White sand abounds in Destin

The area in which Destin is located calls itself the Emerald Coast.  The sand is like sugar and the water is clear and a most beautiful turquoise.  You can wade out 30 yards into the ocean and still be able to look down and see your feet and the soft sand you’re standing on!

I would like to highlight 2 areas of interest from our most recent trip to Destin.  The first is a restaurant, The Red Bar…Picolo’s Restaurant, in Grayton Beach, FL.  Grayton Beach is about 30 minutes from the heart of the Destin “strip”.  The Red Bar, Picolo’s Restaurant is a small, “hidden away” closed-in spot right in “downtown” Grayton Beach.  It is the favorite among locals and you’ll be hard pressed to find a regular to the Destin area that hasn’t made The Red Bar one of their must-eat-at locations!  My husband and I went out for our date night during our week in Destin and after 3 years of being told we simply must experience The Red Bar we finally ventured there.  It was by far the best meal I’ve eaten in the 5 times I’ve been to that area on vacation.  Each night there is a set menu with approximately 5-6 entrees to choose from.  My husband had the crawfish and shrimp pasta and I had stuffed, baked eggplant which was filled with cheeses and a yummy sauce, as well as zucchini and seafood.  The staff is wonderful and the live band they have each night is so fun!  Good music, great cocktails, excellent food!

Boogie's Water Sports

The second suggestion I have for regulars to Destin would be to rent a pontoon boat and/or waverunners from Boogies Water Sports.  They have reasonable prices, no ludicrous deposit from your credit/debit card and plenty of good staff to help you.  Each year that we have taken my husband’s parents to Destin with us, we have rented a pontoon boat for 4 hours.  We have fished off of the boat, cruised around and

A Pontoon Boat from Boogie's

taken in the views of the million dollar homes on the water, and spent time anchored at “Crab Island” which is an area right past the Destin Bridge.  Crab Island is a section in the gulf where the water is only 2 feet high and everyone anchors their boats and plays in the water and buys snacks from a floating concession stand.  Pontoon boats have plenty of room for a family (we have 3 children) and this makes for a nice break in the middle of your week from the beach and pool!

 Review submitted by TuesdaysTraveler reader Suzanne S. - her first review.

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