Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Check Out Our Amazing Coupons!

There is more than one way to enjoy our Life’s A Beach Visitor’s Guide. People who pick up our book are interested in a number of things: learning about the area, finding something to do, finding somewhere to eat, and clipping great coupons from our advertisers found in the back of our guide. Our advertisers provide our readers with great specials via coupons. Take advantage of these coupons when you are exploring the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area. Maybe you could use one or ten of the coupons in the current issue during your next trip. It’s all up to you!

Our coupons are divided into the three separate categories within the guide: attractions, shopping and dining.



These are the coupon pages in the back of our Spring 2014 Life's A Beach Visitor's Guide.
In the ATTRACTIONS part of our coupon section, you will find coupons for money off pontoon boat and jet ski rentals, canoe rentals, parasailing adventures, snorkeling trips, fishing charters, golf games and MUCH more.

Jet skis can be a blast on the stunning, emerald waters.
Pontoon boats are great for larger parties.
In the SHOPPING coupon section, you’ll discover savings on jewelry, clothing, beach accessories, and a plethora of other shopping essentials.

Open-air malls give way to gorgeous days of shopping and enjoying the warm, beachy weather.


Lastly, in our DINING coupon section, you’ll find coupons for free food with the purchase of other food, percentages off of your meal, and many other great offers to keep both you and your wallet full and happy.

Great views!
Great seafood!
Great lunch and dinner!
Great breakfast!

Pick up a hard copy of a Life’s A Beach Visitor‘s Guide or go online to our website http://www.lifesabeachllc.com and click on the link on the home page that reads “printable coupons.” Enjoy your discounts from our amazing advertisers and have a blast discovering all that our beautiful Emerald Coast has to offer!

Monday, February 24, 2014

Your Feb. 28 – March 2, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide

It’s here again—the weekend! And better yet, it’s Mardi Gras weekend! Get out and enjoy this festive purple, green and gold event by taking part in one (or all!) of the many Mardi Gras parades and happenings over the weekend. Temperatures are reported by www.weather.com to be in the mid-60s for the high and mid-50s for the low, with a chance of rain Friday through Sunday. Don’t let the slight chance of rain hold you back from enjoying yourself!

Life's A Beach Mardi Gras float from 2012.
As always, have a BEACHY weekend!

Friday, February 28, 2014:
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl with Destin Nights
HarborWalk Village at the Emerald Grande
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Don your best Mardi Gras outfit and join the Destin Nights for another exciting pub crawl! Purchase an armband to support a local charity and receive drink and food specials at each stop. Visit the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl with Destin Nights Facebook page for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/485493214892864/?fref=ts

Cello Recital – Featuring NFSO Cellist Boyan Bonev
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
100 College Blvd.
Niceville
Cellist, Boyan Bonev, from the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra performs a recital at 7:30 p.m. Donations accepted at the door to support the NFSO. For information, contact the NWF State College Fine & Performing Arts Division office at 850.729.5382. www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.

Saturday, March 1, 2014:
ADSO Window Gallery Display, Month of March 2014 – Pat Federinko
Art Center
17 First Street, SE
Fort Walton Beach
To showcase the work of local artists, the Arts and Design Society presents a month-long exhibit in their studio windows, facing First Street in Fort Walton Beach. In March, on display is the art of Pat Federinko. Pat works with paint, pottery and glass. The window art is available for viewing 24/7, while office and gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, and the gallery (which is free to the public) is additionally open 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

Snake Day
Downtown Fort Walton Beach (in front of the FWB Landing)
139 Brooks Street
Fort Walton Beach
Experience exciting encounters with live animals from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Southern Resorts Garage Sale to Benefit Ronald McDonald House
RE/MAX Southern Office
34894 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
Destin
The garage sale, which will take place from 7 a.m. Р1 p.m., will feature high-end office furniture and d̩cor, like-new clothing and other odds and ends donated by Southern employees. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. The event will take place at the old RE/MAX Southern office located at 34894 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin.

Campfires and Safety
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A
Santa Rosa Beach
Topsail Hill Preserve invites you to learn about campfires. This all-ages program will take place outside around the campfire ring at the amphitheater. You will learn safety, cooking techniques and a host of other useful ideas. Park entry fee is $6 per vehicle. Park staff will direct you to the clubhouse parking lot upon arrival.

Saturday Latin Night at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd. #100
Destin
Every Saturday Night is Latin Night with “DJ Vasco.” From 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., dance to Bachata, Merenque, Salsa, Reggaeton and top 40. Drink specials all night.

HarborWalk Village 6th Annual Mardi Gras Parade
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Enjoy sparkly floats, colorful costumes, street performers and float riders tossing handfuls of beads! Stay and enjoy live music on the Main Stage, following the parade. Proceeds from the entry fees and donations will benefit a local charity. Parade begins at 2 p.m.

View of HarborWalk Village and Norriego Point.
Fourth Annual Eglin AFA Fisher House 5K
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast
P.O. Box 2007
350 Boatner Rd.
Eglin AFB
The Eglin AFA Fisher House 5K is a 5K Race and Kids’ Fun Run, benefitting the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and presented in partnership with the Team Eglin Top Three Association. The Fisher House provides a home away from home for families of sick or wounded military personnel, veterans and their families. No one ever pays a cent to stay at the Fisher House. Each year, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast serves nearly 400 guests. If interested in a sponsorship, please contact Eddie McAllister at EglinAFA@gmail.com. For more information, call 850.218.8817.

Home School Fridays and Hands-On History Saturdays
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
115 Westview Ave.
Valparaiso
March 1 marks the next Hands-On History Saturday and March 7 will be the next Home School Friday. The month of March features “Can you ‘Dig It?’ ” During these classes, questions such as “What is an archaeologist?” and “What is the process for unearthing and recording historical objects?” will be answered and explained. Participants will discover important vocabulary terms related to archaeology. You will also get to work together with the teachers with digging, investigating, observing, and collecting and recording data. This hands-on learning experience is one-of-a-kind, so come on out and explore! Space is limited. Please pre-register by calling 850.678.2615.

Sunday, March 2, 2014:
Children’s Advocacy Kieran May Memorial Golf Tournament
Kelly Plantation Golf Club
307 Kelly Plantation Dr.
Destin
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is hosting their annual Children’s Advocacy Kieran May Memorial Golf Tournament March 2 with a noon tee time at Kelly Plantation. This important fundraising event benefits children by providing services to help identify, treat and support them in abusive situations. ECCAC’s Night of a Thousand Stars Gala will take place on the eve of the golf tournament, Saturday March 1 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort at 6 p.m. The golf tournament is $400 per person, which includes two tickets to the Gala. Please call 850.833.9237 ext. 222 to make reservations. For more information, visit www.ECCAC.org.

Mardi Gras Dog Parade
Village of Baytowne Wharf
9300 Hwy. 98 W
Destin
Join Sandestin for the 11th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade! The streets will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans throwing a myriad of throws, beads and parade favors. Themed convertibles, small floats (pulled by masters), golf carts, bicycles and decorated wagons will be everywhere with Mardi Gras music filling the air. The Mardi Gras Dog Parade is one of the premier canine events on the Emerald Coast with members of the four-pawed community coming far and wide to participate. For more information, visit www.Sandestin.com/Events.

Sunday Brunch at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd. #100
Destin
Enjoy an awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views of the Destin Harbor. Drink bottomless Margaritas, Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 10 a.m. Р5 p.m. with the purchase of an entr̩e. View the menu online. www.CrabIslandCantina.com/Events.html

Crab Island Cantina on Destin Harbor.
“So You Think You’re Funny?” at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd. #100
Destin
Crab Island Cantina on the Destin Harbor hosts a comedy competition every Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. with sign up at 5 p.m. Sixteen weeks of competition with weekly winners to compete for the grand prize of performing at the world famous Comedy Store on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California. The overall winner will receive two round-trip tickets and a three-day, two-night stay at Wyndham Resorts. For more information, please contact Ed Joseph at 321.230.0487.

Sunday Brunch at Harry T’s
46 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Come out to Harry T’s for a delicious Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served with fresh fruit, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato, hash browns or cheese grits. Bottomless champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. http://www.harryts.com/brunch.html 

Friday, February 21, 2014

Your Feb. 21-23, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide

Your weekend may see a few minor showers in the Fort Walton Beach/Destin area, but the temperatures are reported by www.weather.com to be in the upper 60s for the high and mid 50s for the low, with a chance of rain on Friday and Sunday. Even though it may be a wet weekend, the temperature will still be beautiful, so get outside when it’s dry and have a blast whether it be at the park, beach, open-air shopping mall, or just staying in your neighborhood and going for a relaxing walk.



Also, be sure to check out the new Margaritaville location on the Destin Harbor. The food, view and service are all spectacular!


Have a beachy weekend!

  

Friday, February 21, 2014:
Piano Recital – Featuring Guest Artist Asiya Korepanova
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
100 College Blvd.
Niceville
Korepanova is noted for her extraordinary skill as the 2011 Gold Medal winner of the prestigious Wideman International Piano Competition in Shreveport, Lousiana. Tickets are $25. Contact Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office at 850.729.6000 or visit www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org for more information.

Saturday, February 22, 2014:
Emerald Coast Parrot Heads Annual Chili Cook-Off
HarborWalk Village at Emerald Grande
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Emerald Coast Parrot Heads will host a fun and exciting Chili Cook-Off. Join this tasty event and help choose a champion! 850.424.0600.

ECSC “Girls Night Out”
Ramada Plaza Beach Resort
Okaloosa Island
First Annual “Girls Night Out.” Your ticket purchase entitles you to free food, wine, hair styling, manicures, massages and more. Hourly prizes will be given away. To purchase tickets online, please visit www.ECScience.org. 850.664.1261.

Rock the Road 2014
Clement Taylor Park
131 Calhoun Ave.
Destin
Join the 2nd Annual Rock the Road 5K in Destin to support your local Junior League of the Emerald Coast. The race will begin at Clement Taylor Park and will be followed by a post-race celebration, featuring live music, complimentary beer and food, and an award ceremony. There will also be a one-mile Fun Run for kids 12 years of age and under. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/RockTheRoad5k.

Moos Bros. Concert
Club LA
34876 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
Destin
Come on out and attend this benefit concert for the Taylor Haugen Foundation. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door on the night of the event or purchase them in advance at www.TaylorHaugen.com.

Photo credit: The Taylor Haugen Foundation.
Florida Black Bear
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A
Santa Rosa Beach
Learn about the Florida Black Bear during an informational program. This program will cover the basics of the bear’s life in Florida such as life span, denning habits, eating habits and much more. This will be an all-ages program and will take place in the clubhouse. Park entry fee is $6 per vehicle. Park staff will direct you to the clubhouse upon entering the park.

Second Annual Corn Hole Tournament
Twin Oaks Horseshoe Pits
Corner of Hwy. 85N and College Blvd.
Niceville
Come out for some family fun at the 2nd Annual Corn Hole Tournament on February 22 at Twin Oaks Horseshoe Pits. All ages and skill levels welcome with 2-Divisions: Masters and Beginners. There will be raffles, a food truck and a tent with kids activities. All proceeds benefit the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Dress for the weather, bring your chairs and join the fun.

Emerald Coast Wine School – One Night Stands
Groovy Grouper Grill
4304 Destin Commons Blvd. Bldg. C110
Destin
At the Emerald Coast Wine School, instructors aim to educate consumers about wine in a way that can heighten their appreciation and, in turn, increase the pleasure they find when enjoying wine. They also teach individuals in the wine and hospitality trade information that can aid them in selling wine to their customers. Class number three—Pinot. The most elegant of all reds can provide some of the greatest depth and complexity. We will look at the various styles of Pinot Noir from throughout the world.

Sunday, February 23, 2014:
Sunday Brunch at Harry T’s
46 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Harry T’s is the place to be for a delicious Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served with fresh fruit, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato, hash browns or cheese grits. Bottomless champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. http://www.harryts.com/brunch.html

Sunday Brunch at Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd. #100
Destin
Enjoy an awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views on the Destin Harbor. Drink bottomless margaritas, bloody Marys and mimosas from 10 a.m. Р5 p.m. for $12 with the purchase of an entr̩e. www.crabislandcantina.com

“So You Think You’re Funny?” at Crab Island Cantina
Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd. #100
Destin
Crab Island Cantina on the Destin Harbor hosts a comedy competition every Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. with sign up at 5 p.m. Sixteen weeks of competition with weekly winners to compete for the grand prize of performing at the world famous Comedy Store on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California. The overall winner will receive two round-trip tickets and a three-day, two-night stay at Wyndham Resorts. For more information, please contact Ed Joseph at 321.230.0487. www.crabislandcantina.com/events.html

“A Symphony of Taste” Food & Wine Fest Benefits Orchestra & Youth Endeavors
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation / NWFSC
100 College Blvd.
Niceville
This longstanding annual event, now in its 23rd year, raises funds for the regional orchestra as well as a host of youth musical endeavors that serve thousands of Okaloosa and Walton County students. To purchase tickets, visit http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=21891.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Your Feb. 14-16, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide

Happy Valentine’s Day!

This weekend is full of lots of events and entertainment centered on the holiday full of hearts, candy, flowers, and, most importantly, love. This weekend guide edition mainly features special Valentine’s happenings. Since the holiday is ever popular and many people will be going out for dinner and entertainment Friday and Saturday nights to celebrate, most restaurants ask that you do make reservations in advance.

Weather.com reports that Destin weather temperatures will rise into the low-60s this weekend, with a slim chance of rain. Sounds like a repeat of last weekend, and we will gladly accept that!

We hope you have a wonderful weekend celebrating with your special someone, or just celebrating the weekend! Enjoy!


Friday, February 14:
Destin Library 
150 Sibert Ave.
Destin
Celebrate Valentine's Day at the Friends of Destin Library Program Today! Give yourself a real Valentine's Day treat when you attend the program beginning at 3 p.m. The event entails celebrating with music and stories presented by Carol Hayes: Memories of an Entertainer. Violinist Carol Hayes shares music, stories and life lessons from her career as a performer. It will be informative, exciting, entertaining and inspiring. 850.837.8572.

Seagar's Prime Steaks and Seafood
4000 Sandestin Blvd. S
Destin


Sit down at a beautiful table for two while you and your loved one enjoy a relaxing evening complete with wine, spectacular food, chocolate and impeccable service. 


Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
600 Grand Blvd. Ste. M105
Sandestin
Enjoy your Valentine’s dinner at Fleming’s. Start the evening off right with a featured cocktail, French 75­­—a stirring blend of gin and a fruity effervescent red. Then, indulge in a Petite Filet Mignon with your choice of either an 8-ounce North Atlantic Lobster tail with drawn butter or a Pecan-Crusted Salmon paired with a fennel mustard sauce. This offer is valid February 13-15. Call to make you reservation today. 850.269.0830.


Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
435 Grand Blvd. Ste. Q104
Miramar Beach


Travinia is offering a variety of succulent entrees specially prepared with the holiday in mind. If Pancetta Wrapped Seabass, Flounder Imperial, or Grilled Beef Medallions Oscar sound good to you, then make your reservations now! Chocolate Bread Pudding is the featured dessert and Terra Valentine Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is the featured wine of the night. 850.654.4442.


25th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival
Sandestin Golf And Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W
Destin
Gulf Coast restaurant will feature their top secret gumbo recipes at this yearly festival. Spend the day sampling a variety of gumbo. Then, vote for your favorite in the “People’s Choice Award.” Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best,” and award the most creative setup as “Best Display.” Enjoy live music and family entertainment. 850.267.4164


Beach Walk Henderson Park
2700 Scenic Hwy. 98
Destin


Beach Walk Henderson Park Inn is hosting a Valentine’s Day menu that is out of this world. The dinner entails a 5-course meal of lobster, venison, risotto, ravioli, cake and more. Reservations are required. 850.650.7100.


Celebrate Valentine’s Day Onboard Solaris
SunQuest Cruises
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort / Baytowne Marina 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy.
Miramar Beach
Not only do you and your loved one get to go on a three-hour long cruise complete with live entertainment and amazing water views, but you can also get an appetizer,  three-course meal, bottle of champagne and tea and coffee, too! Reservations are required. 850.650.2519.


Saturday, February 15:
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Presents Beach My Valentine
Bud & Alley's
2236 E County Rd. 30
Seaside
This festive event includes a menu with gumbo, boiled shrimp, crab claws, sweet potato fries, cheese tortellini, and much more. There will be live music played by “Something Fishy” and an exciting charity raffle with one of our oversized Life’s A Beach gift baskets up for grabs!




Valentine’s Victorian Tea
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
115 Westview Ave.
Valparaiso
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique and fun way this year. Men, women, and children can enjoy a variety of teas and light refreshments while learning fun Valentine’s Day facts, Victorian traditions and tea etiquette. Reservations are required. 850.678.2615.