Family Reunion Fun in Destin Florida

Hey yall! The girls, Mr. M, and I are back from traveling to Florida, again, this time to Destin. This Memorial Day trip isn’t our usual family getaway, it was my dad’s plan to get a bunch of the family together in Florida and have some fun in the sun together for a week. We didn’t stay for a week because I didn’t want to be out of work for too long since I have more vacations coming up this summer and Mr. M had clients blowing up his phone needing him.



My dad rented out a 3 story house and a condo along the beach. Since there was so many family members coming on the trip no one knew about the living arrangements. If you know me, I don’t like to wait until I get some place to find out where I’m going to lay my head at, so it was Priceline Express Deal to the rescue! Since I started looking for a hotel at the very last minute and due to it being a holiday weekend, a lot of places was sold out and what was left was very expensive. I’ve seen an Express Deal for a 3 star hotel for a 3 night stay for $600 which was the best deal I could find. I did that deal and Priceline placed us in Ramada Plaza Beach Resort in Fort Walton Beach which is 20 minutes away from Destin. I must say, I wasn’t too thrilled about being in the Ramada hotel and the reason for that is I’m so use to being in 4 to 5 star hotels that I knew I wasn’t going to be pleased with the look and the overall stay there. Good thing I was only going to be there to sleep anyway because during the day we would be out and about with my family.



Once we arrived to the Ramada hotel early Sunday morning, I didn’t like the way the hotel looked from the outside, it reminded me of a motel. The colors were hideous and the place seemed so dated. Parking was terrible and we had to park in a parking garage that had us walking a bit to our hotel room. We were greeted by a white crab that went running across my path that sent me hollerin' and running back towards the car! Since it was dark and windy outside I thought the crab was a leaf blowing in the wind at first until I got close and seen several legs moving.

We walked in our hotel and just like I suspected the room looked dated and in need of renovation. The bathroom had rust in places and the light fixtures were dim and ugly. I wish I would’ve taken a picture of the bathroom because you would definitely agree with me. The desk chair looked run down with some type of white spots on it, we made sure not to sit on that. The air conditioner was extremely loud too! However, a couple of good things we were placed in a good location to see the pool and the beds were comfortable and clean (well I hope it was).

We arrived in Fort Walton Beach at 2:30am in the morning and after that 5 hour drive we were all beat and went to bed.



We woke up early afternoon and met up with the family at Another Broken Egg café in Destin. This café food is delicious, so delicious that I forgotten to take a picture of my cinnamon roll french toast. I found out this place is also in Atlanta so I’ll be making a stop there often.

Mr. M didn’t have an appetite to eat breakfast foods so while everyone else ate he did some Google searching for good seafood restaurants. During his search he found the Acme restaurant that we loved that is in New Orleans and it is also located in Sundestin Florida. We went there after the girls and I ate and him and I enjoyed some oysters. The girls had dessert at a nearby frozen yogurt shop.

Sundestin is a gated community with condos, homes, golf courses, restaurants, shopping, people riding around on golf carts, and so much more. Although we were not staying on the property the security guard let us in since we told him we were going to a restaurant on the property. He gave us a restricted pass to put on our dashboard and we were only allowed to go to the location of the restaurant.

 

We walked around and then left to join my family again. The girls and their cousins enjoyed themselves at the house pool.

The next day, which is now Monday, Memorial Day, we got up early and went to the HarborWalk Village in Destin because we were meeting my family there to do a dolphin cruise. We had time on our hands before my family was to arrive for the cruise so the girls, Mr. M, and I sat down and had lunch at Dewey Destin's. I had the grilled skewer shrimp with hush puppies and fries and boy was my meal good! My shrimps were cooked to perfection and those hush puppies had a bit of a sweet taste to it but it was really good. I highly recommend this restaurant!

After our meal we still had time to kill before everyone was to arrive, so we walked around and did a little shopping.

My family came and it was all time for us to hit up the dolphin cruise on the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise, one of the first dolphin cruises at the harbor walk. I have been on a dolphin cruise in Destin before so I knew what to expect. During this cruise the dolphins were out everywhere! We seen single dolphins swimming alone and also families of dolphins. I must say, I love seeing dolphins in their natural habitat instead of being in a tank. Now this is a great way to be up close to the dolphins. Just imagine being next to one on ski boats!

The dolphin cruise is 2 hours and once it was over the girls, Mr. M, and I left to go back to our hotel to rest up a bit. My family stayed awhile at the harbor walk. Later in the evening, we went back to the house where everyone was at to enjoy some downtime.

Last day on our trip which is now Tuesday, some of the family went horseback riding. We didn’t go since the riding started at 10:30am and we were too tired to get up, plus we had to check out of our hotel at 11:00 so that means we would not have access to a shower afterwards and I didn’t want to smell like horse all day- yuck!



We checked out of our hotel and went to Panama City Beach since it was an hour away and we never been there before. Once we got there I wasn’t too impressed by it since it seems to cater more to the college crowd. There were people in their 20’s riding around on motorized small bikes and small cars messing up the traffic on the road. The town seems old and not too inviting to me. But I will say they had a vibrant outdoor shopping area that I like. Before we headed back to Destin, we sat and ate at a restaurant called Hook’ D Pier Bar & Grill. Whenever I’m in Florida I always have to have tacos so I ordered myself some blackened shrimp tacos. Those tacos were really scrumptious! I love going to local restaurants because I feel I get the real authentic taste. Even though this is a small taco shack their food is good if not better than the chain restaurants. Also the customer service is so much better at locally owned restaurants.

A big storm was coming to Panama so we had to make a run for it to not be caught in it, but we did unfortunately while driving back to Destin.

It was time to say our goodbyes but first we had to party it up for Fat Tuesday at the HaborWalk Village to end our trip with a bang!

As always, our trip was just too short and we wish we could’ve stayed the full week but you know us we always find time to visit Florida throughout the year.



Planning a trip to Destin? My aunt did a great job with an itinerary of things to do there.

ADVENTURES

Harbor Walk Village-This area offers activities and entertainment to please everyone. Make memories to last a lifetime. Here you will find waterfront shopping, paddle board and kayak rentals, pontoon and jet ski rentals, parasailing, glass bottom boats, world class fishing, dolphin cruises, clubs and night life, weekly fireworks, weekly Fat Tuesday parades, live entertainment and many restaurants to suit all tastes.

www.emeraldgrande.com

Southern Star Dolphin Cruise

www.southernstardolphincruise.com

Big Fish Bike Rentals

4101 E. Co. Hwy 30A 850 231-1343 850 419-4729

Open 8:00am-5:00pm 7days a wk.

Biking, canoeing and kayaking. Seagrove Beach is known for it's less crowded beaches and water activities. The way to see 30A (Alys Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Rosemary and Grayton Bch).

Bike Rentals: Helmets and Locks for the bikes are provided free of charge with rentals.

Baby seats-$15.00

$25.00 per day for Beach Cruisers, Kid bikes, Hitch Hikers and Trailers.

$35.00 per day for Tandems

www.bigfishrentals.cloudhostedresources.com

Village of Baytowne Wharf

Phone-850 428-2736 1-800-622-1038 1 850 267-800

Monday-Fri. 3:00pm -9:00pm Saturday-Sunday 11:00am-9:00pm

Call ahead. Hours may vary during holiday.

9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd.

Miramar Bch., Florida 32550

Best time to go is in the day for children and late evening for adults.

Walk through and enjoy kiddie park, small shops/boutiques, ice cream, popcorn, restaurants, Funky Blues Shack (one of two locations) other location 707 Harbor Blvd. Destin, Fl. 32541

Soar across the lagoon on the Baytowne Zip line; test your balance and agility on the Sky Trail Ropes Course; take the Tower Climb Challenge and reach the top; flip out on the Euro bungy set over the lagoon in the heart of the village.

Baytowne Zip line $20

Sky Trail Ropes Course $15

Euro bungy $15 

Tower Climb $10

BaytowneAdventureZone.com

Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park

Open everyday 10:00am-5:00pm

Phone 850 837-8319

Seniors 29.99 (60 and over)

Over 48"-Water Park Admission-39.99

Under 48"-Water Park Admission-29.99

Ages 2 and under-Free

www.BigKahunas.com

Adventure Park

Miniature Golf: 12 yrs. and up-$6.99 Under 12 yrs.-4.99

Thrill Rides: Sky Coaster or Cyclone $14.99 (Must be at least 48" tall to ride)

Thrill Combo: One sky coaster and one cyclone $27.99

The Track Recreation Center (a great alternative to the beach). It offers fun, games and activities.

1125 Hwy 98 Destin, FL Phone: 850 654-4668

Open 10:00am-9pm per Brianna

Enjoy Bungee Jumping, Bumper Cars, Bumper Boats, 3 story wood track, Adult golf and children golf (miniature) Ferris wheel, jungle jumper and family track.

Bungee and Sky Flyer

$18.00 per jump

Single Flyer $25.00 Double Flyer-$22.00 Triple Flyer-$20.00

Must pay together to get double/triple flyer discount.

Hours, price and information subject to change, so please call ahead.

www.destintrack.com

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

88 U.S.Hwy 98 E 1-855-269-0896

Reservations required

Adults-$ 34.00

Children-(ages 4-14) 19.50

Seniors (ages 60 and over)

www.DestinPirateShip.com for sailing schedule

Huntress Charter Fishing

Rates are based on 1 to 6 passenger trip (6 max)

Prices-4hours --$760.00

Call 850 685-1396

Harbor Walk Charters

Can accommodate small or large groups. Everything is furnished except your food and drink. A deposit is required to confirm reservation.

4 hours- $120.00 per person

Call 850 837-2343

EDUCATIONAL/LEISURE

Heritage Park and Cultural Center

Journey Through 14,000 Years of Northwest Florida History

139 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE., Ft. Walton Bch., FL 32548

Phone: 850 833-9595

Four Museums, One Location:


Indian Temple Mound

1912 Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum

1918 Garnier Post Office Museum

Civil War Exhibit

Admission: Adults (18 yrs. and older) $5.00 plus tax

Seniors and Military(with ID) $4.50 plus tax

Children (4-17) $3.00 plus tax

Group rates-12 or more with advance registration

Monday-Friday noon to 4:30pm

www.fwb.org

Emerald Coast Science Center

Kids have loads of Fun with Science.

New Robotics Exhibits now available

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm

Sunday 12-4pm

Adults- $8.00

Children -$6.00

Seniors-$7.00

www.ecscience.org

Marianna Caverns

3345 Cavern Rd.

Marianna, Florida 32446

850 482-1228

Open 8am-Sundown (closed Tues. and Wed. each week)

Admission $5.00 per vehicle (limit 2-8 people per car)

Cave offering guided tours, trails, canoeing, camping and freshwater springs

For more info. go to www.Floridastateparks.org/park/Florida-Caverns

Air force Armament Museum

100 Museum Drive

Eglin AFB., Florida 32542

Inside this museum you will find an extensive collection of weaponry and interactive displays that will amaze and intrigue you. Outside displays include vintage military aircraft including the fastest plane ever built-the SR71 Blackbird

FREE ADMISSION

SHOPPING

Destin Commons

4100 Legendary Drive

Destin, Florida 32541





Silver Sands Premium Outlets

10562 Highway 98

Destin, Florida 32550

Open Memorial Day weekend 9:00am-10:00pm on Friday, Sat. and Monday

Sunday 9-7pm,

Regular times10-9pm

Features over 100 name brand stores;

Nike, Dooney Burke, Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kor, Off Saks Avenue, Jones New York, Kasper, J Crew, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Columbia, and The NorthFace etc.

NIGHT LIFE

Nightown

140 Palmetto St.

Destin, Florida 32541

Phone: 1-850 837-6448

www.nightown.com





AJ'S Club Bimini
116 Harbor Blvd. (still Hwy. 98, name changes as you go further west)

Destin, Florida 325411

1 850 837-1913




Funky Blues Shack Funky Blues Shack ( 2nd location )

707 Harbor Blvd. Village of Baytowne Wharf

Destin, Florida 32541 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd

1 850 424-7514 Mirarmar Bch, 32550

EATERIES IN THE AREA

BREAKFAST

Another Broken Egg (highly recommended) Hwy 98 W

Cracker Barrels Hwy 98 W

IHOP (across from Silver Sands Outlet) Hwy 98 E

LUNCH

The Pancakery- The Pancakery features a lunch special where customers can pick two of half a sandwich, side salad, a cup of soup or a baked potato for $6.99. Located at 960 U.S. Hwy 98E.

Zoe's-(highly recommended) Mediterranean Food-For quick meals. Clean, tasty food. Sandwiches, wraps, soups etc. (located in Destin Commons). 

Chipotle's -also in Destin Commons (highly recommended)



McGuire's Irish Pub- Pick one of their delicious burgers or the $7.99 lunch specials of the day. 33 E. US Hwy 98, Destin, Florida

DINNER

Outback Steaks (Hwy 98, Destin)


Longhorn Steakhouse (Hwy 98 W, Destin or Ft. Walton Bch.

Red Lobster (Ft. Walton Bch)


PF Chang's Restaurant (Hwy 98 E)


Cantina Loredo (Hwy 98 E, Destin)


Buck's Smokehouse-Order a smoked sandwich-a $10.00 lunch special includes a pork sandwich, side and drink. Located at 303 Harbor Blvd., Destin, Florida

Fine -Dining Restaurants

Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn

2700 Scenic Hwy. 98

Destin, FL 850-650-7100

Open 7 days a wk. 5:30pm -10:00pm




Mitchell's Fish Market

500 Grand Blvd

Mirarmar Bch., FL 32550 850 -650-2484

Open 11am-10pm

Grocery Stores in your area

Wal Mart-Hwy 98 W

Publix Hwy 98 W

Fresh Market (pricier but good fresh food) Hwy 98 W



If you want deals on Destin attractions, make sure to check out Groupon.

What are your summer travel plans this year?

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