Escaping winter in Destin, Fla.
Panhandle city offers water adventures, dynamic food scene
Now that the cold weather has arrived, you might be thinking about ways to escape it. Consistently rated among the best beaches in America (and even the world), you can’t go wrong with a visit to Destin, Fla. Known for its emerald green yet totally clear water and white “sugar sand” powder soft beaches, Destin will give you the break from reality that you have been craving. If you have yet to make up your mind, let the beautiful scenery, amazing seafood, and endless opportunity for outdoor activities help you arrive to that conclusion.
If you are a fan of seafood, you will be in a foodie paradise. Obviously the fare is as fresh as it gets, being right on the water. Part of Florida’s Panhandle (along the northwest of the state, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, and yes — because it looks like a panhandle), people here take seafood seriously. You will find some of the most interesting and unique ways of cooking seafood along the panhandle region. You might have had oysters, but I can guarantee you have not tried them all the ways you will find them here. It doesn’t’ matter if you prefer “tried and true” dishes or you are more of an adventurous eater, you won’t be disappointed HAPPY BIRTHDAY: This year you will become more involved with others and their needs. You might play a fundamental role in several people’s lives. You understand what works on a domestic and emotional level. If you are single, you could meet someone this year who gives you a case of the butterflies. You might want to explore the possibilities. If you are attached, the two of you flow well together as a couple. One-on-one relating becomes a precious and important time for you both. Cancer understands your feelings almost better than you do.
The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-dynamic; 4-positive; 3-average; 2-so-so; 1-difficult.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) • ★★★★ You might find the lack of high-powered excitement today disappointing, but ultimately you do need some quiet time. Nevertheless, you hear others’ frustration and are in touch with your own feelings as a result. You could be put off by someone you admire. Tonight: Order in.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) • ★★★★ You will share your thoughts with greater clarity than usual. You could be a little taken aback by a friend or loved who throws a wrench in your plans at the last minute. Closing off this person ultimately won’t do you any good. Just go with the flow. Tonight: Indulge a loved one.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) • ★★★★ Be cautious with your spending. You might have a devil-may-care attitude right now, but it could change once you see the results of your frivolous behavior. An older relative or friend could be hard on you. Do what you must. Tonight: Fun in Destin.
At The Crab Trap, you can eat outdoors or inside. I’d recommend out, as this restaurant has the most beautiful views of the beach and the boardwalk below. There, watch beachgoers play volleyball or the waves roll in while you enjoy your meal. The ocean breeze is peaceful and welcome, and it’s a very relaxing way to spend your time out as a family. Located directly below you is The Boardwalk at Okaloosa Island, with shops, a small spray park, and other ways to while away your time. Let the kids run ahead of you or enjoy the water while you keep an eye on them. Great restaurant with great food, fantastic service, location, atmosphere, and views. (crabtrapdestin.com)
Make sure you take the time to visit Okaloosa Island Pier after you eat; it’s about a block away. Not only the perfect spot to take a family photo, but you can also look for dolphins, fish, seabirds or other marine life. You can also go fishing as well if you’d like. I know, again with the views — but really, they are incredible.
Across the parking lot, in the same center, is the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (gulfarium.com). It is a top Fort Walton Beach attraction, and perfect for families and animal lovers. This marine park houses animals such as seals, turtles, alligators, doesn’t need to cost anything.
CANCER (June 21-July
22) • ★★★★ You might be more sympathetic toward a coworker or friend than you have been in a while. Try your best to understand where this person is coming from. Your awareness of his or her feelings will help more than you might realize. Listen carefully. Tonight: Do your thing.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) • ★★★ After all of the recent uproar and confusion, you won’t mind going off on your own for some peace and quiet. If you mention your plans, you will rekindle several people’s need to be with you. Try being a bit more discreet for now. Tonight: Get some extra R and R.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.
22) • ★★★★ Your sensitivity doesn’t often come out for others to witness. Today, a key person in your life sees your support of his or her ideas. You don’t need to make a big deal out of what you see. Accept an invitation to be with people you respect and admire. Tonight: Party the night away.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-oct. 22) • ★★★ Others demand your attention. If you do not want to spend time with these people, you can come up with a good excuse. This tactic usually works, but authenticity might be more desirable today. A family member distances him- or herself. Let it go. Tonight: Hang out close to home.
SCORPIO (oct. 23-Nov. 21) • ★★★★★ You will appreciate going inward and choosing a pastime that expands your knowledge. You know what interests you, so follow through on that curiosity. Hearing a lecture, reading a book or finding an expert on the topic at hand could be rewarding. Tonight: Go with the flow.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21) • ★★★★ Make time for a special person in your life. Whether you’re driving together through the country or going to a lecture, your tension lessens. Cater to this individual. You would be wise to keep today and your time with this person on a one-on-one level. Tonight: Do not pull away.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) • ★★★ You might be tired or fed up with the recent pace. To many people, you will seem unavailable. You could decide to cocoon at home.
You might be in the midst of recharging your batteries, but perhaps you don’t know how to explain this. Tonight: Accept an invitation.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) • ★★★ Listen to what has been shared. Your feelings might be more involved than you’d like. You could feel pushed beyond your limit. Later, think through the comments you heard. You might want to get feedback from a close friend or loved one. Tonight: Get into a fun project.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20) • ★★★★★ Tap into your imagination to make plans that you and someone else might enjoy. Loosen up, and don’t be so uptight about what is happening around you. A friend could disappoint you. Take a step back from the situation, and try to worry less. Tonight: Release your inner child!
fish, snakes and much more. Learn from trainers and staff members about these animals, their care, andwhattheydointhe wild. There are live shows at set times, and you can also sign up for animal encounters to feed penguins, snorkel with stingrays, and other options. Do this aheadoftimesothatyou have your choice available to you at a time you are able to attend.
We were definitely looking to spend as much time as could outdoors. Getting as much vitamin D as you can while you can is always good, true? If you are looking for some outdoor adventure, book some time with Destin Snorkel & SNUBA Tour (destinsnorkel.com). Easily one of the coolest things we have done in a long time, “snuba” diving is part scuba, part snorkel, and perfect for almost any age and any level of swimmer.
Head over to the (save time to walk and shop) boardwalk, where you will meet your snuba professional and get your snuba-suit on. Yes, it’s just a wetsuit and fins, but you will feel so much cooler thinking of it that way. Once you are ready, head onto the boat where you are driven to safe, calm and clear waters. First, you will receive a 30-minute orientation where you are shown how to use all equipment and explanations are given, as well as questions answered. Then, you can swim and snorkel for a while. After that, you are able to dive up to 20 feet, with the rest of your group and your snuba instructor swimming along with you. Your mouthpiece is connected to an oxygen tank, and you are able to breathe fairly easily after you get used to it. You can see quite a variety of ocean life, and it’s a really awesome experience to be completely submerged underwater for such long stretches of time. Literally otherworldly, and very peaceful.
Not a great swimmer? Believe it or not, that’s OK. Got kids? Also fine. Call ahead and talk to them about restrictions, but there are far fewer then you might think. If you have never experienced snuba, or are thinking about scuba diving but have not yet, you must try this. An absolute “must try” experience for anyone.
While you are in the area, and you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Harbor Docks for some lunch. This Destin seafood restaurant staple has been locally sourcing food for more than 35 years, and you can really sense the pride and connection to the community. The menu offers only fresh, locally grown or locally caught options and flavors. Harbor Docks prides themselves on their long established relationships with local growers, fisher people and seafood markets. In addition, you will find an unusual for the area cooking style, brought to you by Yoshia Eddings (sushi chef ) as well as Dang Mccormick, who is from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and runs the kitchen.
For an interesting way to see some of the local landscapes, Destin Airboat Tour offers informative tours, views you won’t see many other ways, and the enjoyment of riding in an airboat (destinairboat. com). The kids will really love this. The six-passenger-capacity airboat’s owner and operator, Captain Frank, has been described as “a crusty Ozark mountain hillbilly with a sense of humor and love of nature.” I don’t disagree — he is definitely a character, and amusing. Again, the kids will get a kick out of him. They will get a turn to drive the boat as well if they want (anyone can, should they like to), and my own kids gladly took the opportunity. Captain Frank is also the proud owner of the only mobile, f loating chapel I have ever seen, and should you be looking to get married, he can spirit you off to do so. In a floating church. Really. (That’s enterprising, no?)
Some of the best food we ate while in Florida was at this “off the beaten path” place called Cafe Organic. The food was local when possible, organic, natural and delightful. The menu changes seasonally, based on what is available.