Labor Day weekend in Destin

This past week in Destin the news was dominated by a tropical system. It was tracked for what seemed like a month as it crawled through the Caribbean never gaining enough strength to even be called a tropical depression. It finally worked its way into the Gulf of Mexico and finally became Tropical Storm Hermine. Early in the week it looked like we might get hit with the storm in Destin. But as the week went on the storm track moved it to the big bend area of the panhandle and that’s where it finally landed as a weak Cat 1 hurricane.

The storm made landfall late Thursday evening about two hours east of Destin. Thursday night Sunshine Cindy and I went to Landshark Pizza. It was turning into a beautiful night with no wind or rain. The storm was a non-event in Destin I am glad to say.

Friday we had a gorgeous day. Clear blue skies and hot and humid temps. We did some things around the house and prepared for a party on Saturday. In the afternoon Sunshine Cindy didn’t want to go anywhere but I headed to The Crust Pizzeria for a pasta dinner. Charley was there and I got to find out how the new restaurant in Ft. Walton Beach is doing. The answer is fantastic! They have been open for 3 weeks now and they are slammed. I am happy for Charley as he put a lot of time and effort into getting the new place opened. My Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage was great as always. I love that dish as it is one of the best values in Destin.

When I got home Sunshine Cindy and I sat on the back porch long into the night watching a lightning show and listening to Radio Margaritaville. It was a relaxing evening.

Saturday was spent at Julie’s for her annual Labor Day pool party. Dean came from Louisiana and cooked up a storm. BT played his usual fun music and everyone had a good time. We had some clouds for most of the day so it was actually comfortable too. We can’t thank Julie enough for having us over!!!

Sunday it rained…and rained…and rained some more. This was what we expected with the tropical system! lol  But the rain didn’t stop Sunshine Cindy and I from getting out. We went to McGuire’s and got lucky when a couple seats opened up at the bar. There were people waiting for tables so we were happy. We ran into James. He used to manage Malibu Jack’s. He said he sold out and Burrito del Sol is opening a new remodeled place there. They should be opening soon. Sunshine Cindy and I enjoyed good food, cold beer and popcorn! The bar was hoping with folks coming and going. McGuire’s is a gold mine but they know what they are doing. We enjoyed our time there.

When we left we stopped in at the Rotten Apple. Ed, Jimmy and one of the bartenders from McGuire’s were there getting ready to watch the Notre Dame/Texas game and the NASCAR race. Then a couple other guys who were sitting next to us at McGuire’s came in too. Finally Kerby came in. We have not seen Kerby in a few months. Kerby is a Destin character. He is a lot of fun to be around but he has no inside voice. I call him a human hurricane! We ended up hanging out there for a good while watching the action and talking to everyone.

This morning (Monday) we went to Asiago Skillet for breakfast. It was not too crowded. I know by next summer as the word gets out about their food the lines will be out the door like the other breakfast places in town but for now it is our secret! As we were leaving Joan and her husband came in. We have not seen them in forever. It was their first time at Asiago and we told them they would love it. When we got home we got Chaos and took her to the dog park. She ran and ran playing with the other dogs. She was wore out when we got back home.

Driving around Destin we noticed a new building going up behind the Goodwill store. I have no idea what that is going to be or if they are adding onto the Goodwill store. I will have to ask around to see if I can find out what it’s going to be.

Other than that, we are now in September which is one of the quietest months in Destin. The tourist are gone, the fishing rodeo is a month away and kids are back in school. We have the town to ourselves! It’s the locals time!

Have a great week. See ya next Monday!

Destin Steve