32nd Annual Destin Seafood FestivalSeptember 17-19, 2010

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year.  The weather gets much cooler, not as much humidity, plus fall means that it’s time for the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival and the Fishing Rodeo!  This year will mark some big changes to the Destin Seafood Festival; for 31 years the festival has been held in October, coinciding with the month-long Fishing Rodeo.  To give the Rodeo an advance kick-off party for 2010, the Seafood Festival will now be held September 17-19.  There’s also a change of scenery, as the Festival will take place at the Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.  It’s still right at the docks, just a little more to the east. 

The Destin Seafood Festival is a blast!  If you’re from the area, you can’t help but run into everyone you know.  And if you’re visiting the Emerald Coast, you’re sure to make new friends.  There’s live music, arts and crafts, and of course, delicious seafood from area restaurants.  The three-day festival kicks off on Friday with a performance by local rock favorite Black-Eyed Blonde.  Headliners for Friday will be Starship starring Mickey Thomas, performing such hits as “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”  Saturday’s entertainment features Donnie Sundal, Jackie & Dave, and one of my personal local favorites, the Forrest Williams Band (you can catch them at Hog’s Breath most weekends).  The big hit for Saturday night is none other than Loverboy, who you may recognize from their songs “Working For the Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose.”  Sunday follows with artists The Sal Salaz Project and Jones and Company.

You can purchase a three-day pass for just $15.  Day passes can be purchased for Friday (4-10pm) for $5, Saturday (10am-10pm) for $10, and Sunday (11am-4pm) for $5.  The Festival is one of the best family-friendly events in the area, and all children 12 and under get in absolutely FREE!  Parking is limited, so make sure you arrive early.  ResortQuest Vacation Rentals is the official Accommodations Sponsor of the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival. Just call (800) 380-4808, mention the Destin Seafood Festival, and you’ll receive a discounted rate.

The weekend prior to the festival, the 2nd Annual Seafood Festival Golf Classic takes place at the Indian Bayou Golf Course on September 10-11.  The tournament draws competitive players from all over our region. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Destin Fisherman’s Fund.  The top three teams in each flight will receive gift certificates and will be recognized on Saturday, September 18 during the Seafood Festival.  Registration deadline is August 31.  For more information on the Golf Classic, contact the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce at (850) 837-6241. 

Come on out to these exciting events, have a blast, and help the residents of Destin celebrate life in "The Luckiest Fishing Village In The World!”

Kid-Friendly Activities for the Younger Set, Part II - Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Florida

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

In Part I, I told you about several hot spots in Gulf Shores that are welcoming to families with small children.  Gulf Shores is only one of many places along the Emerald Coast that are kid-friendly.  This week we’re going to head east to Destin and Fort Walton Beach to see what we can find there! 

• AJ’s Sea Blaster, 66 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL – This is the Gulf’s largest speedboat, but don’t let that scare you away.  The 73’ boat offers an array of different dolphin cruises and adventures that you can enjoy at any speed.  Life jackets are provided upon request, and the best part – children 4 and under are FREE!  Kids of all ages will love this boating experience! For more information call (850) 654-6888 or visit www.seablasterdestin.com.

• Big Kahuna’s, 1007 Highway 98 E, Destin, FL – This amazing water park in downtown Destin features a kids-only play area featuring great slides such as the Pirahna, Blue Mamba, Tahiti Twister, and Hydro Max.  There are some areas where kids under 48” tall are required wear life jackets (you can grab these at the locker station).  Swim diapers are required for the younger kids.  Kids 2 and under are FREE! For more information call (850) 837-4061 or visit www.bigkahunas.com.

• The Gulfarium, 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway, Ft. Walton Beach, FL – Just over the bridge from Destin, on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, the Gulfarium offers a great experience with local sea life!  The kids will love the sea lion, dolphin, and other multi-species shows, and will be enthralled by the penguin and otter feedings.  All of the shows have covered seating, so you’ll have a great time, rain or shine!  Kids 2 and under are also FREE!  For more information call (850) 243-9046 or visit www.gulfarium.com.

Stay tuned for Part III for the final installment of Gulf Coast activities the whole family can enjoy!

Perdido Key Open 2010 Beach Volleyball Tournament, September 17-19

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Avid volleyball players rejoice – come to Florida and compete on the beautiful beaches of Perdido Key! The largest outdoor beach event on the Gulf Coast is just a month away. The Perdido Key Open 2010 Beach Volleyball Tournament will take place September 17th-19th on the beaches in front of the world-famous Flora-Bama Lounge.

Activities begin at 7 p.m. on Friday with a Player’s Party. Divisional Pool Play will take place on Saturday, and Sunday will showcase Eliminations and Divisional Championships. Come down and compete, or just to enjoy the excitement and celebrate with the winners!

There are four different divisions that you can register for: Doubles ($40 per team), 4 Person Team ($80), Co-Ed Doubles ($40), and 6 Person Team ($100). Register today for your chance to compete for up to $500 in cash prizes.

ResortQuest is proud to be the Official Accommodations Sponsor for the tournament. Visit our website at ResortQuestPerdidoKeyVacations.com to view our vacation rentals in Perdido Key. Book a condo and save, we offer up to 3 bedrooms sleeping up to 10 guests, with full kitchens, very economical! For more information on the tournament, or to sign up your team, visit PerdidoKeyOpen.com or call (800) 328-0107 or (850) 492-4660.

Set…Spike!

Kid-Friendly Activities for the Younger Set, Part I - Gulf Shores, Alabama

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

You’re all ready and packed for the beach, and there’s only one problem – how to find activities to entertain the smallest members of your family? As the mother of a toddler, I have great news for you: there are wonderful attractions in our areas that are perfect for the little ones! Here are some notable kid-friendly attractions in the Gulf Shores, Alabama area:

• Waterville USA, 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL – This is a fun water park just a mile off the beach. It has an entire kids’ area called WaWa World for children under 48” tall. It features the Frog, Pelican and Duck slides, and also has an abundance of other colorful attractions. Life jackets are free upon request; and the best part is that kids 2 and under are FREE. For information call (251) 948-2106 or visit www.watervilleusa.com.

• Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL – Who doesn’t love the zoo? The kids will love to interact with more than 300 animals including lions, bears, and monkeys. Take advantage of the petting zoo, reptile house, and daily animal shows. Children 2 and under are also FREE at the Zoo! For more information call (251) 968-5732 or visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com.

• The Track Family Recreation Center, 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL – The Track is fun for the entire family featuring lots of go-kart tracks and various other rides. The Kids Country is geared towards children under 8, and offers rides such as the Rio Grande Train, the carousel, Spin Tops, swings, a ferris wheel and two different go-kart tracks: Kiddie Karts (height requirement 3’6”) and Rookie Karts (minimum 4’2” height). Ticket prices begin at $2.48 per ticket, and they offer great value pack prices. For more information call (251) 968-8111 or visit www.gulfshorestrack.com.

Now that you have plenty of options for everyone in your family, we invite you to come on down to Gulf Shores, Alabama and experience the vacation of a lifetime!