Emerald Coast Winter Activities, Part I - Destin Area

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Now that we’ve entered the winter months, splashing around in Gulf waters probably doesn’t sound too appealing – unless you need a quick pick-me-up!  Traveling to the Emerald Coast still has many advantages – the air is refreshing, prices are lower, beaches are uncrowded and perfect for a long relaxing walk, and there are plenty of activities that will keep you entertained during the cold weather.  This week in Part I of a 3-part series, you’ll discover some great things to do within the Destin area.

The Emerald Coast is a wonderful place to do your holiday shopping.  Just in Destin alone there are THREE great malls to choose from:

·  Destin Commons, 4300 Legendary Drive, (850) 337-8700 – Featuring a huge Bass Pro Shop, a children’s playground, and many restaurants, there’s something for everyone at this shopping center.  Some of the stores to choose from are Abercrombie & Fitch, Gymboree, Belk, Build-A-Bear, and many, many more!

·   Silver Sands Factory Stores, 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway, (850) 654-9771 – You’ll find amazing discounts at this outlet center, including name brands such as Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Aeropostale, Coach and Carter’s.

·   Grand Boulevard, 215 Grand Boulevard, (850) 654-5929 – This shopping center offers a varied selection of upscale shops and fine dining, featuring stores such as J. Crew-at-the-Beach, Brooks Brothers Country Club, and Billabong, and eateries such as P. F. Chang’s, Mitchell’s Fish Market and Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar.

With great new releases coming up, such as Megamind, Gulliver’s Travels, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, grab the whole family and head over to a movie theater and enjoy a new flick (and lots of popcorn):

·   Rave Motion Pictures - 4000 Legendary Drive, (850) 337-8777
·   Lively Cinema 10 - 759 Harbor Boulevard, (850) 654-2992

The BEST part of the winter season is being able to go ice-skating!  The Village of Baytowne Wharf (9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, (850) 267-8000) has opened Baytowne on Ice, an ice skating rink open Monday through Thursday 4-9pm, 4-10pm on Friday, Saturday 11am-10pm, and Sunday 12-6pm.  The skating rink is open from now until February 14th, so there’s plenty of time for your family to plan a visit to Destin and enjoy the attraction.  For only $10, you can skate for an hour and a half.  Skate rentals are $2.  Also, the first hour of each day is dedicated to “youth skate,” so the little ones can have the opportunity for an open skate.

So don’t let the winter weather stop you from enjoying a beach vacation!  ResortQuest not only offers prices that are half off summertime rates, but also free night promotions if you stay a little longer.  Call us at 866-478-3307 or click here for more information.

More For Your Money March

We think you should get more out of a vacation. Like more space, more privacy and more amenities. More value for your vacation dollar. In short, more vacation in your vacation.
That’s why we’re offering One Free Night for every Two Paid Nights at most of our ResortQuest locations during the month of March!*

That’s right, pay for 2 nights get 1 night free!
Pay for 4 nights and receive 2 additional nights free!
Pay for 6 nights and receive 3 additional nights free!

As a ResortQuest guest, you’ll also receive our Passport-To-Fun program that includes complimentary admission/fares to local attractions such as deep-sea fishing, dolphin cruises and more.

To Claim This Deal: Call 866-478-3307 and ask for promotion code $MYM

Offer valid at select properties during March 2009. Not valid on existing reservations, third party or group reservations and cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Discount does not apply to taxes and other applicable fees. Other restrictions may apply.

SunDestin March Special 3/01/09 – 3/31/09

Gulf-front unit - $89 per night (45% off)

Stay directly on the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of Destin during the month of March for only $89 a night! This resort has every convenience and amenity under the sun. You’ll love the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, steam room/ sauna, fitness room, game room and more! As a ResortQuest guest, you’ll also receive our Passport-To-Fun program that includes complimentary admission/fares to local attractions such as deep-sea fishing, dolphin cruises and more.

Reserve your March stay at SunDestin Beach Resort today for 3 nights or more to take advantage of this special rate on our one bedroom units.

To Claim This Deal: Call 1-866-478-3307 and mention $SUN9

* $89 rate applies to stays of 3 nights or more in a 1 bedroom Gulf-front SunDestin unit during the month of March. Limited one time offer with a 3-night minimum stay. Excludes existing reservations, monthly reservations, group reservations and holidays. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Price does not include taxes and fees. Other restrictions may apply.

STAY 2 NIGHTS and GET THE 3rd NIGHT FREE.

For Florida and Alabama RESIDENCE, book a staycation of 3 nights or more before December 30, 2008 at select Alabama and Northwest Florida vacation rentals for stays now through May 20, 2009 and take advantage of ResortQuest 3rd night FREE offer.

ITS SO EASY, call one of our vacation specialists today 866-503-4809 and mention promotion code $STAC. For more information visit us at www.ResortQuestNWFL.com

At ResortQuest we believe you, our neighbors, desires special treatment and our goal is to provide you with a great fun vacation. In addition to providing you with the best selection and an exclusive offer, you also receive ResortQuest’s “Passport to Fun” complimentary amenities program, which includes admission to some of the area’s most popular seasonal attractions, including deep-sea fishing trips.

*Offer good at select locations on ResortQuest Alabama and Northwest Florida locations for stays booked by 10/30/08 and completed by May 20, 2009. 3rd NIGHT FREE applied to stays of 3+ consecutive nights. Not valid on existing reservations, third party or group reservations. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply

4th Night FREE – that’s a 25% savings!

Book your July or August beach vacation of 4 nights or more by August 6, 2008 at either of these popular Destin resorts and receive the 4th night FREE*! Plus receive complimentary dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing, waterpark admission and more!
SunDestin Beach Resort & TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort
Please call 866-269-8975 and ask for promo code $FRE4. Offer not available online. To receive this special offer, call 866-269-8975 (toll free 24 hour reservations) and ask for code $­­­­FRE4

** Terms & Conditions: 4th night FREE valid on stays of 4 nights or more in select units at SunDestin Beach Resort & TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort when booked by August 6, 2008 and stay completed by August 31, 2008. Not valid on existing reservations, third party reservations, group reservations and cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

Gas Up & Go –Summer Offer

At ResortQuest we don’t want you to miss out on your Vacation because of high gas prices. Therefore, for a limited time, ResortQuest is pleased to offer our guests gift cards to help you fill up your tank. SUPER SUMMER GAS SAVINGS! Book a summer vacation with us of 3 or more nights and receive a $50 gift card. For stays of 7 nights or more, guests will receive a $100 gift card. Stays must be completed by Sept 1, 2008. Don’t wait as this is a limited time offer and is only available while supply lasts!

To Claim This Deal: Call 866-478-3307 and ask for promotion code $GVOU.

This limited time offer is valid for stays at most of our vacation condo rentals based on terms stated above. Guests receive a voucher for gas card upon check-in. One offer per reservation. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Not valid on existing reservations, third party reservations or group reservations. Some restrictions may apply.