Guide to Holiday Shopping in Destin and South Walton

The holidays are upon us and finding the perfect gift for family and friends is on many of our minds. Destin has always been known for great shopping. The Emerald Coast features three signature outdoor shopping plazas in Destin: Destin Commons, Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Grand Boulevard, which are filled with named brand stores sure to please many on your holiday shopping list. But for those looking for that unusual, quirky, or just authentically coastal gift for someone special, here are three recommendations for fun, quirky gift boutiques in and around Destin, Florida.

Zoo Gallery
For the discriminating shopper who wants to return home with something truly unique, the Zoo Gallery is a must-stop shop. With two convenient locations--Grayton Beach and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, the Zoo Gallery has been delighting shoppers for over 35 years. Owners Chris and Roxie Wilson refer to their carefully curated collection of handcrafted works, quirky cards, gifts, bohemian clothes and handmade jewelry as “eye candy”.  Stop by and experience the “Stand Out from the Herd” concept that makes the Zoo Gallery truly one of a kind. Locations: 89 Hotz Ave, Grayton Beach, FL (850) 231-0777, 500 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, (850) 837-9233, 1209 Airport Rd, Destin, FL (850) 837-0100..

Blue Giraffe
Located in WaterColor on Hwy 30A, Blue Giraffe is happy, colorful shop filled with art, hand-crafted jewelry and specialty gifts. Guests will find themselves happily lost in the sea of treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces. Owners Christi and Debbie say “our artists, authors and artisans, and their inspired creations, are the heart and soul of The Blue Giraffe. Most of our artists are local or from the Southeast region, and many sought us out when looking for a unique gallery along Hwy 30A in which to sell their work. Because our gallery is small, we are very selective about what we choose to sell. The artwork has to be a good fit with our happy, upbeat vibe.” The gallery also includes a book nook filled with curated collection of beach reads, inspirational titles and local authors. Address: 1777 E CR 30A, WaterColor, FL, (850) 231-5112

Footprints
Footprints Gift Shop is an excellent place to go for seashells, gifts and souvenirs. Featuring unique, high-quality merchandise with a coastal flair, Footprints is shop where you’ll get happily lost in a sea of one-of-a-kind gifts. Address: 9818 U.S. Highway 98 W, Destin, (850) 837-6711
 
Take it from our team of experienced shoppers, these boutique shops all merit an afternoon of browsing. If you’ve found a shopping gem here on the Emerald Coast, please drop us a line and let us know about it.  Happy Shopping!

Still looking for the perfect vacation rental for your next beach getaway, view our premier South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @the beach!

Published by Tracy Louthain
Monday, November 23, 2015