I'm headed down for a little rest and recreation Nov. 7-13 in Destin. Last time I was with friends who always wanted to hang at The Swamp (plus we stayed at Ramada), and I love to whoop it up I'm 35 and looking for something with a crowd more my age.

I've heard great things about the Sky Bar and since I'm staying very close to it, I'll be there.

Is Sky Bar ladies night worth checking out, or is there a better one? I've been burning up Beach TV (watching online) and if I remember correctly the lounge (club?) above Destin Chops also has a Wednesday ladies night and a Thursday Martini night.

I realize that I'm coming during a dead time of year (by choice -- I cover tourism in Las Vegas and want to go somewhere I can slow it down a notch) but when it comes to nightlife I don't want a place too laid back.

I enjoy fine dining and upscale lounges but hey ... I'm going to the beach so I also want to enjoy place with a little bit of action.

All suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

Well, I'm a 30+, female, local and this is what the locals do: Wednesday night is Marina Cafe ladies night. Everyone usually stops by after work until about 9p.m. then it's over to Sky Bar. AJ's is also a great spot. It's very casual and on the Harbor. AJ's is fun just about any night. Hog's Breath is another cool hang out. They have good bands and it's also very casual. Of course, Harbor Docks is a good choice for a beer at the bar and some good seafood and sushi. One more...Fudpuckers, they have a great band and it's a neat place. I hope this helps.

The Red Bar in Grayton Beach is the coolest!

The Red Bar definitely will fit the bill Ted. Harbor Docks has a different kind of feel to it and is in line with what you describe. It's relaxed and casual but more upscale than not. And try the Governors Attic (I think it's called :o ) at Elephant Walk. I would describe it as elegant laid back but that might be too much. It seems like something you would like though!

My original posting was before my November 2001 trip, spent entirely in Destin and South Walton. I'm returning in August, splitting my time between PCB and Destin.

I did hit many of the places you have noted. Red Bar (and Grayton Beach in general) was a lot of fun and anybody should put it on their "to do" list. For first timers, drive all the way into Grayton Beach. It is easy to think that you are just on a residential, old country road until you get to "downtown" Grayton beach (a couple of blocks long). Zoo Gallery acrosss from Red Bar is worth checking out also.

Had lunch at Harbor Docks but didn't check out the night scene there. Will try to this time (only two nights in Destin this time). Did enjoy Marina Cafe laidies night (dress to impress if you are a single man headed to it -- plenty of upscale single women attend).

Hogs Breath and AJ's are both fun. Prefer AJ's because it is on the water. Fudpuckers Destin has a younger crowd (I'm 36) but a good time and cool atmosphere.

Goal is to hit Governors Attic for a cigar and martinis this time.

Stayed at Hampton Inn last time so "home away from home" was Sky Bar. Great bar, great crowd, great employees, lots of fun.

The cool thing about PCB, South Walton, and Destin is that there is always more to do and see and more to explore. While only a couple days in Destin on this coming trip, I'll certainly be back. Especially since I can connect out of Las Vegas in Dallas for a non-stop to Destin, making the entire trip (including layover) last less than 6 hours.

Anyone ever heard of a club in Destin called "Yesterday's"? If so, can anyone give a general idea of where it's located (landmarks etc)?

Thanks,
Kobayashi

Hey there Kobayashi. You must be planning on going to a concert if you're looking for info on Yesterday's. It's just about the best place to see a live show in the Destin area.

Yesterday's is in Destin on Hwy. 98, a 1/4 mile west of the Mid-Bay Bridge. It's pretty hard to miss.

If it's a concert you're going to see, who is it? I only ask because they're having an oddly 'diverse' few bands coming up - 70's rockers Nazareth today, 80's hair band Cinderella on the 31st, and Genitorturers this Saturday. I'd be interested in hearing about any of these shows, to be honest. I mean, what kind of a crowd shows up for a Cinderella concert in 2002? Gray hairs or post-nostalgic hipsters trying to connect to the characters on a 80s based sitcom?

Thanks, Dean for the location. I'll be seeing the Genitorturers Saturday night. They're a "shock rock" band and I hear the stage show they put on is quite insane and controversial. My curiosity has gotten the best of me and I'll be heading down there this weekend to check it out for myself.

As for Cinderella.. I'm sure the 30+ crowd would enjoy seeing a definitive 80's hair band like them... I wonder if they look the same. You know, the big hair.. the spandex pants with the wonderwoman boots. Back then, you weren't 'metal' if you didn't have bigger earrings than your girlfriend did.

Hah.
Kobayashi

Did you make it to the concert Kobayashi? What'd you think of Yesterdays? On a related note, have you ever been to The Swamp? I can't remember right this second, but they've got a fairly big-name band coming through soon.

If you have not been to The Swamp, you must go. You must go ... and drink, party, listen to the live bands (or DJ) ...

Even better if it is a weekend or night when something is really happening. But the place is open air (unless during cold snap) and has this very cool vibe to it. So cool, that my only regret is that I have not been there when it is raining, as it must be great to watch the water pour down while you under cover of The Swamp.

Okaloosa Island still kinda has that "middle of nowhere" feel despite the high rise hotels. Something about being on a true island.

And if the "drink until you KNOW you will have a hangover" thing is a little too much for someone, there is a dueling piano bar next door across the way (the name escapes me at the moment) that is a whole lot of fun for the "wanna have some drinks, fun, cute ladies, nothing I'll completely regret in the moring" kind of thing.

Hope this helps ... just help yourself into a cab at the end of the night if you aren't staying at one of the many resorts within staggering distance.