Sandnsol Destin Vacation Rental

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Easter Activities Around Destin

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Easter egg hunt with bunny destin

Easter Weekend is Full of Activities for the family.

Although Easter traditions may differ for every family, you won’t have trouble finding whatever activities you’re looking for if you’re in Destin next weekend. From sunrise service to brunch, and Easter Egg hunts, we have you covered.

Family Easter Events

You don’t have to wait until Sunday for Easter fun. In fact, Thursday April 18th, Destin Methodist church hosts a free family friendly Easter event. From 4-7 p.m. at Destin Life Center, there is an egg hunt, Easter crafts and a hot dog dinner. Miss Patty Cake will make sure the whole family has fun.

Easter egg hunt with Easter bunny

Another fun event is on the front lawn of the Henderson Beach Resort on Sunday. Remember to bring Easter baskets and hunt for thousands of candy filled eggs. Find one of the golden eggs and win a free scoop of ice cream with sprinkles. Must have a brunch reservation to participate in the egg hunt.

After Sunday brunch, visit the Easter Bunny on the main stage in Harborwalk Village from 2-4 p.m. Other activities include face painting and an art walk. SB Photos of Destin provides one free 4×6 photo per family.

Brunch

Speaking of brunch, there are several options in the area. Besides the egg hunt, Henderson’s brunch includes live entertainment, a grand buffet and sparkling wine or apple juice. Not to be outdone, The Emerald Grand also offers an Easter Brunch. This year, they actually have 2 options: Plated brunch in the Grand Vista Bar and grill from 11-3 or enjoy the buffet in the Harborview Room. Highlights of the buffet are the omelet station, carving station and extensive dessert choices.Remember that onsite parking at the Emerald Grand is $10. After brunch at the Grand, visit the Easter bunny in the Harborwalk.

For a unique take on Easter, try the Solaris brunch cruise. Their three course dinner is just $25 per person. Special Easter baskets are available for table delivery as well. Check in begins at 12:15, and they will depart at 1:00. Reservations required.

Henderson’s: Adults $75 Children 5-12 years $24 and children under 5 are free. Reservations are required. please call 850. 424.4400.

Emerald Grand: Grand Vista Adults $29 (14 years and up) Harborview Adults $32 (16 and up) children 3 and under are free. Reservations recommended. 850.424.0621

Solaris: $25 per person. Deadline for Easter baskets is Monday April 13th. 850.650.2519

OceanClub: Ranging from $15-$33. 850.267.3666

Brotula’s: Adults $30.95 Children 10 & under $14.95 .850.460.8900

destin Easter church on the beach

Worship

Next, Hop on down the bunny trail that leads to the Henderson Beach or Crab Trap Easter morning for worship on the beach.  Once again, Destin Methodist church greets the sunrise from Henderson Beach at 6:00 a.m. Easter morning. In addition to the sunrise service, there is another beach worship service at 7:30 at both the Destin and Okaloosa Crab Trap locations. Worship on the beach is amazing, and Easter is all the more moving.

If you prefer a more traditional venue for Easter services, there are plenty of those from every denomination. Some of the most recommended churches include Destin United Methodist, The Gathering Sandestin, Resurrection Catholic Church Miramar Beach and  First Baptist Church of Fort Walton. For more information,  refer to their websites.

Worship Schedules:

Destin Methodist: http://destinumc.org/start-here/service-times/

The Gathering Sandestin: http://www.thegatheringsandestin.com/

First Baptist Church Fort Walton: http://fbcfwb.org/

*Resurrection Catholic Church Miramar Beach: http://resurrectionbythebeach.org/ (website shows it is under construction, but keep scrolling down for Easter times, they are there)

Written by Stacy Loux Sandnsol oceanfront vacation rental

#easterindestin #sandestineaster #churchonthebeach #easterbrunch #destin #easteregghunt #destinmethodist #resurrectioncatholic #sandnsol #destinvacationrental #oceanfrontcondo #bookdirect #hendersonbeach #brotulas #oceanclub #solaris #emeraldgrand #easterbunny #easteractivities #misspattycake

Wine Festivals, Tastings and Auctions in Destin

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Wine, Wine and More Wine

Spring is in the air, and wine festivals abound in Destin this April.  Begin this wine trek with Sandestin’s 33rd annual event this week, head to South Walton Beaches wine and Food Festival and finish with the Destin Wine Auction Weekend the end of the month.

wine festival in sandestin

33rd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf

For those of you looking to get your wine fix this weekend, Sandestin is the place to be. Beginning the 4 day event is the kick off party, April 11th, from 6-8 p.m.  Enjoy samples from Rum Runners and Timber Creek. Continuing Friday and Saturday, participants will find samples of hundreds of wines from around the world. Whether you prefer pinots, cabs or chardonnays, there’s bound to be several from every price point. Grand Tastings are Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 1-5 p.m.

During the festival, enjoy food pairings from local favorite restaurants including Seagars, Roberto’s Pizzeria and Vue on 30A.

Some other events include the Solaris Champagne lunch Cruise and Slick Lips Seafood brunch event. See the local guide for complete schedule http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/477836/28110629/1554830869360/2019_Tasters_Guide_Web.pdf?token=HkiCgTwVquepxAB8NBs832NyxK4%3D

Purchase Kick off party tickets for $30

Rum Runners at Sandestin
9100 Baytowne Wharf Boulevard
Miramar Beach, FL 32550 https://www.bigtickets.com/e/sd/kickoff/?referral=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esandestinwinefestival%2Ecom%2Fsavor-south-walton-food-tents%2F

Purchase tickets before the event at the regular price of $55/$65 day of (Friday) and $85/$95 day of (Saturday) plus tax https://www.bigtickets.com/e/sd/grandtasting/?referral=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esandestinwinefestival%2Ecom%2Fschedule%2F

Red and White wine glasses

South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival

Later in the month, another tradition continues at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach. The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival is April 25th 28th. Unlike many wine festivals, organizers aim not only to provide great food and wine, but also to educate people on the stories behind the wine. Through their charity Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation the event benefits children in the Northwest Florida area.

Kicking off the event is the Wine Maker’s and Shakers tasting with some of the biggest names in the industry. The rest of the weekend is filled with several different events, such as culinary offerings, tasting seminars, live music and chef demos. VIP tickets which provide entry to all events except Makers and Shakers are available at a discounted price.

Consider attending the Reserve Tasting and silent and live auctions on Saturday afternoon. According to their website, “the event will culminate with a high-energy live auction, which includes rare and distinctive wines, spectacular trips and other incredible one-of-a-kind items.”http://www.dcwaf.org/events/2019/4/14th-annual-destin-charity-wine-auction

Makers and Shakers: Thursday April 25th 5-7 p.m.

VIP Tasting at Culinary Village: Friday April 26th 4-6 p.m.

Craft Beer and Spirits Jam at Town Center and Grand Park: Friday April 26th 6-9 p.m.

Reserve Tasting And Wine Auction: Saturday April 27  1-4 p.m.

Grand Tasting: Saturday & Sunday 1-4 p.m.

Tickets for all events can be purchased online https://sowalwine.com/tickets/

For more information visit:https://sowalwine.com/

As you prepare for these fun weekends remember to book your accommodations at Sandnsol. Our 3 bedroom 3 bathroom oceanfront condo is the perfect place to spend your free time and enjoy the white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast.

DCWAF benefits several organizations including but not limited to:

Children in Crisis, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Youth Village, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Pathways for Change, Food for Thought, Opportunity Place, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Mental Health Association Okaloosa & Walton Counties, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Westonwood Ranch, and AMIKids Emerald Coast

Written by Stacy Loux Sandnsol vacation rental

#winefestival #sowalwine #sandestinuncorked #destinnightlife #destinentertainment #livemusicdestin #wineauction #band #grandboulevard #townwharf #seagars #sandnsol #destinvacationrental #oceanfrontcondo #bookdirect

Celebrating National Pie Day in Destin

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pie day

Did you know today is National Pie Day? If you find yourself in Destin, you are in luck! Whether you enjoy the traditional apple, chocolate cream, key lime or shepherd pie, you won’t have to go far to find the perfect slice.

dewey key limeFor those who crave something sweet and sour, the key lime pie at Dewey Destin’s Harborside satisfies all of your taste buds. It is homemade daily, and is light and creamy.  The generous slice is served with whipped topping. It is one of my all time favorites! I suggest ordering a whole pie for the table. Really, it is that good. If you have a large group, you’ll end up ordering more slices after you try a bite! Dewey Destin’s is located near the harbor.

http://www.destinseafood.com/destinharbor/

Follow up your brunch at The Donut Hole with a slice of homemade Pecan or Chocolate Cream Pie. The sweet tooth in your group will thank you. They are located in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach.

If your crew has many individual tastes, head over to Mary’s Kitchen. They feature a wide variety of pies including Apple Crumb, Coconut Meringue, Coconut Cream, Cherry, Chocolate Pecan, and Chocolate Peanut Butter to name a few. Mary’s Kitchen is a quaint little cafe with 50’s decor, found near Big Kahuna’s and The Track.

shepherds pie
Remember, if you prefer a more savory flavor, McGuire’s Shepherd pie still counts as pie!  This casserole filled with ground steak and veggies is topped off with their special Irish mashed potatoes.  It is a hearty meal. Like many of their dishes, this can be shared. And yes, McGuire’s serves regular pie as well.

Why Celebrate?

National Pie Day, not to be confused with Pi (3.14) day, has been celebrated since the 1970’s when a pie-loving Colorado school teacher declared January 23, National Pie Day. So what if it’s not an official holiday? Who am I to argue with a teacher?

https://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/

Written by Stacy Loux

https://sandnsol.com/

#deweydestinseafood #nationalpieday #Mcguiresirishpub #maryskitchen #donuthole

Seagar’s for Cocktails and Prime Steak in Destin

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seagars martinis

Friends and guests often ask for a recommendation on a good place to treat yourself with a cocktail and steak dinner in Destin.  Seagar’s in Sandestin is our go-to restaurant for a true fine dining experience.  It’s the area’s only AAA Four Diamond steakhouse, and it lives up to the standard of being a “culinary experience to savor and enjoy”.

seagars entrance

Whether celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, new job, or just needing a romantic evening, Seagar’s is just the spot.  On our latest visit, the hubby and I began the evening with a cocktail in the bar; a dirty vodka martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives for him and a Seagar’s Lemondrop rimmed with sugar for me. Live piano music, elegant table settings, rich wood finishes and a fireplace create an intimate space. It was so enjoyable, we actually decided to stay in there and dine at the bar rather than the dining room.

As we moved from our cozy bar table, a friendly bartender welcomed us to the bar.  He was attentive and happily recommended a nice Pinot Noir from their extensive wine list. Resisting one of the numerous appetizers, we split the Seagar’s Wedge salad with Blue Cheese.  Lettuce was fresh and crisp and garnished with roasted tomatoes. For entrees, I had a mouth-watering petite fillet perfectly cooked to medium rare. Tom’s fillet oscar was prepared medium rare and we shared grilled asparagus. 

seagars fillet

Several dessert items caught our eye, including Bananas Foster, which is prepared tableside and served over ice cream.  However, in the end, we decided we would have to plan ahead next time in order to leave room for dessert.

For those who prefer surf over turf, Seagar’s offers a large selection of gulf fresh seafood as well as several lobster and crab options. Another nice touch is that the menu varies by season, as different fresh fish, vegetables and fruit become available. Several items are gluten-free as well.

It’s always entertaining to observe the staff bringing out other selections while waiting for food to arrive. Seagar’s takes presentation seriously, and the chefs make some beautiful creations. This time, we happened to see Steak Diane prepared tableside.

I could go on and on, but I better go…need to book a flight for my next visit!

More Information:

Seagar's Menu
Reserve Online
Seagar’s is located in the lower lobby of the Hilton SanDestin Beach Resort and Spa.
4000 Sandestin Blvd. South, Miramar Beach, Fl 32550
Written by Stacy Loux of Sandnsol.com

Written by Stacy Loux of 

#tododestin #wheretoeatdestin #seagars #steakindestin #emeraldcoast #sandnsol #sandestin

Cravin’ Crawfish? Come to the Destin Boys and Girls Club Crawfish Boil

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crawfish boil

crawfish chefharry ts lighthouse

Nothing says spring along the gulf coast more than a good old fashioned crawfish boil.  Harry T’s Lighthouse is hosting the 2nd annual Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast Crawfish Boil from 11am-4pm on Saturday, May 19th. Come out and get your mudbug fix before it’s too late!

Enjoy fresh crawfish prepared once again by chef, Billie Adams. Take in the gorgeous harbor view, feast on  delicious crawfish, and enter to win a raffle basket. As always, come for the view and stay for the fun.

 

 

crawfish dinner

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased ahead at the Destin BGCEC. Proceeds benefit the local Boys and Girls club, allowing their continued efforts to inspire, encourage and motivate area children ages 5-18 years old.  The Emerald Coast Boys and Girls Club currently serves over 1200 youngsters.crawfish boil flyer

Contact: Bert Little
blittle@bgcec.com 
630 Kelly Street
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 833-3132

Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Coast.

https://emeraldcoastbgc.org/2018-destin-club-crawfish-boil/

Written by Stacy Loux of Sandnsol vacation rental

https://sandnsol.com/

#tododestin #wheretoeatdestin #crawfishboil #emeraldcoast #sandnsol #harryts

Dewey Destin’s Harborside; A Great Fish Restaurant

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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/

Travel Tip created by Created by Stacy in association with Vacation Soup

The Best Cafe in Destin

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cafe crepes destin

Capriccio Cafe'

book your stay at sandnsol.com

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

Travel Tip created by Created by Stacy in association with Vacation Soup

Capriccio cafe menu