Destin, Emerald Coast, Okaloosa Newsroom

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DESTIN • FORT WALTON BEACH • OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. – The Emerald Coast area, acclaimed as one of the top three “Family Vacation Destinations” by the readers of Southern Living for 14 consecutive years, presents a priceless Florida beach vacation – without being pricey in the pocket. From luxury to economy, Destin • Fort Walton Beach • Okaloosa Island on Florida’s upper Gulf Coast offer more than 14,000 Gulf-edged rooms for seaside savings in popular hotels, condominiums, private cottages, a bed and breakfast inn and beach houses. Reasonable rates year-round, even during popular spring and summer seasons, guarantee more value – and more fun – for vacation dollars. In the slower fall and winter months, seashore solitude is a travel bargain with Emerald Coast rates dipping by one-third between Labor Day and mid-October, then delving slightly deeper October through February.

The natural beauty of the 24-mile (38 km) sweeping stretch of pure white sand beaches and emerald waters knows no season, yet the character of the Emerald Coast experiences an intriguing transformation throughout the year. Although Southern charm provides an annual accent, the pace slows to a near motionless mosey as the hurried days of summer fade and miles of bare beaches expose the simple charisma of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” stripped of its summer finery.

With a consistently enticing climate, the irresistible pleasures of the Emerald Coast rarely cease – with more than 300 spirited seaside celebrations, 1,080 holes of great golf, fishing from the largest charter boat fleet in Florida and delectable dining of the undeniably freshest seafood on the Gulf.

Condominiums

A collection of Gulf-edged condominiums spans the spectrum from small to sprawling with one, two, three and four-bedroom suites, villas and posh penthouses. Ideal for family beach vacations or special romantic escapes, designer interiors are complemented by creature comforts – family rooms, dining areas, kitchens, washers and dryers and private Gulf balconies with spectacular views. Tennis courts, colorful beach cabanas, oceanfront pools and heated Jacuzzis are added highlights.

Relaxation is redefined for a truly memorable getaway at several resort-style condominiums and condo hotels. Wrapped within are acres of exceptional amenities including golf courses, tennis complexes, private marinas, hi-tech fitness centers, restaurants and lounges.

Hotels

Several reputed hotels dot the Gulf of Mexico and waterways of the Emerald Coast including Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Four Points by Sheraton, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn and three Hampton Inns. Great for weekend or weeklong escapes, the retreats are surrounded by distinctive touches from lush seaside gardens and rock waterfalls to lattice gazebos and palm canopied cabanas. Amenities exceed expectations with Gulf-air cafes, elegant restaurants, tropical lounges, beachfront swimming pools, entertainment programs and tennis courts.

Bed and Breakfast

Offering the Southern charm of old Florida, Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast, with five tranquil and relaxing suites, is reminiscent of an old Florida plantation home showcasing a column-line porch and ceiling-to-floor windows that allow the gulf breeze and sounds of the shore to stream throughout the house.
Henderson Park Inn is a longtime favorite of visitors and locals looking for a quiet and romantic vacation or quick getaway. Located 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 a large veranda that offers impressive views of the Gulf of Mexico.
All guest rooms are equipped feature terraces overlooking the beach and some include fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for a vacation that’s not only romantic, but relaxing as well. Vacationers start each day with a complimentary continental-style breakfast served in the dining room. Chef Greg Dupas’s BeachWalk Café – located inside the bed and breakfast – serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as Destin’s only fine-dining restaurant located directly on the water. The restaurant is honored as a 2009 Inductee to Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Hall of Fame and remains one of Florida’s Top 500 Restaurants.

Private Cottages

Secluded beach bungalows are found within an assortment of private vacation rentals from seaside cottages to spacious five-bedroom houses. Sun decks, sweeping balconies and salt-air porches border sugar-quartz beaches and are only steps away from the tumbling surf. Creating the feeling of “owning” the beach for a weekend, week or month, numerous architectural styles from A-frame to Florida Cracker speckle the shores. The Water’s Edge, a tiny Victorian village, is comprised of sherbet-hued, gingerbread-adorned cottages. .

Campgrounds

For simple pleasures, go “au naturel” in one of the area’s five campground locations. Enjoy all the comforts of home in one of the area’s three RV Parks — Bayview RV Resort, Destin RV Resort or Playground RV Park — or choose to “rough it” at the Henderson Beach State Park or the Destin Campground, both of which offer more traditional camping experiences. Whatever the choice, the Emerald Coast offers scenic alternatives with campgrounds and parks rimmed by Gulf waters, caressed by Choctawhatchee Bay breezes or cloaked within lush coastal hammocks.

Additional visitor information about these and other area accommodations, including a meeting planner’s guide, is available by visiting us at www.emeraldcoastfl.com www.emeraldcoastfl.com or calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131.

Year 2012
For More Media Information
Michelle Kelly / Anna Whiddon

The Zimmerman Agency
(850) 668-2222
awhiddon@zimmerman.com



Resources Image Library News Releases News @lerts Search Contact Recent Press Press Kit General Overview Accommodations Meetings Activities Attractions Acclaims Dining Environmental Fast Facts Golf Weddings Special Events Trivia Spring Break	Press Kit: Accommodations Download PDF. DESTIN • FORT WALTON BEACH • OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. – The Emerald Coast area, acclaimed as one of the top three “Family Vacation Destinations” by the readers of Southern Living for 14 consecutive years, presents a priceless Florida beach vacation – without being pricey in the pocket. From luxury to economy, Destin • Fort Walton Beach • Okaloosa Island on Florida’s upper Gulf Coast offer more than 14,000 Gulf-edged rooms for seaside savings in popular hotels, condominiums, private cottages, a bed and breakfast inn and beach houses. Reasonable rates year-round, even during popular spring and summer seasons, guarantee more value – and more fun – for vacation dollars. In the slower fall and winter months, seashore solitude is a travel bargain with Emerald Coast rates dipping by one-third between Labor Day and mid-October, then delving slightly deeper October through February. The natural beauty of the 24-mile (38 km) sweeping stretch of pure white sand beaches and emerald waters knows no season, yet the character of the Emerald Coast experiences an intriguing transformation throughout the year. Although Southern charm provides an annual accent, the pace slows to a near motionless mosey as the hurried days of summer fade and miles of bare beaches expose the simple charisma of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” stripped of its summer finery. With a consistently enticing climate, the irresistible pleasures of the Emerald Coast rarely cease – with more than 300 spirited seaside celebrations, 1,080 holes of great golf, fishing from the largest charter boat fleet in Florida and delectable dining of the undeniably freshest seafood on the Gulf. Condominiums A collection of Gulf-edged condominiums spans the spectrum from small to sprawling with one, two, three and four-bedroom suites, villas and posh penthouses. Ideal for family beach vacations or special romantic escapes, designer interiors are complemented by creature comforts – family rooms, dining areas, kitchens, washers and dryers and private Gulf balconies with spectacular views. Tennis courts, colorful beach cabanas, oceanfront pools and heated Jacuzzis are added highlights. Relaxation is redefined for a truly memorable getaway at several resort-style condominiums and condo hotels. Wrapped within are acres of exceptional amenities including golf courses, tennis complexes, private marinas, hi-tech fitness centers, restaurants and lounges. Hotels Several reputed hotels dot the Gulf of Mexico and waterways of the Emerald Coast including Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Four Points by Sheraton, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn and three Hampton Inns. Great for weekend or weeklong escapes, the retreats are surrounded by distinctive touches from lush seaside gardens and rock waterfalls to lattice gazebos and palm canopied cabanas. Amenities exceed expectations with Gulf-air cafes, elegant restaurants, tropical lounges, beachfront swimming pools, entertainment programs and tennis courts. Bed and Breakfast Offering the Southern charm of old Florida, Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast, with five tranquil and relaxing suites, is reminiscent of an old Florida plantation home showcasing a column-line porch and ceiling-to-floor windows that allow the gulf breeze and sounds of the shore to stream throughout the house. Henderson Park Inn is a longtime favorite of visitors and locals looking for a quiet and romantic vacation or quick getaway. Located 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 a large veranda that offers impressive views of the Gulf of Mexico. All guest rooms are equipped feature terraces overlooking the beach and some include fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for a vacation that’s not only romantic, but relaxing as well. Vacationers start each day with a complimentary continental-style breakfast served in the dining room. Chef Greg Dupas’s BeachWalk Café – located inside the bed and breakfast – serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as Destin’s only fine-dining restaurant located directly on the water. The restaurant is honored as a 2009 Inductee to Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Hall of Fame and remains one of Florida’s Top 500 Restaurants. Private Cottages Secluded beach bungalows are found within an assortment of private vacation rentals from seaside cottages to spacious five-bedroom houses. Sun decks, sweeping balconies and salt-air porches border sugar-quartz beaches and are only steps away from the tumbling surf. Creating the feeling of “owning” the beach for a weekend, week or month, numerous architectural styles from A-frame to Florida Cracker speckle the shores. The Water’s Edge, a tiny Victorian village, is comprised of sherbet-hued, gingerbread-adorned cottages. . Campgrounds For simple pleasures, go “au naturel” in one of the area’s five campground locations. Enjoy all the comforts of home in one of the area’s three RV Parks — Bayview RV Resort, Destin RV Resort or Playground RV Park — or choose to “rough it” at the Henderson Beach State Park or the Destin Campground, both of which offer more traditional camping experiences. Whatever the choice, the Emerald Coast offers scenic alternatives with campgrounds and parks rimmed by Gulf waters, caressed by Choctawhatchee Bay breezes or cloaked within lush coastal hammocks. Additional visitor information about these and other area accommodations, including a meeting planner’s guide, is available by visiting us at www.emeraldcoastfl.com www.emeraldcoastfl.com or calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131.

Year 2012 For More Media Information Michelle Kelly / Anna Whiddon The Zimmerman Agency (850) 668-2222 awhiddon@zimmerman.com