Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Family Day at the Beach!

video

Many families that venture to the area want to bring a tangible memory home with them and having professional photos taken on the beach is a fabulous treasure for the whole family to share! By the way, just in case you were thinking you might take a little bit of our precious sugar-white sand - that's illegal! So stick to photos and shells!

Professional photographers are available in the area and pricing ranges from a minor pocket pinch to some major investing - but we love PerceptionsByMayer photography. Joseph Mayer provides his services in the Beaches of South Walton and Destin area and charges a very reasonable rate and allows his subjects to use his photography for printing at their own leisure and even finds time to throw together a cute video presentation with music for his customers!

Visit him online at www.PerceptionsByMayer.com or by telephone at 850-499-2213. Travelers who are staying through Seascape Resort or Bookit.com get a $100 discount on his services - check it out!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Volleyball at Seascape Beach


Our seasonal guests might find Destin to be paradise, but locals call it home and we have to be creative to find ways to enjoy our paradise amongst the crowds. For the past four years, a local group has been turning the the sand and net, volleyball net to be exact; to work out some pent up aggression and mingle amongst the tourists.


Located due west of the Whales Tail Beach Bar and Grill, the volleyball net is open to any brave beach goers willing to test their might against the sand. It is much harder than it looks to play beach volleyball - it can be downright exhausting!
This group calls this weekly event, "Happy Friday" - and they welcome tourists and guests to join in the fun. Played for pure braggin' rights, there's no prizes, just plenty of calorie burning, beer drinking, and laughing.

Catch some net with this group every Friday after work, Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm until Sunset.

Blue Point Fish Club at Destin Commons

Blue Point Fish Club is located in the Destin Commons mall; a popular spot in the Destin area to shop, drop and play. Known as a locals favorite watering hole, especially for the upwardly mobile - it is a full service restaurant and bar. Tasty cocktails, a large selection of unique beers on tap and a glamorous crowd make for a pleasing experience.


This past weekend two of our out of town friends dropped in and we all gathered for a few drinks. Standing room only by 10pm and a live band jazzed up the evening. Bartenders know the locals well and we were treated to vibrant drinks with more liquor than mix. The bar attracts a great mix of tourists and locals and although it has a more upbeat, dressy feel - it is still Destin, so casual is always acceptable.


Highly recommended for those who want to find a happening spot around town with live music and great drinks. Couples and singles will enjoy! Oh, and waffle house is located directly across the street - we all know that is a great perk for a late night bar!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Seascape Resort goes Pet Friendly!

Seascape is located in the prestigious Beaches of South Walton on Destin’s eastern edge and provides visitors with a relaxing escape in a luxurious, yet comfortable atmosphere. Originally built in the mid seventies, Seascape is an original Destin icon and has preserved the “old charm” of the area while most neighboring land has been transformed by "progress". Still lush with tree lined golf course greens and tranquil lakes; Seascape is a respite from the commercial improvements in the Destin area.
Seascape is home to one of the Destin areas most beloved golf courses and beachfront bar and grill, The Whales Tail. Known for its breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and mouth watering Mai Tai’s, locals adore the area and tourists will be pleased with the experience. Accommodations include Majestic Sun, Ariel Dunes I, Ariel Dunes II and the villas that intertwine the natural surroundings throughout the resort.

Majestic Sun and both of the Ariel Dunes sister towers offer luxury, high rise Destin condo rentals that will please even the most discerning traveler. Majestic Sun sits parallel to the undeveloped beach and offers unparalleled views of the gulf coast. The sister towers of Ariel Dunes I and II are set back a few hundred yards into the resort for a more serene experience with less traffic noise without giving up stunning views. Ariel Dunes towers are the tallest buildings in the Beaches of South Walton and have become a popular destination for families who want an all-inclusive Destin vacation with an onsite restaurant, kid friendly swimming pools, a beach tram and on-site management.

The Lakefront, Boardwalk and Golf Course villas have been updated over the years and offer a low rise option on the resort for travelers who prefer to walk right up to their Destin condo rental instead of being in a high rise. Endlessly flexible, the villas on Seascape Resort offer the best value and starting in 2008 have opened their doors to the four-legged members of traveling families. Dogs and cats are welcome with an up to date shot record and a small additional fee for cleaning. Currently, animals of non-residents are not permissible on Walton County beaches, but Pet Owners now have options when traveling so that they do not have to abandon their pets at home in kennels or with friends.

Seascape Resort is centrally located to the finest dining, shopping and activities in the Destin area. Prepare to Vacation, Seascape is more than an accommodation, it is an experience.
For more information please contact
Seascape Resort
800-874-9106

Seaside Town Square

Seaside is famous for its role in the 1998 film, The Truman Show. With just a glance you can envision Jim Carey strolling down the streets in an endless quest for the outside world. But the glory of Seaside's town square is in the details. Masterly crafted artistic archways, pristine gardens and original artwork fold into the natural surroundings.


With plenty of quaint spots to eat, drink and relax, Seaside Town Square is a worthy day trip. Of all odd things that caught our attention, the doors on some of the buildings were just beautiful. Reminiscent of cobblestone paths in rural Italy with lazy gardens and antique laterns, be sure to pay attention to the entrances of the stores. Lost in the whimsical limbs of the trees that adorn the paths you will find metal sculptures worthy of Manhattan.


The Seaside Chapel is just breathtaking and a popular spot for South Walton Weddings, though you will need a healthy budget to afford this spot for your special day. Deeper into Seaside you will find plenty of activities for the whole family, including kayaking or canoeing on the lake.


Be sure to grab a burger at Pickle's Beachside Bar & Grill or sit down to a delictable treat at the popular Bud & Alleys.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Eden Gardens State Park

Locals work unbelievably hard during the season to ensure that Destin Travelers have an amazing experience. Every day is the opening act for a new set of guests and it is a rare occasion for some of us to get out and about during Spring or Summer, but last Sunday we had the most amazing time strolling through Destin and the Beaches of South Walton on our motorcycle.

Down Beach Road 98 in Destin, along Highway 30A in South Walton, with a final destination of Eden State Park. Breathtaking beauty nestled gently within the borders of one of America's finest beach destinations. Perfect for calm walks on the gorgeous nature trail, picnicking with the family, or fishing off the pier for a quiet respite. Awarded on multiple occasions as one of America's most beautiful State Parks, this is a must see while on the area. Take a break from the beach, put down the golf clubs and discover one of South Walton's treasure locations.

During our two hours at Eden Gardens we sat on the pier and snapped a few photos of the Flying Fish, walked the nature trail, gazed at the reflection pool and met a few friendly travelers.

From Destin, take Highway 98 East toward Panama City. Take a left on County Road 395 and then follow the signs to the park. You'll stroll through an older, yet charming neighborhood and view one of the oldest schools in the area before embarking on the park. Entrance is $1 per person without a vehicle or $3 per vehicle.