Destin Harbor – Little things along the Emerald Coast

Fernando in the PIT!!!

Fernando in all his glory making a surprise visit to the McCulloughs!!! Yay Fernando – I know they were so excited to see him when they came to the front door 🙂 This is my friends house which we are going to visit the inside soon so you can see just how incredibly beautiful her house is and how LUCKY Fernando is…

Things to do in Destin when it rains…

Things to do in Destin when it rains… and a few things to do when it’s just a little rain…

Update May 2014

1. Go bowling. – Hurricane Lanes (As of May 2014 – sadly Tucker Dukes is no longer inside the bowling alley, but they still do exist – yay – go to McGuires Irish Pub for an awesome burger in Destin – across the street from The Emerald Grande) and we are getting a new bowling center at the Destin Commons in a month or two – part of Bass Pro!!!

2. There’s always Barnes and Noble – read a book, have coffee and some num nums… Books a million…3. Fat Daddy’s – it’s painful for me to write this because I am not an arcade fan, but my kids are and I love that it makes them happy AND the pizza is actually really really good. www.fatdaddyspizza.com remember the Destin location is the only one with the arcade.4. Destin Commons – only of its just drizzle because full blown out rain is not conducive to outdoor shopping. There’s a great playground with restaurants and there is a Starbucks as well as a gorgeous movie theater – oh and of course Bass Pro is there. Lots to do there. www.destincommons.com

5. Okaloosa Island has the boardwalk and the Gulfarium which is worth seeing really. It’s not the biggest aquarium, but my kids dig it. www.gulfarium.com

6. Harborwalk at Emerald Grand – lots of little shops along the harbor and great places to eat, an arcade, and a laser vault A little touristy, but hey, when in Rome… UPDATE They now have a zipline and when it is NOT raining this as well as paddle boards, jet ski’s, fishing trips and dolphin cruises and the awesome Pirate Ship as well as many events along the water like fireworks and art shows!!! Emerald Grande Events

7. Baytownewharf! I dig it – again, it’s outside, but if it’s not pouring, it works Great food, little shops, zip lines, rock climbing, arcades, mini golf range (for kids), obstacle course, laser guns, ice cream, coffee and music. www.baytownewharf.com

8. Serenity by the Sea – inside the Hilton at Sandestin for a day at the SPA or the Emerald Grande has an awesome Spa!!! Love both – Emerald Grande has a better view, the Hilton has a hot tub, very nice!

9. Pedicures!!! Manicures!!! A great way to spend the day – boys included –

10. Grand Boulevard – more shopping, food and soon to be movies!!! UPDATE definitely movies and a movie theater!!! Grand Boulevard

11. Silversands outlets – food and shopping of course!

12. Sunstations (next door to fat daddy’s) has black light mini golf and laser tag.

13. Geocaching – there are a bunch around here and the kids love it – with a bit of our help It’s like a grown up treasure hunt. Try www.geocaching.com

14. Ice Cream!!! We have the Marble Slab, a new Dairy Queen, Brusters, Shakes, Kilwins, Dippin Dots, Yogurt Mountain, U Twirl, Deep South Sno Treats – I am sure I am missing some – let me know!

15. Bounce Party Playzone in Mary Esther – just over the bridge – fun fun fun!!! rain or shine!

16. Destin Library – worth a visit!

17. It’s a quick visit, but it’s what Destin is all about The Destin Fishing Museum!

18. The Track!

19. Big Kahunas! Now if it is raining a lot with lightening this is an obvious no go – but otherwise – the kids LOVE it!!!

20. 2 words. RED BOX

Ok – so I have to update – it is obviously raining again –

Good morning Destin!

Looking at our beautiful city : )

Last night Bill and I took the girls to the pass to watch for dolphins and they were there, playing in the booms… and so was Mr Bigbird as the girls call them.

Here he is sneaking up very quietly on a very unsuspecting fisherman…

Sneaky Mr. Big Bird…

The sand dunes –

Notice the shirt… we have a healthy fear of sharks and LOVE shark week!!!

Go Abbi!

This really is the color of our water!!!

Blessing of the Fleet

This is how my morning started ~ soooo, you know it’s going to be a good day…

I just happened to have my camera sitting in my seat, so I got this picture of Mr. Big Bird at my neighbors house just minding his own business.

Then after I picked the girls up from school, we ran down to the harbor to see the begining of the blessing of the fleet. This was the 53rd year of carrying on this tradition but this year was different, hundreds gathered to pray for the future of fishing in Destin on Thursday afternoon as the ever-expanding oil slick loomed in the Gulf of Mexico. This is a community of prayer, when things are out of control they pull together and this is just another example of the community we call home.