High-Flying Fun for All

THERE'S something for everyone...

The Life's A Beach team hopes that everyone had a safe and enjoyable weekend, despite Hurricane Irma's surrounding presence. We are so thankful the storm did not have a direct hit on our beautiful area!

Looking at the week ahead, we have some featured, local events that are sure to inspire your inner adventurer.

15       National Drive Electric Week Exhibit

More than 30 electric cars, motorcycles and bikes will be on display at Destin Commons. Learn all about driving electric! Vendor booths, vehicle presentations and test drives will also be present. To learn more about this "green" event, visit DestinCommons.com.

Photo courtesy of Destin Commons.

16       Oktoberfest at HarborWalk Village

Don’t miss HarborWalk’s twist on an old German tradition this fall! Enjoy live music on the main stage, a variety of food from local vendors, arts and crafts for the whole family, over 20 German and seasonal craft beers, Stein Hoisting, games and more. For further information on this event, please visit EmeraldGrande.com.

Photo courtesy of Emerald Grande's website event page.

16       Knitting Class at Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

Have you always wanted to learn how to knit? Now is your chance! During this class, you will learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. You will need to bring your own yarn and short, size 8 circular or straight needles. The cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for nonmembers. Please call 850.678.2615 to register. You can visit Heritage-Museum.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of the Heritage Museum website.

16-17 Fly Into Fall Kite Festival

Join Kitty Hawk Kites and the Emerald Coast Kite Fliers Club for two days of free, kite flying fun! Enjoy larger-than-life show kites, professional stunt kite flying demonstrations, free kite flying lessons, a family fun fly perfect for any age and special activities at the Kitty Hawk Kites store at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. For more information, visit KittyHawk.com.

Photo courtesy of Kitty Hawk Kites Facebook page.

For more information on local events, please visit LifesABeachDestin.com or follow us on Facebook.

Have a beachy day!

Reeling Adventures

The summer season brings visitors from all over to THE Emerald Coast to test out their fishing skills here in “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. The Gulf of Mexico offers a bounty of red snapper, triggerfish, grouper, scamp, amberjack and MORE! Local charter boat Captains and knowledgeable crew provide visiting anglers the perfect opportunity to explore the local waters with loads of fun fishing activities. The Destin Harbor is home to the largest fishing fleet in Florida and the best place to view more than 100 charter boats bring in their daily catch.  Take a walk along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and book your charter experience TODAY!

This weekend the Emerald Coast will celebrate the 4th of July with fun-filled patriotic events throughout the area. Here are a just a few ways for you to enjoy the Red, White & Blue!

July 1st | City of Destin Family Independence Day Celebration & bike parade

Destin's Family Independence Day Celebration & Bike Parade will take place Friday, July 1, from 6-8 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. The event welcomes the entire family with fun activities for children of all ages.The Bike Parade will kick off the celebration at 6 p.m. Children 14 and under are asked to decorate their bike, scooter or wagon with patriotic decorations. Awards will be given for different categories and ages. Parade check-in is at 5:30 p.m. next to the information tent.Following the parade will be live music by local artist Chuck Lawson, a Bocce Ball tournament, moonwalks, face painting and more. Bring your chair, blanket and snacks. Sorry, no pets allowed. CityofDestin.com

July 3rd | The 6^th Annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival

The 6th Annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival will take place at Destin Commons. Beginning at 5p.m., Enjoy BBQ from all across the Emerald Coast as BBQ Masters compete for the coveted people’s choice award. Face painting, live music, street dancing, and fireworks will also take place. DestinCommons.com

July 4th |  Fourth of July Extravaganza

The Fourth of July Extravaganza on Destin Harbor includes live entertainment, kids’ crafts and face painting, a WWII replica flyover, and you guessed it—fireworks! The event begins at 7 p.m. EmeraldGrande.com

4 Independence Day at The Landing Park

Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park. Kicking off at 5:30 p.m., there will be live entertainment, children’s activities, and a fantastic fireworks display at 9 p.m.! fwb.org

 

Our Top Picks for Entertainment on the Emerald Coast: EASTER WEEKEND EDITION

This weekend is sure to be characterized by lots of colorful, plastic eggs filled delicious candies, family gatherings, and, of course, appearances by the Easter Bunny himself. With the holiday ahead, we are dedicating this week’s blog post to a select few of the Easter-centered events that will be taking place Saturday and Sunday. From festive brunches to lunch cruises, the Emerald Coast has got your Easter weekend plans covered! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The Life's A Beach crew wishes everyone a safe and beachy, Easter weekend! Enjoy!

Saturday, April 4, 2015:

Destin’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Morgan Sports Complex

4200 Indian Bayou Trail

Destin

Time: 9:15 am.

Happy Easter!

Sunday, April 5, 2015:

Visit with Easter Bunny & Brunch at HarborWalk Village

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Enjoy an Easter Brunch with a view from the Harborview Room from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Then, hop down to HarborWalk Village for a festive afternoon complete with free kids’ activities and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! For Brunch Reservations, contact 850.424.0622.

Easter Brunch at Beach Walk Café

Beach Walk Henderson Park

2700 Scenic Highway 98

Destin

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Brunch at Ruth’s Chris

15000 Emerald Coast Parkway

Destin

Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5-8 p.m.

Brunch menu with regular menu available also. For details, visit ruthschrisdestin.com.

Easter Lunch Cruise on the Solaris

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway

Miramar Beach

Time: 1-3 p.m.

Our Top Picks for March 27-29 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

Sprinkled along our gorgeous Emerald Coast this weekend are events like the Annual FWB Beer Festival, Spring Break Concert Series, the Annual Easter Extravaganzoo and so much more! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The Life's A Beach crew wishes everyone a beachy, SPRING weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, March 27, 2015:

3/27-3/29

Mary Poppins Musical

Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium

107 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Mary Poppins: A Musical is based on stories by P.L. Travers & the Disney film Mary Poppins. Directed by Jean Starkey. Curtains open at 7:30 p.m. nightly, and at 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets are $20; students pay $10 at the door. This tells the story of the world’s most beloved nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement with her everywhere she goes as she becomes a most unusual nanny to Jane and Michael. For more information, visit stagecraftersfwb.com.

Saturday, March 28, 2015:

Knitting Class at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

115 Westview Avenue, Valparaiso

Time: 9 a.m. – noon

Learn the fun and useful craft of knitting at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida during a Heritage Alive! Craft Class with instructor Carol Burkhard. Learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. Bring your own yarn and size 8 circular needles. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $20 or $15 for Museum members. Please call 850.678.2615.

ADSO’s First Ever Starving Artists Sale

Arts & Design Society

17 First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

ADSO artists will be selling their art and/or new or gently used artist's materials or books that they no longer need. The sale will be indoors—inside the gallery and studios. This is a great opportunity to buy art and art supplies! This may include jewelry, ceramics, paintings, or whatever art the multi-talented group produces. For further information, visit artsdesignsociety.org, or call the office, Tuesday-Friday, noon - 4 p.m., 850.244.1271.

2^nd Annual Easter Extravaganzoo

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoo

5262 Deer Springs Road, Crestview

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Celebrate the season and enjoy a spring day of fun with arts and crafts, flower planting, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and more! Guests will be able to decorate eggs for some of their favorite zoo animals, and there will also be Easter egg hunts at 11 a.m. (ages 8-12), 11:15 a.m. (ages 0-3) and 11:40 a.m. (ages 4-7). Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children and free for guests ages 2 and under. For more information, please call 850.682.3949.

Fort Walton Beach Beer Festival

FWB Wine World in Uptown Station

99 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Time: 1-4 p.m.

Spring Break Concert Series

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard, Destin

Time: 7 p.m.

Come rock the docks during this free concert series on the HarborWalk Village stage! This event is free and open to the public. The Gable Bradley Band will perform from 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, March 29, 2015:

SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Kicks Off Spring With Crawfish Cruise

SunQuest Cruises

Sundestin Golf & Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach

Time: Boarding begins at 12:45 p.m., cruise is from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Enjoy Cruise & Blues, Bugs & Brews on SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS’ 2^nd Annual Crawfish Cruise. Guests will indulge in a spread fit for a Cajun King (or queen) as the SOLARIS chefs serve freshly boiled, perfectly seasoned crawfish while cruising the beautiful waters and listening to live blues music by Cadillac Willy. The SOLARIS Crawfish Cruise is $45/per person, including a choice of crawfish, shrimp or jambalaya, live music and a three-hour cruise. Cost is $25 for kids 10 and under to purchase a hot dog and chips. Reservations required online at SunQuestCruises.com or call 850.650.2519.

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 ends April 30 at 8 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.