Easter in Destin and the Emerald Coast

The Easter season is the time of the year that celebrates redemption, renewal and God's Love for us all. Many of our Ocean Reef guests also make it their special time for family trips and a reunion with friends here in Destin and along the Emerald Coast. The sugar white beaches are warmed by the sun which sparkles across the emerald hued waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Spring is in full bloom here this time of the year, unlike northern locations where Mother Nature seems to procrastinate the provision of her floral blessings. A few local churches conduct Easter sunrise services on the pristine beach, allowing participants to enjoy the unique, sublime beauty of these joyful celebrations.

The Easter Bunny also magically appears handing out eggs, that symbolize rebirth, to wide eyed children who eagerly await them. This VIP will be celebrating the season and hiding eggs at a number of locations up and down the Emerald Coast.  At HarborWalk Village the whole family can enjoy an Easter Extravaganza! Start off with an Easter a la carte brunch in the HarborView room. Afterwards, head down to the Village for free facepainting and crafts from 2-4. Hop on the Easter Bunny's lap for a fun photo on the Village Stage. The first 50 children will receive their photo for free! The City of Destin will also have their annual Easter Egg Hunt as well at a time to be announced.

The Easter Bunny will also be showing up at the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf at the world famous Sandestin Resort in Miramar Beach on Easter Eve which is Saturday, April 23rd. The entire afternoon has been set aside for lots of engaging family activity which includes live entertainment, craft events and fun for the kids who will see the friendly, long eared dignitary hopping around handing out treats. Later the same evening, the adults will be hopping, or maybe I should say bopping around, as they visit the lively bars and night spots located all around the village. Sumptuous seafood dinners and mainland fare will be served at distinctive gourmet restaurants in Baytowne as well as on Grand Boulevard at the Sandestin Town Center.

Down on Scenic Highway 30A in The Beaches of South Walton, a “Mad Hatter's Tea Party” will be held at the amphitheatre at Alys Beach which  is right next door to many of Ocean Reef Resort's private rental properties in Seacrest Beach. The event will be from 10am till Noon on Saturday, April 23rd with “fairy tale” food, hat decorating contests for the kids and lots of other fun activities. The Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit, (presumably a cousin of the Easter Bunny), will be hosting the event along with others. Free hats will be handed out to the first 150 kids that arrive there. This event is being sponsored by The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation for free but $5 donations are requested.

Also on Saturday, there will be the regularly scheduled Farmer's Market at Seaside in the morning with lots of Florida grown produce and homemade goodies for sale.

Rosemary Beach will be hosting part of their Spring Concert series with live entertainment the same day on the town green.

On Easter Sunday April 24th besides all the church bells ringing, bonnets worn and eggs hunted, there will be sumptuous feasts prepared. Some of our guests like to chip in and do their own since most of our Ocean Reef accommodations include ample kitchens and family styled dining rooms. Many single family homes have landscaped lawns as well, in case you wanted to have fun devising your own Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. However, for those who enjoy dressing up in their casual resort attire there are some fantastic buffets and brunches available at many local restaurants.

One of the best is at the Magnolia Ballroom at the Baytowne Conference Center which is adjacent to the Grand Sandestin. The abundant, elegant feast is fit for an Emperor's entourage and will be served from 11am until 4pm but don't arrive late!  Traditional Easter entrees include Southern Bourbon glazed Ham and Roasted Leg of Lamb served with sweet mint jelly. There is also succulent, hand carved Prime Rib for hearty beef eaters. Naturally of course, there will be fresh seafood including piles of crab legs, locally caught oysters, shrimp and Grouper. Tapas will be offered stuffed with caviar, bay scallops, smoked mussels or cheese. There will also be sushi, seafood salads, soups, tropical fruit and a wide variety of different cheese. A full gourmet table of fifteen different desserts will tempt adults who have made it that far and an Easter Egg Hunt will be provided for the kids!

If you want to experience an unusual gourmet adventure instead, you are invited to sail on the SS Solaris which is docked nearby at Baytowne Wharf. Take a leisurely two hour cruise on the Choctawhatchee Bay while enjoying wonderful cuisine with a “coastal flair.” The big boat starts boarding at 12:15 pm on Easter and embarks on its journey at 1:00 pm. Enjoy tropical drinks before eating as you explore the three tiered decks, each with state of the art sound systems and live musical entertainment. You can hear music lilting through the air as you drink, dance or enjoy the water views. The sun sparkled bay extends from Sandestin all the way out beyond the Mid Bay Bridge towards the west. Pods of dolphin usually accompany the boat as it heads out since they often like to frolic and play. The meal includes your choice of entree along with salad, fresh baked bread and desserts. Internet reservations, which must be purchased in 48 hours in advance (if still available), are $58.80 for adults and $26.70 for children aged 3 to 10 years old. Although holiday fares are full priced, don't forget that on their regular dinner cruise Ocean Reef Resorts pays to have a free ticket available for our guests when another one is purchased. In other words, you buy one and get the other one for free as part of our Free Amenities program. It's our way of saying thank you as a member of Ocean Reef's extended family of guests. 

If you are in a laid back, nostalgic frame of mind on Easter Sunday, you may want to have a family picnic or even a romantic outing for two at Eden Gardens State Park. These beautiful grounds are part of an old historic, lumber plantation that was built over 100 years ago on the banks of the Choctawhatchee Bay in South Walton County near Port Washington. The lovely setting is complete with an antebellum inspired mansion, azalea and rose gardens, giant canopies of hundred year old live oak trees, a fountain misted reflection pool, along with expansive lawns that stretch down to the water's edge. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to give fluffy hugs to the kids and will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt. The usual $4 per car park entry fee is being waived on this special day in lieu of requested donations.

Easter Sunday itself comes late this year on the 24th of April. Interestingly enough Easter always changes but is always celebrated sometime between March 22nd at the earliest to April 25th at the latest. This is due to the fact that it is tied to the Jewish celebration of Passover which happens after the first full moon during the Vernal Equinox, marking our passage to more than twelve hours of daylight and the beginning of Spring. Easter is always the first Sunday after a full moon has occurred around this date which is always revolving. Happily for us, this usually coincides with the peak of the azaleas and other springtime flowers which makes it one of the most beautiful times to visit here. Whether you are enjoying a heartwarming Easter sunrise beach service, golfing, playing tennis, sipping tropical drinks or simply having a feast, Mother Nature will have everything ready.  All of us here at Ocean Reef bid you a blessed Easter in hopes that you share lots of Love in one of our vacation rentals with your family and friends.