Destin Florida Vacation

Happy Holidays from Newman-Dailey

2009-12-22T13:57:00.003-06:00

"Calling all good boys and girls to meet me at the Best Beach known to men in Red."

We wish all the blessings this holiday season brings to you and your family!

Destin Seafood Festival 2008

2008-10-08T12:52:00.002-05:00

The Destin Seafood Festival was back and better than ever this year! The fact that it was brought back to the Destin Harbor is in itself a great thing, but the food and the live music was equally impressive. We really enjoyed The Commadors -- it was like being transformed back to the 70's when synchronized performers and butterfly-collared leisure suits were cool.

I have to say that although the new Emerald Grande monstrosity really ticked me (and several thousand locals) off, it's pretty cool and has brought a new up-scale night-life scene back to the Harbor. One of the nice new places is Pat O'Brien's, a popular restaurant that serves Irish/American style food and has been made famous by its signature New Orleans drink, The Hurricane.

Seafood Festival 2008 was a hit and I look forward to next year's now more than ever before!

Fat Clemenza's - Best Italian in Destin

2008-04-21T16:58:00.003-05:00

If you haven't had the chance to visit Destin's new favorite Italian "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant, Fat Clemenza's, stop everything you're doing and go right now!

The first time I ate was by recommendation of my parents, who said the food was as good or better than our favorite little spot back in Miami. Although I didn't believe them at first, my wife and I ate their two nights later.

Since our first time eating at Fat Clemenza's, we have come back nearly twice a week to enjoy what is by far the best "real" Italian food along the Emerald Coast. There's a lot of "plastic Italian" restaurants in the area, but if you're looking for a real New York or Chicago-style Italian spot, this is the place for you.

To start, their brick-oven pizza is as good as any I've had in Brooklyn or Little Italy. The quality of the mozzerella and pepperoni is fabulous. Their daily dinner specials are some of our favorite dishes now and their everyday entrees are fantastic.

For dinner, you can expect to pay between $12-20 for your entree. Also a great place for lunch, featuring many great sandwiches for $6-8 and rarely busy during lunch time.

So if you haven't already, go down to Fat Clemenza's for dinner. But get there early! It's packed every night (which means it's good). Enjoy the fabulous Italian couisine and the friendly owner, Dominique, who'll most likely visit your table.

You were right about Camille's!

2008-04-01T11:47:00.004-05:00

I ate at Camille's last night and it was Fabulous! The sushi was fresh and delicious and the atmosphere was quaint and relaxing. Our server was Marlena and she was there when we needed her and away when we didn't.

Even better Yoshi -- our local sushi chef to the stars -- was rolling our sushi last night! We had a great time as always and would highly recommend this restaurant!

Camille's Seafood & Sushi Restaurant

2008-03-15T16:50:00.000-05:00

Destin is known for its beautiful beaches, challenging golf courses and trendy shops, but when the sun goes down its culinary flare rises. Destin is home to some of the finest dining establishments in the world and the options are endless. From steak to seafood, spaghetti to enchiladas, Destin has it all.

This brings us to the all-so-perplexing question: Where do we eat? I’ll tell you a little secret! When the locals are in the mood for delicious food we head over to Camille’s at Crystal Beach. Camille’s is located on Scenic Highway 98, tucked away on the second floor of The Beachside Inn. Just up the stairs and through the door you’ll find yourself in a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere like none other.

Camille’s serves up an eclectic fare of seafood and local favorites, such as Barbeque Shrimp, Crab Cakes, and a 12-ounce Certified Angus Ribeye sure to make your mouth water. With an extensive wine list and tantalizing daily specials there is something to wet everyone’s appetite. Enjoy your meal inside, with a breath-taking view of the ocean or on the two outdoor patios relaxing to the sounds of the Gulf.

Stop by Camille’s sushi bar for the greatest sushi around. That’s right; people come from all over to enjoy delicacies such as Uni, Toro, and Blue Fin Tuna. How about a sake bomb or cocktail at the bar? Have some laughs with the sushi chefs and bartenders, as well as the locals who come here often.

At Camille’s you’ll never see a stranger, just friendly faces enjoying good food and good spirits in a casual atmosphere. Camille’s serves up delicious food at a great price for lunch and dinner everyday, making it a best kept secret in Destin.

Fine Shopping at Grand Boulevard

2008-03-10T16:46:00.001-05:00

Located at the entrance of the all-inclusive Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort and adjacent to the new state-of-the-art Sacred Heart Hospital, you’re only moments away from your destination.

That does this mean for locals and guests of Destin, Sandestin, Rosemary Beach, Watercolor, and Seaside? More Beach time of course! What about those rainy days? Spend the day at Grand Boulevard shopping in stores such as Tommy Bahama, Brooke’s Brothers, Coldwater Creek, Billabong, J. Jill and Victoria’s Secret.

Take the kids to Learning Express Toys and Kilwin’s Confectionary and Ice Cream Shoppe or mom to Fusion Spa Salon for a stress-relieving message or cleansing facial.Have you worked up an appetite? How about dining in one of Grand Boulevard’s premiere restaurants! Whether it’s biting into a savory steak at Fleming’s Prime Steak House and Wine Bar or feasting on fresh seafood at Mitchell’s Fish Market restaurant and bar, there’s sure to be something that awakens your taste buds. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by Cantina Laredo for one of their famous Margaritas… can you say Ole!

With all of this and the two luxury hotels on the Boulevard (Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott) you won’t want to leave. So come on down and see why they’re calling Grand Boulevard the new “shop, work, play and stay” town center in Northwest Florida. You’re guaranteed to have a Grand experience.

Golf The Raven at Sandestin

2008-03-05T16:39:00.004-06:00

Proficiently combining meticulous attention to detail with a consistent level of exceptional service has awarded this course the honor of being part of the Raven family. To achieve such status, a golf facility must pass a comprehensive annual 136-point inspection. It is required to be memorable and playable while at the same time providing a challenging tee to green experience.

Each Raven course offers its players a course unique to their environments and The Raven at Sandestin sets the bar high in natural appeal and climate. Robert Trent Jones Jr. constructed this visually stunning course 6900-yard par 71 into what he hails “a true modern traditional”.

Voted best new course in Florida in 2000 by Florida Golf News, the Raven presents drama and strategy, winding through pine trees and marshes. Kirk Laszewski, a former Florida State competitor says: “It’s a technical course that presents a refreshing challenge for your short game”.

The 2006 Boeing Championship was an incredible success and Sandestin and the local community are thrilled to host this prestigious event once again. On the books for May 28 – June 3 2007, the Boeing Championship will be comprised of a three-day, 54 hole competition preceded by a two-day pro-am and a day of able practice rounds. The purse is set at 1.65 million and new comers to the tour include Mark O’Meara, Nick Price, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and John Cook.

Check out http://www.theboeingchampionship.com/ for an extensive player commitment list, directions and ticket prices.

Destin Florida Vacation Blog

2008-03-01T16:30:00.000-06:00

This first blog is sort of a "welcome" message to all of you who have found us. The purpose of this Destin vacation blog is to talk about anything and everything that is interesting in Destin, Florida.

Blog postings might contain your favorite Destin restaurants and the experiences you've had with them. They might include some of your favorite beach spots or local activities. They might include your fishing trips, local angling tips or what fish are biting.

We encourage you to visit our blog frequently for tips, ideas and reviews of local-area activities.