GulfLink Gulf Coast Blog

Happiness Begins at 4:00 PM

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Destin is made up to two types of people. The vacationer who is looking for a little R & R as well as entertainment from the moment they arrive to the day they head home. Then there is the local, who is trying to find a way to live as close to a vacationer as possible. Thus the reason “Happy Hour” is such an important phrase in our town. Honoring many requests here are 3 of the hottest “Happy Hour” spots in Destin.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is a favorite for happy hour! Monday through Saturday from 4-7 you can order 2 for the price of one on any mixed drink (top shelf or well) up to 2 liquors and a mixer. This includes Margaritas, Screwdrivers, and White Russians just to name a few. Martinis are included as well as great prices on beer and wine. The bar is always busy with familiar faces and the wait staff is extremely accommodating.

790 On the Gulf offer’s Happy Hour with a breathtaking view. Located at the Inn at Crystal Beach you can enjoy your half-priced cocktails inside or out with an emerald-green ocean in the background. 790 feels happiness should begin before 5, promoting their Happy Hour from 3-8, Tuesday – Thursday and 3-7 Friday – Sunday. All well drinks and wines are $2.99 and specialty drinks such as Pina Coladas and Daiquiris are $3.99. A delicious bar menu with anything from traditional Buffalo Bites to Trout Florentine all at Happy Hour prices making 790 hard to beat!

Cuvee Bistro’s Happy Hour is among the best in town giving you a little more time for laughs. From 4:30-9:00 you can enjoy a variety of drink specials such as: $5 Martinis, $5 wines, and $3 beers, along with half-priced items from the bar menu. Cuvee’s famous Caesar salad with eggplant croutons is a must and goes perfect with their Lucky 7 Martini. All this and live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday makes Cuvee Bistro Destin’s Happy Hour Hot Spot!

Sharpen Your Swing with the Sandestin Tennis Club

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Sandestin Tennis Club brings back the QuickStart program for children of all ages. The QuickStart program is relatively new and being implemented
nationwide. It's designed to introduce kids to the game and keep them excited about tennis by using special equipment, shorter court dimensions, and modified scoring.

With much success last year, Sandestin Tennis Club invites those 12 and under to join the fun every Monday through Thursday. As their game progresses so will the equipment allowing young ones to develop confidence and passion for the game.

For those already passionate, an intermediate and advanced clinic will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This clinic is designed to improve technique and develop strategies to make every game a success!

Boasting 15 world-class tennis courts and voted #2 Best Junior Tennis Program in 2010, Sandestin Tennis Club is where you want to swing!

Bring Your Best Friend to the New Park in Destin!

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Destin Dog Park has opened its gates! The grand opening of the new Destin Dog Park took place on Saturday, January 7th with over 100 pets and owners! The sidewalks and streets of Destin were busy with dog lovers and tail-waggers visiting the park for the first time.

1.5 acres of land dedicated to dogs and their proud owners sits at the intersection of Indian Bayou Drive and Commons Drive. The Destin Dog park is gated and sectioned off so that big dogs and little dogs can enjoy the park safely. Volunteers raised more than $30,000 and the City of Destin matched it providing an outlet for owners and pets to enjoy.

The park is complete with trees, plants, and benches as well as pooper-scooper stations to keep the grounds clean. It is open from sunrise to sunset and to the public, including non-residents. Make plans with your pooch this weekend at the Destin Dog Park!

Destin’s Latest Bite for Breakfast

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There’s a new breakfast spot in Destin right next to Mellow Mushroom and across from Another Broken Egg. As tempting as it was to turn right into a familiar restaurant that I’m assured of getting delicious food and great service I decided to live on the edge. Left I turned into a big yellow shopping plaza announcing in bold yellow letters The Pancakery.

I walk in to a friendly, eager to serve waiter that was so refreshing I failed to notice how empty the place was! While lines pile out the door across the street this somewhat concerned me but went ahead and sat down with my party of 5. Slowly couples and families would trickle in the spacious and clean restaurant. It reminded me of an old-school diner, but hip and without a gum smacking waitress named Flo.

The menu was not overwhelming but had everything you might enjoy for breakfast including Bloody Maries, Mimosas, and cold beer. That’s right; in a vacation spot like Destin it’s totally acceptable to have a beer with breakfast, even if you are a local! I was good and ordered coffee. It was delicious which, is always a good sign that breakfast will be too.

Omelets, pancakes, bacon, and eggs came out to the table promptly. All cooked to perfection! Pancakes were fluffy, eggs were not running, and omelets were stuffed with flavor! The portions were extremely generous. Next time I will share and save room for one of their delicious looking crepes.

Once the word gets out on the new breakfast hot spot lines will be out the door! So get over to The PanCakery now while you can still get in for great service, great prices, and delicious bites!

Songwriters of the World Unite on 30A

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Back by popular demand is the 30A Songwriters Festival. It’s a three-day music festival featuring over 250 performances by more than 125 songwriters from all over the country. Venues vary from intimate settings to open air amphitheaters, all taking place along the beautiful beaches of South Walton’s Scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida.

Beginning January 13th – 15th, the 30A 2012 Songwriters Festival provides non-stop entertainment at unique beach resort venues in South Walton. Performances will span along 30A from Santa Rosa Beach’s Gulf Place Amphitheatre and Naked Grape to The Boathouse in WaterColor and Caliza in Alys Beach. Including some favorite hangouts like First Note Music Hall in Blue Mountain Beach and Bud & Alley’s in Seaside.

Voted #1 Hottest Annual Event in 2011, 30A Songwriters Festival is ready to turn up the heat in 2012. Music styles range from folk, country, rock, and alternative. The 2012 featured line-up includes The Bangles, Rodney Crowell, Shawn Mullins, Matthew Sweet, Indigo Girls, Joan Osborne, and so many more. For a complete list of performances you can visit http://www.30asongwritersfestival.com Tickets are on sale now and you can purchase them online for a discounted price while available.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Visit South Walton produce and present this world class event of talented songwriters coming together to perform in one of the most beautiful spots in the Country. 30A Songwriters Festival is truly a music lovers must!

Destin Commons Welcomes Hickory Farms

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

One of my fondest memories as a child was around the age of 4. My mother was a big shopper so we visited the Westland Mall in Miami, Florida often. We would pass store after store until we came across a man standing outside a red gingham tarp offering samples of smoked cheddar. I can remember passing by the stand over and over again for another taste. So my love affair with cheese began and obsession with a store called Hickory Farms.

Living in Destin for 15 + years, I resolved to the fact that I would be without some luxuries that a bigger city like Miami provides. To my surprise, every year Destin makes sure I’m a little less home sick. First the opening of Fresh Market, following up with Sephora, and now bringing back my most cherished childhood memory, Hickory Farms for the holiday season.

Hickory Farms got their start over 60 years ago in the pastoral farm country of Ohio. The value and quality of their product has not wavered. To this day Hickory Farms continues to be a favorite among gift givers all over the Country. Fortunately for me I no longer have to place my order for savory sausages, amazing cheeses, and gourmet goodies online. I can head over to the Destin Commons, literally steps away to get my smoked cheddar fix.

Gone are my youthful days when weight was not a worry and stuffing your mouth with free samples of cheese was completely acceptable. However, I guarantee I will be on a first name basis with the sales people and Hickory Farms famous smoked cheddar will be an indulgence I enjoy all season long.

Big City Taste in Fort Walton Beach

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tucked away on Brookes Street sits Big City American Bistro. Hidden but never secluded, the word is out! This place is where you want to eat! It’s a casual, open atmosphere with prices that don’t hurt the pocket book and flavor that belongs in a five star restaurant.

I arrived at Big City American Bistro for a late lunch and from the time I was seated to the time I left the entire wait staff was hustling and bustling to accommodate a crowd. People continued to pile in with no break in sight. This however, did not affect the service one bit! Our waiter was very attentive, explaining the menu and offering substitutions when asked.

I sat and watched plates piled high with delicious looking food. Shortly a fresh green salad arrived that came with my meal. I ordered the Tuna and to my surprise it came out cooked to perfection. A generous piece of Tuna, slightly seared, and full of flavor sat beside fresh steamed veggies. The entire dish was amazing! Someone told me that there Crème Brulee was heaven so of course I ordered it and confirmed that it is.

Rumor has it their Sunday Brunch is the best in town. A buffet full of everything you could possibly be craving. From a fresh salad bar to omelet station; crisp bacon, sausage, grouper, a variety of tasty desserts, and bottomless mimosas. If that’s the case I’m clearing my calendar every Sunday.

Great service, great food, great job Big City! You will be seeing a lot of me.

It’s Happy Time in Destin

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Destin has a new favorite Happy Hour and you can find me there any given night between 4:30 and 9:00pm, Cuvee Bistro. It’s a Trendy restaurant with a fun, locals’ atmosphere. Owned and operated by Destin’s most cherished chef Tim Creehan, so it doesn’t hurt that the food is amazing too. Cuvee Bistro is quickly becoming the “place to be” in Destin.

True to its name, Cuvee Bistro offers a fusion of French, Asian, and Mediterranean flavors as well as award-winning dishes by Chef Creehan such as: Amy Grant’s Seared Tuna Rare and Vince Gill’s Pecan Crusted Grouper. Boasting a wine list that represented Destin as the only area winner of the 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as fare that won the Dinner’s Choice Award and the Finest on the Emerald Coast Award 2011. Cuvee Bistro guarantees fresh ingredients using herbs grown in their own garden behind the restaurant.

Now let’s talk about this Happy Hour. Cuvee Bistro offers Happy Hour specials every night from 4:30-9:00pm. Finally, there is a restaurant that brings happiness to their patrons for longer than 2 hours! At Cuvee Beach you have over 4 hours to eat, drink, and be HAPPY! You can enjoy a variety of drink specials, including $5 Martinis and ½ off selected menu items. My Favorite is there gourmet pizzas…..delicious.

Cuvee Bistro offers the best Happy Hour in town, live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday, floating flat screens along the bar, delicious food, and a variety of cocktails. If you are visiting Destin for the first time or a local looking for something new, try Cuvee Beach. It is not just a restaurant it is a tasty experience!

Pensacola Interstate Fair

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Fair is coming to Pensacola, Florida! Starting October 20^th for 10 days you can enjoy the largest and most exciting event held on the Gulf Coast! Attracting exhibits and participants from all over the country the Pensacola Interstate Fair will offer something for all! Progress through Education has been the central theme from the beginning offering students who have participated in the fair $40,000 in scholarships each year.

In keeping with the theme, the Pensacola Fair exhibits will include National Naval Aviation Museum, Photographic Arts, Custom Car Show, Woodcarvers, and more. Of course, it would not be a fair without the petting zoo, Ferris wheel, wild roller coasters, delicious food, and great entertainment. Check out the list of performers you can expect to see at the Fair.

Randy Houser will take the stage Friday, October 21^st at 8:00pm, M.C. Hammer pumps up the crowd Saturday, October 22^nd at 8:00pm, and Sunday October 23^rd The Icarus Effect will perform at 7:30pm. Live entertainment is provided every night and is included in admission. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. For a full list of performers you can visit pensacolafair.com.

Tickets to the fair are on sale now and can be purchased in advanced for a great savings. Family Fun Packs are offered at any Walgreens store. You can also purchase tickets at ticket booths right outside the fair. Special promotions such as: Midnight Madness, School Day Specials, Ladies’ Day, Men’s Day, and Grand Opening Day will be offered throughout the week. You can go to pensacolafair.com to find the promotion that works best for you.

Whether you want live musical entertainment, exciting fair rides, or just looking to take in the sights with a cone of cotton candy the fair is the place for you. The Pensacola Interstate Fair offers fun for the whole family.

'Sailgating' in Sandestin

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Football season has started and Sandestin’s Marina Beach is in on the game! Have you ever been 'Sailgating'? Second only to being in the actual stadium of your favorite NFL or College team, ‘Sailgating’ in Sandestin is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, or any time there is a NFL or College game on there will be a ‘Sailgate’ Party happening at the Marina Beach. A giant outdoor screen will play game after game while you cheer on your team. You can pull up your golf cart or chair for a perfect football weekend!

‘Sailgating’ at Marina Beach is so much more than football. There is discounted cocktails and specialty fare served by the Marina Bar and Grill throughout the day and on into the evening. Your favorite games can be played such as cornhole toss, making it fun for the whole family.

'Sailgating’ at Marina Beach means no longer being accused of watching too much football. That’s right guys; date night will never be the same. Take your wife or girlfriend to one of the most beautiful, romantic spots in Destin. So there’s a big screen with football playing in the background. You can always gaze into each other’s eyes during half time.

Marina Beach offers breathtaking views of the bay, serving delicious food and cocktails from the Marina Bar and Grill in a laid back atmosphere that welcomes the weekend. Start a new trend this season and join Sandestin for a ‘Sailgate’ Party like no other.