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Destin Fishing at its finest: Cobia Season Recap

May 23rd, 2013
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HD Cobia - Only Way

 

Harbor Docks’ Cobia World Championships Raised Over $20,000 for Local Charity

DESTIN, FL- Locally owned Destin restaurant Harbor Docks recently hosted its largest Cobia Word Championships tournament to date with 87 boats entered in the event. With over $66,000 paid out to 14 different boats, the Cobia World Championships, combined with the Crab Cruncher Classic, raised over $20,000 for Take-A-Kid Fishing Day.

The Cobia World Championships and the Crab Cruncher Classic are the primary fundraisers for the 19th Annual Take-A-Kid Fishing Day, which treats underprivileged children to a fun day of fishing on some of Destin’s finest luxury charter boats.  The team at Harbor Docks plans to take the kids out for a memorable day on the water on Sunday, November 3, 2013.

Local charter boat Only Way took first place in the Cobia World Championships with a 93.2 pound Cobia. For the 28’ and Under World Championships, Miss Aubie finished in first place with 73.2 pounds. In the Ladies World Championships, Sure Lure took first place with 76.3 pounds, and Big Forks won the Junior World Championship with 66.7 pounds. Full Pull had the most Cobia 50 pounds and over with 22 fish and the final Fat Four winner was Only Way with a whopping 305.5 pounds of fish. The top three money boats of the tournament were Full Pull with $16,374, Only Way with $16,057 and Sweet Caroline with $9,235.

The 2013 Cobia World Championships kicked off on Friday, March 22, 2013 and ended on May 5, 2013.  The Crab Cruncher Classic, part of Harbor Docks’ Cobia World Championships, was held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 through Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Harbor Docks hosts numerous fundraising events throughout the year for local charities including the Cobia World Championships and the Crab Cruncher Classic as well as the Caddyshack Classic Golf Tournament and Harbor Docks Charity Auction.

2013 Mattie Kelly 18th Annual Concerts in the Village

Mar 7th, 2013
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MKAF Concerts Logo Celebrating its 18th season, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF)  is proud to announce the 18th Annual Concerts in the Village will kick off a 10-week concert series beginning May 2 through June 27 every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., followed by a concert finale on Wednesday, July 3 for an American Patriotic Tribute.

Voted as one of the top ten things to do in Northwest Florida by Florida Travel & Tourism Guide, the 18th Annual Concerts in the Village will be held at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in the heart of Destin and enjoy use of new permanent stage, the Dugas Pavilion, and Village Green.

Nestled among 44.94 acres of pristine forest and wetlands, the newly-developed concert venue rests on 6.76 acres of green space, and is complemented by a commanding 20-foot metal sculpture visibly identifying the concert entrance, 1,924 square-foot bathroom building, and 168 additional on-site grass parking spaces with over 300 additional shared parking spaces with adjacent property owners.

MKAF is pleased to announce the 2013 concert schedule, featuring local and regional touring artists performing genres of music suitable for all ages.

Opening night, May 2 will feature the Fountain City Players (Motown, R&B, Pop. Reggae, Jazz);

May 9, the Michael Stacey Band (Modern Country);

May 16, Ron Adams “Reflections”, a historical journey of American music;

May 23, China Grove, a Tribute Band to the Doobie Brothers;

May 30, Déjà Vu (Classic/Modern Rock, 70’s to 90’s RnB);

June 6, The Mike Veal Band (Stump the Band from over 200 top artists);

June 13, The Craig Woolard Band (Carolina Beach Music);

June 20, Heritage (Hawaiian, Pop & Reggae);

June 27, Alter Eagles, A Tribute Band to The Eagles

July 3, David Seering taking to the stage to perform An American Patriotic Tribute.

Concerts in the Village features unique amenities for all ages, creating an enjoyable cultural experience. The Picnic Supper Club is a benefit to sponsors and available MKAF members who wish to purchase a season table to host friends, family or clients in a cultural atmosphere.  Local featured restaurants alternate weekly serving fresh, affordable cuisine prepared on-site, and even offer a kid’s menu. Concert fans are welcome to bring their own picnic and wine or beverage of choice. Bottled water and soft drinks are available to purchase on-site with proceeds to benefit the MKAF’s cultural and education mission.  Admission is $8 per adult and children under 12 and MKAF members are free.  For sponsorship and volunteer opportunities or more information, visit www.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org or call 850-650-2226.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival® Panama City Beach, FL April 17th-21st, 2013

Feb 27th, 2013
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Tower of Power

Tower of Power

Seabreeze Jazz Festival® To Celebrate 15th Anniversary with a Star-Packed Stellar Weekend of Smooth Jazz in Panama City Beach, FL April 17th-21st, 2013

Presented by ResortQuest® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals

(Panama City Beach, FL)   The white-sand beaches of Panama City Beach, Florida will again be the backdrop for an incredible weekend of smooth jazz entertainment as The 15th Annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival® returns to Panama City Beach April 17th-22nd. All main performances will take place at the Pier Park Amphitheater (Aaron Beasant Park) adjacent to the Pier Park shopping complex on the west end of Panama City Beach.  New for 2013 is the newly constructed amphitheater stage and other park amenities that will welcome back fans for an exciting weekend featuring the top names in contemporary smooth jazz. The event, attracting attendees from all over the USA and over six countries, was named “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and a “Top 100 Event in North America” by the North American Tour Bus Association.  The fusion of beautiful beaches, a myriad of condos and hotels, coupled with great restaurants and shopping adjacent to the festival site at Pier Park, and best of all — continuous top-notch national smooth jazz talent — make the Seabreeze Jazz Festival® a true “destination festival” for the discriminating jazz lover.

Artists to perform for 2103 include top-charting smooth jazz artists Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Tower of Power, Fourplay featuring Lalah Hathaway, Average White Band, Euge Groove, Peter White, Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Steve Oliver, Tim Bowman, Ken Ford, DW3. Yancyy, Pamela Williams, Brian Lenair, Margo Rey, The Peet Project, Gail Jhonson, Joey Sommerville, Michael Ward, Eric Essix, Roman Street, Althea Rene’, Karen Briggs, Mariea Antoinette, Dave McMurray, Gwen Foxx, Raysee Biggs, Al McKenzie, and Paul Dozier.

And back by popular demand, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival® Host for 2013 will be comedian Alonzo Bodden – known for his specials on SHOWTIME® and his appearance on NBC-TV’s Last Comic Standing.  Alonzo Bodden has recently hosted the Smooth Jazz Cruise to rave reviews as well.

Tickets are $80 per single day, $150 for a Weekend Pass good for Friday-Sunday, and $200 for a Four Day Pass. Tickets are available online at www.seabreezejazzfestival.com or by phone at 800-595-4849.

Local ticket outlets in Northwest Florida include:

Destin: Vacuum Center on Highway 98 across from Regatta Bay (Cash and Credit Cards)

Ft. Walton Beach: Playground Music Center at Uptown Station (Cash Only)

Eglin Air Force Base: MWR Office – (military discount) (Cash and Credit Cards)

Panama City Beach: Reggae J’s at Pier Park* (facing the pier) (Cash and Credit Cards)

*(additional service charges apply for tickets purchased at Reggae J’s or at the event gates)

Naval Coastal Systems Center – MWR Office  (military discount) (Cash and Credit Cards)

Panama City: Knology Cable on West 15th Street (Cash Only)

Creative Gems on Jenks Ave just south of 23rd Street (Cash Only)

Tyndall Air Force Base: MWR Office – (military discount) (Cash and Credit Cards)

Special hotel accommodation packages are available through the festival’s supportive hotel sponsors.   Presenting Sponsor and Featured Festival Accommodations Partner ResortQuest® is offering free shuttle service from select ResortQuest® properties for the best jazz festival experience ever. Call 855-740-3004 for reservations or see the entire listing of hotels and special offers at www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.  Sterling Resorts is also offering special rates as low as $139 per night for a one-bedroom condo plus other resort offerings. Call 877-778-3260 for reservations. Mention “Seabreeze Jazz Festival” for the lowest festival rate. The “Accommodations” button on the festival’s main page links fans to all the best hotel and condo offerings for the Ultimate Weekend of Smooth Jazz.

A toll-free information hotline is available for festival details at 800-653-7519. Complete lineup, tickets, and schedule information is online at www.seabreezejazzfestival.com with weekly updates on Facebook keywords “seabreeze jazz fest”.

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is again working with LINKS of Northwest Florida (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) providing a complimentary Four Day Pass ($200 value) for each good used band instrument donated to the Links Program.  To donate an instrument, contact Playground Music Center in Ft. Walton Beach at 850-243-2514.

General Admission seating is lawn seating so attendees need to bring a lawn chair or a blanket as event is festival seating.  No alcohol  or glass containers allowed inside.  A cash bar will be available inside the venue.  Only small personal insulated totes no taller than 12 inches high allowed inside.   See website for additional restrictions.

The 2013 Seabreeze Jazz Festival® presented by ResortQuest® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is also sponsored by The Panama City Beach Visitor’s and Convention Bureau, Smooth Jazz Cruise Pier Park, Knology, Viamedia, Smooth Jazz.com, Smooth Lounge.com, Sterling Resorts, Lake Town Wharf, The Panama City News Herald, The Northwest Florida Daily News, PCB Daily.com, SoWal.com, Creative Gems of Panama City and WSBZ Radio The Seabreeze 106.3FM.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival April 25-28, 2013

Feb 6th, 2013
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Best In Show-WhiteRed 2013 South Walton Beaches Wine Food Festival copyPreparation is underway for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival to be held April 25 through 28 in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®

A group of prestigious judges, including several sommeliers, recently gathered at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, preferred partners of the Wine & Food Festival, to conduct the wine competition judging to determine which wines would be shown and sold at the SoWal Wine Fest.

Under the leadership of the director of wine competition for the event, John Morris, director of wine education at Wine World, the properly mixed judging panels of vintners, educators, collectors, restaurant owners and wine-related media conducted a blind tasting of many wines to select the wines that to be shown and sold at the Wine & Food Festival.

The Best in Show red and white wines selected were Dopff and Irion, a 2008 Riesling from the Alsace region in France; and Truchard, a 2008 Pinot Noir from the Carneros region in Napa Valley, California. Vintner Anthony Truchard II will be on hand at the SoWal Wine Fest in April.

“In my 10+ years of doing this, the venue here at the Hilton Sandestin Beach was superb, and the well-orchestrated efforts in conducting the wine competition resulted in the best one yet,” said Morris. “There was a seamless transition from the wine competition judging into the Taste of Champions event that evening that benefited the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.”

Morris further commented, “We have an incredible number of wine makers and personalities attending the SoWal Wine Fest in April. In addition to many fine wines, we will have artisan Scotches and Bourbons represented, as well as tastings and seminars.”

Grand Boulevard is an ideally suited for the April 25 through 28 event with ample parking and spacious green spaces with a retail sales tent conveniently located for the consumers. With a strong emphasis on the food component, and 800 wines available to taste and purchase, the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival continues to work towards the development of a world-class festival. The charity driven event will benefit the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

For further information, visit www.sowalwine.com, their Facebook page or Twitter, or call (850) 837-3099 ext. 3.

The 24th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Feb 15-16, 2013

Feb 6th, 2013
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Sandestin Gumbo Festival

Sandestin Gumbo Festival

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announces great gumbo paired with first-rate family fun at the Gulf Coast’s favorite winter food event – the 24th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. People from all over the southeast are expected to join in the festivities during the extended Presidents Day weekend.

For more than two decades, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival has been known as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Now in its 24th year, the event takes over Baytowne Wharf during the extended Presidents Weekend, Saturday, February 16th from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. From live Zydeco music, family activities to the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast, this year is promising to serve up fun for everyone. Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.sandestingumbofestival.com.

“The Gumbo Festival is one of our longest running and most enjoyable food events,” says Lanier Motes, Special Event Manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf. “Many Gulf Coast restaurants serve up their best gumbo, hoping to take home the ‘Area’s Best’ and ‘People’s Choice’ awards. Guests can look forward to tasting great gumbo and voting for their favorite, while listening to live Zydeco music.”

All participating restaurants will serve their best gumbo recipe, most filled with chicken, sausage or seafood, while celebrity judges choose their favorites through a blind voting process. Judges will award the top three restaurants and businesses in the “Area’s Best” gumbo. Participating restaurants and businesses will vie for placement in the following categories: “Area’s Best – Veteran,” participating more than 5 years; “Area’s Best – 5 Years or Less,” participating five years or less; “Area’s Best – Freshman;” for the first-timers.

Festival guests can vote for “The People’s Choice” awards in gumbo and with their vote guests will be eligible for raffle items from the participating restaurants. After “The People’s Choice” honors are given, judges will award the “Best Display” with one winner. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on event day. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.sandestingumbofestival.com or for purchase at these Village of Baytowne Wharf vendors: Graffiti & the Funky Blues Shack or Aloha Surf Company starting January 14.

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is proud to partner with: The United Way, where a portion of the net event proceeds benefit local United Way agencies Caring & Sharing and The Walton County Education Foundation; and these local sponsors: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Visit South Walton, The Northwest Florida Daily News, The Destin Log, Wave 102.1, Highway 98.1 and 103.1 The Blaze.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites local businesses and restaurants to join in the fun by becoming a gumbo participant. Participants of The Sandestin Gumbo Festival will be included in the event’s marketing package, in an opportunity to win radio and print advertising through our sponsors and award winners will receive prize money. E-mail contact@baytownewharf.com for more information.

Carmike’s Boulevard 10 Cinema is coming to Sandestin Spring 2013

Dec 17th, 2012
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Construction of Carmike’s Boulevard 10 Cinema is on schedule for a Spring Break 2013 grand opening. This is Walton County’s first movie theatre and is a state-of-the-art 10 screen movie theatre that will seat a total of 1,800 people. Among its unique features is a “BIG D” large-screen format auditorium that includes a wall to wall, floor to ceiling screen that is 60 feet wide and three stories high. It also includes plush leather high-back rocking seats and 7.1 surround sound and digital projection of both 2D and 3D features. There are only 14 BIG D auditoriums in the country and this is the first one in Florida. The quality and clarity of the BIG D will create an amazing experience for movie-goers. Boulevard 10 will also feature The Ovation Club, a showcase within the theatre offering a more intimate movie-going experience with lush leather seating, swing around tables, a wall-to-wall screen, premium food made to order and adult beverages.

Sandestin Gives Gift of Travel, Offers Free Nights Between December 19-25

Dec 5th, 2012
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Free Studio Accommodations with Purchase of Golf
at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, a top rated destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is giving away free night stays between December 19 and 25, 2012.

Guests receive a complimentary night in deluxe studio accommodations at the resort’s LeCiel and Luau communities with the purchase of a round of golf for December 19-24 or 26.

According to Robert Schamber, Sandestin Vice President of Operations, “This free night promotion is our way to give people the gift of travel and the opportunity to experience all Sandestin has to offer, including the enjoyable game of golf.”

Sandestin’s three participating golf courses, The Links Golf Club, Raven Golf Club and Baytowne Golf Club, provide an enjoyable golf experience for every level of player. The Links Golf Club provides beautiful water views, while Baytowne Golf Club features five sets of tees, including a junior tee which is closer to each hole. The Raven Golf Club is well suited for experience players who want to have a PGA level experience.

Rates for these courses December 19-24 and 26 are only $89 a round. Additional rounds can be purchased at only $79 each.

People wanting to book their complimentary nights at LeCiel or Luau between December 19 and 24 can call 1-866-91-BEACH or book online at Sandestin.com by using the code XMAS. While quantities last, there is a four night maximum, and the offer cannot be combined with any other offer, nor is it valid on previously booked accommodations.

Sandestin has always been known as a special destination for the holidays with its many events, activities for all ages and proximity to shopping.

In addition, Sandestin offers memorable experiences like its Santa Tuck-In program on December 21 and 22, where for a small added fee, Santa will visit children in the comfort of their guest room, read them a story and leave them with a special gift.

With every stay, Sandestin guests also receive complimentary amenities including free bike rental, fitness center access and more.

Children can talk to “Santa” via Skype at Sandestin Resort Dec 2012

Nov 28th, 2012
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This holiday season families can celebrate the magic of Christmas with a Skype call to Santa or a personal tuck-in from Santa at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Thanks to the team and technologically savvy elves at Sandestin, Santa will be available for these free Skype conversations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until December 21, 2012, from 4-5 p.m. CST. Families can simply call him at Skype location name, SandestinResort.

After an overwhelming successful debut last year, the Sandestin Santa Skype program is very popular with children from all corners of the world including Asia, Africa, Europe, Canada and the U.S.

“Our gift to families is to be able to connect children with Santa through Skype, one of the most accessible and innovative computer technologies available,” said Laurie Hobbs, director of public relations for the resort. “At Sandestin, we are so very fortunate to provide opportunities for families to experience memorable moments like these.”

In related news, Sandestin also announced the continuation of its innovative Santa Tuck-In Program.

Resort guests will receive a special visit from Santa, a personalized gift for each child and hear a bed time story. The Santa Tuck-In program will be available with a fee every Friday and Saturday starting Nov. 23 through Dec. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. Proceeds go toward Toys for Tots. To make reservations please call 866-657-7271 or email Santa@sandestin.com.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has been a treasured tradition for families for generations and during this holiday it is extra special with more than a dozen events and activities. The resort is making it easy to get away this holiday with a variety of options and deals for individuals and families. Special Christmas on the Coast rate specials include: a free night with the purchase of two. (Code: FREE3) and “HOT Dates and Rates” (Code: HOT) for guests that are flexible and want last minute deals, based on availability.

For complete information about Skyping with Santa and the Santa Tuck-In program at Sandestin visit Sandestin.com. For overnight reservations, call 1-866-91-BEACH.

Destin, FL October 2012 “Things to Do”

Sep 24th, 2012
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October is our favorite month of the year along the beaches in Destin! The weather is always fantastic with warm days in the 80′s, cooler nights and much less humidity than normal. The crowds are smaller than peak summer, and we are enjoying steady increases in visits by “savvy” vacationers looking to take advantage of great weather, lower fall rates for accommodations and smaller crowds.

October in Destin is one of the most active in terms of “Things to Do” along the Emerald Coast Beaches of Destin and South Walton.

 

Best Bets:

  • The annual Destin Fishing Rodeo spans the entire month of October. Daily weigh-ins are FREE and held on the docs behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar from 10-7. www.destinfishingrodeo.org/
  • The Destin Seafood Festival Oct 5-7 is full of arts, crafts, music, food, entertainment, fireworks, and excitement for all! It will showcase the Harbor Board Walk from one end to the other with over a mile of Festival on the water showcasing Destin’s Fishing Fleet, Harbor Restaurants & Bars and breath taking sunsets. www.destinseafoodfestival.org/
  • The Destin Arts Festival, Oct 27-28 is sponsored by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and the Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks, Inc. The festival is held annually at Henderson Beach State Park on the last weekend of October.  This fine arts festival will feature over 100 artists, children’s interactive art area, live music and a bistro food court. Also included is an adult/student collaborative exhibit as well as festival t-shirts and posters. Shuttle buses will run from the Emerald Coast Centre, Bealls Department Store, located on Highway 98 just west of Wal-Mart; look for the feather flags.  Admission:  $3 for adults.
    http://mattiekellyartsfoundation.org/destinFestival.htm

Spend Father’s Day at the Beach

May 31st, 2012
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Spend Father’s Day at the Beach

Okaloosa Island Condo

The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach is offering “Book 3 nights and get the 4th night FREE or receive 15% off your stay!”  The Breakers offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Gulf front condos.  Check them out at http://www.destin-ation.com/hoteldiscounts.php

 

Take a Father’s Day Lunch Cruise Aboard the SOLARIS.

Destin Florida Cruise

SunQuest Cruises is offering a freshly prepared chef’s meal and entertainment on June 17, from 1 to 3 pm., boarding will be from 12:15 to 12:55 at Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina. For additional information, please visit http://www.destin-ation.com/floridadiscountspecials.php.

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