Spring Break 2014 Countdown

The countdown to Spring Break begins after the New Year arrives, and comes faster than you can say, “it’s bikini season!”

During this Spring Break, journey on over to the beautiful Emerald Coast for a week of fun in the sun and sand, great shopping, delicious food, exciting area attractions and so much more. Book your stay at one of the many beachfront hotels or condominiums located right on the Gulf of Mexico. Wake up each morning with a view of the gorgeous emerald waters and white sand right outside your window—it’s truly a one-of-a-kind vacation!

Whether you come to the coast for an adventurous and eventful Spring Break, or if you are in search of some rest and relaxation on the beach, there is no doubt that you’ll leave feeling satisfied.

Start planning your Spring Break getaway to the Emerald Coast today and make 2014 the best year yet!

Check out www.DestinTravelAdvisor.com for more information on booking your trip to the area this Spring Break.

Where Will You Ring in 2014?

The question is not who is hosting New Year’s celebrations—the question is, who isn’t?

December 31 will give way to skies decorated in fireworks, 2014 flair, and groups of people yelling “Happy New Year!” come midnight.

Baytowne Wharf, HarborWalk Village, Emerald Grande, and numerous accommodations, restaurants, and bars up and down the Emerald Coast will host New Year’s festivities to celebrate 2014. Hop around to a few different venues, or stay at your favorite one all night long.

Photo courtesy of The Emerald Grande.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host its end-of-the-year party, complete with live bands and fireworks for dancing fun and a light show.

Head on over to the Emerald Grande for Vegas-style gaming, dinner and a dance party with a DJ in the Harborview room. Toast the New Year with champagne as you watch the Big Ball Drop and fireworks at midnight.

Photo courtesy of The Emerald Grande.

The Grande Ballroom Party at Emerald Grande will have live music from Cool Rayz, a chef-selected menu and a champagne toast at midnight as you watch the fireworks light up Norriego Point and see the Big Ball Drop over the glistening Destin Harbor.

No matter where you plan to welcome 2014, if it’s on the Emerald Coast it will be an exciting and memorable night!

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.