Organic Shopping on the Coast

Organic. Farm-raised. Cage-free. Non-GMO. There are so many options on groceries and meals these days, it can be overwhelming. Since most grocery stores are overflowing with conventional foods, some may still wonder what’s the big deal about organic shopping. Is it healthier or just another trend? Here is the low-down on organic food. Non-organic food Continue reading

Published on Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Grocery Delivery Now Available in Destin

You finally arrive at your Destin condo and your crew is dying to get to the beach. You walk into your home for the week and everyone changes into swimsuits. You realize there is nothing to eat or drink in your rental so you have two choices: go get all the groceries alone and face angry people later when you didn’t get what they want OR wait until Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, July 25, 2017

That One Last Gift

The Christmas wait is almost over. Months of build-up to the biggest holiday of the year. You may have all your presents wrapped and ready to go for the family until you stop and think: Did I get something for my boss? Should I bring a gift to the holiday party host? Did I remember the in-laws? If you happened to have overlooked someone, here are a Continue reading

Published on Friday, December 23, 2016

What’s New at Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard’s Town Center has grown quite a bit over the past few years and continues to expand with exciting additions. Last year, we had Menchie’s frozen yogurt store open next to Starbucks. Then Anthropologie and Lilly Pulitzer opened across from the movie theatre. The people of Destin were pretty happy with these new shops and it’s getting even Continue reading

Published on Friday, December 2, 2016

Liquid Sand Now Available on 30A

Glass artistry is something pretty familiar to the Emerald Coast. Beautiful pieces are seen in homes and businesses all around Destin, Florida . It’s not as common to meet the artists behind these popular creations. We were able to talk to Brit Deslonde, the owner of Liquid Sand, at Mattie Kelly’s Festival of the Arts last month. This was her first time Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Alaqua Animal Refuge Prepares for Expansion

We know that animal adoption saves lives. Destin is full of animal lovers and we see people around town all hours of the day walking with their pups. With some restaurants and  Destin condos being dog-friendly, it’s not uncommon to see four-legged friends at select stops along the beach. Alaqua Animal Refuge was founded in 2007 and has helped find Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Gnarly Fish Prints

Local resident Harley Van Hyning can often be seen around town doing a little bit of everything. His business card says “Professional Beach Bum” and most days he can be found out on the beaches of Destin . From bartending at Pompano Joe’s to his own Podcast as well as surfing and traveling, he’s a busy guy! You may have seen him recently at the Seafood Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Tax-Free Shopping Weekend

Not everyone looks forward to school starting back but there is one good thing we can all enjoy: tax-free weekend! Each year when summer ends, most states have a weekend before school is in session where you can purchase clothes as well as school supplies and not have to worry about adding tax to your total. For Destin, Florida, the dates for no tax Continue reading

Published on Friday, August 5, 2016

What’s New in Destin

We love seeing all the new stores and restaurants opening around town and it looks like Destin just keeps getting better. Whole Foods opened last month in the Destin Commons with lines around the building and has seemed to stay incredibly busy ever since. With an organic salad bar, cafe, bakery, pizza station, extensive wine and beer selection, as Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Mother’s Day on the Emerald Coast

Mother’s Day is only a few weeks away, have you found the perfect gift yet? The Emerald Coast has seemingly endless shopping options so we thought we’d put together a list of our favorite places to buy gifts. Zoo Gallery is a great place to buy something special. They have unique artwork, handmade jewelry, pottery, apparel, and more. One-of-a-kind Continue reading

Published on Thursday, April 7, 2016

Whole Foods Market Opens at the Destin Commons

The event we have been waiting for is finally here (almost). Whole Foods Market is opening next month! We’ve been watching the fancy building going up at the Destin Commons across from Lowe’s and it seems like we’ve been waiting forever to finally shop there. Opening date is April 20th with a bread-breaking ceremony with team members and the Mayor Continue reading

Published on Thursday, March 17, 2016

Black Friday on the Emerald Coast

It’s almost time. The biggest shopping weekend of the year is right around the corner. Black Friday is a big deal to most people around the holiday season because it’s when you get the best deals. Destin, Florida has some of the best shopping around so we expect lots of visitors around this time. Stores haven’t released their extended hours just yet Continue reading

Published on Thursday, October 15, 2015

New 30A Gear Location Opens

Did you know 30A has its own official store for gear and memorabilia? The 30A flagship retail store is located at Seagrove Plaza just down the road from Destin beaches . Along with a large selection of the entire 30A Gear line, the new store is the meeting place for 30A Surf Camp. Camp will be held each week throughout summer with qualified instructors Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Silver Sands Outlet Mall Provides Premium Shopping

We may not have traditional shopping malls as some big cities do but Destin Florida does not lack in shopping options. Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall is a big attraction to the Emerald Coast. The outdoor mall is home to 110 designer and name brand outlet stores. Tourists as well as local residents enjoy the impressive savings of 25% to 65% off retail Continue reading

Published on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Black Friday is Near

The biggest shopping day of the year is almost among us. People start planning for Black Friday months in advance. It is possibly even more anticipated than Thanksgiving itself. Where will you be on that fateful day? Destin Florida is a top shopping destination for plenty of reasons. Along with premium outlet malls, there are tons of boutiques, antique Continue reading

Published on Thursday, November 20, 2014

Whole Foods Market is Coming!

It’s about time! Locals have asked for years and our wish is finally coming true: Whole Foods is coming to Destin. We love the Fresh Market but this area lacks in organic and natural markets. Construction will begin in 2015 at the Destin Commons and the store will be located next to Bass Pro Shops. Bob Perry, General Manager of Destin Commons... Continue reading

Published on Thursday, November 6, 2014

Buy Local

Farmers Markets provide opportunities to purchase products from local farmers and artisans. Many markets offer fresh produce, bread, and specialty items.   Florida has several available farmers markets to shop at. The Market Shops in Sandestin have a display every Sunday morning year round. Rosemary Beach has the  30A market open every Sunday Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Destin Commons Expansion: Fast Facts

We were all excited to hear the news about our favorite shopping center, the Destin Commons, expanding this summer. When the “H&M Coming Summer 2014” sign went up out front, word spread fast and people across the Panhandle have been counting down the days until opening. The globally popular retail store is known for fashion-forward apparel at amazing Continue reading

Published on Thursday, March 13, 2014

A Sale Through The Emerald Coast

Thanksgiving Day is weeks away and there is no better holiday stay than right by the Emerald Coast Bay. Imagine cooking in your condo right on the beach on Thanksgiving Day. Family members gather around the kitchen talking and laughing as all participate in preparing for a holiday feast! After indulging in all of your favorite family recipes you walk Continue reading

Published on Monday, October 28, 2013

Destin Charity Wine Auction Exceeds Expectations

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation proudly presented their biggest event for the 7th year in a row on Saturday, April 28th. The Reserve Tasting and Auction is an exclusive event that features distinctive wines poured and paired with fine cuisine all for the goal of raising money for local children’s charities. The event took place at Sandestin Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Destin Commons Welcomes Hickory Farms

One of my fondest memories as a child was around the age of 4. My mother was a big shopper so we visited the Westland Mall in Miami, Florida often. We would pass store after store until we came across a man standing outside a red gingham tarp offering samples of smoked cheddar. I can remember passing by the stand over and over again for another... Continue reading

Published on Friday, December 9, 2011

Get Ready for Midnight Madness!

Each and every year, the shopping faithful make their pilgrimage to Silver Sands Factory Outlets for, what amounts to them as, an annual religious experience. The over 100 designer factory stores featured at Silver Sands have become the holy grail of Black Friday experiences for this group of diehards, and this year will be no different. Midnight Madness Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Silver Sands Celebrates an "Event-Full" October

The autumn season marks the beginning of a special time of year for our area with cooler, sunny days and an abundance of community and cultural events. With a crisp feel in the air, residents and visitors take to the outdoors and discover fun ways to shop, dine and entertain themselves. The nation’s largest designer outlet center, Silver Sands Factory... Continue reading

Published on Thursday, September 30, 2010

Designer Brands at Basement Prices

While the Silver Sands Factory Outlet is generally known for its huge collection of individual-brand factory stores, it also includes a designer department store "staple" in Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. At Off 5th you'll find a selection of mid to high-end designer clothing, shoes, jewelry and luggage at discounted prices. For men, Saks Off 5th is a great Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Boutiques on the Beach

Pier Park is Panama City Beach’s new shopping central. The great thing about Pier Park is you can enjoy all it has to offer without giving up the beach. This is what a beach vacation is about. Shopping, eating, and even catching a show while still enjoying the ocean breeze. Situated on the beach, this open-air shopping center allows you to do all of... Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Shopping on the Strip

Miracle Strip Parkway, also known as Main Street in Fort Walton Beach Florida is a small strip of eclectic shops and restaurants. It runs alongside The Landing, a waterfront park complete with a playground and picnic tables. The Landing is host to a variety of festivals throughout the year. Miracle Strip is a great place for vacationers to grab last Continue reading

Published on Monday, September 13, 2010

Get Your Creativity Fired Up

Fired Up is a fun and unique shop where you paint your own pottery. Located in the quaint little town of Seaside, Fired Up was voted #1 Hot Spot by 30A.com. If you are looking for that special vacation souvenir than you have to check this place out! Fired Up has over 500 pieces of pottery to choose from. You can pick from a variety of plates, platters Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Boardwalk Offers Something For All

If you plan on visiting Pensacola Beach and are looking for a casual, relaxing place to shop (or just browse around), look no further than the Boardwalk. You'll find anything from beachwear and fashion boutiques to liquor and convenience stores. Some of the shops you'll find include Alvin's Island Tropical Department store, Bamboo Willie Wear, Geronimo Continue reading

Published on Monday, August 23, 2010

Shop Bikes & More in Destin

Robin’s Bikes and Fitness is a sporty little shop right on Highway 98 in Destin. A full service bike shop stocking a plethora of bikes such as: hybrids, cruisers, road bikes, and mountain bikes for both adults and children. With an array of accessories to match, Robin’s is the place for all your biking needs. Robin’s Bikes & Fitness has over 25 years Continue reading

Published on Thursday, August 19, 2010

Destin Hot Spot: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf welcomes winter with a season of entertainment and adventure. If you want to spend your Holidays in a tropical wonderland, this is the place to be. Located in Sandestin Resort, the Village of Baytowne Wharf is the meet-and-greet place for all guests, locals, and employees of Sandestin, as well as all the areas that surround Continue reading

Published on Saturday, November 15, 2008

PCB Hot Spot: Pier Park

Pier Park is the latest hot spot of the Emerald Coast. This open-air regional lifestyle center brings shopping, restaurants, and tourist attractions to the Panama City Beach area. With nearly 900,000 square feet of outdoor amusement and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no wonder Pier Park is drawing in the crowd. Shop at Pier Parks many Continue reading

Published on Thursday, October 9, 2008

Midnight Madness at Silver Sands Factory Stores

After a full day of eating, watching football and spending time with family on Thanksgiving, the race is on for the best deals in holiday shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, 66 million people shopped on the day after Thanksgiving last year, also called Black Friday and 1 in 4 were at the stores by 5 a.m. As midnight madness grows Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Big Names Coming to Bigger Destin Commons

The future of one of Destin’s most popular retail hubs took shape Thursday night. Executives from Destin Commons appeared before the Okaloosa County Planning Commission to seek approval for its second phase, expected to break ground this spring. Approval was granted by the commission in less than 20 minutes and recommendations on the development were... Continue reading

Published on Saturday, February 16, 2008

Destin Shop Spot: Grand Boulevard

Move over Destin Commons – the Grand Boulevard is on its way to town! Soon to open in the 2007/2008 year, this two-hundred and fifty million-dollar town center with one-hundred and seventy-five thousand square feet of specialty retail and restaurant space is destined to live up to its name! Located at the entrance of the all-inclusive Sandestin Golf & Continue reading

Published on Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Destin Commons draws millions

More than 11 million people, more than the populations of Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee combined, visited Destin Commons in 2006 — and that number might be a little low. Traffic count statistics from the 2006 calendar year show an estimated 11,282,242 visits to the shopping center at U.S. 98 and Danny Wuerffel Way, up more than 2 million from 2005 Continue reading

Published on Friday, January 12, 2007

Destin Shop Spot: The Destin Commons

“The Commons” is a perfect name for this Destin shop spot, because regardless of age, gender, or any other factoid about yourself, you will have something in common with The Commons. (Okay so that’s not really what “commons” means but well... wait and see... it just might.) There is virtually something for everyone at this open air mall. If you like Continue reading

Published on Sunday, August 13, 2006