Once in a Blue Moon in Destin
Destin, FL -There's very little wrong with being in Destin in the Fall. Of course, the mountains to the north have the spectacular autumn scenery, but The Florida Panhandle enjoys some of the best weather of the year during the fall! Just about this time, the temperatures begin to drop a good 10 degrees or so and the air is impossibly dry and fresh; instead of a high of 90, it's more like 80 and the morning lows suddenly get all the way down to an astounding 67…positively glorious for that early morning run or swim!
The emerald green waters of the Gulf, however, are at there all time high having enjoyed a summer full of warm sunshine. It's surely an invitation to dive in and enjoy the clear aquamarine surf as it laps onto these pristine beaches. Anyone from New England would find the temperature in Destin exceedingly "comfortable!"
Anyone
from New England would find the temperature in Destin exceedingly "comfortable!"
Destin has quite a history. It's not too hard to imagine Leonard Destin arriving here in 1850 and deciding to stay for many of the same reasons. Mr. Destin left New England to settle the "East Pass" peninsula and the small commercial fishing village was given his name. The village of Destin remained a lazy, devil-may-care "dot" in the larger scheme of things in Florida as it was originally cut off from the rest of the world until a bridge was finally erected over the Destin Pass in 1930. The area was one of the last to make a name for itself as a resort destination in spite of its fine white sand (known as sugar sand) and emerald clear waters.
Today, Destin is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and vacationers and sports enthusiasts alike have discovered the last secrets of Destin and its beautiful coastline in the Florida Panhandle. Destin certainly benefited from the many mistakes made by "other" communities and its residents were determined to do better! Its zoning, architecture and growth were "considered" and the results are clearly evident in the clean, stunning architecture that has grown around the seaside town. It’s no longer a sleepy fishing village at all! Yet it still has maintained much of that charm as it continues to grow!
The sun shines bright and warm this time of year, with only the slightest "hint" of winter in the air and sky is impossibly blue and clear. Sunsets become even more spectacular in the "cooler" air. It's well worth taking time to find the perfect balcony with a perfect chair (or two) and wile away the afternoon with a good book or take a large cotton quilt and a cooler of food and drink to the beach- spread out and relax with your family or friends until the "show" begins.
If you're really interested in the history of this jewel on the Emerald Coast, The Destin Fishing Museum is full of ancient photos and relics that capture Destin's infamous fishing history. In fact, the REAL reason Destin became known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" is tucked away inside for the ardent scholar to discover. Photos of the early pioneers and area settlements can be found at the Old Destin Post Office Museum. The relics and artifacts from the period make it a quite an interesting visit. Who knew that Destin's first post office was originally located in the parlor of Billy Marler's home in 1897?
It's all about the weather and the weather is cause enough for a number of well-known festivals. The Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place the entire month of October and AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar is the consummate host for all the fun! There's everything from Golf (of course) to Oyster Shucking and the world famous Mullet Toss Off! Plenty of cash and prizes and always a great crowd of locals who know how to have a good time at AJ's! Nowhere along the Emerald Coast of Florida will you find experiences quite like the one at AJ's!
The Destin Seafood Festival is also one of the highlights in October featuring award winning cuisine from many of the very best restaurants in the area. The Destin Seafood Festival is a lot like Destin itself - rich in seafood, entertainment, the arts, and good times! This annual over-indulgence of the senses is one of the last BIG events of summer. No seafood lover in his right mind would miss it! But, if you're a steak lover in this land of fresh seafood, don't despair, Destin Chops, atop the Destin Yacht Club, flies in some of the best prime beef each week for its carnivorous customers! If all that red meat makes you feel particularly "feisty," the Emerald Coast Martial Arts Championship may be your best bet. This event is held at the Shalimar Family Life Center and whether a spectator or participant, the martial arts are always entertaining!
The point is, there's plenty to do in Destin in the fall and most of it is outside! It's a great time for barbeques, badminton…even a civilized game of croquet? The harvest moon has just passed but once in a "blue moon" you may find yourself on the beach with someone special, walking hand in hand at night with the surf barely touching your toes if you're lucky enough to be in love and the moon is full-I hardly think you need any further info from Tripsmarter?
You're on your own just the quiet surf,
the moonlight and a stolen kiss. Only in Destin, my friends...
