Sunshine Cindy and I have had a fun few days. It started with a Parrot Head meeting on Friday night in Niceville at Dockside Oyster Bar. Dockside sits right on the water in Boggy Bayou. It had rained earlier but by the time we got there it was clear with a nice breeze blowing through. There was a good crowd for the party. Radioactive played some good music. Jane was also having her retirement party at the same time and she went back and forth between both groups. It was a good way to start the weekend.
Saturday was our Crab Island Mambo and ECPHC beach cleanup. It was a small group that showed up but we actually had some stuff to pick up. That is one of the problems with all the tourist in town. Some don’t know how to clean up after themselves. In the afternoon some dark clouds, thunder and lightning were off in the distance so we packed it in and headed home. The rain never made it to the beach but just inland they got hammered pretty hard.
After we got home and cleaned up, Sunshine Cindy decided to stay home but I headed off to Landshark Pizza. With us being out of town, it’s been a while since I was there and I needed to get my pizza fix. I got there between the lunch and dinner rush so I had a chance to talk to Brian and Austin. We gave Brian a Phlocking of the Phaithful tee shirt in appreciation for some swag he gave us. He liked it and said he was going to wear it the next day. Austin was prepping for a big night. They have been setting records almost every night. Good for them! I also got to talk to “B” too. He came in and sat next to me. He owns his own paper products company and has been real busy too. B works hard and earns everything he gets!
It looks like Landshark Pizza will be moving to a bigger place on the harbor in a few months. This will be a big move for them but I know they will do fine. I applaud Brian and Sue for building up this business and making it a big success in a competitive tourist town.
Sunday we waited for Tiffany to come back home. She is coming back for a few months to work at Harry T’s to make some money as things are slow in Atlanta this time of the year. She got home and we all then headed to LuLu’s. We met Sunshine Cindy’s parents there. The placed was once again packed. They have had a great start and will do well. They have decent priced drinks…like $2 PBR’s! Good food and just a fun atmosphere. We enjoyed our time there even with tons of kids running around everywhere. LOL
Last week I stopped in at Crust Pizza on the harbor. Charlie has been extremely busy there too. He has great pizza and wings too. His new satellite location in front of AJ’s also is doing very well late night. And Charlie is working on opening a new location in Mary Ester. No rest for that man!!!
Traffic patterns last week were crazy. One night Commons drive was all backed up, the next it was empty then the next night it was a parking lot again. Yep, it’s that time of the year.
We hope to get down to the harbor this week as it has been a while for us. With the Fourth of July weekend the town will be crazy busy. Come to town but be patient in the traffic. Have a safe and happy 4th!!! See ya next Monday!
Monday, June 29, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Shooting Stars over Destin
It has been an interesting few days around Destin. The town is packed with Summer tourist. This is as crowded as I have ever seen the town this early in the Summer. Some people have money that’s for sure.
As I mentioned last week, LuLu’s has opened in Destin by the Mid-Bay bridge. Sunshine Cindy and I went to check it out on Friday. They have done a fantastic job with the place. It is big, open and airy. We sat at the outside bar that overlooks the bridge and the bay. We got there about 3 pm and there was a good sized crowd for the middle of the afternoon. We had many friends show up including Doug, Mike, Corlee, Terry, Mark, Stephanie, Steve, Dottie….you get the idea. It was the place to be.
The place got packed as dinner time came around. There were four bartenders at the outside bar and they ran their butts off all night. Prices are good, the food was good and we had a fun time. It looks like LuLu’s will be a big hit in our opinion.
When we got home from LuLu’s I sat on our back porch for a while. At one point while looking up at the stars I saw a shooting star. That was cool as it has been a long while since I had seen one. I went in and told Sunshine Cindy about it then I went back out. Less than 30 seconds later I saw another one. Two shooting stars in the span of about 2 minutes….wow!
I made a few stops around town on Friday. I stopped in at Landshark Pizza. Brian said they have been so busy each evening he has to have extra staff on hand to take care of the crowds. Good for him. I also stopped in at Rotten Apple for a quick beer. Everyone there was talking about the traffic. We have to get used to it and have some patience for the next two months.
One way to avoid the traffic is to not go anywhere. Saturday Sunshine Cindy and I stayed home and used our pool to relax in. The water felt like bath water it was so warm. We talked to some neighbors and had a nice afternoon. Then we went home and sat on our porch and listened to some music. Sunday we visited with her parents for Father’s Day. We had a nice time with them.
Last week down on the harbor Johnny O’Quigley’s new place opened. The Ale House and Tailfins plus the boardwalk bar are all open now. We will have to get there to check it out. It looks great from the outside.
This week Hobby Lobby is opening next to Target. We keep getting one new place after another.
This Saturday is our Crab Island Mambo and ECPHC beach cleanup. We will be on Okaloosa Island at Beachwalk #2. We always have fun with the cleanup and then beach party afterwards.
Enjoy your week. See ya next Monday!
As I mentioned last week, LuLu’s has opened in Destin by the Mid-Bay bridge. Sunshine Cindy and I went to check it out on Friday. They have done a fantastic job with the place. It is big, open and airy. We sat at the outside bar that overlooks the bridge and the bay. We got there about 3 pm and there was a good sized crowd for the middle of the afternoon. We had many friends show up including Doug, Mike, Corlee, Terry, Mark, Stephanie, Steve, Dottie….you get the idea. It was the place to be.
The place got packed as dinner time came around. There were four bartenders at the outside bar and they ran their butts off all night. Prices are good, the food was good and we had a fun time. It looks like LuLu’s will be a big hit in our opinion.
When we got home from LuLu’s I sat on our back porch for a while. At one point while looking up at the stars I saw a shooting star. That was cool as it has been a long while since I had seen one. I went in and told Sunshine Cindy about it then I went back out. Less than 30 seconds later I saw another one. Two shooting stars in the span of about 2 minutes….wow!
I made a few stops around town on Friday. I stopped in at Landshark Pizza. Brian said they have been so busy each evening he has to have extra staff on hand to take care of the crowds. Good for him. I also stopped in at Rotten Apple for a quick beer. Everyone there was talking about the traffic. We have to get used to it and have some patience for the next two months.
One way to avoid the traffic is to not go anywhere. Saturday Sunshine Cindy and I stayed home and used our pool to relax in. The water felt like bath water it was so warm. We talked to some neighbors and had a nice afternoon. Then we went home and sat on our porch and listened to some music. Sunday we visited with her parents for Father’s Day. We had a nice time with them.
Last week down on the harbor Johnny O’Quigley’s new place opened. The Ale House and Tailfins plus the boardwalk bar are all open now. We will have to get there to check it out. It looks great from the outside.
This week Hobby Lobby is opening next to Target. We keep getting one new place after another.
This Saturday is our Crab Island Mambo and ECPHC beach cleanup. We will be on Okaloosa Island at Beachwalk #2. We always have fun with the cleanup and then beach party afterwards.
Enjoy your week. See ya next Monday!
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Back home in Destin
We are back….Sunshine Cindy and I are back home after a great trip north for a family visit and to run “Phlocking of the Phaithful” in Put in Bay, Ohio. Phlocking is a Trop Rock event that had folks from 17 states and even Canada come to the island to party with us. Put in Bay is on South Bass island in the middle of Lake Erie only a few miles from the Canadian border. It is called Key West of the north and for good reason as it is a beautiful place that is a big party spot.
But before we got to the island Sunshine Cindy and I spent time with my Mom. We were able to help her with some things she needed done around the house and to have dinner with her. We also spent time with my brother and his family and then my cousin where we watched a Cavs playoff game. This was a game that they won before eventually losing the series. It was great getting to see them all.
Finally we were on the Island Time Radio Show with DK and Amo. This is an award winning Trop Rock radio show that is broadcast from the BW college campus. There were five others crammed into this small studio with us. We had a blast as it was a Phlocking preview show. DK and Amo are huge supporters of Trop Rock and the Phlocking. Sunshine Cindy and I had a blast during the 10 pm to 1 am show. We all then went to a bar for an after show drink. That was a fun evening.
On Tuesday Sunshine Cindy and I got onto the island. We made all of our preps for the four day event. Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grill was the venue for all the fun. They were ready for us and helped make sure the entire event ran smoothly. There was a pre-party on the mainland in Port Clinton that we missed as the ferry’s from the island didn’t run late on Tuesday’s. But we did have a pre-party at The Reel Bar on Wednesday in Put in Bay. This was a big hit with Jerry Diaz and John Reno playing for us.
The actual party went from Thursday through Sunday. We had twelve musical acts entertaining the Phlockers and each one put on a fun show. We had meals on Friday and Saturday that everyone enjoyed plus Mr. Ed’s had a free drink for everyone. We had raffles and 50/50 drawings….A good time was had by all. Sunshine Cindy and I left the island on Monday morning and it took us two days to drive back home. It was nice to get back home.
When we got back to Destin it was hot as summer is in full swing. LuLu’s had their grand opening on June 15th. There was a soft opening a few days earlier where the Parrot Heads were all there to help get the place opened. The pictures I saw looked like the place is going to be a lot of fun. We could see people there when we came across the Mid-Bay bridge on our way home. It should be a big hit for sure.
So Sunshine Cindy and I missed LuLu’s grand opening. We also missed the grand opening of “Which Wich.” This sandwich shop opened their doors this past Monday in the new expansion area of Destin Commons next to World of Beer. We were invited to attend but had to miss this one too.
The Summer tourist season is in full swing in Destin. The weather is hot and the traffic is heavy. Yep, it is that time of the year again. No need to be in a hurry as you won’t get anywhere fast. Take a cab as you won’t have to try and find parking. LOL
Have a great week. See you next Monday!
But before we got to the island Sunshine Cindy and I spent time with my Mom. We were able to help her with some things she needed done around the house and to have dinner with her. We also spent time with my brother and his family and then my cousin where we watched a Cavs playoff game. This was a game that they won before eventually losing the series. It was great getting to see them all.
Finally we were on the Island Time Radio Show with DK and Amo. This is an award winning Trop Rock radio show that is broadcast from the BW college campus. There were five others crammed into this small studio with us. We had a blast as it was a Phlocking preview show. DK and Amo are huge supporters of Trop Rock and the Phlocking. Sunshine Cindy and I had a blast during the 10 pm to 1 am show. We all then went to a bar for an after show drink. That was a fun evening.
On Tuesday Sunshine Cindy and I got onto the island. We made all of our preps for the four day event. Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grill was the venue for all the fun. They were ready for us and helped make sure the entire event ran smoothly. There was a pre-party on the mainland in Port Clinton that we missed as the ferry’s from the island didn’t run late on Tuesday’s. But we did have a pre-party at The Reel Bar on Wednesday in Put in Bay. This was a big hit with Jerry Diaz and John Reno playing for us.
The actual party went from Thursday through Sunday. We had twelve musical acts entertaining the Phlockers and each one put on a fun show. We had meals on Friday and Saturday that everyone enjoyed plus Mr. Ed’s had a free drink for everyone. We had raffles and 50/50 drawings….A good time was had by all. Sunshine Cindy and I left the island on Monday morning and it took us two days to drive back home. It was nice to get back home.
When we got back to Destin it was hot as summer is in full swing. LuLu’s had their grand opening on June 15th. There was a soft opening a few days earlier where the Parrot Heads were all there to help get the place opened. The pictures I saw looked like the place is going to be a lot of fun. We could see people there when we came across the Mid-Bay bridge on our way home. It should be a big hit for sure.
So Sunshine Cindy and I missed LuLu’s grand opening. We also missed the grand opening of “Which Wich.” This sandwich shop opened their doors this past Monday in the new expansion area of Destin Commons next to World of Beer. We were invited to attend but had to miss this one too.
The Summer tourist season is in full swing in Destin. The weather is hot and the traffic is heavy. Yep, it is that time of the year again. No need to be in a hurry as you won’t get anywhere fast. Take a cab as you won’t have to try and find parking. LOL
Have a great week. See you next Monday!
Monday, June 1, 2015
Tampa Bay Lightning are in the Stanley Cup Finals
As anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time knows, I am a big hockey fan and especially a fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning. They have an exciting young team that just beat the Rangers in MSG in a game 7. The Lightning are going to the Stanley Cup Finals!!! They will play the Blackhawks starting on Wednesday night. Let’s go Bolts!
I watched the game 7 at Landshark Pizza. It was a great game that Tampa controlled but they could not get a puck past the Rangers all world goalie who made several fantastic saves. In the third period they got one by him and added an insurance score later for a 2-0 victory. I was the only one really watching the game there but everyone knew when the Lightning scored! LOL
Sunshine Cindy and I went to O’Quigley’s on Saturday night to watch the game 7 between the Ducks and Hawks. The place had a lot of Chicago fans there. We have a lot of Chicago friends so we were rooting for the Hawks too. Every time they scored a big roar went up. It was fun. We were at the bar. Mike and Becca took care of us. We talked to some folks around us as everyone was having a good time. As we were leaving we ran into Tom. We have not seen Tom in about a year. He looked good and we chatted for a while.
One of our tasks this weekend was to complete our preparations for our trip to Put in Bay, Ohio for Phlocking of the Phaithful. We got some raffle items for our raffle baskets from Landshark Pizza, Fishheads on the Harbor, The Boathouse Oyster Bar and Crab Island Cantina. We thank them all for helping us showcase Destin to the folks on the North Coast.
When we were at Crab Island Cantina we had brunch on Sunday. It was delicious as was the drinks. We were stuffed all day from all the food we got. We were able to talk with Judy at the Cantina too. We are helping her get some musicians for a special benefit she wants to do for a former bartender who lost her son recently. If you are in the area, come to the Cantina on Sunday, June 14th in the afternoon as all proceeds will go to help this person out.
When we left the Cantina Sunshine Cindy did some shopping. I was waiting for her when I saw a crawfish boil going on in front of Harry T’s. Dan, Clay and Brian were doing the cooking. Glen and Bruce were there too. I grabbed a beer from the Dave’s Dog stand. Dave was working the stand himself. He lives in our neighborhood and recognized me from driving Badass around. Small world for sure.
On Okaloosa Island the new Wild Willie’s Adventure park opened. It has been under construction for what seems like 3 years. They have mini golf, an arcade, a ropes course and a couple of restaurants. It is next to the convention center.
The saga of the old Twisted Palms building continues. Signs in front of the building now say they will sub-divide the building. That makes sense as it is a very large facility that has not been able to support the previous attempts to get a successful restaurant or club going there. We shall see how this does.
The next two weeks will be hit or miss on whether I can publish the blog as we will be on the road. Remember to join us in Put in Bay, Ohio next week for the Trop Rock event of the year! http://www.crabislandmambo.com/Crab-Island-Mambo-presents-Phlocking-of-the-Phaithful.html
Have a great week. See ya when I can!
I watched the game 7 at Landshark Pizza. It was a great game that Tampa controlled but they could not get a puck past the Rangers all world goalie who made several fantastic saves. In the third period they got one by him and added an insurance score later for a 2-0 victory. I was the only one really watching the game there but everyone knew when the Lightning scored! LOL
Sunshine Cindy and I went to O’Quigley’s on Saturday night to watch the game 7 between the Ducks and Hawks. The place had a lot of Chicago fans there. We have a lot of Chicago friends so we were rooting for the Hawks too. Every time they scored a big roar went up. It was fun. We were at the bar. Mike and Becca took care of us. We talked to some folks around us as everyone was having a good time. As we were leaving we ran into Tom. We have not seen Tom in about a year. He looked good and we chatted for a while.
One of our tasks this weekend was to complete our preparations for our trip to Put in Bay, Ohio for Phlocking of the Phaithful. We got some raffle items for our raffle baskets from Landshark Pizza, Fishheads on the Harbor, The Boathouse Oyster Bar and Crab Island Cantina. We thank them all for helping us showcase Destin to the folks on the North Coast.
When we were at Crab Island Cantina we had brunch on Sunday. It was delicious as was the drinks. We were stuffed all day from all the food we got. We were able to talk with Judy at the Cantina too. We are helping her get some musicians for a special benefit she wants to do for a former bartender who lost her son recently. If you are in the area, come to the Cantina on Sunday, June 14th in the afternoon as all proceeds will go to help this person out.
When we left the Cantina Sunshine Cindy did some shopping. I was waiting for her when I saw a crawfish boil going on in front of Harry T’s. Dan, Clay and Brian were doing the cooking. Glen and Bruce were there too. I grabbed a beer from the Dave’s Dog stand. Dave was working the stand himself. He lives in our neighborhood and recognized me from driving Badass around. Small world for sure.
On Okaloosa Island the new Wild Willie’s Adventure park opened. It has been under construction for what seems like 3 years. They have mini golf, an arcade, a ropes course and a couple of restaurants. It is next to the convention center.
The saga of the old Twisted Palms building continues. Signs in front of the building now say they will sub-divide the building. That makes sense as it is a very large facility that has not been able to support the previous attempts to get a successful restaurant or club going there. We shall see how this does.
The next two weeks will be hit or miss on whether I can publish the blog as we will be on the road. Remember to join us in Put in Bay, Ohio next week for the Trop Rock event of the year! http://www.crabislandmambo.com/Crab-Island-Mambo-presents-Phlocking-of-the-Phaithful.html
Have a great week. See ya when I can!
Monday, May 25, 2015
Celebrating Memorial Day in Destin
We have had a busy and fun filled week in Destin as we got ready for Memorial Day. The town is packed with tourist enjoying the beaches and shops. The locals are complaining about the traffic. The restaurants are packed. But we are all thankful for our service members who sacrifice for us every day.
For the 20th consecutive year our friends Bobby and Darla hosted a big party at their house in honor of the Memorial Day weekend. Over 100 people enjoyed a crawfish and shrimp boil, music and good times. Bobby is a veteran with a son serving aboard an air craft carrier in the Navy. The party is good time to show our appreciation for the day.
Sunshine Cindy and I got out and about the last several days. Thursday night we stopped at The Sandbar at Silver Shells. We had time for one drink before they were closing as some rain was moving in. We decided to head to Johnny O’Quigleys. We found a seat at the bar. Chad was taking of us. As we sat three folks came in. They were servers from Crab Island Cantina. They had been on a charter fishing boat all day. We ended up having some drinks with them. Then there was also a couple that sat a few stools down from us. The girl was the most high maintenance needy person I have ever seen. Even Chad said after they left that he has been in the service industry over 25 years and she was in the top 5 of most difficult customers he has ever had. The poor boyfriend was a wimp. She told him what he could drink and how much. But he did get to pay! LOL
Friday was Parrot Head meeting at KC’s Sandbar in Fort Walton Beach. Sunshine Cindy and I got there early so we could find a place to park as there was a concert at The Landing that night. We had a blast at KC’s. The weather was perfect. Jan and Kenny played some great tunes. The staff at KC’s took great care of all of us. A great way to spend an evening. When we left we stopped in at the American Legion. We hung out there for a while during karoke. The spirit of Capt. John lives on at the Legion!
We had to miss a party at Landshark Pizza on Sunday as we had plans to visit Sunshine Cindy’s parents. The party at Landshark Pizza was because Chris, Sue’s son, was being sent to another base. I know we missed a fun time there. We had a good time at the in-laws then we met up with Mark and Stephanie at Schooners at Bluewater Bay. The night was perfect as the sun went down and we got to spend some time with good friends.
Changes continue to happen in and around Destin. The old Howl at the Moon on the island is soon to reopen as Rockin Taco. This Mexican themed restaurant will have our old friend John Perry running it as the GM. We last saw John at Helen Back in Niceville last summer. The Destin Commons also has a couple of new restaurants getting ready to open. They are up and coming chains that will have burgers and sandwiches.
LuLu’s is getting closer to opening. We see where Trop Rocker James (Sunny Jim) White will be performing at LuLu’s on July 14th and 15th. That is cool. I hope we will start to see more Trop Rockers perform there. LuLu’s is what Margaritaville should be!
Enjoy your Memorial Day Monday! See ya next Monday!!!
For the 20th consecutive year our friends Bobby and Darla hosted a big party at their house in honor of the Memorial Day weekend. Over 100 people enjoyed a crawfish and shrimp boil, music and good times. Bobby is a veteran with a son serving aboard an air craft carrier in the Navy. The party is good time to show our appreciation for the day.
Party at Bobby and Darla's
Sunshine Cindy and I got out and about the last several days. Thursday night we stopped at The Sandbar at Silver Shells. We had time for one drink before they were closing as some rain was moving in. We decided to head to Johnny O’Quigleys. We found a seat at the bar. Chad was taking of us. As we sat three folks came in. They were servers from Crab Island Cantina. They had been on a charter fishing boat all day. We ended up having some drinks with them. Then there was also a couple that sat a few stools down from us. The girl was the most high maintenance needy person I have ever seen. Even Chad said after they left that he has been in the service industry over 25 years and she was in the top 5 of most difficult customers he has ever had. The poor boyfriend was a wimp. She told him what he could drink and how much. But he did get to pay! LOL
Friday was Parrot Head meeting at KC’s Sandbar in Fort Walton Beach. Sunshine Cindy and I got there early so we could find a place to park as there was a concert at The Landing that night. We had a blast at KC’s. The weather was perfect. Jan and Kenny played some great tunes. The staff at KC’s took great care of all of us. A great way to spend an evening. When we left we stopped in at the American Legion. We hung out there for a while during karoke. The spirit of Capt. John lives on at the Legion!
We had to miss a party at Landshark Pizza on Sunday as we had plans to visit Sunshine Cindy’s parents. The party at Landshark Pizza was because Chris, Sue’s son, was being sent to another base. I know we missed a fun time there. We had a good time at the in-laws then we met up with Mark and Stephanie at Schooners at Bluewater Bay. The night was perfect as the sun went down and we got to spend some time with good friends.
Changes continue to happen in and around Destin. The old Howl at the Moon on the island is soon to reopen as Rockin Taco. This Mexican themed restaurant will have our old friend John Perry running it as the GM. We last saw John at Helen Back in Niceville last summer. The Destin Commons also has a couple of new restaurants getting ready to open. They are up and coming chains that will have burgers and sandwiches.
LuLu’s is getting closer to opening. We see where Trop Rocker James (Sunny Jim) White will be performing at LuLu’s on July 14th and 15th. That is cool. I hope we will start to see more Trop Rockers perform there. LuLu’s is what Margaritaville should be!
Enjoy your Memorial Day Monday! See ya next Monday!!!
Monday, May 18, 2015
A Destin party weekend
This past weekend was special. Sunshine Cindy and I celebrated our first year anniversary. It’s hard to believe it has been an entire year already since we had that wonderful day on the harbor with our friends and family.
To celebrate I got us a condo (with a lot of help from Carlos at Crab Island Cantina) at the Emerald Grande in Harborwalk Village. This is where we stayed last year and I wanted us to be able to enjoy coming back to the scene of the crime. LOL We got there Friday afternoon and got checked in. We had a balcony room overlooking the pool. It was nice. We enjoyed the view as we unpacked and then decided to head to McGuire’s for Happy Hour and some dinner.
We walked over to McGuire’s. Walking through the parking lot a car pulled up behind us and a lady hollered at us. It was our friend Robbie. We all talked in the parking lot for a while catching up. We have not seen Robbie in several months and it was great talking with her. Our drinks and food were good as usual at McGuire’s. We got there before the dinner rush but by the time we left there was a line waiting to get in. We headed to Crab Island Cantina where we met up with Mark, Stephanie and Julie. Carlos was there so we got to thank him in person for helping with the room. Mike was behind the bar and we all had a fun time.
The others left but Sunshine Cindy and I walked down to the Boathouse. We ran into Maynard there. Jason Clark was playing some good country tunes. A big crowd was there. We made a few more stops this evening. Harbor Shack was one stop. Then AJ’s where we ran into Mike and Terry. They told us Charlie with Crust Pizza opened a satellite shop at the entrance to AJ’s. We walked up there to hang out with him for a while. I ended up talking to some producer from L.A. who happened to be in town. Looks like Charlie has a good thing going with this location. From there we called it a night.
Saturday was a windy day. We got out about noon and hit Harry T’s for brunch. Then we stopped at Sunglass World where I bought Sunshine Cindy some cool Costa shades. Even Sunshine Cindy needs to keep the sun out of her eyes. From there our stops were Red Door Saloon, Boathouse, Harbor Shack, Crust Pizza, AJ’s and back to the Boathouse. We ran into friends every step of the way. Wayne joined us for most of the stops. We ran into Mike and Cindy on our way to AJ’s so we all stopped there. Julie joined us at the Boathouse as Rusty was playing. Then Renee and finally Kenny came by. When Rusty was finished so was I. Time to call it a night.
Sunday Sunshine Cindy and I had dinner at Brotula’s. This is the new place where Fisherman’s Wharf used to be. We had a great dinner. They do seafood and they do it right. They also did a great job remodeling the place. It is now open and airy.
The place on the harbor where Tipsy Turtle used to be is getting close to opening. Johnny O’Quigley is putting in a huge facility here. But down on the boardwalk where the Turtle was is another small bar. It’s a little larger than the Turtle. We actually talked to Johnny as he was there working on the place. He told us it’s going to be a locals spot with cheap beer and appetizers. Very similar to the Turtle just a little bigger. We told Johnny we can’t wait for it to open. He said it’s planned for June 8th. I assume he also meant the big facility will open then too. If so, they have a long way to go to be ready.
A few weeks ago I related how Sunshine Cindy and I were part of a TV pilot that was being shot in Destin by Fred McFarlin from Atlanta. Well, the trailer for Barstools and Beach Chairs is close to being released. I have seen a preview of it and I can honestly say it is outstanding. Fred is a natural in front of the camera and the guys behind the camera are true pros. And it does not hurt that Sunshine Cindy and I have small parts in it too! lol As I hear more about if they can sell the pilot I will pass along that info.
Last week I noticed for-sale signs on the land that was supposed to become some type of Dolly Parton dinner theater. There was even a for-sale sign up in front of a bank that was permitted to be torn down. Now the Destin Log is reporting the company that had purchased the land is selling it. So it looks like no Dolly in Destin.
This is our last few days of relative quiet in Destin before the summer tourist season begins this weekend. This season has all the makings of a busy time all along the Emerald Coast. I better get ready to sit in traffic each night now. Ugh…
Have a great Memorial Holiday weekend and remember to honor our service members and the vets. They are the reason we can celebrate.
To celebrate I got us a condo (with a lot of help from Carlos at Crab Island Cantina) at the Emerald Grande in Harborwalk Village. This is where we stayed last year and I wanted us to be able to enjoy coming back to the scene of the crime. LOL We got there Friday afternoon and got checked in. We had a balcony room overlooking the pool. It was nice. We enjoyed the view as we unpacked and then decided to head to McGuire’s for Happy Hour and some dinner.
We walked over to McGuire’s. Walking through the parking lot a car pulled up behind us and a lady hollered at us. It was our friend Robbie. We all talked in the parking lot for a while catching up. We have not seen Robbie in several months and it was great talking with her. Our drinks and food were good as usual at McGuire’s. We got there before the dinner rush but by the time we left there was a line waiting to get in. We headed to Crab Island Cantina where we met up with Mark, Stephanie and Julie. Carlos was there so we got to thank him in person for helping with the room. Mike was behind the bar and we all had a fun time.
With Robbie
The others left but Sunshine Cindy and I walked down to the Boathouse. We ran into Maynard there. Jason Clark was playing some good country tunes. A big crowd was there. We made a few more stops this evening. Harbor Shack was one stop. Then AJ’s where we ran into Mike and Terry. They told us Charlie with Crust Pizza opened a satellite shop at the entrance to AJ’s. We walked up there to hang out with him for a while. I ended up talking to some producer from L.A. who happened to be in town. Looks like Charlie has a good thing going with this location. From there we called it a night.
Saturday was a windy day. We got out about noon and hit Harry T’s for brunch. Then we stopped at Sunglass World where I bought Sunshine Cindy some cool Costa shades. Even Sunshine Cindy needs to keep the sun out of her eyes. From there our stops were Red Door Saloon, Boathouse, Harbor Shack, Crust Pizza, AJ’s and back to the Boathouse. We ran into friends every step of the way. Wayne joined us for most of the stops. We ran into Mike and Cindy on our way to AJ’s so we all stopped there. Julie joined us at the Boathouse as Rusty was playing. Then Renee and finally Kenny came by. When Rusty was finished so was I. Time to call it a night.
Mike, Cindy, Sunshine Cindy and myself
Sunday Sunshine Cindy and I had dinner at Brotula’s. This is the new place where Fisherman’s Wharf used to be. We had a great dinner. They do seafood and they do it right. They also did a great job remodeling the place. It is now open and airy.
The place on the harbor where Tipsy Turtle used to be is getting close to opening. Johnny O’Quigley is putting in a huge facility here. But down on the boardwalk where the Turtle was is another small bar. It’s a little larger than the Turtle. We actually talked to Johnny as he was there working on the place. He told us it’s going to be a locals spot with cheap beer and appetizers. Very similar to the Turtle just a little bigger. We told Johnny we can’t wait for it to open. He said it’s planned for June 8th. I assume he also meant the big facility will open then too. If so, they have a long way to go to be ready.
Julie and Mark at Crab Island Cantina
A few weeks ago I related how Sunshine Cindy and I were part of a TV pilot that was being shot in Destin by Fred McFarlin from Atlanta. Well, the trailer for Barstools and Beach Chairs is close to being released. I have seen a preview of it and I can honestly say it is outstanding. Fred is a natural in front of the camera and the guys behind the camera are true pros. And it does not hurt that Sunshine Cindy and I have small parts in it too! lol As I hear more about if they can sell the pilot I will pass along that info.
Last week I noticed for-sale signs on the land that was supposed to become some type of Dolly Parton dinner theater. There was even a for-sale sign up in front of a bank that was permitted to be torn down. Now the Destin Log is reporting the company that had purchased the land is selling it. So it looks like no Dolly in Destin.
This is our last few days of relative quiet in Destin before the summer tourist season begins this weekend. This season has all the makings of a busy time all along the Emerald Coast. I better get ready to sit in traffic each night now. Ugh…
Have a great Memorial Holiday weekend and remember to honor our service members and the vets. They are the reason we can celebrate.
Monday, May 11, 2015
We love our Destin beaches
Some days are better than others and Sunshine Cindy and I had a couple of great days in Destin last weekend. It started out on Friday. We decided to go to the Back Porch seafood restaurant for Happy Hour. They have good drink prices and they were advertising a good price for boiled shrimp. The building was remodeled this past winter and it is now open and bright. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the shrimp and a couple cold beers.
When we left we decided to try and find a beach bar that is part of the Silver Shells condo complex. We walked along a grass path and found the bar. It was a tiki hut kind of place with a big deck. It sat just steps off the beach. As we walked up we recognized the bartender. Shannon used to be a manager at Sago. It was like old home week as talked about the demise of Sago. Everyone misses that place.
It was a perfect day to be sitting at the edge of the beach watching the tourist come and go while seeing the Emerald Green water. Sunshine Cindy talked to some tourist from Minnesota who had to go back the next day. That’s the good thing about living here…we don’t have to leave!
That evening there was a Parrot Head meeting at Fuds in Destin. We made it there and had a good time. JB was playing music for the group and did his usual good job. As everyone left we stayed back and talked to JB and Tami. He was relaxing before tearing down his equipment. Then a manager from Fuds told him a group of about 50 people were coming in to be on the stage to get their picture taken with some alligators. Sure enough, a few minutes later here comes a large group from toddlers to grandparents. They had a fun time holding the gators and JB even got them singing a little. We didn’t see this coming! LOL
On Saturday Sunshine Cindy and I decided we wanted to spend some more time at the beach at a beach bar. We started out at the Surf Hut in Miramar Beach. The place has a nice Polynesian feel to it. We had a beer then headed to the Crab Trap. They have an outside beach bar that we sat at. It was so nice and relaxing. A lot of different people came and went in the bar. There was a group of 5 hot young ladies from Panama having a great time. Some old Georgia redneck kept buying them shots of Tequila. It was funny watching all this.
After the sun went down we left and went to Landshark pizza for some dinner. I didn’t want to watch the hockey game thinking I might be a jinx but it was on AND there were two Montreal fans there watching the game. These two whined as much as the fans in Montreal do. They complained about every little thing….he tripped him, he interfered, he hit him in the face….whaaaaaaa…..They must teach this form of whining to all fans up there. I thought Ben should have had that last goal. It looked like a normal shot that he once again just missed. Geeze….And yes, I am whining about that! LOL
Sunday we spent Mothers Day with Sunshine Cindy’s parents. We had a good time sitting on the patio and down on the dock by the water. The weather the last week has been perfect and Sunday was no exception. I wish it would stay this way all year.
On the way to visit with her parents we drove by where the new Lulu’s is being built in Destin. This is going to be a great place very similar to the Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, AL. The building looks like it is coming along as I heard they are shooting for a late June opening. They have a big parking lot and a small bridge over a little pond to get to the building from the lot. It will be a fun place.
I also heard about a new place that is going into the old Capt. Dave’s building on the harbor. This is a big brick building that has not had much happening there since hurricane Ivan forced Capt. Dave’s out. This is going to be a restaurant and from what I can see a club too. That part of the harbor needs some more places as everyone is concentrated on the west end for the most part.
Have a great week everyone. See ya next Monday!
When we left we decided to try and find a beach bar that is part of the Silver Shells condo complex. We walked along a grass path and found the bar. It was a tiki hut kind of place with a big deck. It sat just steps off the beach. As we walked up we recognized the bartender. Shannon used to be a manager at Sago. It was like old home week as talked about the demise of Sago. Everyone misses that place.
It was a perfect day to be sitting at the edge of the beach watching the tourist come and go while seeing the Emerald Green water. Sunshine Cindy talked to some tourist from Minnesota who had to go back the next day. That’s the good thing about living here…we don’t have to leave!
That evening there was a Parrot Head meeting at Fuds in Destin. We made it there and had a good time. JB was playing music for the group and did his usual good job. As everyone left we stayed back and talked to JB and Tami. He was relaxing before tearing down his equipment. Then a manager from Fuds told him a group of about 50 people were coming in to be on the stage to get their picture taken with some alligators. Sure enough, a few minutes later here comes a large group from toddlers to grandparents. They had a fun time holding the gators and JB even got them singing a little. We didn’t see this coming! LOL
On Saturday Sunshine Cindy and I decided we wanted to spend some more time at the beach at a beach bar. We started out at the Surf Hut in Miramar Beach. The place has a nice Polynesian feel to it. We had a beer then headed to the Crab Trap. They have an outside beach bar that we sat at. It was so nice and relaxing. A lot of different people came and went in the bar. There was a group of 5 hot young ladies from Panama having a great time. Some old Georgia redneck kept buying them shots of Tequila. It was funny watching all this.
After the sun went down we left and went to Landshark pizza for some dinner. I didn’t want to watch the hockey game thinking I might be a jinx but it was on AND there were two Montreal fans there watching the game. These two whined as much as the fans in Montreal do. They complained about every little thing….he tripped him, he interfered, he hit him in the face….whaaaaaaa…..They must teach this form of whining to all fans up there. I thought Ben should have had that last goal. It looked like a normal shot that he once again just missed. Geeze….And yes, I am whining about that! LOL
Sunday we spent Mothers Day with Sunshine Cindy’s parents. We had a good time sitting on the patio and down on the dock by the water. The weather the last week has been perfect and Sunday was no exception. I wish it would stay this way all year.
On the way to visit with her parents we drove by where the new Lulu’s is being built in Destin. This is going to be a great place very similar to the Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, AL. The building looks like it is coming along as I heard they are shooting for a late June opening. They have a big parking lot and a small bridge over a little pond to get to the building from the lot. It will be a fun place.
I also heard about a new place that is going into the old Capt. Dave’s building on the harbor. This is a big brick building that has not had much happening there since hurricane Ivan forced Capt. Dave’s out. This is going to be a restaurant and from what I can see a club too. That part of the harbor needs some more places as everyone is concentrated on the west end for the most part.
Have a great week everyone. See ya next Monday!
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