This year the Destin Fishing Rodeo is seeking to find the best shark fishermen. Every Saturday throughout the month-long rodeo in October, anglers will get the chance to weigh in a shark. The fisherman with the largest shark will take home a $250 prize. The shark division was added because the red snapper category will be closed.
Since June 2, 2009 you can fish for red snapper in and around Destin. The Fish and Wildlife Commission has shortened the fishing season to three months. Red Snapper season runs through September 30th. I saw some pretty big ones hanging on the docks while we were there earlier this summer. Below is the one I caught a few summers ago.
Destin's 31st Seafood Festival celebration, set to take place Oct. 2-4, along the Destin Harbor will feature Survivor and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as their headliners.
Don't know what YOLO is? Boy, are you behind the times. YOLO is sorta like stand-up canoeing on a surfboard.
It is now offered at Sandestin's Baytowne Wharf, less than a mile from Amberjack Landing. Rental fees are as low as $25. The Wharf has great restaurants and music, fun HUGE chairs for photos and now - YOLO! Check it out while your down there.
It's spring again in Destin. Lifeguards are back on the beach for spring break. The 31 Walton County lifeguards who will work the beaches this season were inducted this week during a ceremony at the Ed Walline Public Beach Access.
There is a new product out for jellyfish stings called Jellyfish Squish developed by an entrepreneur in Savannah, Georgia, in consultation with marine biologists. Reports say it has proven to be more effective than home remedies like meat tenderizer. I haven't tried it but plan to keep some in our first aide kit. I've never been stung but my family says they really hurt - at least for a little while.
Barb hired a professional sand castle artist Mark Flynn to give the family a lesson. Not too bad for a first try. And lots of fun. Here's the flickr set and slide show.
Every other year my family gets together at Amberjack Landing. It is a great place to relax and enjoy each other's company. Everyone pitches in. Sister Jan made some killer margaritas. Brother Chris and his wife grilled the best pork steaks on the Weber grill last night. Sister-in-law Mary Ann is cooking tonight. This is living. Our extended family of Pam (Pylant) and Paul Bankston bring great drink. Te teenage boys have taken over the tower and are finding stuff to entertain themselves. We are having a great time. Looking forward to our sandcastle making lessons tomorrow.
Water is beautiful. Weather great so far.
We are always looking for new fun places. Looks like Gecko's might just be one.
Things are definitely happening down here,” said Parjani. “Destin is a place where people like to be.”
If you want to get away from lines at the bar, this saloon is your place. With pool tables, dart boards, and big screen TVs, a Gecko’s patron is set for a leisurely evening with some extra elbow room. There will be live music some weekends, and in the fall, the bar will kick things off with the DirecTV NFL package.
The grand opening will be Saturday, Aug. 2. There will be catering by Callahan’s and live music by the local band The Blues Crabs.
Sandestin, a resort just up the beach from Amberjack Landing, tells us about the Destin Harbor Festivities throughout the summer.
The local 2008 Destin Harbor Summer Festival which began on June 1, runs for 12 weeks and ends on August 23, 2008. The festival is being put on by the Destin Harbor Association (DHA) and various harbor businesses, to showcase the distinctive Destin Harbor area.
Taking place on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, each week will feature live entertainment, delicious local dining, lovely art and a fantastic fireworks display, most of which are offered free to the public in a family-friendly environment.
Each night of the festival has a theme which guests and locals alike are sure to enjoy. While Thursday nights will be host to the patriotic "Red, White and Blue Celebration on the Harbor," Saturday nights will "Rock the Docks" with live music and Sundays starting at 11 a.m. will showcase "Art on the Harbor," which will feature local artist displays that will include various mediums and products for sale. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will also be presenting an ArtStop tent featuring kid's art projects on Sundays.
