Our Top Picks for February 27 – March 1 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This weekend, we welcome the month of March with open arms! Along the Emerald Coast, there will be events like Run With the Dogs 5K, a chili cook-off, cornhole tournament and more! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The   crew wishes everyone a beachy weekend! Enjoy!

IT’S HERE! The spring 2015 issue of the Life’s A Beach Visitor’s Guide has officially been released and is arriving at our more than 300 distribution points over the next couple of weeks. Click on the magazine below to view the e-book!

Friday, February 27, 2015:

The Indian Temple Mound Museum Presents “Eglin in the Movies”

Heritage Park & Cultural Center

139 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6 p.m.

On February 27, Dr. Robert Kane will share the story of Eglin Air Force Base’s cinematic history. Known worldwide as the military centerpiece of Northwest Florida, Eglin Air Force Base has been the center for testing the latest aircraft and weapons and served as a home for Air Force and Army special operations. Eglin has also been a movie star since the 1940s. Films as diverse as 1949’s Twelve O'Clock High and 1964’s Dr. Strangelove were filmed in part at Eglin. Additionally, many movies have featured units and personnel from Eglin.

This free presentation is open to the public and will be offered at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. For more information, please contact the Museum Programming Coordinator, Michael Weech, at 850.833.9595 or mweech@fwb.org.

Saturday, February 28, 2015:

15^th Annual Run With the Dogs 5K Run/Walk

City of Destin

4200 Indian Bayou Trail

Destin

Time: Race begins at 9 a.m.

The city of Destin Parks & Recreation Department will host the run/walk, which is open to individual runners/walkers. A Stroller Division has been added this year. Participants may bring their dogs, big or small, to run or walk the race. Registration costs $25 if registered February 10-27. Day-of registration will cost $30 and will be from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Destin City Hall Annex parking lot (4100 Indian Bayou Trail). Participants can also register online at www.runsignup.com until February 27 at 5 p.m. The race begins on the 28^th at 9 a.m.

Early packet pickup will be Thursday and Friday at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. from 5-8 p.m. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is sponsoring the award ceremony and celebration following the race. T-shirts and prizes for winners of each category will be awarded.

Dogs are required to wear their current rabies tag and must be on a short leash. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs (please bring your baggies). Registration forms can be picked up at the Destin Community Center, City Hall and downloaded online at www.cityofdestin.com. For more information, call 850.650.1241 or e-mail recreation@cityofdestin.com.

Emerald Coast Parrot Heads Annual Chili Cook-Off

Destin Harbor

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club is hosting a fun and exciting Chili Cook-Off on the Destin Harbor, featuring more than 20 different restaurants and Chili Masters. To compete in this event, please contact info@harborwalk-destin.com or visit emeraldgrande.com. The price is $10 for pre-sale tickets and $15 for the day of the event. Armband for sampling, purchase them here: eventbrite.com, using promo code: EARLYBIRD. There will be live music by Cadillac Willy. Come on out for great food and entertainment!

Cornhole Tournament

Twin Oaks Horseshoe Pits

Corner of Hwy. 85 N. and College Blvd.

Niceville

Time: 11 a.m.

There will be two divisions in this tournament: beginners and masters, with cash prizes to be awarded to those who place first and second in each division. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join the fun! Sign-up/warm-up is from 11-11:45 a.m. The tournament is scheduled to begin at noon.

The cost is $30 for a team and $20 for an individual. Corporate teams that register will receive verbal, event recognition, may donate prizes and may hang their company banner on the fence during the tournament. All proceeds benefit the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida.

On top of all of the cornhole fun, there will also be a raffle, 50/50, food and soft drinks. Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring your lawn chairs for comfort. For more information, contact 850.678.2615 or e-mail info@heritage-museum.org.

Emerald Coast Science Center’s Girls Night Out

Ramada Plaza Beach Resort

1500 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6-10 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ecscience.org.

Sunday, March, 1, 2015:

Some Sunday Brunch spots in and around Destin:

Crab Island Cantina, Destin Harbor crabislandcantina.com

Harry T’s, Destin Harbor harryts.com

Angler’s Beachside Grill, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk anglersgrill.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin mcguiresirishpub.com

March-April, 2015

2015 HarborWalk Marina 18th Annual Cobia Tournament

The tournament takes place at HarborWalk Marina, located on the Destin Harbor, just minutes away from the intracoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The tournament begins when the first fish is caught and ends April 30 at 8 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

Photo credit: Destin Cobia Tournament Facebook page

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!

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. 

Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events

Music, and movies, and magic, oh my! These are just a few of the spectacular events which you can attend WEEKLY, that’s right folks, WEEKLY here on the magnificent Emerald Coast. Take in a fireworks display every week, hey take in two! Enjoy live performances by talented musicians, be amazed and amused during a magic show, bring the family out for a movie under the stars and more! Had a blast this week? Awesome! Do it all again next week! More music, more laughter, more FUN! That’s what living the Emerald Coast lifestyle is really about my friends, whether you’re a local, just looking for a way to spend an evening, or a visitor trying to fully immerse yourself in the area, FUN is what it’s all about. Here on the Emerald Coast, this is where the fun is! Check it out, there’s always something exciting happening in this lively locale.

 

Mondays

Magician Rick Moore will astound and amaze you every Monday night from 7-9 p.m. during Magical Mondays at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy an evening full of laughs and illusions on the Events Plaza Stage. To create a little of your own magic, visit his shop after the show.

BaytowneWharf.com

Tuesdays

Enjoy an evening of fun and merriment complete with face painting, kid’s crafts, and live music by Coconut Radio when you head out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Boomin’ Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. Stick around! The Village hosts a stunning fireworks show over the lagoon starting at 9:15 p.m.

BaytowneWharf.com

Pardi Gras transforms every Tuesday of the summer into Fat Tuesday at HarborWalk Village. Enjoy the floats, beads, and lots of swag during the parade, then grab a cocktail and some red beans and rice as you relish in the live entertainment.

EmeraldGrande.com

Wednesdays

The Wednesday Night Concert Series will entertain you with tantalizing live musical performances at the Village of Baytowne Wharf from 7-9 p.m. A complete performance schedule can be viewed on their website.

BaytowneWharf.com

Thursdays

Enjoy a toe-tapping good time at Concerts in the Park every Thursday in May and June on the Village Green of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Cultural Arts Village from 7-9 p.m. Bring your favorite lawn chair, wine and picnic or purchase dinner prepared onsite by local restaurants. Visit their website for a complete performance schedule.

MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org

 

Join HarborWalk Village in honoring local heroes during their weekly Red, White and Blue Celebration on the Harbor. Enjoy live entertainment, free kid’s crafts and face painting, and a WWII replica flyover. The evening is topped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor. The celebration takes place from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday during the summer.

EmeraldGrande.com

Head out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Sunset Cinema, a weekly showing of your favorite family movies under the stars. Movies start at 8 p.m. every Thursday throughout the summer. Visit their website to see what’s showing this week.

BaytowneWharf.com

Saturdays

Rock the Docks, a free concert series will rock HarborWalk Village every Saturday from 7-9 p.m. during the summer. For a complete schedule of performances visit their website.

EmeraldGrande.com

What Are You Doing This Weekend? May 4-6

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend! How will you celebrate? There are a few great things going on this weekend that you won’t want to miss. So check below to see what lively events you’d like to attend this weekend. If nothing catches your fancy, you can always grab an icy-cold margarita, or spend some time on one of the area’s ever-beautiful beaches!

 

Multi-Day Events

Burning up the Beaches a two-day car show, cruise, and beach bash with loads of fun and prizes will take place May 4-6! Check in at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.

BurningUpTheBeaches.com

Friday, May 4

Photo from NathonAbbotTeam.com

Saturday, May 5

Come out and celebrate at the Cinco de Mayo Spring Fest at HarborWalk Village from 4-10 p.m. A vibrant celebration of Latin music, food, dance, and more! Kids will enjoy many free activities and crafts. You won’t want to miss this spirited event which will include  piñata breakings, a nacho eating contest, a “Running of the Bulls” featuring the Roller Derby Girls and more!

EmeraldGrande.com

Hop aboard the Southern Star for the Waves for Wildlife Dolphin Cruise to benefit the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. Enjoying scouting the water for dolphins and other wildlife while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Destin area. The cruise will include live music by Dannica Lowery, free food, beer & wine, raffles and a meet-and-greet with our live animal ambassadors. Tickets can be purchased at the refuge or online at ECWildlifeRefuge.com for only $30 for adults, and $15 for children under 10.

Take in some local history as the Destin History & Fishing Museum Celebrates Founder’s Day from 10am-4pm. Learn about the founders of Destin, revive your memories of days gone by in a sleepy little fishing village, visit the “Old Post Office” and admire the new “Footprints in the Sand” celebration garden which commemorates Destin’s past, present, and future. Museum admission is free all day long.

Sunday, May 6

Photo from OceanReefResorts.com

Enjoy your beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

Sea Oat Planting on Norriego Point May 12: Saving the Dunes One Plant at a Time

Norriego Point is a place all locals and many visitors know and love. For those of us who are familiar, many of us hold special memories of this place near and dear to our hearts. It’s  place where we can enjoy a peaceful walk, watch the fishing boats come in, watch the sun set over the water with that special someone, or teach the kids to swim; beautiful place where lifelong memories are made.

Over the years, Mother Nature has wreaked havoc on the point, starting back in 1995 with a near direct hit from Hurricane Opal, and with subsequent hurricanes and tropical storms thereafter. The city has just completed an emergency dredge project to open up the entrance to the harbor for safer boat traffic. Plans are underway at this time for a more permanent solution in the future. In the meantime, we must keep the harbor open, and the point stable and accessible for recreational beach goers and boaters alike, so that they may create their own memories of this beautiful place.

In order to keep Norriego Point beautiful, now and in the future, we must roll up our sleeves and help this place we all know and love. Every effort should be taken to help restore the natural habitat by adding vegetation and sand fencing to keep the newly placed sand firmly in place. The city is doing what we can, but we need the community’s assistance. On Saturday, May 12, beginning at 8 a.m., the city is sponsoring a major sea oat planting project. We are asking for donations to help in purchasing sea oats as well as volunteers to aid in installing 36,000 of them along Norriego Point. If you are unable to donate time on that day, any donation will be helpful.

This event is about restoring a place that we as a community hold dear, and as such we want to make this a fun project for everyone involved. Food and beverages will be provided for volunteers and the first 100 volunteers will receive a T-shirt showing your community support. Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat.

Event sponsors will have their logo printed on event t-shirts, as well as on the banner which will be prominently displayed throughout the event. Anyone who is willing and able to help out should contact Joe Bodi at Destin City Hall at 837-4242

Donations can be sent to Destin City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, FL 32541. Make checks payable to the City of Destin – Norriego Point Project.

We have been given a tremendous gift over the years and we can’t take it for granted. I look forward to seeing so many members of this world-class community out doing what we do best, coming together as a community for the greater good. I know that future generations will enjoy the fruit of our efforts.