Destin Blog - February 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
We're excited for all the weekend festivities. If you're considering a last minute getaway, come on down! Cheer on the runners at the Seaside Half Marathon on Sunday or just enjoy the benefit concert, featuring Dread Clampitt at Caliza Pool in Alys Beach on Friday night. Proceeds benefit the Seaside Neighborhood School. Tickets are also still available for the 30A Wine Festival this weekend also in Alys Beach to benefit the Children's Volunteer Health Network.
We still have South Walton vacation rentals available along 30A, including well-appointed condos in Sanctuary at Redfish in Blue Mountain Beach. Consider a much needed beach getaway and have fun while benefitting kids! Wouldn't you rather be the beach?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Spring Break is right around the corner and our premier accommodations are filling fast. This year, you'll want to book early so you don't miss your chance to secure your favorite Destin
vacation rental
. For families with children in 1st - 6th grade who are looking to come to Destin for a week between March 12 and April 6, consider SpringWILD Spring Break Camp at the Destin Harbor.
Hosted by the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR), kids who love nature and learning will delight in this wonderful new offering. Each day from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., the kids will spend time with real marine biologists, learning about dolphins, sharks, seashells, sandcastles and more. The ECWR will bring in animals that are being rehabilitated
barred owl, screech owl, great horned owl, albino and melanistic corn snakes, gopher tortoise, gray fox, skunk, yellow bellied slider, and a flying squirrel.
Arts, crafts and games round out the day. For more information, click here
or call Susan Leveille at 850-650-1880.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
We've had so much fun with our winter guests! Thanks to all who came out to the Newman-Dailey snowbird events in Destin. Now, the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to show their appreciation with a "Sock Hop."
On Sunday, Feb. 26, the Emerald Coast Convention Center will be the spot to show off your moves and socialize with friends. The event features live music, including a special musical opening by Elvis, and a costume and dance contest. For $8 per person in advance ($12 at door), you'll receive refreshments, entry for door prizes and a bag full of goodies and coupons. For more information call 850-609-3800.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
It was great to have so many of our regular guests in Destin this weekend for the three-day weekend. We're delighted you came to visit and experience the Gulf Coast during a weekend of great events and celebrations.
Since it's President's Day, we not only wanted to take a minute to honor the leaders of our great country, but also give a shout out to the donor who stepped up to fund repairs to the earthquake-damaged Washington Monument. Congress recently approved half of the repair bill, which is in excess of $15 million, and philanthropist David Rubenstein has generously donated the other half. The Washington Monument is one of the most prominent structures in Washington, D.C. and was built in honor of George Washington in 1884.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Chicken, seafood, crawfish, sausage ... What do you put in your gumbo? Join us
and vote on your favorite at the 23rd Annual Gumbo Festival, Sat., Feb. 18 from 12-4 p.m. in Destin, FL. Held in Sandestin's Village of Baytowne Wharf, the annual event will showcase the best classic and creative gumbos along the gulf coast, challenging chefs and restaurants to bring out their inner Cajun. We can't wait to try the delectable creations of 98 Bar-B-Que, Graffiti & the Funky Blues Shack, Pompano Joe's and Bistro Bijoux. YUM!
Tickets are $20
at the gate.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentine's Day may be officially over, but in South Walton the celebration of love continues with the Valentine Tour of Homes on Sat., Feb. 18. The self-guided tour features some of the most stunning and historic homes along Scenic Highway 30A. These incredible residences, within Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside and Rosemary Beach, would normally only be seen on the pages of a magazine. But for one day only, these homeowners will open their doors to the public to benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance and the CAA's Educational Giving Program.
We're so lucky to live in Destin, FL among beautiful beaches, gorgeous homes and a vibrant arts community. Consider visiting for this special weekend event. Click here to see available rentals. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Tour of Homes, visit www.culturalartsalliance.com.
Monday, February 13, 2012
We are loving the melodious rhythms that are the norm here along the Emerald Coast! Last night, Santa Rosa Beach local, Geoff McBride, knocked the judges socks off with his stellar performance of Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground. Now, we'll be following our hometown guy on the Voice as he joins Christina
Aguilera's team! Looking forward to following his musical journey from our comfy couch here in Destin, FL!
Thursday, February 09, 2012
We are always amazed at the incredible songwriters and musicians we have right here in Destin, FL and all along the Gulf Coast. Next weekend, our talented local artists get a well-deserved, moment in the spotlight at the 4th Annual Beachcomber Music Awards. Held at HarborWalk Village on Sunday, Feb. 19, 5 - 10 p.m., the music awards will feature live performances from the
area's
best musical acts. From rock, jazz fusion, pop and country, bluegrass to alternative genres, more than 30 local and regional music groups will be represented.
The awards ceremony will be held on the HarborWalk Village main stage at 6 p.m. Join us for this festive evening of incredible music overlooking the Destin Harbor. It's sure to put a beat in your step and smile on your face!
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Are you ready for a some Mardi Gras revelry? Mardi Gras is celebrated in Mobile, New Orleans and other cities along the Gulf Coast. This festive event was started in Mobile, and according to some accounts, dates back to 1703. In Destin, the celebration kicks off this weekend with Mardi Gras on the Island. Parades and celebrations will be held throughout the coming weeks, including the 9th annual Mardi Gras dog parade at Sandestin's Village of Baytowne Wharf on Feb. 19 and Fat Tuesday parade in the Village on Feb. 21.
So join us for the best of both worlds-- Carnival at the Beach!
Monday, February 06, 2012
We're loving this warm weather! Come join us for fun in the sun as we enjoy February in Destin, Florida. This month is filled with great events, including Seaside Community Yard Sale, the Sandestin Gumbo Cookoff, CAA Valentine's Day Tour of Homes, Mardi Gras Celebrations, Beachcomber Music Awards and more.
Check out our available rentals at fantastic February rates!
Saturday, February 04, 2012
We want to help you rekindle the romance this Valentine's Day. The area's beautiful beaches create the perfect setting to fall in love again! For those staying 3-nights or more, we'll welcome you with champagne and roses upon check-in. Don't forget you also get the Newman-Dailey Advantage Gift Card good for fun-loving activities together. Call or click
here
for available accommodations and feel the love.
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Thank you for a good time on 12/23/11 - 12/30/11 at Winddancer 212!
Charles Carstens
River Ridge, Louisiana
Friday, February 03, 2012
Tonight is a very special evening of art and music in Destin, FL. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, Sinfonia Gulf Coast will perform “Ansel Adams: America,” a symphonic tribute saluting one of America’s most cherished artists. The 22-minute, one-movement piece fully integrates sweeping melodies with 102 striking images of or by Ansel projected above the orchestra. The conductor, Demetrius Fuller, tells us we're in for a real treat! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
What's better than spending time in beautiful Destin, Florida? Being here AND enjoying a free meal, of course! We've been out on the streets seeking the best culinary deals to share with our friends and guests. Yes, it was hard work dining on fresh seafood and savoring delectable meals, but we knew you'd want to know about these great options. Here's what we found:
Marina Cafe in Destin offers a nightly early special from 5-6 p.m. featuring buy one entree, get one free. We're a fan of so many dishes. From the Seared Maine Diver Scallops and Pan Seared Andouille Crusted Redfish to the Seared Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast and Grilled Bone in Pork Chop with a port wine reduction, we found that deciding which entree to order was a challenge (one we thoroughly enjoyed!)
In Miramar Beach, The Ocean Club features a special early dining menu with two entrees for the price of one from 5-6 p.m. seven days a week. We enjoyed the Chicken Picatta as well as the Catch of the Day Almandine with garlic beurre blanc sauce.
Cafe Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach also features two-for-one entrees from 5-6 p.m. daily. While the menu changes depending on what's fresh and in season, the Pan Seared Snapper and Oven Roasted Grouper are incredible as is the Grilled Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon. Thanks to Chef Ken Duenas for these brilliant creations!
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Hello Jeanne!
......This is just a brief note to say "Thank You & to your support staff!"......My wife & I are Canadian Snow Birds & love Destin......Last year we chose Newman-Dailey & had to cancel because my wife had medical problems - Your Betty Kazek was the absolute best.......This year Betty worked with us again & we are staying in your Chrystal Shores Property "Day Dream".....Once again, Betty was the "Ultimate" at making our arrangements happen!!.......From the time we arrived in your office, your staff treated us like "Royalty".......Dawn, Amy, Eddie etc - We even got to hug Betty :o).......Initially we had 4 issues & Amy addressed every one of them before we could even blink!!.....In the service business, you always hear complaints, but seldom hear praise!!......The reason behind this note is to say "THANKS" and ask that you pass our feelings on to all of your staff!!......We are totally impressed with "ND"
Bob & Sandra "Day Dream"
