In our fast-paced world, filled with deadlines, responsibilities, and constant connectivity, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking a break. Yet, the benefits of vacationing go far beyond a simple change of scenery. Let’s delve into the science behind why vacationing is not just a luxury but a crucial element for your overall well-being.

1. Stress Reduction: Vacations provide a much-needed break from the daily grind, allowing your body and mind to unwind. Chronic stress has been linked to various health issues, including heart disease and mental health disorders. Taking time off gives your stress hormones a chance to reset, promoting better mental and physical health.
2. Improved Mental Health: A change of environment can do wonders for your mental well-being. Experiencing new places and cultures stimulates the brain, fostering creativity and reducing the risk of burnout. Additionally, vacations often involve activities that bring joy and relaxation, contributing to lower levels of anxiety and depression.
3. Enhanced Productivity and Creativity: Contrary to the belief that constant work leads to success, research suggests that taking breaks, including vacations, enhances productivity and creativity. Stepping away from the daily routine allows your brain to recharge, resulting in improved problem-solving skills and a fresh perspective upon your return.
4. Stronger Relationships: Vacations provide an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. Shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family adventure, these moments contribute to a sense of connection and happiness.
5. Physical Health Benefits: Engaging in leisure activities during vacations, such as swimming, hiking, or simply walking along the beach, promotes physical health. Regular physical activity is essential for cardiovascular health, weight management, and overall longevity.
6. Increased Job Satisfaction: Taking time off from work and returning with a refreshed mindset can lead to increased job satisfaction. A well-rested employee is more likely to feel motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to their work, contributing to a positive work environment.
7. Better Sleep Patterns: The relaxation gained during a vacation often translates into improved sleep quality. The break from work-related stressors and the establishment of a new routine can reset your body’s internal clock, promoting healthier sleep patterns.

Vacationing isn’t just a luxury; it’s a fundamental component of a healthy and balanced life. From reducing stress and enhancing mental health to fostering creativity and strengthening relationships, the benefits of taking time off are backed by science. So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to plan that getaway, remember that investing in your well-being is one of the most valuable choices you can make. It’s time to pack your bags and embark on a journey toward a healthier, happier you.

Book Your Emerald Coast Vacation Today!

Exploring the Best of Destin, Florida, for Your Next Holiday

Are you dreaming of a perfect vacation spot that combines pristine beaches, emerald waters, and a wealth of activities for everyone in the family? Look no further than the charming and picturesque destination of Destin, Florida. Located on the beautiful Emerald Coast of the Sunshine State, Destin offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty that’s sure to make your vacation an unforgettable experience.

1. A Paradise of Beaches

Destin is renowned for its breathtaking sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family-friendly destination, or a solo adventure, you’ll find the perfect beach for your needs. Destin is home to iconic spots like Henderson Beach State Park, Crystal Sands Beach, and Miramar Beach. Spend your days lounging in the sun, building sandcastles, or simply gazing at the Gulf of Mexico’s stunning horizon.

2. Water Adventures Galore

One of the highlights of a Destin vacation is the wide range of water-related activities. The area is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and offers fantastic opportunities for deep-sea fishing, boating, and yachting. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, you can book a charter and try your luck at catching some of the Gulf’s most prized fish, such as red snapper, grouper, and amberjack.

If you prefer a more relaxed water experience, consider paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling in the calm and clear waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. You might even spot a pod of dolphins swimming alongside your boat, creating magical memories.

3. Delectable Dining

Destin is home to a thriving culinary scene, with restaurants ranging from casual seafood shacks to upscale fine dining establishments. Sample the catch of the day, such as Gulf shrimp, oysters, and fresh fish, at local eateries like The Back Porch, Dewey Destin’s, or Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House. For a romantic sunset dinner, make a reservation at Beach Walk Café, where you can savor gourmet cuisine while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

4. Shopping and Entertainment

When you’ve had your fill of sun and surf, explore the vibrant shopping and entertainment options in Destin. Visit Destin Commons for a mix of boutiques, brand-name stores, and entertainment for the whole family. The Village of Baytowne Wharf in nearby Sandestin is another must-visit spot with charming shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.

For a fun-filled evening, consider catching a live performance or event at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center or The Village Door Music Hall. There’s always something happening in Destin, so be sure to check out the local event calendar during your stay.

5. Natural Wonders and Wildlife

In addition to the beaches, Destin boasts numerous natural wonders. Take a day trip to explore the stunning coastal dunes and hiking trails in nearby state parks like Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. These parks offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Florida’s diverse ecosystems, spot native wildlife, and admire the region’s unique flora.

6. Family Fun and More

Destin is an ideal destination for families, with various attractions designed to entertain kids of all ages. The Track Family Fun Park features go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade, while Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park offers water slides and wave pools for a thrilling day out.

7. Unwind and Rejuvenate

Of course, vacations are about relaxation, too. Destin offers an array of world-class spas where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and massages. Whether you’re looking to unwind and pamper yourself or spend quality time with your loved ones, Destin has the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Destin, Florida, truly has it all, making it a dream destination for your next vacation. From pristine beaches and water adventures to delicious dining and family fun, this coastal paradise promises to create lasting memories. Start planning your getaway to Destin, and prepare to experience the vacation of a lifetime.

Summer is brewing. That means hot coffee is out, and Iced Coffee is a must have. This heat brings about a lot of changes and a lot of important necessities. Including skin protectant, sunglasses, drinking water and so much more. We know these things are important to help protect us from the glorious, yet invading sun rays.

As we cruise the beaches, searching for crabs in the evening with our flashlights or trying to find the perfect waves on the Gulf in the morning sunrise. We might see dolphins, sting rays floating to the surface or even a couple of algae blooms.

Right now, we are seeing a bunch of brown plant algae. Here’s what we know about this amazing thing know has “seaweed” or its proper name Sargassum. Honestly, we locals like to also refer to it as June grass. It comes and goes everywhere at least once a year. For our lovely guests that travel to us for the peak season. We tend to get a lot of questions on what is it, how it comes about, why is there so much of it and is it toxic?

Seaweed is a macroalgae that refers to thousands of species of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae.

References the great, James Spann, we are experiencing a massive influx of our June grass from the Sahara Dust. This turns into dust clouds that do hold a lot of minerals sparking the algae bloom in the ocean. Any kind of high tide or rough current sweeps the seaweed off the ocean floor and to our beach surfaces. Mix it with the sand and you have what you see on the gulf all the way down to Mexico.

In multiple areas of the Panhandle, there are individuals who help to mitigate the seaweed, not to remove it completely but just to simple push them to the sand dunes or compile them in an effective way.

Seaweed happens to have an amazing effect on our ecosystem. It is so helpful to keeping our beaches clean, our skin healthy and our marine life feed. The biggest benefit it has on our planet is absorbing carbon emissions (up to 50 times greater than forests on land), regenerating marine ecosystems, creating biofuel and renewable plastics as well as generating marine protein.

For the question of toxicity. It is also the opposite of what most people think. There are no known poisonous or toxic seaweeds in existence. There are only a few typesseaweeds that cause a bit of acid, but it is compared to the acid that is already in your stomach. It contains many kinds of antioxidants like B12.

With all we know and all we are still learning. Seaweed is a nothing but great asset to our water and even to our beaches. It may feel a little gooey but isn’t something to worry about in terms of health. June grass comes and goes every year and honestly, we should love it more than hate it. It keeps the world balanced 🙂

It is that time of year again! Coffee flavors turn to pumpkin spice, pumpkins are filling the fields and homes are transformed with décor to scare! Our favorite part about this time of year is that the sun goes down earlier which means the beauty of the city lights illuminate over the water just a little bit longer. Halloween can mean varies things to various individuals, but here at Solely Beachfront, we believe it is another way to bring people together on common grounds. Celebrating life, allowing the kids a day to have as much candy as their stomachs can hold, and a chance to enjoy the new season and wind down the previous year to allow for a little relaxation and family time! One of the most daunting things to for our Halloween lovers is how to determine how much candy to buy for the trick or treaters or which costumes should we wear as a unit, a pair or just purely for oneself. It is fun to be creative, nostalgic or just plan spine-chilling.  So we thought we would help create some fun ideas for you this SPOOKY HALLOWEEN! 🙂

Family Fun Costume Idea’s:

Adam’s Family                                                                                       Alice in Wonderland

Pair or Couple Costume Ideas:

Woody & Jessie                                                                                  Devil & Dark Angels

Just You Costume Ideas:

Sabrina                                                                                                  Zombie Skeleton

We hope these ideas help to spark some creative ones of your own! Have a fun & Safe Halloween. From us here at Solely Beachfront!  HAPPYYY HALLLOWEENN! 

Summertime is coming to a swift, and seamless close. As water begins to cools down and the birds start to migrate to the area and even further south. We know we have some avid birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiast that come from around the world, especially in the season to come.  So we thought we would share some of the best areas to view these interesting flight animals.

Interesting fact about where some of the birds migrate on the Panhandle- St Vincent Island, which is on the migration path for birds heading to South America and other warmer climates for the season. This allows for a lot more viewing of birds that are not as common in the area. Shorebirds, Wading birds, raptors and song birds call St. Vincent home while the nations bird, the Bald Eagle, nest there during the winter  months. St. Vincent is a National Wildlife Refuge that allows for a bunch of engaging activities, whether you just want to take in the serine view of the Gulf of Mexico, while having a quick snack during a picnic, just don’t feed the birds any bread from your meal- it is actually not nutritious or filling and can stop birds from eating their natural diet of insects and vegetation. Or you want to take a hike on the 90 miles of trails and rough it a little bit to find the birds in their natural habitat.

Shore Birds

Another beautiful location to do some glorious bird gazing is at the Destin’s Norriego’s Point, which host various types of birds from the egrets, herons, terns, Eastern Towhees and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and many more. The good thing about this area is that is a little off the beaten path to most individuals who don’t know the area, so it tends to be the least crowded. There are a variety of birds that come to this location almost everyday. So you can take a chair, grab your binoculars and set back and enjoy the perfect white sand and clear Emerald water while witnessing the differences of birds on their daily journey.

Easter Towhees

Fall is a beautiful time to take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. Indulge in the sightseeing, watch the sunset over the water and add to your  list of new birds to discover. Even if you don’t directly head to a wildlife sanctuary to view these beautiful creatures. There are birds all along the Emerald Coast that can uncover through simply watching them fly in the sky or skim fish off the ocean’s surface which can truly make the soul happy.

White Ibis

We love Fall here on the Emerald Coast!

It’s that time of year again, the summer is halfway over, and children are heading to class. We know this year is going to be a little different considering the experience we’ve had in the previous school year with the global pandemic and a lot of at-home teaching/learning. Parents are on edge, and kids are anxious and excited to begin this almost new beginning in a different environment. That means beginning healthy habits for routines, waking up early, engaging with other children, school shopping, and so much more! We also know that that means preparing the house, the kids, all while getting set for the work train again.

We thought it would be helpful for our fellow parents to have some fun snack recipes that will keep the children happy and healthy!

Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt Bark

Ingredients:

• 2 Bananas, Ripe
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 2 tbsp Style peanut butter, natural
• 2 tbsp Chocolate chips, mini
• 2 cups yogurt, plain

Recipe:

• Mash Banana in yogurt
• Spread onto a baking sheet
• Drizzle on Peanut Butter
• Add Sliced banana
• Mini Chocolate Chips
• Freeze and break into pieces

Chunky Monkey Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter, natural
• 1/2 Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 Cup tsp Vanilla
• 1 bag of pretzels

Recipe:

• Put peanut butter on powdered sugar
• Add Vanilla and a little salt; mix
• Refrigerate for 10-15 min
• Roll in a ball and smash two pretzels on both sides
• Melt the chocolate, chop & dip half or whole pretzels in it
• Put on a baking sheet and refrigerate

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Granola Apple Bites

Ingredients:

• 2 Apples
• 1/4 cup Granola
• 1/4 cup Peanut butter
• 1 Chocolate Chips, semisweet
• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon, ground

Recipe:

• Coat the tops of apple wedges in peanut butter and sprinkle with granola and cinnamon.
• Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring in 30-second increments until melted. Be careful not to overheat.
• Drizzle wedges with melted chocolate, set on a large platter, and serve.

Cucumber Sushi

Ingredients:

• 2-3 Slices of Boar’s Head Maple Glazed Honey Coat® Ham
• 2-3 Slices of Boar’s Head American Cheese, white
• (1) Fresh Cucumber
• Handful of fresh matchstick carrots
• Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Recipe:

• Slice cucumber into large ¾-1 inch thick slices (removing peel if desired).
• Hollow out the center of the cucumber using a melon baller. Leave about ½ inch of cucumber from the edges.
• Stuff cucumber with small rolls of ham, cheese, and carrots until the center is filled.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve cold. Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container.

Happy Hours from Destin – Sandestin

🍹Destin Standouts

Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer:  Everyday from 2-6pm, half priced house wine well drinks and select draft beer, $5 Margaritas and $8 select appetizers.  Don’t miss Wine Down Wednesdays well discounted select wine by the glass, bottle, and captains list.  https://www.brotulas.com/happyhour

The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar: Weekdays  at the ADULT only SkyBar, from 2-5pm, draft beer, house wine cocktails and small plates.  https://edgeseafood.com/

Harry T’s Lighthouse: M-F 11am-6pm, $2 off beer and cocktails and two for one house wines.  https://www.harryts.com/

Marina Cafe: Daily from 5-7pm in the loung/bar, half priced wines, martinis, cocktails and domestic beer, plus special priced apps.  https://marinacafe.com/

The Craft Bar: M-F from 2-6pm, happy hour menu has $8 food and $7 cocktails $5 local beer + Weekly Specials  https://www.thecraftbarfl.com/destin-harbor-happy-hour

🌴 Miramar Beach Area

Pompano Joes:  Daily 2-4pm, $3.50 drafts, $5 house wine, $7.50 margaritas and $10 appetizers, including smoked tuna dip, calamari and pork nachos.  https://www.pompano-joes.com/destin-menu

Sandos Beachside Cafe & Sandbar: Upstairs Bar Happy hour 3-5pm (Tuesday – Sunday) https://www.sandosbeachside.com/sandbar 

Auston’s on 98: Happy Hour M-Fr 3-5pm great drink specials and Buck a Shuck hour for Oyster M-F 3-4pm https://www.austonson98.com/happy-hour

Crab Island, Destin, Florida – What it’s All About

If you have ever made a trip to Destin, FL or told someone that you planned to make a stop here, you have probably heard of Crab Island. An “island” where people rent a boat and anchor down for a day of relaxation and fun, right in the middle of the sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Crab Island has been featured on HGTV and Good Morning America, as it has grown rapidly popular over the years. Although you may be wondering exactly what Crab Island is and what there possibly is to do in the middle of the Gulf? So we are here to enlighten you on some of your most frequently asked questions! 

#1: What is Crab Island?

Crab Island is a raised sandbar that used to be an island years ago, but eroded over time with the help of the occasional hurricane. The sandbar is around 1-4 ft all the way around, making it a fabulous place to rent a boat and park for a day of fun in the sun. This used to be a place where the locals would anchor for the day; however, over the years, this has become a hot spot in Destin for tourists to hang out with their families for the day.

#2: What is there to do at Crab Island?

Crab Island is home of many floating vendors and restaurants, which include lots of good food, snacks, and even t-shirts. However, vendors are no longer allowed to sell alcohol on the water, but you may still bring your own with you! People also love Crab Island for the environment. It is filled with so many people who love to throw the football, float on a floatie, play loud music, or even just take a good nap while basking in the sun. You are in the middle of the ocean, so what you choose to do is endless, just go and have fun!

Some of the vendors on Crab Island include: Crab Island Boiled Peanuts, Crab Island Grill, Frickin’ Ridiculous BBQ, Sea Cow Ice Cream and Smoothies, A Bite of Paradise, Jimmy’s Ice Cream & T-Shirts, the Crab Island General Store, Wild Coconuts & Pineapples, Gulf Coast Gelato.

#3: How do I get to Crab Island?

Crab Island is accessible by boat, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard. Swimming to Crab Island is highly discouraged, as the currents are too strong to swim to the island. Many people rent a pontoon from one of the amazing boat rental companies within the Destin Harbor, which is a 5-10 minute boat ride to the island. There is also an option to shuttle to the island on an excursion that will stay with you the entire time, while you explore the island for 2-3 hours.

#4: Is it Family Friendly?

Crab Island is made for all kinds of people with families and without. There is something for all ages! The Baldock family personally enjoys taking their girls to Crab Island to swim in the beautiful blue-green waters and snorkel, followed by eating at Dewey Destin’s after they dock. We highly encourage this experience for all guests and their families. We would even love to hear about your experience at Crab Island, to be featured on our blog in years to come!

#5: What should I bring to Crab Island?

A few things that we would suggest bringing for your adventure to Crab Island include: your family, snacks, drinks, food money, floaties, water toys, beach towels, and sunscreen. Most often, people spend the entire day or half day at Crab Island, so make sure to bring everything you might need in the middle of the water. Also, if you want to let the waves rock you to sleep on your floatie, bring a rope to tie yourself to the back of the boat so that you don’t float out to sea!

#6: Where is Crab Island?

Crab Island is located on the North side of the Destin bridge. It is not accessible by car, only by boat, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard.

We have all experienced such a unique past year that has certainly pulled us into a peculiar experience both in our home life and weather based. Already going into the month of May, we’ve experienced high so high, you have to reevaluate the sweater and boots you put on  earlier that morning with the fresh, dewed chill. But then the sun starts to go down, the northern winds blow in making it seem like you should be drinking hot cocoa by the fireplace. Especially with what just hit us and the majority of the country! The good news is that us here on the Emerald Coast has had a full recovery and our little fishing village is ready to serve up some beautiful sun and some typical, spring rainfall.

So we thought we would share with you some of our favourite hiking/outdoor spots! (We absolutely recommend the app “All Trails”: which is really handy for finding new spots with photos & reviews)

In Destin, FL, we have the Henderson Beach Nature Trail.

If you are willing to travel a bit further into Niceville, we have the 2 mile trail called Turkey Creek Nature trail. This is perfect for all skill types and has a beautiful river view.  One of the gorgeous pieces of this particular state park are the line of sand dunes; home of the the most unique ecosystems. Typically it isn’t okay to walk on the dunes, but this area allows you to explore the dunes and see creatures and plants in their natural habitat. In all, this area has some of the most natural and interesting scrubs and trees.

A personal favourite is the Blackwater River State Park Trails which offers the best scenic and secluded forests, wetlands and creeks. It is a beautiful drive through tons of trees like the Pinus Echinata that overcast during your leading to the entrance of the Park.  The Entry way fee is, as of now, are $4 or an annual pass of . There is an amazing choose of campsites, more than 50, that allow tents, campers and RVs including water, electricity, a grill and picnic table prices from $16 to $42. There is the Chain of Lakes Nature trail which is a 1.75-mile loop trail starts off the trails. You can go bird-sighting, spot an endangered panhandle lily, or just simply sight-seeing.