Amberjack Landing

New Bar in Destin - Gecko's

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.

Destin Harbor Summer Festival

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.

Commander's Palace Opens in Destin

Commander’s Palace is now open n Destin.  I hope it is as good as its New Orleans one.

Commander’s Palace has branched outside of New Orleans for the first time with a new restaurant that opened July 9 in Destin, Fla.

The waterfront restaurant and On the Rocks bar are housed inside the Emerald Grande resort at HarborWalk Village, at the foot of the bridge on Destin Harbor.

Commander’s says its new restaurant will feature “modern Creole cooking with Southern and ‘Floribbean’ influences.” New Orleans-born chef Danny Trace, who has worked for Commander’s since 1995, will head the kitchen.

The menu will feature traditional Commander’s Palace favorites such as turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé along with dishes with a Florida twist, such as Nassau grits and West Indies crab salad.

Commander’s representatives said the Florida city has long been a favorite vacation spot of the Brennan family.

July 14th in Destin

If you happen to be in Destin on Bastille Day, check out the following:

Thursday: Bastille Day Wine Walkabout, Destin. Wine Walkabout featuring French wines and foods that complement them. Reservations required. At Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village; 850-424-0621; emeraldgrande .com.

72-pound Wahoo Caught

A 10-year old boy caught a 72 pound wahoo while on vacation this summer in Destin.  The family went deep sea fishing and 10-year old Will caught the fish.  Not a pretty fish but I bet it was fun to catch.

Double Red Flags - Different from a Red Flag

Guests of Amberjack Landing need to know what the flags mean for their safety.  We want our guests to have a great vacation so they will come back every year.  Toward that end, please check the beach flags every day that you are at the beach.  There is one very near our beach.  I have never seen a double red flag, but in case you do - BEWARE.  The entire article from the Watlon Sun is very helpful.  Below is an excerpt:

When a double red flag is flying, conditions are more extreme than with a single flag, and the water is closed for swimming. Double red flags are also flown when sharks are present. In these dangerous conditions, beachgoers are not permitted to enter the water, and those who violate the policy are subject to a $200 fine.

On an otherwise beautiful double-red-flag day, it is safe to enjoy shore activities, such as sunbathing and volleyball. Choosing the swimming pool or a coastal dune lake is recommended to cool down when the gulf is closed to the public.

Knowing the difference between red and double-red flags and obeying the flag warning system will help make a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.

Arts & Entertainment June 16-20

There's quite a bit going on around and near Amberjack Landing the week of June 16-20, including surfing and tile painting for kids.

Manatees are Spotted in Destin Area

If you've never seen a manatee, you are missing something.  They are large, gentle creatures.  Usually they are found in southern Florida.  However, this summer, sightings have been reported to the FWC wildlife hotline , who confirmed that there were five breeding manatees near Destin.

HarborWalk Village to Open New Shops and Resturants this Summer

According to the Emerald Coast, HarborWalk Village, down towards Dewey Destin's and AJ's (and the bridge to Fort Walton) will be opening many new stores and restaurants this summer.  A few of the new openings are:

• June: Tis the Season and SugarLand
• Early July: Harry T’s, Commander’s Palace, Kitty Hawk Kites, Mardi Gras Daiquiris, Luksus Clothing and Nouveau Flowers
• Late summer: Water Grille, Sunglass World, Sonia’s Psychic Studio, Pat O’Brien’s and Camellia Grill.

“Things will be going online like a steady drumbeat all summer long,” Craig McIntyre, Legendary’s executive vice president of development, recently told the Destin Log. 

Live music is scheduled outdoors every Saturday during June, July and August. The first of the scheduled all-day Sunday art shows drew about 600 people, Picconi said.

There’s plenty of activity already established in the immediate area, involving The Lucky Snapper restaurant and the various fishing and sightseeing boats at the docks.

Destin Travel Guide and History

This article about Destin has a number of interesting facts about Destin - that it's the luckiest fishing village in the world - and also includes a schedule of activities throughout the year. The article contains links about the Destin Fishing Rodeo in October, the Seafood Festival also in October (this year with some of the best music from rock legends like Foreigner front man Lou Gramm and Kansas, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dave Mason) and of course, the beaches -which are there to enjoy year round.