ROMANCE YOUR SWEETHEART ON OUR SUNKISSED SUGAR WHITE BEACHES

Romance is in the air!  

You'll fall in love with our sugar white beaches!

Planning a beach vacation is a sure cure for those cold, wintertime blues!  Remember spring is right around the corner.  Surprise her with a special beach holiday in Destin.  Reserve it now so she can dream about it until beach weather arrives.  

Or if you just can't wait for spring, you will find all kinds of Valentine celebrations now right here in Destin.  

Our friend, chef Tim Creehan, at Cuvee Bistro has created an awesome Valentine's celebration for two!  You can't go wrong here!

Come aboard for a Valentine's celebration like no other. Experience a romantic cruise of candlelight, moonlight, love songs and fun on the Solaris in Destin. You will be greeted by the captain and shown to your table by a staff member. Once you have met your server, you are free to explore all three decks of SOLARIS as you cruise the Choctawahatchee Bay. The state-of-the-art sound system allows you to enjoy the live entertainment on every deck.

On February 12th, 5pm until…Wine World Wine Bar in Destin will be hosting a Valentine’s Dinner that will also offer a Champagne special and extensive wine list. A full menu will also be available.

Mitchell's Fish Market at Grand Boulevard is a perennial favorite with both locals and visitors. The menu is ever changing with 80 seafood choices, and it’s printed twice daily.  That’s the way it has to be at this unique seafood restaurant that’s absolutely, positively obsessed with freshness. Only the freshest of the fresh is even considered for the delicious variety of chef-driven dishes and tried-and-true seafood favorites you’ll find at Mitchell’s Fish Market.  Don't miss their signature Pear Martini!

Come on down!  We're saving a seat for you!

Barefoot By The Sea Vacations

Call us at 850.543.9239 or email at

barefootdella@gmail.com

for rates and availability.

   

Wildly Exciting News for the Emerald Coast!

We are thrilled to hear the good news!

Getting to the beach just got easier than ever!

Today Vision Airlines will formally announce the expansion of its service to 17 new destinations from here at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.
 

Vision Airlines will connect more than a dozen markets to the Emerald Coast this spring.
Vision will add four flights a week from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Flights begin March 25. The flight from Atlanta will be $79 each way. However, travelers can book flights at the $49 one way introductory fare, when booked between Jan. 18-23.

Also getting Vision flights in March to the Emerald Coast are airports in Baton Rouge, La.; Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.; Little Rock, Ark.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Huntsville, Ala.; Macon Ga.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Punta Gorda, Fla.; Savannah, Ga., and Louisville, Ky.
On April 1, Vision will add flights from Chattanooga, Tenn.; Asheville, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Shreveport, La.; and Orlando, Fla.  Vision said it plans to continue to expand to new markets.

 

Come on down!  

We're saving a seat for you!

Barefoot By The Sea Vacation Rentals in Destin, Florida

Call or email us for rates and availability

Phone 850.543.9239

Email: barefootdella@gmail.com

SPRING BREAK is coming!

 

It's still mid-January, but Spring Break 2011 will be here before you know it!  Some schools start Spring Break as early as February 28 this year.  It's not too early to start planning your family spring vacation.

Our sun-kissed, sugar white sand beaches that stretch on for miles, and our stunning, emerald water have made the Emerald Coast a favorite for family Spring Break.

So grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up near the fireplace and start planning your trip to the Emerald Coast.  

We're saving this seat for you!

 Click Barefoot By The Sea Vacations to see our vacation rentals in Destin.

Call us 850.543.9239 or email us for rates and availability.

 

Holiday Shopping!

'Tis the season for wonderful things!

Can you believe the Holidays are almost here?

  

Shopping is great on the Emerald Coast

Silver Sands Factory Stores is the largest designer outlet in the country with over a hundred stores including BCBGMAXAZRIA,  Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH,  Viking,  Villeroy & Boch, Juicy Couture and many more.

Our newest shopping center, Grand Boulevard, is a distinctive town center offering exclusive shops and fine dining!  

Pretty Please, an upscale children’s boutique and design center, is our favorite magical children's shop.

Don't miss J. crew-at-the-beach, The Walking Company, Donna Burgess Gallery (our very own local artist), Brooks Brothers Country Club and other great shops!

Photo: Mitchell's Fish Market

After all that shopping you'll be famished.  Since you're on the Gulf Coast you will probably be in the mood for some incredible seafood.  Mitchell's Fish Market is known locally for the freshest, tastiest seafood on the Emerald Coast. Their seafood is flown in daily from all over the world. Their wait staff is so friendly and accommodating they will even share the recipe for their famous Pear Martini!

Photo: Tommy Bahama's

Save some room for the to-die-for Pina Colada cake at Tommy Bahama's!  You'll be glad you did!

While you're here stop in at Destin Commons.  Our favorite shops here include Brighton Collectibles, Ann Taylor Loft, Chico's, Mermaid's Boutique, Cache', Banana Republic and many more! 

It's a wonderful time of the year to combine your holiday shopping and our winter festivals with a peaceful, relaxing beach vacation.

Check out our vacation rentals at Barefoot By The Sea Vacations 

email for rates and availabilty

or give us a call at 850.543.9239

We're saving a seat for you!

Live the Island life on the Destin Harbor!

FOR SALE BY OWNER

2 bedroom, 2 bath condo right on the beautiful Destin Harbor

$180K #401B Dolphin Point on Holiday Isle in Destin

Pool and sun deck

Corner unit allows great views down the Destin Harbor from the balcony.

This unit has custom kitchen, stainless steel appliances.

Range has never been used.

New air conditioner.

New carpet in bedrooms.  Tile throughout other areas.

This unit is being sold furnished.

 Living/dining area features an electric fireplace.

 Two spacious bedrooms

Private beach overlooking Sandpiper Cove next to pool.

Beach walkover

Tennis courts and club house for owners and guests.

Falling interest rates and lower prices make this a great time to invest in Destin!
No realtor fees!
Phone: 850.543.9239

Email: jeanne001@cox.net
Check out our vacation rentals: Barefoot By The Sea Vacations

Apres' Beach Skin Care

Here at the beach soaking up the sun's rays 

is one of our favorite pastimes.

We sun and beach worshipers stretch out on the beach or at the pool for hours. Florida sunshine is not always our  friend. UVA rays from the sun can penetrate deep into the skin and damage collagen, which is the protein that holds our skin together in a firm and smooth way.  Sunscreens are a must!

I remember years ago, when I had a day spa in Destin called Indulgence, 'sun goddesses' of a certain age, with obvious sun damage, would come in looking for a miracle treatment to eliminate wrinkles.  The esthetician was probably thinking 'I'm an esthetician - not a magician'.

Photo: Spa at the Emerald Grande

Speaking of spas, we have some great ones here in Destin.  One of my favs is the Spa at the Emerald Grande in HarborWalk Village.  The views from the spa are breathtaking looking out over East Pass, the Destin Harbor & the Gulf of Mexico.

I couldn't write about skin care and not mention our world renown local 'magician',  Dr. Burden, Founder of  Destin Plastic Surgery.  He is a leader in the industry and the facility is beautiful and serene. The estheticians there are skin care professionals and give world class facials as well as other body and skin care treatments.

My new, favorite after-summer skin care line is the Philosophy line.  I just discovered their microdelivery exfoliating wash. It is gentle enough for daily use and provides immediate benefits.  I found it at Ulta in Destin for $25.00 for 8 fl. oz.  It makes my skin feel as smooth and soft as a baby's bottom. Their Makeup Optional Skin Care System for dry, sensitive skin will leave your skin glowing, feeling hydrated. I like this almost as much as Obagi home products.   

Home skin care products have evolved in the past few years. Many of these products are designed to combat the effects of the sun. What are your favorite anti-aging skin care products?  Do you have a favorite spa on the Emerald Coast? We would love to hear from you!

Catch the Big One at the Destin Fishing Rodeo!

"World's Luckiest Fishing Village"
You could land the big one!

62nd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo 

is going on the entire month of October!

The Destin Fishing Rodeo began in May of 1948 to introduce people to Destin.
 It worked! 
 Destin shortly became known as a summer tourist destination
and “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”.

It is estimated that over 36,000 anglers from 27 states and 5 countries
plus over 13,000 locals participate in the Rodeo.

Photo: Destin Fishing Rodeo

This year's rodeo is bigger and better than ever. 

Every day October 1st through October 31st
  The Rodeo is FREE to angler's fishing aboard a registered boat in the Rodeo.
  Weigh-ins everyday on the docks at A.J.'s Seafood and Oyster Bar from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
  Open to Private and Charter Boats
  FREE entry for Pier, Bridge, Jetty & Surf Fishing
  Over 30,000 anglers compete throughout the month of October 


Over $100,000 awarded in cash and prizes
  Daily, weekly and overall prizes.
  Junior, Teen, Ladies and Senior Divisions.
   Virtually every gamefish is recognized with awards during the Rodeo

Whether you're trolling inshore for King Mackerel, offshore for Marlin and Sailfish,

or fishing the deep bottoms for Red Snapper and Grouper, you'll be in the running for prizes.

 

 You can find more information at Hooked on Fishing,

the official site for Destin Charter Boat Association.

 Happy Fishing!

Barefoot By The Sea Vacations

Phone:  850.543.9239

email:  barefootdella@gmail.com

Celebrate Autumn in Destin!

Shhhhh..... don't tell anyone our little secret:

 

 Autumn is the BEST time to visit the Emerald Coast! 

 

 There are plenty of warm weather days left 

on our sugar white, sun-kissed beaches!

Photo:  Henderson Park Inn

 

It's not as crowded here in the fall.

There's plenty of room for sandcastle building.

Photo:  Henderson Park Inn

 You can allow your creativity run wild!

Photo: Henderson Park Inn

If you tire of sandcastle building or vegging out on the beach 

there are lots of things to do here during the fall.

Don't miss the PUTToberfest on September 30!

Destin Area Chamber of Commerce

 

 


Putt your way through 18 holes and a beer tasting during the area’s first ever PUTToberfest, presented by the Destin Area Sports Commission!  For more information or to reserve your spot, you may download the registration form or contact Risa Garner at (850) 837-2711 x2 or rgarner@DestinChamber.com

THE BIG AUTUMN EVENT is the Harbor Fest on October 2 & 3

at Destin's beautiful HarborWalk Village!

Photo: HarborWalkVillage

This festival will feature 3 days of family-friendly fun that will include music, art and local food vendors. Come celebrate the Destin Harbor and support local charities like Fisherman's Fund, Destin Fishing Museum and Alaqua Animal Refuge. For more information visit www.harborwalkdestin.com.

Don't forget the 62nd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo 

the entire month of October!

More on this in my next post.

We're saving a seat for you!

Barefoot By The Sea Vacations

Email us for rates and availability.

Phone:  850.543.9239

Don't miss the Destin Seafood Festival September 17-19!

  The 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival

promises to be bigger and better than ever!

  This years' Destin Seafood Festival will be on the Destin Harbor in the Fishing Fleet Marina, 

City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, and Fisherman's Wharf!

Photo Destin Seafood Festival

 “This year’s poster, by Judy Shilligburg, displays a beautiful geographical view of Destin’s amazing coastline and intercostals waterways. A compass rose is also proudly displayed within the poster, with a heart in the middle. "This symbolizes no matter where you are, home is always at the center of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Beaches’and within the Destin Harbor,” explained Judy Shillingburg, watercolor artist and owner of Special Touch Gallery. 

“This year’s poster also features award-winning sport fish, shrimp boats, and seasonal anglers, which have become synonymous with our reputation as ‘the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.’”

The theme for the official poster of the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival was ‘Heart of the Harbor,’ in a nod to the festival’s new location right on Destin’s docks at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Shillingburg’s entry was chosen from three entries in a vote by the Destin Area Chamber membership at the June 11 Business to Business Breakfast. This is her seventh consecutive win, eighth overall. The poster, along with other artwork by Shillingburg, will be available for purchase during the festival.

 Friday at 8 p.m.

Starship Starring Mickey Thomas 

performs the multi-platinum hits of

Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. 

Billboard Top 40 hits include 

We Built this City,

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,

Sara, and It’s Not Over Till It’s Over.

Photo Mickey Thomas

 Other entertainment includes 

Black Eyed Blonde, Donnie Sundal, 

The Blackbirds, The Forrest Williams Band, 

The Sal Salaz Project, and Jones and Company.

 

 Enjoy live music, arts & crafts, delicious seafood, and more on our beautiful Destin Harbor!
This change in location positions the festival amid Destin's fishing docks, and the change in dates makes it a true kick off to the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place the entire month of October.

 Come join us for all the festivities!

We're saving a seat for you.

Barefoot By The Sea Vacation Rentals

Email us for rates & availability

barefootdella@gmail.com

Phone:  850.543.9239