LAST WORD Thanksgivings at Hilton Sandestin Beach are a Taylor family tradition.

A TAYLOR FAMILY TRADITION

BY SARA D. TAYLOR

When I learned that my first Thanksgiving as a newlywed was going to be spent with my husband’s family at a hotel in Sandestin, Florida, I’ll admit that I was reluctant. While the invitation was generous, we had been married for less than four weeks, and this was yet another big change.

I grew up in Southwest Virginia and had moved to Birmingham, Alabama, just days before our wedding. I was already missing my family and had my doubts about this arrangement. Who spends Thanksgiving at a hotel? And, eating a traditional turkey dinner in a restaurant? Unthinkable.

But going to the beach was a timehonored Taylor family ritual. It began in 1985, when my father-in-law suggested we “escape” to the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa for Thanksgiving. He hoped to provide for my mother-in-law a respite, as for many years, she had been hosting two large holiday gatherings in quick succession. Thankfully, she agreed, and this new tradition was born.

Not wanting to “make waves,” I went along to get along and hoped for the best. My sweet sister-in-law encouraged me by saying, “You’re going to love it! Trust us.”

Well, that was 25 years ago and love it, I did! Following that first fateful Turkey Day, I called my parents from our beautiful room. As the sun dipped into the water sending streaks of orange, purple and red into the sky, I confessed, “The Taylors might be onto something here.” We had spent a cool morning on the pristine, sugar-white beaches, feasted at a fabulous restaurant and capped off the evening with a night at the movies. The next day held the promise of spa treatments, golf and shopping. No cooking, no cleaning, just a relaxing time spent with my husband’s wonderful family. Perfection.

Since then, our families have grown to include our two daughters, my sisterin-law’s husband and their three children. On occasion, we’ve extended an invitation to my parents, my sister and her family so they, too, could experience this leisurely holiday magic. The more the merrier! Over the years, we’ve rarely missed a Thanksgiving at the Hilton Sandestin. Our girls and their cousins are now in their teens, but they still eagerly anticipate our family time at the beach. They’re already planning on the delicious breakfast buffet at Sandcastles, “treasure hunting” in the gift shop, Starbucks lattes and ice cream from The Coffee Shop, boogie boarding in the emerald water, pool hopping and midnight swims, eating fresh sushi and watching football on the giant screens at Hadashi Sushi, fishing in Destin, scoring Black Friday deals at Silver Sands Premium Outlets and, of course, ice skating and braving the ropes course at Baytowne! And, while the kids revel in a fun evening across the way, we adults plan on enjoying a fabulous dinner at Seagar’s.

For us, the Hilton Sandestin means good times and cherished memories. It’s a place where we can recharge and reconnect before diving into the Christmas season. Last year, the pandemic spoiled our plans. But this year, as we go around the table sharing what we’re thankful for, I can honestly say that I’m grateful to be back in this special place together, making new memories and carrying on the Taylor family tradition.

Each Thanksgiving, the Taylor tribe gobble up all Sandestin has to offer.