Sandnsol Destin Vacation Rental

What’s on in Destin: Emerald Coast Volleyball Week

Beach volleyball

Time is running out to register for Emerald Coast Volleyball Week. One of the nation’s largest four-person volleyball tournament comes to the boardwalk on Okaloosa Island April 18-22, 2018.  If you love hitting the courts, there’s a spot for you.  Volleyball players of all skill levels are invited to register. Fudpucker 4 player divisions include Open, A, BB, B and Sr. in Men, Women and Co-ed.  Females may not play in the male division, and co-ed teams must include at least 2 women and 2 women. Register your team with a maximum of 6 players now. The cost for the 4 person division is $85 per player until April 14th, and $90 after April 14th as space allows. Bring your own doubles and Kind/Queen/kid of the beach is $30 per player. Top prize is $1000 and finalist apparel.

Register here:

http://www.emeraldcoastvolleyball.com/

volleyball net

In addition to the traditional 4 player format, there are also events for Best of the Beach doubles draw, Bring your own Partner, and King/Queen/Kid of the beach.  Players register for these events the day of the event.

Have some time to kill? Spectators are welcome to come on down to catch some rays and watch some of the best volleyball players battle at the net.  Over 250 teams are registered so far!

 

In addition to the sand volleyball tournament, Destin and Fort Walton businesses are hosting several events for the players throughout the week. There’s a luau at Al’s Beach Club, Player’s Reception at FudPucker’s, Player’s Party at Al’s and a pool party at Ramada Plaza Beach Resort.

emerald coast volleyball

Complete schedule for the week: http://www.emeraldcoastvolleyball.com/ecvw.htm#location

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li7idEX_Yeg

Tournament Information: 850-243-2555 or mike@seminc.net

Written by Stacy of SandnSol vacation rental https://sandnsol.com

#emeraldcoastvolleyball #whatsondestin #okaloosaisland #sandvolleyballtournament #Fudpuckers #boardwalk #sandnsol

Dewey Destin’s Harborside; A Great Fish Restaurant

dewey destin wahoo fish

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy high quality fresh fish and good company while watching the sunset, Dewey Destin’s Harborside the perfect spot. On our most recent trip to Destin, our family had the pleasure of dining with some of the co-owners on the upstairs patio which overlooks the harbor.

dewey destins porch
Dewey Destin patio

Being our first time to Dewey’s, our hosts were happy to suggest appetizers, entrees and desserts to satisfy our tastes. We started off with three delicious appetizers; Jalapeno hush puppies, fried jalapeno cheese grit cakes, and a smokey tuna dip served with crackers.

Offerings on the Blackboard fresh catch of the day can range from Grouper, Wahoo, Trigger, Cobia, Red fish, Trout and Swordfish. Our table enjoyed bronzed and seared Grouper, scallops and shrimp.  We were also offered coleslaw and 2 sides.  My husband, being somewhat of a sweet corn snob, was especially impressed with the corn on the cob.  There was a sweet milkiness to it that reminded him of sweetcorn picked right out of the field.

dewey shrimp

After dinner, our group polished off several slices of their very tasty key lime pie.

Through our dinner conversations and interactions with the staff, we learned quite a bit about Dewey’s. Originally, the building was a hub for their commercial fishing business. Dewey Destin, the grandson of the founder of this harbor village,  turned it into a restaurant after the ban on commercial net fishing. It is still very much a family business. Many of the staff are lifelong residents who work here year round, and the daughter of our host came back to manage Dewey’s after earning her college degree. Dewey himself, stopped by our table to make sure everything was fixed to our liking.  If you talk sweetly to your server, they might even tell you about a friendly spirit watching over the place.

For those of you who like to eat what you catch, Dewey’s will also cook your catch for you.

Dewey Destin’s has a full bar which offers a nice selection of wine and several aptly named tropical drinks.  We tried the Dewey’s Lemonade and the Pineapple Martini, which has just a hint of coconut and is served in a sugar rimmed glass. I imagine during peak season, the cute little patio out front is standing room only.

Next time you’re looking for a casual dining with the highest quality fresh seafood, check out Dewey Destin’s Harborside. It’s affordable, delicious and has a stunning view of the harbor.

http://www.destinseafood.com/DestinHarbor/Menu/

written by Stacy of SandnSol oceanfront vacation rental

https://sandnsol.com/

The Best Cafe in Destin

cafe crepes destin

Capriccio Cafe'

Breakfast is one of my favorite meals, so I must include some information about my favorite morning cafe. While  Donut Hole is a must,  we also enjoy a little hole-in-the-wall cafe called Capriccio Cafe.  We often stop here on our way into town if our condo isn’t quite ready for us. This Italian cafe features both savory and sweet crepes, and it’s a local favorite for coffee and cappuccino.  Delicious Nutella crepes are popular with our kids.  However, the adults in our family prefer something more substantial like the American crepe, stuffed with ham, egg and cheese. Pastries and croissants are fresh every day, and your crepes are made to order.  For the lighter side, they offer several salad and sandwich options, including some with fresh seafood.

After placing your order at the counter, relax on the comfy couches or grab a seat at one of the tables.  Seating is limited, but there are also a few shaded tables outside Capriccio.  Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly. The cafe is located in mid-Destin, on Gulf Shore Drive.  It’s within walking distance of many shops. Judging from the increased number of patrons we noticed on our last several visits, the secret is getting out!  Just down Gulf Shore Drive from Capriccio is Local Market. It’s a small grocery store/deli tucked back from the street.  Their Cuban panini is a special treat. Another Broken Egg, and the Pancakery get a nod from us as well, and are all located in the same vicinity as Capriccio.


#cafe #foodie #crepesindestin #capricciocafe #vacationindestin

How We Have a Lazy Day in Destin

lazy beach day Destin

Beach towns like Destin are the ultimate location if you want to have a lazy day, but with so many activities, it is easy to forget that you’re here to relax.  Ask any teenager, and they will tell you that sleeping in is the first step to having a lazy day. Once we do rouse ourselves out of bed, we grab a bathrobe, a glass of juice or cup of coffee and have a seat on the balcony.  The sound of the waves is mesmerizing, no thinking required! Combine that with a deep breath of the salty air, and we’re off to a great start.  Be careful though, it’s easy to fall asleep again if you’re laying in a chaise or hammock!

Eventually, as others begin to stir, we succumb to the call of the ocean. It’s time to put on a suit, and head out to the beach.  We remember to pack a cold drink, sunscreen & sunglasses, a good book, beach towel and maybe a kite on our way out.  Once on the beach, we locate the chairs, launch the kite, tie it to the umbrella stand, and settle in with a book for more relaxation.

beach chair destin
CorrieMiracle /

After a while, it’s good to stretch the legs with a casual walk up and down the beach.  We keep our eyes open for interesting shells along the way. Upon returning, we enjoy a cold drink and a snack while watching the dolphins and people play in the emerald green waters.

Before heading in for the day, we take in the beautiful sunset.  Pizza and wine on the balcony round out another lazy day at the beach.sunset sparkles destin

Finally, as dusk turns to darkness, we take in yet another amazing site. If we’re lucky enough to have a full moon, the ocean sparkles with the moon’s reflection.

 

#lazyday #vacationindestin #destinvacationrental #beachvacation #destinsunsets