE RT Y A N D A S S O C I AT ION M A NAGE M E N T

850-837-1071 * DestinSales.com

Now That You Are Here MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME ON THE COAST Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast is a place for celebrating traditions and creating new ones. It is a place of beauty, a place of relaxation and a place where activity and adventure await those who seek it. It is a place abundant with fresh Gulf seafood and one-of-a-kind ﬁnds. It is a place where you’ll yearn to return and always be planning your next visit.

Inside DINING IN DESTIN CALENDAR OF EVENTS COASTAL ADVENTURES DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

GETTING AROUND

Destin and South Walton

G E T A TA S T E O F

the Local Flavor SOUTH WALTON AND DESTIN DINING GUIDE

While there are many choices for deliciously fresh fare, we’ve compiled a list of some of the local favorites in South Walton and Destin.

DESTIN RESTAURANTS Destin Harbor, Downtown & Crystal Beach: pages 84–87

BEACH WALK CAFE AT HENDERSON PARK INN Award-winning fine dining with spectacular Gulf-front views and intimate romantic settings. You can even dine by tiki torches with your toes in the sand. Reservations suggested. Dinner served nightly; join us for Saturday and Sunday 84

brunch. 2700 Scenic Highway

Lunch and dinner served daily.

BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD AND OYSTER HOUSE Located on the Destin Harbor, Boshamps features four decks and incredible views. Featuring “Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine” in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The family-friendly setting is enhanced with a large sandy beach with beach toys, games and hammocks for relaxing.

BRIC A’ BRAC Located on Gulf Shore Drive, Bric A’ Brac is an eclectic mix of delicious food and live entertainment. Featuring live music, daily happy hour and a Sunday brunch, Bric A’ Brac offers a lively and welcoming experience. Shoreline Mall

98, Destin, (888) 860-0750, beachwalkcafe.com $$-$$$

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414 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 424-7406, boshamps.com $$

824 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin, (850) 424-6369, bricabrac824.com $$

BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER Located in the historic Destin Harbor, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer features steamed and boiled seafood dishes and offers unique seasonings, flavored boiled waters and finishing butters. Guests may enjoy indoor and outdoor dining options, live music and Sunday Brunch. 210 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 460-8900, brotulas.com $$-$$$

CAMILLE’S RESTAURANT Located upstairs at the Beachside Inn in the heart of Crystal Beach, Camille’s Restaurant features the freshest fish and seafood from Harbor Docks Seafood Market and is a local favorite for sushi. Enjoy a menu that includes a mouthwatering combination of seafood, steaks and pizzas, all of which are made from the freshest local ingredients. 2931 Scenic Highway 98, Destin, (850) 337-8860, camillesatcrystalbeach. com $-$$

CAMILLE’S SIDEWALK CAFÉ Located steps from the beach at the Beachside Inn at Crystal Beach, Camille’s Café is a casual open-air beachside eatery featuring breakfast and lunch. The menu includes sandwiches, smoothies, fresh juices, coffee and more. 2931 Scenic Highway

JACQUELINE WARD (GROUPER SANDWICH)

98, Destin, (850) 337-8860, camillesatcrystalbeach.com $

CHAN’S WINE BAR AND THE CRAFT BAR With some of the area’s best wine and craft beer selections, Chan’s Wine Bar and The Craft Bar use only fresh, local ingredients. The Wine Bar menu features tapas, salads, tasty entrées and daily specials. The Craft Bar is known for its chef-inspired tavern fare, including famous burgers, hearty salads and side dishes with a twist.

Lunch and dinner served daily.

4424 Commons Drive, Suite E3, Destin, (850) 269-2909, thewinebarfl.com, thecraftbarfl.com $-$$

CUVEE KITCHEN + WINE BAR With award-winning signature dishes, Cuvee Kitchen features a seasonal menu focusing on local seafood, farm-fresh ingredients and premium cuts backed by a beverage program highlighting craft cocktails and a wide range wine list. Open daily at 5 p.m. 36120 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850) 460-2909, cuveekitchen.com $$-$$$

DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD Steeped in Destin’s seafood roots, Dewey Destin’s serves up fresh fried or steamed seafood baskets, sandwiches and entrées. Enjoy two locations:

PRICE KEY: $ – Inexpensive ($10 and under) $$ – Moderate ($10–$30)

one overlooks Crab Island and the Choctawhatchee Bay, the other is on the Destin Harbor. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Crab Island 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin, (850) 837-7575; Destin Harbor 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-7525, destinseafood.com $-$$

EVERKRISP Located in Grand Boulevard and Plantation Plaza, Everkrisp is a locally owned restaurant committed to offering locally grown, fresh food, fast. Menu selections range from salads to grain bowls to seasonal soups. Dine in or carry out. 4463 Commons

FORMULA FRESH JUICE & COFFEE BAR FF Juice & Coffee Bar features coffees, cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, unique

ONLY IN DESTIN

DEWEY DESTIN’S RESTAURANT

Voted Best Grouper Sandwich on the Emerald Coast. (FUN FACT: Dewey Destin’s great, great grandfather was Leonard Destin, who founded the town in 1835.)

Drive W., 10A, Destin, (850) 4608881, everkrisp.com $

FIRST WATCH See Breakfast on page 91.

$$$ – Splurge ($30 and up)

DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

GETTING AROUND

Destin and South Walton

SAVE FUDPUCKER’S Fud Punch is on special every day until 6 p.m. (And kids will LOVE Fud’s delectable milkshakes.)

teas, specialty lemonades and more. Open Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.– 9 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.–7 p.m. 4307

Legendary Drive, Destin, (850) 8371801, formulafreshjuice.com $$

FUDPUCKER’S BEACHSIDE BAR AND GRILL Located in the heart of Destin, Fudpucker’s is renowned for great food, alligators and famous T-shirts. See, feed and get your picture made with a live alligator, shop for souvenirs, write your name on the wall and enjoy great casual fare. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 20001 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850) 654-4200, fudpucker.com $-$$

HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE Award-winning restaurant known for fresh local Gulf oysters and a variety of Gulf seafood with a New Orleans flare. The charbroiled oysters are legendary, and the atmosphere will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 86

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Open daily for lunch and dinner. 34761 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 104, Destin, (850) 842-4788, halfshelloysterhouse.com $-$$

HARBOR DOCKS For more than 30 years, Harbor Docks has been serving the freshest seafood right off the boats as well as made-fromscratch specialties. Located along the Destin Harbor, Harbor Docks features a sprawling deck as well as inside dining and several sushi bars. 538 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-2506, harbordocks.com $-$$

JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi is a locally owned seafood and sushi restaurant overlooking the Destin Harbor. Jackacuda’s restaurant and sushi bar specializes in classic Gulf Coast seafood dishes with new South culinary preparation.

Open for lunch and dinner daily. 56 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 424-3507, jackacudas.com $$-$$$

JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q Jim ’N Nick’s is a laid-back chain known for their slow-cooked BBQ and cheese biscuits, plus burgers, salads and classic sides. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 14073 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850)-424-5895, jimnnicks.com $-$$

LA PAZ RESTAURANTE & CANTINA Located in downtown Destin on Holiday Isle since 1993, La Paz serves classic southwest and Mexican cuisine made with the freshest ingredients. With three dining rooms and a cantina, La Paz has plenty of seating and family-friendly casual atmosphere. Open daily at 4 p.m. 950 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin, (850) 837-2247, lapazdestin.com $$

ONLY IN DESTIN

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB Try the 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. (FUN FACT: It’s the same recipe served in the U.S. Senate for 18 cents in 1977.)

LULU’S DESTIN Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, Lulu’s Destin is Lucy Buffett’s newest restaurant. With a menu filled with items made-in house — including coastal dishes, such as seafood gumbo and a Gulf Wild Fresh Snapper Sandwich — and a special allergy menu featuring gluten-free offerings, Lulu’s has quickly become a local hot spot. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

4607 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin, (850) 710-5858, lulubuffett.com/ destin $$

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB Across from Destin Harbor, this lively turn-of-the-century Irish saloon delights with huge portions, hearty pub fare and entrées, an on-site brewery, live music and a friendly staff. Kids welcome. Lunch and dinner served daily. 33 Highway 98, Destin, (850) 6500000, mcguiresirishpub.com $-$$$

MILLER’S ALE HOUSE Located across the street from Destin Commons, Miller’s Ale House is a local restaurant and sports bar featuring a wide variety of freshly prepared

dishes and daily lunch, dinner and cocktail specials and 75 varieties of beer. 34906 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850) 8370694, millersalehouse.com $$

OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Family-owned and operated, Osaka features organic local produce, Gulf-fresh seafood and the highest quality beef. Osaka features hibachi, a full service bar, as well as sushi and sashimi from their expansive sushi bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 34745 Emerald Coast

Parkway, Destin, (850) 650-4688, osakahibachiandsushi.com $-$$

MIRAMAR BEACH & SOUTH WALTON RESTAURANTS Pages 87–88

AEGEAN GREEK RESTAURANT Aegean offers a variety of Greek

and American dishes to please any palate. Let yourself be transported to the sunny lands of Greece. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 11225 U.S. Highway 98, Miramar Beach, (850) 460-2728, aegeanfl.com $-$$

BIJOUX Located within the Market Shops at Sandestin, Bijoux is a fine-dining restaurant featuring the freshest Gulf seafood, prime steaks, an extensive award-winning wine list and a large selection of specialty martinis. Florida Trend Golden Spoon Award Winner. Open for dinner seven nights a week. 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway. W., #22, Miramar Beach, (850) 6220760, bijouxdestin.com $$$

CHAN’S WINE BAR & THE CRAFT BAR With some of the area’s best wine and craft beer selections, Chan’s Wine Bar and The Craft Bar use only fresh, local ingredients. Lunch and dinner served daily.

DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

VISITOR’S GUIDE

| DINING

MUST TRY EMERIL’S COASTAL ITALIAN Famed Chef Emeril Lagasse brings together the best of the coast and his Italian heritage. (Try a family favorite: E.J.’s Rigatoni with fresh Gulf shrimp, broccoli and house-made Italian sausage.)

WaterColor 1735 E. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 2311323; Former Criolla’s location 170 E. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 213-4000; Grand Boulevard 655 Grand Blvd., Suite 100, Miramar Beach, (850) 608-6266, thewinebarfl. com, thecraftbarfl.com $-$$

SMOKING HOT CRAB TRAP

Great lunch specials on fresh local seafood daily. (FUN FACT: The Crab Trap smokes over 4,000 pounds of fresh tuna on the Big Green Egg for their homemade smoked tuna dip. A must try!)

EMERIL’S COASTAL CUISINE Famed Chef Emeril Lagasse selected the Grand Boulevard Towne Center for his latest venture, Emeril’s Coastal Italian. Combing the rich tradition of Italian cuisines with fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients, Emeril’s features housemade specialties including meatballs and Lasagna Bolognese. 435 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, (850) 6087040, emerilsrestaurants.com/emerilscoastal-italian $-$$

FAT CLEMENZA’S This local trattoria features brick-oven pizzas, homemade pastas and other specials for lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations suggested. Closed Sundays. 12273 U.S. Highway 98,

Suite 101, Miramar Beach, (850) 6505980, fatclemenzas.com $-$$

MARLIN GRILL Located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, Marlin Grill proudly serves Gulffresh seafood and also features 28-day dry-aged steaks cooked over a wood-burning grill. Open nightly at 5 p.m. for dinner. Reservations recommended. 9100

Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Sandestin, (850) 351-1990, marlingrill.com $$$

PIZZA BY THE SEA With four locations, Pizza by the Sea’s thin, crispy pizzas baked on hot stone and topped with the highest quality toppings are easily accessible. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Santa Rosa Beach 88 Watercolor Way (beside Publix), Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 231-3030; Gulf Place 95 Laura Hamilton Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 2672202; Villages at Seacrest Panama City Beach, (850) 534-0044; The Market Shops at Sandestin pizzabythesea.com $-$$

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POMPANO JOE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT A neighborhood “snack shack” on the beach with great Gulf views, a lively bar and live music during happy hour. Enjoy fresh seafood with a Caribbean twist. Open for lunch and dinner daily. 2237 Scenic Highway 98, Miramar Beach, (850) 837-2224, pompano-joes.com $-$$

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD Extolled for an award-winning 600-label wine list, original fresh seafood dishes and the finest aged Prime USDA steaks, Seagar’s is a salute to the good life. Intimate, indulgent and unhurried, it’s a dining experience like no other. Open daily for dinner. 4000 S.

Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach, (850) 622-1500, seagars.com $$$

SUNQUEST CRUISES – SOLARIS DINNER CRUISE See page 104 in Activities Section. THE BEACH HOUSE The Beach House is located in the former Elephant Walk location in Sandestin. Overlooking the beach, the casual upscale eatery has something for every taste. Open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. and Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 4009 South Sandestin Blvd.,

Miramar Beach, (850) 608-6300, thebeachhousesd.com $$-$$$

TOMMY BAHAMA There are only 17 Tommy Bahama restaurants nationwide, and we’re lucky enough to have one at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beach location for lunch, dinner or happy hour, Tommy Bahama serves delicious creations year round. 525 Grand Blvd., Miramar

WHALE’S TAIL BEACH BAR AND GRILL A Destin landmark for 30 years, with indoor and deck seating overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Come enjoy beach drinks, Southern-style breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and fresh seafood dinners and baskets. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1373 Scenic Gulf, Miramar Beach, (850) 650-4377 $-$$

SOUTH WALTON RESTAURANTS 30A: pages 88–89

BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE Located in Blue Mountain Beach, Basmati’s is big on flavor in a small intimate space. Fresh local seafood and Asian food and flavors combined within a cozy setting overlooking Draper Lake. Lunch and dinner served daily . 3295 W. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 2673028, basmatisthirtya.com $$

BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT AND ROOFTOP BAR A Seaside favorite, locals come for a sunset drink upstairs at the Tarpon Club. The lunch and dinner menu offers fresh fish (grilled, roasted, sautéed) as well as shellfish, quail, chicken, pork and plenty of delicious accompaniments. Florida Trend Golden Spoon Award Winner. Lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast on Sat.– Sun. 2236 East County

Road 30A, Seaside, (850) 231-5900, budandalleys. com $$-$$$

Beach, (850) 654-1743 $$

VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE This charmingly intimate restaurant, which is a local favorite, boasts local art and a diverse menu ranging from salads, pizzettes and sandwiches to entrees inspired by the freshest local catch and produce.

500 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, (850) 650-9820, vintij.com $-$$$

NEW LOCATION VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE A local favorite for more than 20 years, Vin’tij has moved to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. (Now offering Vin’tij Cold Pressed Juices!)

DINING |

GIVE BACK SHUNK GULLEY Eat oysters and save the Bay! (The shells are collected and donated to the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance [CBA] O.Y.S.T.E.R. shell recycling program to create living shorelines.)

THE BAY The Bay offers a mouth-watering menu, including sushi and a great beer and wine selection. With indoor and outdoor seating, The Bay offers the perfect mix of casual and gourmet dining. Lunch and dinner daily. 24215 U.S. Highway

331 S., Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 6222291, baysouthwalton.com $$

CAFÉ THIRTY-A Visit this longtime trendy haunt for pineapple cosmos, duck confit sliders, Chilean sea bass, artisan pizza, truffled mac ‘n’ cheese and fine wines. Reservations suggested. Dinner served nightly. Opens daily at 5 p.m. 3899 East County Road

30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 2312166, cafethirtya.com $$-$$$

CHIRINGO Chiringo Grayton is a casual beachside bar and eatery that

VOTED BEST ON 30A OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE

Voted Best Sushi on 30A. (Enjoy happy hour bites, brews and wine 5-7 p.m. daily.)

blends global beach flavors with Southern charm. Lunch and dinner daily. 63 Hotz Ave.,

Grayton Beach, (850) 543-4449, chiringograyton.com $$-$$$

LA PLAYA Located on 30A in Gulf Place, La Playa offers a great atmosphere and live bands. Family-friendly with an extensive menu of creative coastal cuisine, La Playa features authentic Caribbean dishes with a twist. Open Mon.–Sun., 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 37 Town Center Loop C8, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 6601617, laplaya30-a.com $$-$$$

LOUIS LOUIS Locally owned and operated, Louis Louis has a funky décor and delicious menu offered nightly. They are family to the owners of Red Bar and have a similar but unique atmosphere. Open 5–9 p.m. 35 Musset Bayou

Road, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 2671500, louislouis.net $$-$$$

THE PERFECT PIG With two locations along Highway 30A, The Perfect Pig serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Signature menu items include brown sugar bacon, housemade chicken tortilla soup and crackling pork paninis. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gulf Place 7 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 660-1591; Seagrove Beach 4281 E. County Highway 30A, Seagrove Beach, (850) 213-0701, theperfectpig.com $$

RED FISH TACO New to the 30A area, Red Fish Tacos will be expanding into a vibrant and colorful cantina for some yummy tacos. It will also offer traditional, Mexican, Southern and Asian cuisine as well. 2025 W. County

Road 30A, Blue Mountain Beach, (850) 994-7443, facebook.com/ wordofmouthrestgroup $-$$

SHUNK GULLEY 30A Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar is an exciting new restaurant on 30A. Named after the legendary local fishing reef, Shunk Gulley offers classic, coastal cuisine and live music. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Located on the

corner of 30A and 393 next to Gulf Place, 1875 S. Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2733, Shunkgulley30a.com $$

STINKY’S FISH CAMP This restaurant is known as one of the most popular seafood and wine bars in Santa Rosa Beach. They’ve got local and fresh seafood every day and have always been Gulf-to-table. 5960 W. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3053, stinkysfishcamp.com $$-$$$

VUE ON 30A Overlooking the beautiful white sand beaches, the Vue features a delicious fresh menu of salads, seafood, steak, lamb and wild game prepared by Chef Giovanni Filippone. Complemented by expansive views of the Gulf all within a climate controlled, comfortable dining room. 4801 W. County

VISITOR’S GUIDE

breakfast or lunch. 80 Seascape

Drive, #103, Miramar Beach, (850) 279-3375, 2birdscafe.com $-$$

AMAVIDA COFFEE Amavida Coffee is an organic, fair-trade coffee company that delivers the best tasting, flavorful and freshly roasted coffee beans. Named 2018 Roaster of the Year. Seaside 2236 E. County Highway 30A, Seaside; Rosemary Beach 104 N. Barrett Square, Unit 1A Lofts West, Rosemary Beach, (850) 213-1965, amavida.com $

ANOTHER BROKEN EGG With multiple locations along the coast, Another Broken Egg is conveniently delicious. With dishes ranging from sweet cinnamon roll french toast to savory shrimp ‘n grits, the distinctive menu will satisfy any appetite. Sandestin 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Sandestin, (850) 622-2050 ; Grand Boulevard 755 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, (850) 424-3416; anotherbrokenegg.com $$

VOTED BEST ON 30A VUE ON 30A

Voted Best Waterfront Dining. (FUN FACT: Chef Giovanni (Gio) Filippone was a finalist on Hell’s Kitchen.)

Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2305, vueon30a.com $$-$$$

BEST BETS FOR BREAKFAST & COFFEE Destin & South Walton

2 BIRDS COFFEE + CAFÉ At this quaint little café, they serve up some delicious sandwiches, pastries and, of course, coffee and wine in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Stop for a snack,

DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

Create a unique and memorable experience aboard the Emerald Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier dining and entertainment yacht, SOLARIS. SUNSET DINNER CRUISES | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT | FULL SERVICE BAR | DINNER AND FIREWORKS CRUISES PRIVATE AND CORPORATE EVENTS | WEDDINGS AND REHEARSAL DINNERS FULL TIME EVENT COORDINATORS Located at the Baytowne Marina in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort www.sunquestcruises.com | 850.650.2519

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DINING |

BAD ASS COFFEE Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii features 100 percent American-grown coffees, specializing in Hawaiiangrown coffees and blends. Breakfast pastries also available.

Grayton Beach17 Uptown Grayton Circle, Grayton Beach; Miramar Beach 1708 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, (850) 269-3997, badasscoffee.com $

THE BREAKFAST TABLE CAFÉ The Breakfast Table Café features a variety of egg options “the way you like them” with handmade sides as well as simple but delicious varieties of omelets and the always popular shrimp and grits or try “Granna B’s Bulls Eye.” Lunch items include homemade sandwiches, salads and soups. 385 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 460-7322, thebreakfasttabledestin.com $-$$

CRACKINGS Locally owned and operated, Crackings is focused on using the freshest ingredients for their delicious creations. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Destin 979 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite F, Destin, (850) 650-0499; Grayton Beach 51 Uptown Grayton Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 2317835, crackingsfl.com $-$$

DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFÉ One of the area’s most popular breakfast locales, the Donut Hole features a diverse menu of breakfast favorites as well as their fresh baked donuts in a diner-style setting. Multiple locations ensure there is a Donut Hole nearby. Destin 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-8824; Near South Walton Walmart 6745 Highway 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3239;

Inlet Beach 12983 Highway 98 E., Panama City Beach, (Inlet Beach), (850) 213-3127 $-$$

FIRST WATCH Everything here is made to order fresh daily. Enjoy breakfast and lunch or swing by and pick up a healthy freshly squeezed juice. Conveniently located right next to Publix. 4427 Commons Drive

East, Destin, (850) 460-9800, firstwatch.com $-$$

MAPLE STREET BISCUIT COMPANY Comfort food with a modern twist. Serving breakfast 7 a.m.–2 p.m. daily. 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach, (850) 279-6358, maplestreetbiscuits.com

$-$$

SUNRISE COFFEE CO. Sunrise Coffee Co. serves Amavida Coffee, Grayton Beer Company

VISITOR’S GUIDE

on tap and other local products. The family-friendly café offers breakfast, lunch, ice cream, pastries and more. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Gulf Place 45 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach, sunrisecoffee30a.com $-$$

THE PANCAKERY From gourmet pancakes and waffles to tasty omelettes, benedicts and crepes, The Pancakery is a local favorite. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 960 Highway

98, Destin, (850) 269-0791, thepancakery.com $-$$

*There are four Starbucks locations on the Emerald Coast, including Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands, Destin Commons and HarborWalk Village.

DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGAZINE 2019

VISITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

| RESTAURANT PROFILE

MEET THE CHEF JACK McGUCKIN ON SEASONING WELL AND PRESENTING BEAUTIFULLY AT BIJOUX BY LAUREN SAGE EDWARDS

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Chef Jack McGuckin came to Northwest Florida from New Orleans in 2002, finding a home at Bijoux, a new fine-dining restaurant in Miramar Beach. At only 23 years old, he had no idea that 16 years later he would not only be executive chef of the award-winning restaurant but would also co-own it with his wife, Leslie, whom he met and fell in love with while working there. The beautifully designed Bijoux serves coastal French cuisine with a New Orleans flair. It recently earned the prestigious Golden Spoon Award, which honors the top 100 restaurants in Florida, and its impressive wine list has been recognized by Wine Spectator. We sat down with McGuckin to learn more about his life and what inspires him in the kitchen.

RESTAURANT PROFILE |

VISITOR’S GUIDE

presented beautifully. That seems to work the best. I think that’s part of the ethic that runs through most good food in the world. Is there anything you are particularly excited about or trying out right now? I like Middle Eastern flavors lately. I‘ve been playing around with different spices that I’ve never been exposed to before. I’m a big cookbook buyer, so I will go out and buy cookbooks and go eat at as many restaurants as I can that are authentic or cooking exotic cuisine and I just sample. We got to do some of that on a recent trip to London. We ate really good Indian food and Moroccan food. That’s how I learn. I’m a self-taught chef, so I’m constantly educating myself by eating out, trying new things and reading. How did you get into cooking? Growing up in New Orleans, it’s a big food city, so I just fell in love with food and restaurants at an early age. When I was about 10 years old I took a cooking class with a bunch of other kids. There was a chef from a restaurant in New Orleans called Commander’s Palace, his name was Jamie Shannon. And he taught us how to cook an omelet, a pizza omelet. It was kind of my first taste of the whole procedural creativity of cooking, and I fell in love with that. Wow, that’s young. What got you excited about working in restaurants? When I was 15, I started working at a restaurant in Mandeville, La. I started washing dishes, just starting at the bottom and learning the business from the bottom up. I remember it was Mother’s Day that first year, which is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year in the restaurant business. Somebody didn’t show up or was hung over or something, and I had to jump in on the line and

help cook. We probably cooked for about 400 or 500 people just for brunch. I’m taking it you enjoyed the pace of working in a kitchen after that first crazy experience? Yeah, yeah, it’s the rush and the adrenaline and the camaraderie of being in the kitchen with all the other chefs. You’re kind of all in it together. It’s really hard, but you know you’ve got each other’s backs and you support each other and make it through the night. I think that’s a big draw for a lot of cooks — the adrenaline you get when it looks like it’s insurmountable and you’ll never be able to do it. But then you do and you get through it relying on your fellow brothers and sisters to get it done. How would you describe your cooking style? I try to cook simple food using great ingredients and try not to do too much to them. I’m not trying to hide behind a bunch of fancy techniques or put too many flavors together. It’s just real, pure ingredients seasoned well and

What’s your favorite dish and drink on the Bijoux menu right now? My favorite dish right now is the bone-in ribeye steak cooked in the cast-iron skillet with duck fat. It’s served with crispy potatoes, mushrooms, veal demi-glacé and béarnaise sauce. It’s really decadent and goes perfectly with a big California Cabernet Sauvignon, which is my favorite drink. What makes Bijoux unique? We’re a highend restaurant, but I don’t think we’re stuffy. We’re warm and welcoming. When you come into the restaurant to eat, you’re coming into our home. Besides having great food and wine and top-level service, there’s a genuine warmness that runs through our staff that attracts people. I think it’s a unique experience and hopefully not just unique to the area, but we hope to be somebody’s best meal they have ever had. Usually, people are on vacation or are celebrating something, and we enjoy being a part of that, being a part of people’s memories and providing a place where memories can be made.

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H E R E ’ S TO

Good Times MAY Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents entertaining local, regional and national touring artists each week. From Motown to modern rock to beachy blues to folk and funk, many musical styles are represented during the nine-week series. The family-friendly concerts are performed from the Dugas Pavillion at the Cultural Arts Village in the heart of Destin. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music under the stars. MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org 96

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CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE

CALENDAR |

JANUARY

SEPTEMBER

30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

EGGS ON THE BEACH: BIG GREEN EGG COOKING COMPETITION

eggsonthebeach.com

SANDESTIN GUMBO FESTIVAL

SANDESTIN TRIATHLON

sandestingumbofestival.com

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30A WINE FESTIVAL

OCTOBER

30awinefestival.com

MARCH SEASIDE SCHOOL HALF MARATHON

snsrun.com

APRIL SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

sowalwine.com

DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION WEEKEND

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST

emeraldcoastmagazine.com/best-ofthe-emerald-coast DESTIN BEER FESTIVAL

chanswineworld.com/destin-beer-fest DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

destinseafoodfestival.org 30A HALF AND 5K

30ahalf.com

BAYTOWNE WHARF BEER FESTIVAL

baytownewharfbeerfestival.com

dcwaf.org

DESTIN FISHING RODEO

MAY

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL

artsquestflorida.com DIGITAL GRAFFITI AT ALYS BEACH

destinfishingrodeo.org

mattiekellyartsfoundation.org

NOVEMBER BLUES, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE

SEEING RED WINE FESTIVAL

JUNE BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL

billybowlegsfestival.com EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC

fishecbc.com

JULY SEASIDE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

seasidefl.com

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS

(various locations)

AUGUST EMERALD COAST BOAT WEEK/ EMERALD COAST POKER RUN

emeraldcoastpokerrun.org

DIGITAL GRAFFITI AT ALYS BEACH

themarketshops.com

digitalgraffiti.com

mattiekellyartsfoundation.org

COURTESY OF DIGITAL GRAFFITI AT ALYS BEACH

FEBRUARY

MAY Projection artists from throughout the

world dramatically color the white walls at Alys Beach each year at the Digital Graffiti Festival. The festival is currently part of Art Week South Walton, a consolidated event that involves various venues and art forms and helps fund art programs in schools. DigitalGraffiti.com

facebook.com/bluesbrewsbbq seeingredwinefestival.com

HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

dcwaf.org

SEASIDE HOLIDAY PARADE

seasidefl.com

DECEMBER DESTIN HARBOR BOAT PARADE

emeraldgrande.com/event.aspx

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS

(various locations)

TRACY LOUTHAIN

30asongwritersfestival.com

VISITOR’S GUIDE

BIG GREEN EGG COOKING COMPETITION SEPTEMBER Bay Breeze Patio invites cooks, tasters and fanatics of the dual griller/smoker known as The Big Green Egg to celebrate a day of food, fun and heated competition. Proceeds will go to Food for Thought and The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast nonprofit organizations. EggsOnTheBeach.com

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| COASTAL ADVENTURES

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

VISITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

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Activities & Attractions

POWER UP WATERSPORTS DESTINVACATION.COM B E M AGA ZINE 2019

VISITOR’S GUIDE

| COASTAL ADVENTURES

AAA DESTIN CHARTER BOAT FISHING SERVICE With over 26 years of experience in Destin’s charter boat fishing fleet, AAA Destin Charters specialize in bay, light-tackle and deep-water fishing and family-style, corporate and overnight trips. 538 Highway AJ’S WATER ADVENTURES Day and sunset dolphin cruises, moonlit and sunset sailing cruises, pirate cruises, snorkeling and more. Choose from the 64-foot speedboat, Sea Quest, or sail on the 24-foot custom schooner, Daniel Webster Clements. Free beer, wine, soda and water are available. 116 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (behind AJ’s Oyster Bar), (850) 837-2222, dolphincruisesdestinfl.com

APPLESEED KIDS SEA LIFE DISCOVERY CENTER Located in Grayton Beach, the nonprofit organization connects kids and families to the coastal environment through hands-on discovery programs that combine lab studies, in-field science studies and experiential adventures. Open year-round. 37 Logan Lane, Unit 1, Grayton Beach, (850) 419-7703, 30asealife.org

ARNETT’S GULFSIDE TRAIL RIDES Ride beautiful trails on this 40-acre ranch and the adjacent 1,300-acre Point Washington State Forest. All riding levels welcome. 613 S. County Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 208-3114, arnettfarm30a.com

BAYTOWNE ADVENTURE ZONE Located at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, participants can zip-line across the lagoon, balance on the Sky Trail Ropes Course, climb the tower challenge and flip out on the Euro Bungy. 9300 Highway 98 West, Miramar Beach, (850) 428-2736, baytowneadventurezone.com

BEACH SAND SCULPTURES It’s not just a lesson on how to build a sand masterpiece in two hours — it’s about making a lifelong family memory. Your sandcastle coaches will meet you on your beach. Commissioned sandcastle designs for special events, a marriage proposal or weddings are also available. P.O. Box 1988, Santa Rosa Beach, beachsandsculptures.com

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98, Destin, (850) 837-9401, fishdestin.com

BIG KAHUNA’S WATER AND ADVENTURE PARK BIG KAHUNA’S WATER AND ADVENTURE PARK With more than 40 water attractions for sliding, splashing or just basking in the sun, Big Kahuna’s is Destin’s headquarters for summer fun. For nighttime fun, enjoy miniature golf, go-kart tracks and thrill rides all year long. 1007 U.S. Highway 98 E, Destin, (850) 837-8319, bigkahunas.com

CHARTER BOAT PHOENIX Deep-sea fishing aboard the Charter Boat Phoenix. From four-hour trips to overnight charters, the Phoenix is conveniently located in the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina. 66 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-9734, deepseafishingindestinfl.com

BOOGIES WATERSPORTS AND GLASS BOTTOM BOAT Dolphin excursions on WaveRunners, parasailing and glass-bottom boats. Located at the foot of the Destin Bridge at the HarborWalk Village. 16 Harbor Blvd., Destin,

CHARTER BOAT OUTTA LINE Captain Trey Windes and the charter boat OUTTA LINE are world renowned in the fishing community. Private fishing charters are available from 4-hour to 12-hour excursions. 210 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850)

BUCCANEER PIRATE CRUISE The whole family will enjoy this interactive tour with sword fights, water gun battles, storytelling, singing, dancing and treasure hunts. Join in on the merriment or kick back, relax and enjoy the beautiful emeraldgreen seas. 100 Harbor Blvd., Destin,(850)

CRAB ISLAND CRUISES Whether you’re looking for a wild day at Crab Island, a cruise through Destin Harbor or a relaxing day on a private island, you have the fun, and let the captain do the driving. Open seven days a week.

(850) 654-4497, boogieswatersports.com

269-0896, destinpirateship.com

CAPTAIN ANDERSON’S MARINA Enjoy some of the most thrilling fishing the area has to offer. Guests are provided with bait, tackle and fishing licenses. The North Star also has a full galley on board. Available March through October. 5550 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, (850) 234-3435, captandersonsmarina.com

ne adult pass per day included O with Newman-Dailey Gift Card

837-2320, destin-charter-fishing.com/ outtaline

(850) 450-3307, crabislandcruises.com

DESTIN FISHING MUSEUM See examples of the wide range of unique fish caught in Destin’s waters and experience life from Destin’s early days. Museum features vintage photos, antique fishing rods and more. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. 108 Stahlman Ave., Destin, (850) 837-6611, destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org

Special offer and discounts provided for Newman-Dailey guests

asseT insurance

llc

PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS HOME CONDO FLOOD RENTERS BUSINESS EXCESS LIABILITY UMBRELLA HOMEOWNERS & CONDO ASSOCIATIONS (850) 337-1489 | ASSETINSURANCE.US | 600 GRAND BLVD, SUITE 205 | MIRAMAR BEACH, FL

Book Online!

www.destinsnorkel.com * SNORKELING * * SHELLING * * DOLPHINS * SUNSETS * 10 Harbor Blvd - Destin, Florida - In Harborwalk Village

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VISITOR’S GUIDE

| COASTAL ADVENTURES

DESTIN HELICOPTER TOURS Get the best views of the beautiful Emerald Coast from the cockpit of a helicopter. Departs next to LongHorn Steakhouse in Destin. 34859 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850) 424-5125, destinhelicopterrides.com

DESTIN PARASAILING Destin Parasailing offers single, double, and triple parasailing rides from their state-ofthe-art parasailing vessel. See Destin from a whole new level. 214 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (866) 359-3114, parasailing-destin.com

DESTIN SNORKEL Destin Snorkel offers several snorkeling tours: two-stop snorkeling, Snuba, shelling, dolphin, sunset and fireworks tours. No other company gives you this variety of tour choices. Snorkel boats include Reef Runner, Kokomo, Sand Dollar, Sea Horse and Snuba Runner. 66 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 269-2329, destinsnorkel.com

EMERALD COAST SCIENCE CENTER Located in downtown Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast Science Center features indoor activities, including exhibits, hands-on learning and guided programs. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 31 S.W. Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-1261, ecscience.org

EMERALD COAST SCUBA Enjoy 3- and 4-hour day and night dives in the beautiful waters of the Emerald Coast. Dive wrecks, such as tugboats, barges, liberty ships and landing crafts in 55 to 120 feet of water. Snorkeling, dolphin, sunset and Crab Island tours available. 503 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-0955, divedestin.com

EVENTURE TOUR COMPANY (See Pedego 30A) FIRED UP PAINT-YOUR-OWN POTTERY Located in Seaside on Highway 30A, Fired

DESTIN VACATION BOAT RENTALS Destin Vacation features pontoon boat rentals for a day of fun at Crab Island, center console fishing boat rentals, fishing charters and powerboat rentals for skiing, tubing or wakeboarding in the bay. WaveRunner rentals or sailboat rentals are also available.

DESTINATION SEGWAY A Destin Segway tour is a great way to tour Destin. Several tours are available and include great photo opportunities. Some of the stops include HarborWalk Village and views of Crab Island. 226 Harbor Blvd., Destin,

ECCO MOTORS STREET LEGAL GOLF CARTS The Emerald Coast’s premier provider of rental low-speed vehicles (LSV’s) and golf carts. Whether you need a golf cart for use within your gated resort or community or a street-legal LSV to tour the natural splendor of our beaches, Ecco has the vehicle to get you going. 36058 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850) 837-2600, eccomotors.com

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COURTESY OF GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK

(850) 714-1364, destinationsegway.com

390 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 428-3313, boatrentalsindestin.com

Rosa Beach, (850) 231-3211, firedupseaside.com

FLORIDA BOY ADVENTURES Welcoming any skill level, Florida Boy is great for kids and first time fishermen. They offer inshore and flats fishing along the Choctawhatchee Bay for redfish, trout, sheepshead, flounder, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks using live and artificial baits. (850) 499-4473 , floridaboyadventures.com

FLOAT BROTHERS Try the latest in floatation therapy. Enter a private float pod and float like a cork in Epson salt water that mimics the temperature of your skin, allowing your body to relax, rejuvenate and heal. 4463 Commons Drive W., Destin, (850)460-8720, floatbrothers.com

GULFARIUM

Multiple Locations on Harbor Boulevard, Destin, (850) 650-2628, destinvacationboatrentals.com

DOCKSIDE WATERSPORTS AND PARASAILING Located on the Destin Harbor, you’ll find parasailing; Sea-Doo, Wave Runner, doubledecker pontoon boat and fishing boat rentals; sunset and fireworks cruises; wildlife and dolphin tours; fuel and a marina shop.

Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery is a familyfriendly studio where you can paint “art” on over 400 unique pottery pieces. No reservations required. 27 Quincy Circle, Santa

COURTESY OF LA DOLCE VITA

LA DOLCE VITA

GILLIGAN’S WATERSPORTS Offering watersports in Destin since 1990, Gilligan’s includes parasailing, WaveRunner rentals, pontoon boat rentals and dolphin tours on WaveRunners. 530 Harbor Blvd.,

Destin, (850) 650-9000, gilligansofdestin.com

GULFARIUM Located at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, the Gulfarium provides an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family. Guests of all ages will enjoy attractions and shows while learning more about the marine world around them. 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy. S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-9046, gulfarium.com

HARBORWALK CHARTERS Single, group or private charters for deepsea and bay fishing trips lasting 4-to-12 hours or overnight. Boats range in size: 38foot to 65-foot deep-sea boats and 22-foot bay boats. Prices include bait, license, tackle and ice. Located at HarborWalk Village on Destin Harbor. 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-2343, harborwalkfishing.com

HARBORWALK VILLAGE A fun place to gather with family and friends, HarborWalk Village features shops, restaurants and activities, including a zip line and a rock-climbing wall. The Village is also a hot spot for events and live music all year long. 66 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (800) 676-0091, emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village/allshopping

HURRICANE LANES Family-friendly entertainment daily featuring 26 bowling lanes, a dozen pool tables, an arcade, Rupert’s Sports Bar, Strike Zone Cafe and free ping-pong. (Must be over 21 in bar area.) 34876

NOT A DOG BOATING/ FISHING CHARTERS Whether you are an experienced fisherman or planning a family outing, Not a Dog launches from Grayton Beach and provides up to four people with great Gulf fishing.

INDIAN TEMPLE MOUND MUSEUM Located on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fort Walton Beach Indian Temple Mound is one of the most famous archeological sites in Florida. The museum features many ancient artifacts and offers several hands-on displays. 139 Miracle Strip

PEDEGO 30A A Pedego electric bike rental is the most fun way to experience 30A, Miramar Beach and Crystal Beach. Bike paths, park trails and neighborhood streets are breathtakingly beautiful. Sign up for a themed Pedego tour with Eventure Tour Co. Locks and helmets included. “Hello, fun!” 174 WaterColor Way

Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850) 654-5251, hurricanelanesdestin.com

Parkway S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 833-9595, fwb.org/museums/indian-temple-mound-museum

INTO THE WILD… ECO DIVERSIONS Guided hiking, biking, sailing and kayaking ecoadventures throughout South Walton’s natural ecosystems by an experienced guide who has been leading tours for over 20 years. (850) 974-2258, itwecodiversions.com

LA DOLCE VITA RENTALS La Dolce Vita is the premier water sport and beach service company in South Walton and Destin. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas, wave runners, pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards, beach wheel chairs, floating cabanas, bikes, golf carts, baby equipment and more. 196 N. Holiday Road, Miramar Beach, (850) 650-0289, ldvbeach.com/rentals.html

4808 U.S. 98, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2514, notadogcharters.com

#106, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 598-6380, pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/santa-rosabeach, eventuretourco.com

POWER UP WATERSPORTS Power Up Watersports features pontoon boat and WaveRunner rentals, as well as the hottest new activity — Flyboard, a jet-powered board that uses the propulsion of a personal water craft to allow you to hover and fly through the air over water.

1201 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 461-1034, powerupwatersports.com

ROCK OUT CLIMBING GYM Destin just got a little ‘boulder’ with the addition of a new rock climbing gym. The premier indoor rock climbing facility offers fun for the whole family and welcomes all skill levels. 2001 98 Palms Blvd., Ste. 5, Destin, (850) 837-0526, rockoutclimbing.com

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Escape Rooms

Along the Emerald Coast ESCAPE ZONE 60 Choose from Zombie Apocalypse, Crime Scene and Special Ops rooms that can accommodate up to 10 players. 1077 Highway 98 E, Destin and 10859 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach escapezone60.com

SALAMANDER SPA Destin’s newest spa, Salamander Spa features 11 private treatment rooms and a wet area with an experiential shower, whirlpool tub, a luxurious couples’ suite, sun-lit relaxation spaces and a full-service salon. 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, (850) 424-4482, hendersonbeachresort.com/spa/overview

SCUBATECH OF N.W. FLORIDA Take dive trips on Destin’s unique limestone ledge filled with abundant tropical fish, visit wreck dives in deeper water or take scuba diving classes. ScubaTech also offers professional snorkeling trips in the Choctawhatchee Bay grass flats and Destin’s eastern jetties. 301 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 837-2822, scubatechnwfl.com

SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS See Shopping Guide on page 108 SOUTHERN STAR DOLPHIN AND SUNSET CRUISE Destin’s original sunset dolphin cruises. Enjoy two-hour sightseeing cruises in our 80-foot glass-bottom boat with dolphins, marine life, seagulls and spectacular sunsets. Mon.–Sat., all year. Book your reservation online. 100 Harbor Blvd., Destin (next to Tightlines Restaurant), (850) 837-7741, southernstardolphincruise.com

SUNQUEST CRUISES, SOLARIS YACHT DINE DANCE CRUISE Sunset and special holiday cruises of Choctawhatchee Bay aboard the three-deck yacht. SOLARIS features chef-prepared cuisine, live entertainment and dancing. Cruises are family friendly, and reservations are required. Departs from Baytowne Marina at Sandestin.

ESCAPOLOGY Located in the Market Shops at Sandestin, they have a variety of rooms, including the Cuban Crisis and a search for an antidote for the latest infectious disease.

SEA BLASTER DOLPHIN TOURS Take a fun and exciting cruise with Capt. Larry, who has been entertaining families in the Destin area since 1995. Search the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico for the most playful dolphins. Guests can also enjoy sunset and snorkeling cruises. 60 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 654-6888, destinseablaster.com

SUNVENTURE I SAILING CRUISES This sporty 45-foot catamaran offers ecodolphin cruises and Crab Island excursions, plus private charters for up to 49 people.

GULF COAST ESCAPE ROOM Located at HarborWalk Village, escape from the Voodoo Cabin and enjoy a stroll along the Harbor, and grab some dinner with a view at Harry T’s Lighthouse Restaurant

SERENITY BY THE SEA Full-service spa and salon. The 14,500square-foot spa features pampering facials and body treatments, including massage, scrubs, clay masks and hydrating wraps. Book a service and enjoy use of the steam room, whirlpool, sauna and more.

SURE LURE CHARTERS The Sure Lure is a beautiful, comfortable, airconditioned fiberglass Infinity hull sportfisher offering bottom fishing, trolling (offshore and inshore) and cobia fishing — plus bay fishing aboard the Fish Dish. Up to six guests.

9375 U.S. Highway 98 W., Miramar Beach escapology.com

HarborWalk, Destin gulfcoastescaperoom.com

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4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach, (850) 622-9595, serenitybytheseaspa.com

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach, (850) 650-2519, sunquestcruises.com

314 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 424-6465, sunventurecruises.com

210 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 376-8399, surelurecharters.com

COASTAL ADVENTURES |

VISITOR’S GUIDE

SURFSIDE SPA With an extensive list of services to revitalize and invigorate. Massage therapists offer a variety of facials, massages and multiple allied modalities, including reiki. 1096 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, (850) 543-7905, surfsidespa.com

THE SHARD SHOP With two locations, Grayton Beach and Destin, Artist Mary Hong offers glass art workshops that are fun for the entire family. Adults and kids (ages 6-plus) are invited to make their own masterpiece using shards of glass and/or bring heirlooms, shells and special treasures. All ages, adult and kids classes are offered year-round. Call or visit website for daily schedule. 28 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, and 34940 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 114, Destin, (850) 842-4440, shardshop.com

THRILLS LASER TAG AND ARCADE Let the games begin at Thrills Arcade. Whether it’s Laser Tag, the latest arcade games or a special party, you’ll find family fun at Thrills. Seascape Towne Centre, 90 Seascape Drive, Miramar Beach, (850) 8424747, thrillslasertag.com

TIMBERVIEW HELICOPTER RIDES Sightseeing along the Emerald Coast’s world-famous beaches from a bird’s-eye view. Tours depart from Destin Airport.

THE TRACK This family recreational center in the heart of Destin features go-karts, bumper boats and cars, an arcade, miniature golf, bungee jumping, kiddie rides and more. 1125 Highway 98, Destin, (850) 654-4668, destintrack.com

UNCLE BUCK’S FISHBOWL AND GRILL Located at Destin Commons, Uncle Buck’s features 16 unique underwater-themed lanes and a shipwreck-themed bar with a huge saltwater aquarium and dining area. 4251 Legendary Drive, Destin, (850) 269-6100, unclebucksfishbowlandgrill.com

VILLAGE OF BAYTOWNE WHARF Located within Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, the Village features dozens of shops, restaurants and activities. In addition to seasonal events, the Village features the Baytowne Adventure Zone, playground

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

1001 Airport Road, Destin, (850) 774-0991, destinhelicopters.com

BAYTOWNE ADVENTURE ZONE

and Blast Arcade for kids. 9300 Emerald

Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, (850) 428-2736, baytowneadventurezone.com

WET-N-WILD WATERSPORTS At Wet-N-Wild Water Sports, affordability meets family fun, making a vacation to Destin even more enjoyable. For the best values and experiences in Jet Ski rentals, boat rentals, parasailing and dolphin tours in Destin, call Wet-N-Wild Watersports. 288 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 243-2628, destinflboatrentals.com

WILD WILLY’S ADVENTURE ZONE This family entertainment center on Okaloosa Island features 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned space with redemption arcade, 4D movie theater, lazer maze and Salvati’s Pizza Factory. Outside entertainment includes two dinosaur-themed mini-golf courses, a 60-foot ropes course, reverse bungee trampoline and more. 1306 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 400-3300, wwazone.com

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VISITOR’S GUIDE

| GROCERY STORES

A Taste of the Coast CHECK OUT THESE DELICIOUSLY LOCAL PRODUCTS

Honey Hutch

Amy Wright was born to love bees. With more than three generations and over 60 years of beekeeping in her family’s history, Amy founded The Honey Hutch with a mission to offer pure raw honey and body care products made from simple, ethically sourced, wholesome ingredients. Amy moved back to Destin and began The Honey Hutch, which now includes 70 hives producing about 500 gallons of honey per year, and her beeswax is used to make lip balm and soap. thehoneyhutch.com

Grayton Beer

In 2011, Jamey Price, with the support of his wife Candace, started his journey toward the goal of opening a brewery in South Walton. Jamey joined local brewer Shank, and Grayton Beer Company was born. With two original beers, an IPA and a pale ale, Grayton Beer has grown to now include seven annual brews, including the popular 30A Beach Blonde Ale and White Dunes Belgium White and seasonal offerings. The 106

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Brewery is located off U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach, and Grayton Beach Brew Pub is located in along Highway 30A in Grayton Beach. graytonbeer.com

Local coffee from Destin Coffee At Destin Coffee, the focus is local, simple, fresh. A family venture with a passion for all things coffee, the team at Destin Coffee searches for organic, fair trade beans and coffee with unique flavors. Aiming to produce the freshest coffee on the Emerald Coast, the coffee beans are always roasted to order. Destin Coffee invites guests to enjoy a roast house tour and to pick up a bag of fresh roast to take home. destincoffeeco.com

Bad Byron’s Butt Rub®

With its world headquarters in Santa Rosa Beach, Bad Byron’s Butt Rub® was created by Byron Chism in 1997. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Byron began competing in BBQ competitions across the

country to help market his creation. He is now a decorated barbecue competitor and among the top 10 Kansas City Barbecue Society cooks since 2000. Today, Bad Byron’s seasonings have become a household name around the country. buttrub.com

Chef Time Creehan’s Grill Plus®

Created by local Chef Tim Creehan to meet the vigorous needs of today’s professional restaurant kitchens, Grill Plus® is now available to consumers. Whether used as an instant marinade for seasoning, a base for milk wash, a zesty dip or the heart of a sauce, Grill Plus® works magic on foods. It contains zero grams of transfat, zero carbs and low sodium and sugar levels, making it approximately 60 percent lower in fat content than traditional marinades. Grill Plus® is available in four flavors. chefsgrillplus.com

Find these and other tasty local products at Whole Foods in Destin, as well as area Publix Grocery Stores and online.

TYLER AMUNDSEN (BEER) AND SCOTT HOLSTEIN (HONEY)

Taking home a “Taste of the Coast” has never been easier. Here’s a roundup of local residents who have helped make the Emerald Coast delicious.

Grocery/ Food Stores PUBLIX AT PARADISE KEY 4425 Commons Drive, Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-9094 PUBLIX AT GRAND BOULEVARD 725 Grand Boulevard, Sandestin, FL 32550 (850) 622-2326 PUBLIX AT SOUTH WALTON 2038 U.S. Highway 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 267-0582 PUBLIX AT WATERCOLOR CROSSINGS 110 Watercolor Way, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 534-4565 WALMART SUPERCENTER 15017 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-0341 WALMART SUPERCENTER 6712 U.S. Highway 98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 622-6237 WINN DIXIE DESTIN 981 Highway 98 E., Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-5353 WINN DIXIE MIRAMAR BEACH 65 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 837-4849 MODICA MARKET IN SEASIDE 109 Central Square, Seaside, FL 32459 (850) 231-1214 THE FRESH MARKET 4495 Commons Drive W., Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-0989 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 4402 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-7400

Private dining rooms and outdoor courtyard spaces accommodate anything from an intimate meal to an extravagant event. Our bar features an exclusive menu and drink specials. Looking for something even more unique? Our private wine room can be reserved for your next event.

(850) 622-0760 Â· bijouxdestin.com

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JACQUELINE WARD

In Style FROM THE BEACH TO THE PEACHY TO THE KITSCHY, MERCHANTS ALONG THE EMERALD COAST OFFER EVERYTHING YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AND MORE

30AVENUE Located on the east end of 30A, 30Avenue is easy walking distance to Rosemary, Seacrest and Alys Beach. A distinctive setting for outstanding restaurants and boutiques. From fine dining and gourmet ingredients to home furnishings and the latest fashion, 30Avenue is a casually sophisticated open air plaza. 12805 U.S. Highway 98, Inlet Beach, (850) 231-1127, thirtyavenue.com

the AMC Destin Commons 14, a stadiumstyle multiplex theater — plus a children’s playground, a splash fountain and train rides. 4300 Legendary Drive, Destin, (850) 337-8700, destincommons.com

GRAND BOULEVARD TOWN CENTER Upscale lifestyle center with green lawns offering shops, dining, movies and entertainment. Merchants include Chico’s, Orvis, Tommy Bahama, Cantina Laredo, Fleming’s Steakhouse, Emeril’s Coastal Italian, P.F. Chang’s and New Vision Boulevard 10, among others. 495 Grand

DESTIN COMMONS Outdoor lifestyle center with over 75 retail stores, including Belk, Books-A-Million, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bass Pro Shops and Williams-Sonoma; a variety of restaurants Boulevard, Miramar Beach, (850) 837-3099, such as Panera Bread, Johnny Rockets, World STORY AND of Beer PHOTO and COURTESY Zoe’s Kitchen; OF WHOLE as wellFOODS as MARKET grandboulevard.com 108

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GULF PLACE TOWN CENTER Situated just steps away from the beach on Scenic Highway 30A and Highway 393 in Santa Rosa Beach, this eclectic community features boutiques, an art colony, restaurants and bars — plus outdoor concerts and special events. 95 Laura Hamilton Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, gulfplacefl.com

HARBORWALK VILLAGE Located at the foot of the Destin Bridge, this waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex also offers water sports rentals, parasailing, pirate ship excursions and dolphin cruises, as well as regular special events, including weekly fireworks, live entertainment and more. 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin, (850) 424-0600, emeraldgrande.com

SHOPPING |

VISITOR’S GUIDE

GRAND BOULEVARD TOWN CENTER

MARKET SHOPS AT SANDESTIN Located at the entrance to Sandestin, The Market Shops is an open-air shopping center featuring boutiques, stores, eateries and events. 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, (850) 837-3077, themarketshops.com

MERCHANTS OF SEASIDE Scenic 30A’s first planned community and site of the hit movie The Truman Show, Seaside features more than 75 shops, galleries, restaurants, markets, food trucks and bars as well as year-round special events, including weekly farmers’ markets, festivals, theater performances, concerts and more. East Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, seasidefl.com

PIER PARK Located in Panama City Beach, Pier Park features 124 stores, including Target, Forever 21, Dillard’s, J.C. Penney and Marshalls, as well as dining and entertainment options, including a movie theater and live music at Tootsies.

600 Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach, (850) 236-9974, simon.com/mall/pier-park

PLANTATION PLAZA Located at 4495 Commons Drive, this shopping complex has a little bit of everything for the whole family. From

Home Depot to Marshalls to a small boutique called You, Me and the Sea, it has an eclectic array of shops and even a few locally owned restaurants. 4495 Commons

Craft’s leather and pearl jewelry to Andy Saczynski’s multi-media folk art, Shops of Grayton features some of the area’s most colorful shopping. 26 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa

ROSEMARY BEACH Located on the western end of Scenic Highway 30A, Rosemary Beach features trendy upscale shopping dining, nightlife, weekly farmers markets, outdoor concerts and special events. 78 North Barrett

UPTOWN GRAYTON Located along Highway 30A in Grayton Beach, Uptown Grayton features an array of shops and restaurants. From favorite breakfast spots, such as Another Broken Egg Café and Bad Ass Coffee, to one-of-a-kind gifts and home accents at Adaro Art Gallery and Summer House Lifestyle & Studio Gallery, Uptown Grayton is a great place to funk up your style. 51 Uptown Grayton Circle,

Drive W., Destin, (850)-269-0376

Square, Rosemary Beach, (866) 348-8952, rosemarybeach.com

SILVER SANDS PREMIUM OUTLETS The nation’s largest designer outlet center — 110 stores — includes Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Gap Outlet, J Crew, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Tommy Hilfiger and much more. 10562

Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, (850) 3370628, premiumoutlets.com/outlet/silver-sands

SHOPS OF GRAYTON Located in Grayton Beach, Shops of Grayton features an array of boutiques, artist galleries and restaurants. From Mary Hong’s Shard Shop & Gallery to Allison

Beach, (850) 231-0880

Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 240-0451

THE VILLAGE OF BAYTOWNE WHARF Located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort along the Choctawhatchee Bay, this entertainment complex features shops, eateries, restaurants, and nightlife — plus year-round outdoor festivals and special events. Kids will be entertained while mom shops with the Adventure Zone activities including zip line, a carousel, a climbing wall and a ropes course. 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, W., Miramar Beach, (850)-267-8180, baytownewharf.com

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VISITOR’S GUIDE

| GOLF GUIDE

Hitting the Links

GRAB YOUR CLUBS — THE EMERALD COAST FEATURES COURSE DESIGNS TO SUIT PLAYERS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS

CAMP CREEK GOLF COURSE This 18-hole Tom Fazio design features a pure golf experience accentuated by wetlands and the beauty of a par-72 championship course measuring 7,151 yards. Camp Creek also offers practice facilities. 684 Fazio

THE GOLF GARDEN OF DESTIN Great for families, this facility features a nine-hole executive course, an 18-hole putting course and a driving range. Lessons and clinics available from a PGA-certified instructor. Cart and club rentals are available.

KELLY PLANTATION GOLF CLUB Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, this 7,099-yard, par-72 course is topped only by the spectacular views of Choctawhatchee Bay, where you may even spot a playful dolphin or two as you pass by. 307 Kelly

EMERALD BAY GOLF CLUB Emerald Bay Golf Club was designed by Bob Cupp to be the premier full-service championship 18-hole golf course in Destin. 4781 Clubhouse Drive, Destin, (888)

INDIAN BAYOU GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Featuring three recently renovated and updated nine-hole courses. All 27 holes offer wide, forgiving fairways with lush greens, majestic pines and sparkling lakes and water features. 1 Country Club Drive E., Destin, (850)

ORIGINS GOLF CLUB This Davis Love design features a six-hole regulation course that alternatively plays as a nine-hole executive course and a 10-hole, par-three layout, making it more fun and appealing to families, beginners and casual golfers. 573 Pathways Drive, WaterSound, (850)

Drive, Panama City Beach, (850) 231-7600, campcreekgolfclub.com

GOLF-BAY (465-3229) or (850) 837-5197, emeraldbaygolfclub.com

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12958 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, (850) 837-7422, thegolfgardenofdestin.com

837-6191, indianbayougolf.com

Plantation Drive, Destin, (850) 650-7600, kellyplantationgolf.com

213-5090, originsgolfclub.com

REGATTA BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB This breathtaking 6,894yard, par-72 course along the Choctawhatchee Bay is a golfer’s paradise. Designed by Robert C. Walker, Regatta Bay has been named one of Golf Digest’s “Top Places to Play in North America.” 465 Regatta

Bay Blvd., Destin, (850) 337-8080, regattabay.com

SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT Four award-winning championship courses by three renowned designers, including the Raven Golf Club, home of the 2006 and 2007 Boeing Championship at Sandestin. All courses are ranked four stars or higher. 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach, (850) 267-8000, sandestin.com

»» Baytowne Golf Club Pristine Tom Jackson course with lush greens, ample bunkers, and water surrounding 12 of the 18 holes. (850) 267-8155 »» Burnt Pine Golf Club Designed by the renowned Rees Jones, this 18-hole course challenges with bay views, meandering wetlands and marshes. (850) 267-6500

»» The Links Golf Club A second Tom Jackson 18-hole course, the Links

is moderately fast with generous, lush greens. (850) 267-8144

»» Raven Golf Club This Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design delights with 18 holes expertly carved through marshes, wetlands and pine trees. (850) 267-8155 »» Sandestin Golf Academy Golf instruction is available for individuals, groups and junior players. (850) 267-8156

SANTA ROSA GOLF AND BEACH CLUB The only course in the area that has two holes with views of the Gulf of Mexico. Affiliated with Audubon International, the pristine 18-hole course also meanders through natural wildlife habitats. 4801 West County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2229, santarosaclub.com

SEASCAPE RESORT GOLF CLUB Designed by famed course architect Joe Lee, this 6,100yard par 70 championship course has tall pines, shimmering waters and rolling hills that challenge players of every skill level.

556 Seascape Drive, Miramar Beach, (850) 654-7888, seascape-resort.com/golf.aspx

For even more local courses, visit destinvacation.com/destin-guide/directory/golf

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COURTESY OF THE BLUE GIRAFFE

TRICIA ROBINSON

Coastal Creators 112

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THE EMERALD COAST EMBRACES THE ARTS Dancers, artists, actors and musicians in abundance find inspiration here

ARTS |

VISITOR’S GUIDE

CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY The Cultural Arts Alliance produces signature events, including the 30A Songwriters Festival, ArtsQuest, Valentine’s Day Tour of Homes and more. Located in the Bayou Arts Center, CAA features regular art classes led by talented local artists, and CAA manages the Foster Gallery at Grand Boulevard (open seven days a week: Mon.– Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.). Bayou Arts Center, 105 Hogtown Bayou, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-5970, culturalartsalliance.com

EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY Created to inspire, educate and empower the Emerald Coast community and artists of all ages, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company produces productions and educational programs that provide excellent, professional entertainment for residents and visitors of the Emerald Coast. Call or visit the website for performance locations.

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION Northwest Florida’s premier cultural arts organization since 1995, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation has been committed to cultivating and nurturing a deep appreciation of the arts along the Emerald Coast with an annual concert series, a Festival of the Arts and other events.

COURTESY OF SARA LIERLY

P.O. Box 9175, Miramar Beach, (850) 684-0323, emeraldcoasttheatre.org

SARA LIERLY

4323 Commons Drive W., Destin, (850) 650-2226, mattiekellyartsfoundation.org

MATTIE KELLY FINE & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Located on the Niceville campus of Northwest Florida State College, the Mattie Kelly Arts Center is a $25 million-dollar performing arts and educational complex that hosts Broadway's best touring shows, visiting artists, dance and opera companies. 100 College Blvd., Niceville, (850) 729NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET Northwest Florida Ballet strives to provide topquality dance education and performances for the Emerald Coast community. Northwest Florida Ballet holds regular performances at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center and other locations around town. 310 Perry Ave. S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850)

SCOTT STANFIELD

6000, mattiekellyartscenter.org

MARY HONG

664-7787, nfballet.org

NORTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Led by conductor Jeffery Rink, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO) is the Emerald Coast’s professional symphony orchestra, performing since 1987. The NFSO performs in residence at the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center. 100 College Blvd., Niceville, (850)

729-6000, nfsymphony.org

SEASIDE REPERTORY THEATRE For more than 10 years, this intimate 75-seat theater has offered year-round shows, from comedies to dramas, Shakespeare to Charlotte’s Web and everything in between. 216 Quincy Circle, Seaside, (850) 231-0733, lovetherep.com

SINFONIA GULF COAST Led by energetic conductor Demetrius Fuller, Sinfonia Gulf Coast is committed to entertaining, educating and inspiring the Emerald Coast community through imaginative and innovative musical programming. 36468 Emerald Coast

Parkway, Suite 11102, Destin, (850) 4608800, sinfoniagulfcoast.org

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VISITOR’S GUIDE

| ON A RAINY DAY

Fun on Those Not-SoSunny Days WHILE THE EMERALD COAST celebrates an average of 226 sunny days per year, there are times when the coast needs liquid sunshine to maintain its lush green appearance. Here are recommendations for fun beyond the beach:

MUSEUMS

DESTIN HISTORY & FISHING MUSEUM, INC. View the types of fish caught in Destin displayed on 100 feet of wall space depicting the Gulf floor as well as a large collection of antique fishing rods and reels, including an original Penn Reel that belonged to Earnest Hemmingway. 108 Stahlman Ave., (850)

837-6611, destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org

EMERALD COAST SCIENCE CENTER The interactive museum of science stimulates the imagination with exhibits such as a reflecting Castle of Mirrors, “adult-sized” bubble makers, a literally hair-raising Vandergraph generator, an electrifying Illuma Storm and more. 139 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-1261, ecscience.org

INDIAN TEMPLE MOUND The museum houses interpretive exhibits depicting 12,000 years of Native American occupation. Over 1,000 artifacts of stone, bone, clay and shell are featured as well as artifacts from European explorers, local pirates and early settlers. Interactive displays include corn grinding and stone tool making. 139 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 833-9595, fwb.org/museums/ indian-temple-mound-museum

CREATE ART

FIRED UP IN SEASIDE Located in Seaside on Highway 30A, Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery is a fun, familyfriendly place where you can paint your “art” out on over 500 unique pottery pieces. With 114

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THE SHARD SHOP

prices starting at $14, it’s the perfect way to create affordable family memories. No reservation required. 27 Quincy Circle, Santa

that includes a large saltwater aquarium with scores of tropical fish. 4251 Legendary Drive

THE SHARD SHOP Now with two locations — Grayton Beach and Destin, artist Mary Hong’s glass art workshops are fun for the entire family. Adults and kids (ages 6-plus) are invited to bring heirlooms, shells and special treasures to incorporate with shards of glass to make original art on canvas.

ESCAPE ROOMS List of Escape Rooms on page 104

Rosa Beach, (850) 231-3211, firedupseaside.com

28 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, 34940 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 114, Destin (near Best Buy), (850) 231-0544, shardshop.com

INDOOR FUN

ARCADES The whole family will feel like a kid again at the arcade. Whether you visit The Redemption Arcade on Okaloosa Island, The Track Arcade in Destin, Thrills Arcade at Seascape Towne Centre, Blast Arcade in the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin or Dave & Buster’s at Pier Park, the family will enjoy indoor fun. HURRICANE LANES Family-friendly entertainment daily featuring 26 bowling lanes, a dozen pool tables, an arcade, Rupert’s Sports Bar, Cabana Cafe and free ping-pong. (Must be over 21 in bar area.) 34876 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, (850) 654-5251, hurricanelanesdestin.com

UNCLE BUCK’S FISHBOWL AND GRILL Bowl and dine in a unique underwater setting

(at Destin Commons), Destin, (850) 269-6100, restaurants.basspro.com/unclebucksfishbowl

INFLATABLE ZONE Wild Willies Adventure Zone will have kids jumping for joy in the dinosaur-themed inflatable zone. Also part of the 17,000-foot, air-conditioned space is the Redemption Arcade, 4D Movie Theater, a Laser Maze, Salvati’s Pizza Factory and YogoMogo’s Creamy Cool Creations. 1306 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 4003300, wwazone.com

ROCK OUT CLIMBING GYM Rock Out Climbing Gym is the Emerald Coast’s premier indoor rock climbing facility. As a bouldering gym, there are no harnesses or ropes and the 16-foot tall walls offer a variety of terrain and difficulty levels. 2001 98 Palms Blvd., Suite 5, Destin, (behind Target), (850) 837-0526, rockoutclimbing.com

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THE GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK Located at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, the Gulfarium entertains visitors of all ages with up-close marine encounters and interactive shows. 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy. S.E., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-9046, gulfarium.com

800-225-7652

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WATERSPORTS

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866.651.1869

Beach rentals for a perfect vacation! Call or Book Online Now.

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