Emerald Coast – Laurette Veres Visits Destin

Emerald Coast
Laurette Veres visits Destin.

Whether you plan your destination wedding or honeymoon here, Destin’s beaches have picture perfect options.

Not every beach should be a “scene.” For those wanting good food, quality family time, and a great place to relax and unwind, head to Destin. Named for the beautiful emerald waters off the Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s Emerald Coast boasts 24 miles of sugar white sand beaches, raucous entertainment, and comfort food with a twist.

Stay

The Henderson Park Inn is one of the most romantic Bed and Breakfasts in the area. Perfectly perched adjacent to the Henderson Beach State Park and directly on a quiet stretch of beach, this New England-styled bed and breakfast features Victorian-inspired furnishings and large verandas with impressive views of the Gulf of Mexico. You feel like you’re visiting grandma’s as you enter the quaint lobby with complimentary soft drinks, water, cookies and candy bars waiting for you. Just a few steps away is an expansive deck where you will find incredible sunsets and happy hour drink specials daily from 4:30 – 5:30.

Breakfast is also complimentary, and although dinner isn’t included, you’ll want to include it in your plans.

Seafood is the stand out at celebrity chef Tim Creehan’s Beach Walk. Try the sushi grade tuna – served with baby spinach and a soy ginger sauce.

Sunsets here offer the perfect location for casual nuptials.

Discover

Florida’s oldest Marine Park has been educating generations since 1955, as it plays host to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, tropical black-foot penguins, loggerhead sea turtles, harbor and gray seals, American alligators, nurse and lemon shark, tropical fish aquariums and more than 14 fascinating Gulf-edged exhibits. Resting on the sandy beaches of Okaloosa Island, this marine biologist’s dream still lives on with a famous past. Remember the movie Flipper? Flipper’s original trainer also trained the three dolphins that are there today.

Gulf Golf Academy

Acclaimed for its sporting collection of great golf escapes, this area tees up an incredible 1,080 holes. Get down to basics at the Emerald Bay Golf Club and Medicus Golf Institute. Learn the components of every golf swing and discover “Key Alignments” every successful golfer must overcome to
master the game.

Unwind

Round out your wedding getaway at the Boat House Oyster Bar. It’s right on the water and right on the money for entertainment. Featuring live music nightly and beer with breakfast, you’ll request the beloved honkey-tonk tune “Redneck Mother” before the night is through. The oysters rock – raw and baked – and the cheeseburger in Paradise helps stave off tomorrow’s hangover. Here’s a tip: arrive early, revelers don’t give up their seats too often.

Essentials:

Henderson Park Inn
2700 Scenic Highway 98
(850) 269-8646
www.hendersonparkinn.com
Beach Walk (850) 650-7100
www.beachwalkdestin.com
Florida’s Gulfarium Marine Show
Aquarium (850) 243-9046
www.gulfarium.com
Medicus Golf Institute
(330) 225-5949
www.medicusgolfinstitute.com
Boathouse Oyster Bar
(330) 837-3645