Holiday on the Harbor

Nothing says Christmas on the beautiful Emerald Coast like a magically lit boat parade idling down the Destin Harbor on a Sunday evening. On December 15, 2013, watch the 27^th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade pass by from the Boardwalk, dock, restaurant, or even your balcony up above. Your friends and family will be in awe at the colorful and calming sight in the spirit of the holidays! The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host the event. Festivities will be held that afternoon along Destin Harbor.

Participating boats will begin lining up in the Destin Harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. The parade will kick off at 6 p.m. and judging with take place upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant. A lightshow of fireworks will decorate the night sky at the close of the boat parade.

All commercial, charter, and private boats are invited to light up the Destin Harbor with true Destin spirit. Prizes will be awarded for the following categories: private 30 ft. and under, private 31 ft. and over, charter/commercial boat 30 ft. and under, charter/commercial boat 31 ft. and over, tour boat/motorized, sailboat 30 ft. and under, sailboat 31 ft. and over. An additional award will be presented to the Best Overall lighted boat entry. The City of Destin is sponsoring an award to the boat that best showcases the Harbor heritage. 



You can pick up an entry form in person at the Museum, Destin Community Center, City Hall, DestinChamber of Commerce, or many Destin Harbor businesses. You can also request an email copy by calling the Destin History and Fishing Museum at 850-837-6611 or by emailing Kathy Marler Blue at KathyDestinHistory@gmail.com. There is a $25 entry fee per boat.

In the event of poor weather conditions, the parade will be held on Sunday, December 22. 
For more information and to register, please visit www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org.

Come celebrate the holidays and be a part of a unique boat parade that showcases the history of Destin!

Things to do on the Emerald Coast this December

Here are some exciting events happening on the Emerald Coast for December 2013:

December 4

McGuire's December Wine Tasting

December 5

Festival of Trees in FWB

Fort Walton Beach Christmas Boat Parade

December 6

Howl at the Moon Fundraiser – Benefits Military Widows at Air Force Enlisted Village

December 7

Christmas Open House at De’France Indoor Flea Market and Antiques

Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus – “Christmas Miracles”

Christmas Open House at the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum

Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Performance at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

SOCKS Christmas Pet Photo Shoot in FWB

Photo courtesy of SOCKS.

A Victorian Christmas – Northwest Florida State College Series

Destin Craft Fair

Tee Off for Toys in Destin

Santa at HarborWalk Village

Photo courtesy of Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village.

Shelter House to host 3rd Annual Luminaria Run in Destin

December 8

Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Winter Concert – NWF State College Series

Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus – “Christmas Miracles”

December 9

Hard Rock Cafe Christmas Networking Event in Destin

December 11

Charity Gift Wrap at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

December 12

Eat at Chick-fil-A to benefit Feline Friends of Destin

December 13

Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra – “Holiday Pops” Concert

Holiday Open House

December 14

Fisher House Holiday Boat Parade

35^th Annual Jingle Bell Jog

Spencer’s Art of Illusion – National Tour Artist Series

Christmas Market at De’France Antiques and Collectibles

Breakfast with Santa at Bubba Gump

Destin Christmas Parade

Baytowne Holiday Lantern Parade

December 15

27th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Lighted Boat Parade

Photo courtesy of Ocean Reef Resorts.

December 21

Annual Emerald Coast CHRISTmas Miracle Children’s Fiesta

December 26

After Holiday Sales at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

December 31

New Year's Eve Celebrations

For more information on any of these events, click here and here. 

2014 Halloween Happenings!

There will be no shortage of Festive Fun this weekend on the Emerald Coast. Whether you are a Big Ghost or a Little Goblin, you're are sure to find the perfect spirited celebration here this weekend.  

Oct. 25-26, 31 & Nov. 1-2

8th Annual Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Haunted House 

Located on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk at 7 p.m. Not recommended for children under 10. EcWildLifeRefuge.com 

Oct. 25-26 

Haunted Coast Guard Station 

The Coast Guard station, 2000 Miracle Strip Parkway in Destin, haunted house from 7-10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to donate one non-perishable food item per person. Not recommended children under 10.For more information call 244-7147

Oct. 25-26 & 30-Nov. 2 

Jaycees Haunted House at Fuds

Fudpuckers on Okaloosa Island at 8 p.m.!  Proceeds fund Give-A-Kid-A-Christmas and Thanksgiving Baskets. Not recommended for children under 10. 

Oct 26 Kid’s Day in the afternoon with non-scary characters. 850-598-2158 | FudPucker.com

Oct. 25-26

6th Annual Haunted History Tours

City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. Four tours will be conducted each night at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. DownTownFWB.com

Oct. 25-26, 31 & Nov. 1-2.

8th Annual Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Haunted House

at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk at 7 p.m. Not recommended for children under 10. EcWildLifeRefuge.com 

Oct. 25-26.

Haunted Coast Guard Station

The Coast Guard station, 2000 Miracle Strip Parkway in Destin, haunted house from 7-10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to donate one non-perishable food item per person. Not recommended children under 10.For more information call 244-7147

Oct. 25-26 & 30-Nov. 2

Jaycees Haunted House at Fuds

Fudpuckers on Okaloosa Island at 8 p.m.!  Proceeds fund Give-A-Kid-A-Christmas and Thanksgiving Baskets. Not recommended for children under 10. 

Oct 26 Kid’s Day in the afternoon with non-scary characters. 850-598-2158 | FudPucker.com

Oct. 25-26

6th Annual Haunted History Tours

City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. Four tours will be conducted each night at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. DownTownFWB.com

Oct. 25

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Relive the classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Harborwalk Village main stage from 7-11 p.m. Props will be provided. Costumes are expected. Doing the Time Warp is mandatory! EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 26

Monster Paddle at Harry T’s HarborWalk

The only costumed stand up paddle poker run in the United States, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Paddle Club, takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Paddle anything … SUP, kayak, canoe, outrigger, dragon boat, row boat, coffin ... anything. Get the highest ranked poker hand and win a huge prize. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 26

Magical Halloween Contest HarborWalk Village

Hundreds of costumed characters compete in a contest at 9 p.m. The winning stakes are high with more categories and better prizes. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 26

Destin Commons Halloween Haunt

Halloween Haunt from 4-6 p.m. on Main Street and Center Plaza. Fun includes a kids’ costume contest for ages 0-12; pet costume contest; fantasy face painting; creepy crafts; street dancing; trick-or-treating; and free photos with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang at Bass Pro Shops. DestinCommons.com

Oct. 25 -26

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Fall Festival

The annual festival will be held from 6-10 p.m. There will be a haunted tram ride, activities, food, and games for children. This is an all ages event although there may be age restrictions on the haunted tram ride. 267-8330 | FloridaStateParks.org/TopSailhill

Oct. 26

McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin 17th Annual Halloween 5K/10K Run

At 9 a.m. costumed runners will dash through Destin. Run is followed by a post race party featuring live entertainment, Irish fare, Irish Wakes, McGuire’s ale and soft drinks! McGuiresIrishPub.com

Oct. 26- 27

Gulfarium Splash-or-Treat Spooktacular

GulfScarium’s Splash-or-Treat Spooktacular will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with family-friendly games and activities such as the HallowGreen Scavenger Hunt, free face painting, and a costume parade and contest. New fun house complete with a mirror madness maze. Gulfarium.com

Oct. 31

Gulfarium Trick or Treat

Kids can trick or treat around the park, enjoy crafts and watch a dolphin and a sea lion show. Gulfarium.com

Oct. 27  

Not-So-Spooky Family Fun Fest

Little ghosts and goblins can ride HarborWalk Village Express, a spunky kid-friendly spooky train ride around the village, take home treats and candy bags, and trick or treat at Village merchants from 2-5 p.m. Annual kids’ costume contest at 2 p.m. on center stage. The pet Howl O’ Ween parade and costume contest begins at 4 p.m. and is open to all four legged costumed creatures. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 28

City of Destin’s Fall Festival

From 5-8 p.m. at the Destin Community Center. Please bring one non-perishable food item for admission. There will be booths with fun games and activities, a cakewalk, a costume contest, a spacewalk/slide, food for sale, and candy for those just stopping by to Trick-or-Treat. Judging is at 5 p.m. 654-5184 | DestinCommons.com

Oct. 30

11th Annual Light the Night

Village Baptist Church in Destin from 6-7:30 p.m. All are invited to join in this family friendly event that offers activities for all ages. VillageBaptist.org

Oct. 31 

Trick-or-Treat off the Street at Silver Sands

All goblins and ghosts, families with children 13 and under, are invited to stroll the sidewalks at Silver Sands Premium Outlets in costume to collect goodies from each store from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Look for the pumpkin sign in the window of participating stores. PremiumOutlets.com

Oct. 31

Halloween Fireworks

Come out and enjoy a fireworks show over the Destin harbor to celebrate Halloween and the end of the Destin Fishing Rodeo on at HarborWalk Village. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 31 

Village of Baytowne Wharf Trick or Treat Street

Friends, fireworks and frights take center stage from 6-8 p.m. throughout the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Trick or treat through the Village streets and visit merchants as they hand out Halloween treats. Dance on the stage as the D.J. plays frighteningly good tunes and end the evening with a spooky fireworks show over the lagoon at 8 p.m. BaytowneWharf.com  

Nov. 1

Halloween Candy Buy-Back

Dr. Scott Runnels will buy back candy for $1 a pound of unopened candy, up to five pounds, from 8 a.m. to noon at his office, 4399 Commons Drive E #10 in Destin. Candy will be sent to Operation Gratitude to be sent to troops. Soldiers often give the candy to children in local villages. Call 269-0333.

Nov. 2

Biophilia Fall Festival

Biophilia Center hosts its Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a haunted trick or treat trail, hay ride, the Science Brothers, Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters, petting zoo, live music by Mike Whitty, carnival games, harvest produce, bounce house, Abrakadoodle arts and crafts, face painting, Tucker Dukes food truck, Biophilia exhibits, local organizations and more. Admission is$8/adults and $5/children. Ages 2 and under free. EoWilsonCenter.org

Don't forget to Like us on Facebook! We will keep you up to date on everything happening all along the Emerald Coast! 

All Fired Up for the 4th!

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July has almost arrived and there is no better place to celebrate than on the sugary white beaches of The Emerald Coast. 
Start your celebration early on July 3, at the 5^th Annual Independence Day Celebration and Bike Parade from 6:30-9 pm at Morgan Sports Center in Destin. Live Music,Kick Ball Ultimate Frisbee, Moonwalks and much MORE! Children 14 & under are invited to decorate their bikes, scooters or wagons. Awards will be presented in various categories and ages. Be sure to stay for the fireworks display! CityofDestin.com
 If you want to start your holiday festivities with a picnic supper and live music stop by the Mattie Keely Cultural Arts Pavilion for a Concert in the Village. David Seering will be performing an American Patriotic Tribute on July 3 from 7-9pm. MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org On Thursday, July 4^th you will find fireworks abound. Enjoy the Red, White & Blue display at Baytowne after a fun filled day of kids’ activities and live music enjoy dinner and an evening full of firework delights. BaytowneWharf.com 4^th of July extravaganza on the Destin Harbor includes a hot dog eatin contest, live concerts give -a-ways and of course fireworks. Celebration begins at 6:30. www.CityOfDestin.com 4th of July on the Fort Walton Beach Landing this annual celebration includes live music, local vendors, a fireworks display and FUN for the whole family from 6 -10pm. FWB.org 4^th of July Extravaganza at HarborwalkThe Red, White, and Blue Celebration at HarborWalk Village is a weekly honoring of a local hero. This week, help us honor Lt. Col. Samuel Lombardo for his dedication and service to our country.  Enjoy an exciting live concert from Clinch 46 on the Main stage at 8:00pm, with a special Independence day fireworks show over the harbor at 9:00pm. Top off the evening with a live performance from the Andy Velo Band at 9:15pm! EmeraldGrande.com

For more information on Attractions,Dining, Shopping, Maps, Coupons and MORE pick up the latest copy of Life's A Beach, THE Visitors guide to the Emerald Coast & like us on Facebook. 

It's fishing time at Life's A Beach!

Destin is home to the one of the largest fishing fleets in Florida, and is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”.  The warm waters and clear blue skies offer plenty of fishing opportunities and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk at the foot of the Destin Bridge is the perfect place to book your fishing excursion today!

June 1^st will officially kick off Red Snapper Season. The season ends July 14^th allowing only 44 days to reel some of the best tasting catches along The Emerald Coast.

For more information about where to book local fishing charters pick up our latest issue of Life’s A Beach, The Visitors Guide to the Emerald Coast or visit us online, 

Don’t forget to look for special discounts and savings in our coupon section.

Be sure to “like” Us on Facebook for updates on all the wonderful summer fun happening here on The Emerald Coast.

Celebrate Memorial day on THE Emerald Coast

Memorial Day is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May and is a day of remembering the men and women who have bravely served in the United States Armed Forces. Here on THE Emerald Coast Memorial Day also marks the start of the summer vacation season and there is no shortage of celebrations planned for you this weekend.

25-26

Memorial Day Concert Celebration at Harborwalk Village.

Kick off summer with a bang at Harborwalk Village! Free concerts, kids activities, street performers, and a FIREWORKS finale at 9pm over the Destin Harbor on Sunday night.

25-26

Memorial Day Concerts at Baytowne Marina.

Come kick off your summer at Sandestin for Memorial Day Weekend. Live music begins on Friday and lasts all weekend long. Enjoy bands on the Events Plaza each night. Children’s activities will be featured in the Events Plaza on Sunday night, and then we will light up the sky above the lagoon with a patriotic fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. On Monday, the Village will host a Memorial Day program right before sunset, presented by Sandestin veterans.

24-27 Memorial Day Sale at Silver Sand Premium Outlets

Memorial Day Weekend Sale.

Don't miss the annual Memorial Day Weekend Sale. Enjoy extra discounts on top of already low outlet prices. View a sample of in-store promotions below.

27 The American Legion will hold a memorial service honoring fallen soldiers. Ceremony will be held at the Destin Cemetery at 11 am. 

For more information pick up a copy of LIfe's A Beach, THE Visitor's Guide to THE Emerald Coast! 

Be sure to "like" us on Facebook to keep up with all of the latest information along the Emerald Coast. 

Destin’s 10th Annual Week of Blessings includes 56th Annual Blessing of the Fleet

History repeats itself and a community tradition continues here on the Emerald Coast as the Destin area churches, civic leaders and businesses join together  to celebrate the City of Destin’s 10^th Annual Week of Blessings and the 56^th Annual blessing of the fleet May 5-9.

Week of Blessings Schedule.

Monday, May 6th 
Citywide Day of Prayer and Fasting - Everyone is encouraged to pray and fast throughout the day for the city. What you fast is a personal choice and could include fasting one meal or fasting all day...or perhaps even television for the day, etc.  Please pray about what you fast that day.   

Tuesday, Monday, May 7th 
Pastor Ministry Day - Pastors will go out in prayer teams and visit specific "community" places in both South Walton and Destin.  Stops often include places such as the fire stations, police depts., schools, hospital, nursing homes, and some non-profit businesses.

Wednesday, May 8th   
Blessing of the Marketplace - Located in the Life Center at the Destin United Methodist Church (200 Beach Dr.) in Destin. The event will begin at 11:30am and conclude by 1:30pm. Lunch will be provided. During this event, the Pastors will pray for our City as well as our area's community leaders, government and education officials, and individuals and business owners and staff by industry. A "personal" prayer room is available for anyone who wants additional prayer.  Please join in this special time of pray for our "Marketplace" and community as we also celebrate our 10th year!  Register Now  

Thursday, May 9th  
Blessing of the Fleet - Located at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina behind the Fishermen’s Wharf Restaurant on Highway 98. At 4:00pm, a short tent service is held on the docks, followed by a processional by all the Pastors at 5:15pm to individually pray for and bless the charter fishing fleet as each boat passes by for a year of safe passage and bountiful catches. This is followed by a fish fry on the dock.

Friday, May 10th  
Friday is a day designed around the Youth of our city!  We encourage them to wear their 2013 Week of Blessings T-shirt to school and be the "light" on their school campus.

Saturday, May 11th  

All are invited to come out and "Celebrate"  the 10th Annual Week of Blessings on the Destin Harbor at HarborWalk Village!  We will cap the Week of with a Celebration concert beginning at 7pm with local worship favorite Without Silence!  What a great way to close out a great week!  

For more information about what's happening here on The Emerald Coast visit, www.lifesabeachllc.com or Like us on Facebook.